Custom CNC Turning Services: Precision Turned Parts & Swiss Machining
High-speed CNC turning, live-tooling mill-turn, and Swiss-type machining for complex cylindrical components. Delivering tight tolerances down to ±0.005 mm (±0.0002”) and high-volume batch consistency from 1 to 100,000+ pieces.
- Precision Diameters: Outer & Inner Diameter tolerance down to ±0.005 mm
- Concentricity & Runout: Total Indicator Reading (TIR) within 0.01 mm
- Capacity: From Ø 0.5 mm micro-pins to Ø 500 mm heavy chucking
- Turnaround: Prototypes in 3 days; Scaled mass production with automated bar-loaders
Multi-Spindle & Live-Tooling Turning Capabilities
Combining rotary motion with active milling cutters, our multi-axis turning cells eliminate the need for secondary setups, driving down unit cost and cumulative tolerance stack-up.
CNC Turning
Symmetrical shafts, outer/inner profiling, grooving, single-point threading, and tapered surfaces. Bushings, bearing sleeves, pipe couplings, solid flanges.
Mill-Turn / Multi-Tasking Live Tooling
Spindles equipped with rotary cutting tools enabling radial cross-drilling, keyway milling, and flat-face profiling in a single chuck setup. Transmission shafts with keyways, complex manifold fittings, valve stems with drive flats.
Swiss CNC Machining
Sliding-headstock machining with guide bushings supporting the raw stock near the cutting tool. Eliminates stock deflection for slender parts with L/D ratios > 20:1. Medical bone screws, miniature electrical pins, dental abutments, watchmaking components.
Automated Bar-Fed Production
Continuous bar loaders (up to 3-meter bars) operating 24/7 with automated part catchers and chip evacuation. Medium-to-high volume production runs (5,000 to 100,000+ units) demanding aggressive piece-part pricing.
CNC Turning & Lathe Machining Specifications
Comprehensive engineering limits for chucked, Swiss-turned, and mill-turned components.
| Turning Parameter | Standard Turning Capability | High-Precision / Swiss Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Outer/Inner Diameter (OD/ID) | ISO 2768-m (±0.05 mm to ±0.10 mm) | Down to ±0.005 mm (±0.0002”) |
| Concentricity & Runout (TIR) | 0.025 mm (0.001”) | Down to 0.008 mm (Single-setup / Swiss) |
| Circularity & Cylindricity | 0.015 mm | Down to 0.005 mm (Precision Ground / Lapped) |
| Part Diameter Range | Ø 10 mm – Ø 300 mm (Chucked) | Ø 0.5 mm – Ø 25 mm (Swiss Micro-Turning) |
| Maximum Turning Length | Up to 600 mm (23.6”) | Up to 1000 mm (With hydraulic steady rest) |
| Surface Finish (Ra) | Ra 1.6 μm – 3.2 μm (Standard As-Turned) | Down to Ra 0.4 μm – 0.2 μm (Burnished/Ground) |
| Length-to-Diameter Ratio (L/D) | L/D up to 6:1 (Supported with live center) | L/D up to 30:1 (Swiss sliding headstock) |
| Batch Capacity | 1 – 50 pcs (Rapid Engineering Prototypes) | 10,000 – 100,000+ pcs (Automated Bar Feeders) |
Selected Materials Suitable for CNC Turning
Metals
Aluminum
Outstanding machinability and strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum alloys offer excellent thermal/electrical conductivity, natural corrosion resistance, and superb anodizing response. Ideal for aerospace brackets, drone frames, and electronics enclosures.
Common Grades: 6061-T6, 7075-T6, 5052, 2024
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.005 mm
- Max Part Size: 2000 × 1200 × 650 mm
- Min Part Size: 2 × 2 × 2 mm
Copper
Exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity with superior ductility and corrosion resistance. Requires specialized high-shear tooling to prevent burr formation and gummy chip welding during CNC machining.
Common Grades: C110 (ETP Copper), C101 (OFHC Copper)
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$$$
- Lead Time: < 7 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.010 mm
- Max Part Size: 1000 × 600 × 400 mm
- Min Part Size: 2 × 2 × 2 mm
Brass
Free-machining metal offering smooth surface finishes, low friction, non-sparking properties, and excellent corrosion resistance. Heavily favored for precision fluid fittings, musical hardware, and electrical contacts.
