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CNC Turning Services

  • Parts In As Soon As 5-Days
  • 3 & 5-Axis Milling & Turning
    Plastics, Composites, Metals
  • Wide Variety of Materials,
    Finishing Options & Scalability
Quotes for 25+ Manufacturing Processes.
CNC part with CNC design in SmartQuote
Comprehensive
CNC Machining Services
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High-Complexity,
Precision Cutting
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Superior
Fathom-Quality Parts
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Plastic & Metal
CNC Machining
CNC Turning Services

What is CNC Turning? / /

To manufacture parts with cylindrical features, CNC turning is used. During the CNC turning process, the raw material is rotated at a high speed as a single point cutting tool subtracts material. CNC turning is common for both metals and plastics. The advantages of CNC turning include high levels of accuracy, repeatability, speed and cost.

CNC Turning Services Offered by Fathom / /

Use Fathom for your upcoming CNC turning project. Fathom offers Wire and sinker EDM, precision grinding, CNC lathe, CNC (3 & 5 axis) and more. Fathom’s all-encompassing approach to manufacturing includes finishing and post processing services, including welding, deburring, bead blasting, and more. CNC turning is just one of 28 manufacturing services offered by Fathom.

Additive Manufacturing

  • FDM
  • SLS
  • SLA
  • Polyjet
  • MJF
  • DMLS
  • DLS
  • STEP (Evolve)

CNC Machining

  • CNC (3 & 5 Axis)
  • CNC Lathe
  • Precision Grinding
  • Wire & Sinker EDM

Injection Molding

  • Injection Molding
  • Tooling
  • Compression Molding

Metal Cutting and Forming

  • Thermoforming
  • Sheet Metal Punching
  • Sheet Metal Cutting
  • Metal Forming
  • Laser Cutting
  • Water Jet Cutting
  • Chemical Etching
  • Welding
  • Micro Cutting

Standalone

  • Die Casting
  • Urethane Casting
  • Composite Layups
  • Extrusion
  • Post Processing & Finishing
    • Pad Printing
    • Powder Coating
    • Bead Blasting
    • Surface Grinding
    • Polishing
    • Anodize
    • Powder Coat Passivate
    • Chemfilm
    • Vacuum Metallization
    • Silkscreen
    • Plating
    • Tumbled

CNC Turning Quote Times / /

For a fast CNC turning quote in as little as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours, submit your project details to Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform. Do you need a CNC turning quote? Want to learn about Fathom’s other manufacturing services? Our CNC turning lead times are as follows:

  • Parts as fast as 5 days

Differences Between CNC Turning and Milling / /

There are multiple differences between CNC turning and CNC milling. During CNC turning, the workpiece rotates while a cutting tool subtracts material. CNC milling uses a different approach, moving the tool along a stationary workpiece. CNC turning is good for projects that need cylindrical part, whereas CNC milling should be used for projects where cylindrical features are not required. CNC milling may be used as a secondary finish to add definition. Complex parts that require prismatic and cylindrical features may use a combination of milling and turning.

CNC Milling Machines Used by Fathom / /

Fathom’s manufacturing network includes over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems to produce high quality parts for its customers. Fathom has equipment dedicated to metal prototype fabrication, including lasers, waterjet machines, finishing tools, autodeburring, 4 slide machines, multi-slide machines, press brakes, 300-ton presses, 22-ton presses, wire EDM machines, seely slide forming tools and 35-ton blanking presses.

Fathom provides CNC turning as well as hybridized services leveraging prototype fabrication and additive manufacturing. Need metal prototype fabrication as part of a more complex project? Fathom can handle it. A recent case study is listed below where Fathom delivered 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including metal prototype fabrication services:

Case Study //

Real Customers. Real Results.

A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.

20,000 Parts // Within 27 Days
55+ Tools to Injection Mold 15,000 Parts First Article in 2 Weeks
15,000

55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts

First Article in 2 Weeks

3,000+ 3D Printed Parts
3,000

3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts

2,000+ Metal Fabricated Parts
2,000

2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts

Hybridized Services Used //

3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.

DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.

CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.

Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.

24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.

Injection + Compression Molding.

Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.

Advanced Project Management.