Common Grades: C360 (Free-Cutting Brass), C260
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.005 mm
- Max Part Size: 1200 × 800 × 500 mm
- Min Part Size: 1 × 1 × 1 mm
Bronze
Renowned for extreme wear resistance, low metal-to-metal friction, and high resistance to saltwater corrosion. Typically machined into heavy-duty bushings, marine bearings, sleeve guides, and pump impellers.
Common Grades: SAE 660 (Bearing Bronze), C932, Aluminum Bronze C954
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$$$
- Lead Time: < 7 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.008 mm
- Max Part Size: 1000 × 600 × 400 mm
- Min Part Size: 3 × 3 × 3 mm
Steel
Structural workhorse delivering exceptional tensile strength, impact toughness, and wear life. Highly responsive to heat treatment (carburizing/quenching) for hardened core applications like shafts, gears, and fasteners.
Common Grades: 1018, 1045, 4140, 4340, Tool Steel D2/A2
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.008 mm
- Max Part Size: 1500 × 900 × 500 mm
- Min Part Size: 2 × 2 × 2 mm
Stainless Steel
Superior chemical, acid, and marine corrosion resistance combined with high yield strength. Requires rigid setups and controlled cutting speeds to manage work-hardening during milling.
Common Grades: 304, 316L (Marine/Medical), 303 (Free-machining), 17-4 PH
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$$
- Lead Time: < 7 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.005 mm
- Max Part Size: 1500 × 1000 × 500 mm
- Min Part Size: 2 × 2 × 2 mm
Magnesium
The lightest structural metal in engineering—33% lighter than aluminum. Delivers outstanding vibration damping, electromagnetic shielding, and high-speed cutting capability under strict spark-free machining protocols.
Common Grades: AZ31B, AZ91D
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$$$
- Lead Time: < 7 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.010 mm
- Max Part Size: 1000 × 600 × 400 mm
- Min Part Size: 5 × 5 × 5 mm
Titanium
Extreme strength-to-weight ratio, high melting point, and full biocompatibility. Abrasive and low in thermal conductivity; requires specialized carbide tooling and high-pressure flood coolant for aerospace and medical components.
Common Grades: Grade 2 (Pure Titanium), Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$$$$
- Lead Time: < 10 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.005 mm
- Max Part Size: 1200 × 800 × 450 mm
- Min Part Size: 2 × 2 × 2 mm
Zinc
High density and self-lubricating characteristics with excellent electroplating and painting acceptance. Primarily machined for precision lock components, automotive electrical hardware, and shielding cavities.
Common Grades: Zamak 3, Zamak 5, ZA-8
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.008 mm
- Max Part Size: 800 × 500 × 300 mm
- Min Part Size: 2 × 2 × 2 mm
Plastics
ABS
Economical, rigid engineering thermoplastic with balanced impact resistance and heat stability. Highly popular for rapid functional prototypes, cosmetic housings, and structural enclosures.
Specs Panel:
- Price: $
- Lead Time: < 3 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.02 mm
- Max Part Size: 1200 × 800 × 400 mm
- Min Part Size: 2 × 2 × 2 mm
PC
Unmatched impact toughness and optical clarity. Retains structural integrity across a wide thermal range. Widely machined for transparent inspection ports, safety covers, and electrical housings.
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.02 mm
- Max Part Size: 1200 × 800 × 400 mm
- Min Part Size: 3 × 3 × 3 mm
PLA
Biodegradable, rigid thermoplastic suited for low-stress architectural models, educational testing jigs, and rapid aesthetic verification prototypes. Requires sharp cutters and light feeds to prevent thermal softening.
Specs Panel:
- Price: $
- Lead Time: < 3 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.05 mm
- Max Part Size: 800 × 500 × 300 mm
- Min Part Size: 5 × 5 × 5 mm
PMMA
Crystal-clear optical transparency (up to 92% light transmittance) with excellent UV resistance. Can be vapor-polished or buffed to a scratch-free mirror finish for lenses, light pipes, and fluidic manifolds.
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.02 mm
- Max Part Size: 1000 × 600 × 300 mm
- Min Part Size: 2 × 2 × 2 mm
POM
The benchmark plastic for precision CNC machining. Delivers high stiffness, low moisture absorption, minimal friction, and exceptional dimensional retention. Ideal for gears, sliding bushings, and valves.
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$
- Lead Time: < 3 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.01 mm
- Max Part Size: 1500 × 800 × 450 mm
- Min Part Size: 1 × 1 × 1 mm
PA
High mechanical strength, excellent wear resistance, and high shock-absorbing capability. Prone to moisture absorption; best specified for rugged gears, roller guides, wear pads, and vibration isolators.
Common Grades: PA6, PA66, 30% Glass-Filled Nylon
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.03 mm
- Max Part Size: 1200 × 700 × 400 mm
- Min Part Size: 3 × 3 × 3 mm
PE
Self-lubricating, non-stick, and chemically inert plastic with near-zero moisture absorption and outstanding impact endurance. Widely machined for food processing line guides, chute liners, and medical wear rings.
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.05 mm
- Max Part Size: 1200 × 800 × 400 mm
- Min Part Size: 5 × 5 × 5 mm
PLA
Premium ultra-performance polymer with continuous operating resistance up to 260°C. Biocompatible, gamma/autoclave sterilizable, and highly resistant to aggressive chemicals. Used in spinal implants, semiconductor wafer rings, and aerospace seals.
Common Grades: Virgin PEEK, 30% Glass-Filled, Carbon-Filled
Specs Panel:
- Price: $$$$$
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.01 mm
- Max Part Size: 1000 × 600 × 350 mm
- Min Part Size: 1 × 1 × 1 mm
PP
Excellent chemical resistance to acids and alkalis, low density, and high fatigue resistance for living hinge mechanisms. Frequently machined for laboratory fluid reservoirs, battery brackets, and chemical piping manifolds.
Specs Panel:
- Price: $
- Lead Time: < 5 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.05 mm
- Max Part Size: 1000 × 600 × 350 mm
- Min Part Size: 5 × 5 × 5 mm
HIPS
Cost-effective rigid polymer with enhanced impact modification. Easy to mill, drill, and glue, serving as a reliable substrate for visual evaluation models, signages, and pre-production packaging fixtures.
Specs Panel:
- Price: $
- Lead Time: < 3 days
- Tolerances: Down to ±0.03 mm
- Max Part Size: 1000 × 600 × 300 mm
- Min Part Size: 4 × 4 × 4 mm
Post-Processing & Surface Treatments for Turned Parts
As Machined
Standard machined finish showing light cutter lines; economical for internal structural parts.
Sand Blasting
Eliminates all directional tooling marks, leaving a clean, uniform satin or matte texture.
Anodizing
Adds corrosion-resistant oxide layer in vibrant colors (Black, Clear, Blue, Red, Gold).
Black Oxide Coating
Provides anti-glare aesthetic, minimal dimensional growth (< 1 μm), and mild corrosion protection on carbon steels.
Passivation
Acid treatment for stainless steel medical implants and aerospace fittings to eliminate free surface iron.
Electroless Plating
Uniform thickness coating inside blind holes with high lubricity and wear life.
High-Precision Turned Components Across Strategic Industries
Aerospace & Defense
Fuel injector spouts, hydraulic spool valves, sensor housing tubes.
Medical & Dental
Titanium bone screws, dental implant abutments, surgical trocar pins.
Robotics & Motion Control
Harmonic drive input shafts, motor drive pulleys, high-precision dowel pins.
Automotive & Powertrain
Electronic steering rack pinion shafts, sensor mounting bosses, brake caliper pistons.
Semiconductor Equipment
Ultra-high purity gas feed nozzles, vacuum flange nipples, ceramic alignment pins.
Drones & UAV
Brushless motor rotor shafts, propeller hub adapters, carbon tube connecting ferrules.
Why Volume Sourcing Procurement Teams Partner with XR Precision
Hybrid Manufacturing Flexibility: From 1 pc to 100,000+ pcs
We bridge rapid prototype turning cells with fully automated bar-fed multi-spindle lines. You get seamless scaling without renegotiating suppliers as your product transitions to volume production.
Unit-Cost Optimization via Mill-Turn Integration
By producing complex geometries in a single setup (integrating cross-holes, flats, and tapping on our live-tooling lathes), we eliminate secondary fixture costs, reduce labor, and pass the cycle-time savings directly to your margins.
100% Material Traceability (Full MTR Included)
Every bar of metal or engineering plastic is sourced from ISO 9001 certified mills. Mill Test Reports (MTRs) confirming chemical composition and mechanical properties are archived and delivered with every production batch.