Fathom’s Locations for CNC Services / /

CNC Turning Locations Nationwide

Fathom’s manufacturing network has nine locations across the United States with CNC capabilities. Our CNC locations are:

HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR

ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
ISO 9001:2015
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR

CALIFORNIA
620 3rd Street
Oakland, CA 94607
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR

ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified

MINNESOTA
13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304

TEXAS
1513 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 13485:2016

CNC Turning Materials Available / /

As one of the leading manufacturers with nationwide coverage, Fathom offers both metal CNC machining and plastic CNC machining. Materials available for CNC turning include:

METALS OPTIMAL QUANTITY TOLERANCES (+/-) ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS FINISH & APPEARANCE
Stainless Steel 1-1000 +/- 0.005″
  • High Strength
  • High Corrosion Resistance
  • High Weldability
  • Standard Machined Finish
  • Tumbled
  • Bead Blasted (Sand or Glass)
  • Polished
Low Carbon Steel 1-1000 +/- 0.005″
  • Common Steel
  • High Machinability & Weldability
  • Can Be Hardened
  • Not Corrosion Resistant
Aluminum 1-1000 +/- 0.005″
  • High Strength, Low Weight
  • High Machinability
  • Low Cost
Brass 1-1000 +/- 0.005″
  • Corrosion & Chemical Resistant
  • High Density & Strength
  • Non-Conductive
PLASTICS OPTIMAL QUANTITY TOLERANCES (+/-) ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS FINISH & APPEARANCE
HDPE 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • Medium Impact Strength
  • Flexible (Shore D70)
  • FDA Compliant
  • No Water Absorption
  • Standard Machined Finish
  • Tumbled
  • Flame or Vapor Polished (Acrylic Only)
PC 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • Medium Tensile & High Impact Strength
  • Maintains Properties Over Range of Temperatures
  • High Optical Clarity (Clear)
ABS 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • Medium Tensile & High Impact Strength
  • Electrical Insulator
  • High Machinability
  • Low Cost
Acrylic 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • High Tensile Strength
  • Can Be Polished for High Optical Clarity
Nylon 6/6 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • High Tensile & Medium Impact Strength
  • Maintains Properties Over Range of Temperatures
Acetal (Delrin®) 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • Medium Tensile & Medium Impact Strength
  • Holds Machining Tolerances Well
  • Good Wear & Fatigue Resistance
ULTEM® 1-100 +/- 0.008″
  • High Tensile Strength
  • High Working Temperature Range (335°F)
  • Electrical Insulator
  • High Optical Clarity (Clear)

CNC Turning Specifications and Tolerances / /

Below are the specs and tolerances specific to CNC turning:

  • Metal materials +/- 0.005
  • Plastic materials +/- 0.008
  • Pre-merger CNC machinery chart:
CNC Machinery
Brand Model QTY Build Volume (in)
PAR System 5-Axis 1 284 x 112 x 53
Haas UMC750 SS 5-Axis 2 19.7 x 15.7 x 7.9
Haas VF-9/40 1 84 x 40 x 30
Haas VF-2 CNC Mill 1 30 x 16 x 20
Mighty Viper Pro 3150-AG 1 120 x 61.4 x 32
Mighty Viper B100 1 50 x 100 x 24
Mighty Viper Pro 1000-AG 1 43 x 24 x 25
Mighty Viper LG 1000 1 40 x 20 x 25
Mazak VC Universal 500A 5-axis 2 20 x 20 x 20
Mazak VTC-30C 2 65 x 30 x 26
Mazak VTC-20B 3 44 x 20 x 20
Mazak Quick Turn Universal Smart 350 1 Lathe 4″ bar diameter, 10″ x 25.5″
KUKA KRC22 6-Axis Robotic Cell 1 w/ Turntable
Sodick VL600QH 1 Wire EDM
Mori-Seiki NLX 2500SY 2015 & 2017 2 CNC Lathe
Makino 2019 D 200Z 1 Carbon Mill
Makino 2018 D200Z 1 Hard Milling

There are multiple important factors to consider when designing for a CNC turning project. The part’s desired geometry can affect how it will be positioned inside the CNC machine in addition to set up time. If the part must be manually repositioned, the accuracy and cost of a project can increase. Loose tolerances are possible as the tool used to cut can vibrate during operation. The workpiece may also vibrate due to temperatures and cutting forces, which may result in deformation. The shape of the part is also affected by the geometry of the tool used. Lastly, if the tool cannot reach a surface, it cannot be machined, making it impossible to create hidden internal geometries.

CNC Turning Finishes Available / /

  • Bead Blasting: Bead blasting adds a satin or matte finish to a CNC part. The matte finish is accomplished by using a pressurized air gun to shoot glass beads at a part.
  • Powder Coating: Following powder coating, the part has a thin protective layer that adds strength and wear-resistance. During the powder coating process, the part is first primed using a chromating or phosphating coat. Next, the part receives a dry powder coating from an electrostatic spray gun. Lastly, the part is cured in an oven.
  • Anodizing: Once a CNC part has been anodized, it has an oxide layer that increases its density, thickness, and durability. Anodization also makes a part electrically non-conductive. During the anodizing process, the part is placed into an acid electrolyte bath which serves as an anode. A cathode is added to the part, and an electrical current is passed through the acid. Oxygen ions from the electrolyte and atoms from the alloy are combined along the surface of the part.
  • As-Milled: As-milled or as-machined products do not require a secondary process. They will still have visible blemishes and may have a rough surface.
  • Surface Grinding: Surface grinding produces a smooth finish. Surface grinding removes material by using a high-speed abrasive wheel as a cutting tool. The surface grinding process is used when a specific size or precision finish is required.
  • Polishing: Polishing improves the dimensions and accuracy of a part while producing a mirror gloss finish. Polishing tools and abrasive materials are used to achieve a smooth surface.
  • Passivate: After a CNC machined part has completed the passivation process, its corrosion resistance is improved. Passivation may include spray application, circulation in a chemical solution, gel application, or tank immersion.
  • Chemfilm: Chemfilm finishing is a chemical conversion coat that adds corrosion resistance to aluminum substrates, acting as a base for organic coatings. The part is dipped, brushed, or sprayed with the chemfilm layer.
  • Vacuum Metallization: The vacuum metallization process adds a mirror-like or decorative uniform finish while also improving thermal, air, light, or water barrier properties. In the vacuum metallization process, the part is placed inside a closed chamber where a metal vapor adheres and coats the part.
  • Silkscreen: Screen printing is used to transfer a design or logo to a part. When a part is silk-screened, a mesh is used to apply ink onto the surface, but only to permeable areas that are not covered by a blocking stencil.
  • Plating: Plating results in corrosion and abrasion resistance, conductivity, and reflectivity to parts. While electroplating, the part is submerged into an electrolyte bath with the material that will be used for the metal coating. An electrical charge causes the material to transfer to the part, resulting in a uniform metal coating.
  • Tumbled: Tumbling or ultrasonic polishing removes any sharp points or edges from a machined part. During the tumbling process, the part is placed inside a barrel along with media, water, and detergent. The barrel tumbles at different speeds depending on the desired finish.
  • Painting: Painting a part adds color, varnish, or ink. The painting process may include powder coating, liquid coating, or e-coating. Powder coating uses an electrostatically charged powder which produces a scratch-resistant and uniform coat on the metal part. When a part is liquid coated, wet paint is applied. The e-coating process involves dipping the part into a bath of paint where both the part and paint are electrified, causing the paint to adhere to the part.

CNC Turning Services FAQs / /

Q: Does Fathom offer CNC turning?

A: Yes, Fathom offers CNC turning.

Q: What is a CNC turning machine?

A: CNC turning machines are manufacturing machines that rotate the workpiece while a cutting tool subtracts material to achieve the desired shape.

Q: Is Fathom ISO certified?

A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom ITAR certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom AS9100:2016 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom NIST 800-171 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: How much does custom CNC turning cost?

A: The cost of a custom CNC turning project depends on the complexity of the design, materials chosen, quantity ordered, turnaround time, and other factors. For a fast quote, submit your details through Fathom’s SmartQuote platform.

Q: What is CNC turning process?

A: During CNC turning, the material is rotated at high speed while a single point cutting tool begins to subtract material from the workpiece.

CNC Turning Quotes / /

Would you like a CNC turning quote or to calculate CNC turning costs for your next project? Get a fast quote.

Across National
Time Zones

Precision manufacturing
from coast to coast.

HEADQUARTERS //
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
877-328-4668

ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-966-2300

CALIFORNIA
46758 Lakeview Blvd
Fremont, CA 94538

COLORADO
7770 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80229
303-288-6855

FLORIDA
14000 N.W. 58th Court
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
305-889-3280

ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
815-385-7500

1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
847-952-8088

MINNESOTA
13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
763-755-7575

NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-7070

401 W. Shore Blvd.
Newark, NY 14513
315-331-7680

TEXAS
1513 Sam Bass Rd.
Round Rock, TX 78660
512-255-1477

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