Scaled Capacity Without Lead-Time Bottlenecks
Our dedicated turning hubs house over 50 precision CNC lathes and Swiss machines. We deploy multi-shift unmanned bar-feeding operations to guarantee reliable ship dates even during demand surges.
Zero-Defect Metrology for Turned Components
Turning consistency is governed by tight statistical process control. XR Precision operates an in-house, temperature-controlled metrology lab dedicated to certifying radial dimensions and geometric tolerances.
Metrology Equipment Roster
- Zeiss CMM with Rotary Table: Automated 3D coordinate inspection for complex mill-turned housings.
- Optical Shaft Measurement Systems: High-speed, non-contact telecentric imaging verifying diameter, roundness, and concentricity in under 10 seconds per part.
- Air Gauges & Thread Micrometers: Precision bore and pitch verification down to 0.001 mm.
- Surface Profilometers: Precise measurement of Ra, Rz, and Rq roughness parameters.
Quality Documentation Deliverables
- Full Dimensional Inspection Reports (FAI / CMM)
- Statistical Process Control (SPC) reports with Cpk > 1.33 capability tracking for critical dimensions
- Material Certification & RoHS/REACH Compliance Certificates
- PPAP Level 3 documentation available upon request
How We Work
We machine over 50 industrial-grade metals and engineering plastics, with material certification (MTR) provided upon request.
Step 1: Drawing & GD&T Review
Submit your 3D CAD (.STEP) and 2D print (.PDF with datum callouts).
Step 2: DFM Cost-Reduction Analysis
Our CAM engineers review bar-size optimization, tooling access, and thread specifications within 12 hours.
Step 3: Automated CNC Turning & In-Process Gauging
Real-time automated production with hourly first-piece and SPC checks.
Step 4: Protective Tube Packaging & Global Logistics
Thread caps and individual mesh sleeves protect delicate turned surfaces during international air/ocean transit.
Explore Alternative & Complementary Machining Processes
Not sure if turning is optimal for your design? Consider these processes:
Need Cylindrical or Concentric Features?
Need Organic Curvatures or Complex Undercuts?
Hardened Metals or Sharp Square Corners?
CNC Turning FAQs
When should I choose Swiss machining over standard CNC turning?
Swiss machining is ideal for slender cylindrical parts with high length-to-diameter ratios (L/D > 4:1), micro-components under Ø 25 mm, and high-volume orders requiring cross-drilling and back-spindle finishing in a single continuous cycle.
What is the typical lead time for custom CNC turned parts?
Prototype turned components (1–50 pcs) typically ship in 3 to 5 business days. High-volume production batches utilizing our automated bar feeders generally ship in 10 to 15 business days.
Can XR Precision hold concentricity between turned and milled features?
Yes. By utilizing live-tooling mill-turn lathes, features such as radial cross-holes, flats, and off-center bores are machined in the exact same chuck setup, holding true position and concentricity within 0.008 mm.
How do you protect exterior threads and precision ground surfaces during shipping?
We apply protective plastic mesh sleeves, individual foam partition trays, or threaded silicone end-caps to prevent metal-to-metal contact, ensuring zero dings, scratches, or thread burrs upon arrival.
Why Volume Sourcing Procurement Teams Partner with XR Precision
Hybrid Manufacturing Flexibility: From 1 pc to 100,000+ pcs
We bridge rapid prototype turning cells with fully automated bar-fed multi-spindle lines. You get seamless scaling without renegotiating suppliers as your product transitions to volume production.
Unit-Cost Optimization via Mill-Turn Integration
By producing complex geometries in a single setup (integrating cross-holes, flats, and tapping on our live-tooling lathes), we eliminate secondary fixture costs, reduce labor, and pass the cycle-time savings directly to your margins.
100% Material Traceability (Full MTR Included)
Every bar of metal or engineering plastic is sourced from ISO 9001 certified mills. Mill Test Reports (MTRs) confirming chemical composition and mechanical properties are archived and delivered with every production batch.
Scaled Capacity Without Lead-Time Bottlenecks
Our dedicated turning hubs house over 50 precision CNC lathes and Swiss machines. We deploy multi-shift unmanned bar-feeding operations to guarantee reliable ship dates even during demand surges.