CNC Turning Centers for Larger Machined Parts
In addition to CNC Swiss machines, our CNC turning centers produce precision turned parts with tight tolerances down to +/- .0001” (+/-2.5 µm) but can produce parts with larger diameters (to 2.66” (67.56mm)). CNC turning centers produce similar cylindrical shaped parts as CNC Swiss machining but are better suited to small and medium volume runs.
With AS9100D and ISO9001:2015 certifications (see our certifications here), we apply production and quality standards stringent enough for aerospace and the U.S. Department of Defense to every industry we service.
What is CNC Turning?
In CNC turning, bars of material are held in a chuck and rotated (spun) while various tools are “pressed” to the bar stock to remove material and create the desired shape and features. When the component requires both turning and milling features (pictured above), the bar rotation can be stopped to allow for milling (usually flat area). This technique allows for a wide range of shapes, sizes, features and even material types.
CNC turning centers have tooling mounted on a turret for correct placement against the bar stock. We use CNC turning centers with “live” tooling, which allow us to program an extensive range of features on an individual component such as drilled holes, slots, and milled surfaces. CNC turning centers without live tooling would be limited to the number and types of features that can be produced on a component.
The starting material, though usual round, can be other shapes such as hexagons. Each bar shape and size may require a specific “collet” ( a subtype of chuck—that forms a collar around the object) to correctly position the bar for machining.
Depending on the bar feeder, the bar length can vary.
CNC urning centers have tooling mounted on a turret which is computer-controlled.
CNC’s with “live” tooling, such as those at Pioneer Service, can also stop the rotation and add additional features such as drilled holes, slots and milled surfaces.
Some CNC turning centers have one spindle, allowing work to be done all from one side, while other turning centers, such as the one shown above, have two spindles, a main and sub-spindle. A part can be partially machined on the main spindle, moved to the sub-spindle and have additional work done to the other side this configuration.
There are many different kinds of CNC turning centers with various types of tooling options, spindle options, and outer diameter limitations.
What We Offer that Others Often Don’t
Our 6-axis CNCs:
- Can accommodate off-center drilling, milling and tapping with Y-axis turrets, dual spindles and a 24-position turret.
- Allow all operations to be completed in one setup due to synchronized C1-axis (main spindle) and C2-axis (sub-spindle) indexing.
- Can make complex parts quickly with non-stop, bi-directional indexing turrets that take only .2 second to move to the next position.
- Eliminate secondary operations with Y-axis drilling.
- Can turn and mill pre-hardened material with a 20 HP main spindle and 10 HP sub-spindle.
- Ensure minimum bending and torsion during heavy-duty cuts and high-speed turning operations due to their cast-iron structure and 30-degree slant bed design.
Is my part a good fit for CNC turning?
In general, if your cylindrical part has an OD (outer diameter) from .060″ to 2.66” (1.5 mm to 67 mm), it may be a good fit for our CNC turning equipment. However, other factors like your budget, quantity requirements, size, material, and design features can also affect suitability.
Please send us your print and specific requirements. Our engineering team will review your project and help you identify the method that best serves your needs.
Minimum
0.145″ (3.7 mm)
Maximum
2.66: (67mm)
Minimum
Please Contact Us
Maximum
8″ (205 mm)
- 0.0001 in
- Precision
- Tight Tolerance
- Ultra Precision
Additional services
We offer an extensive array of finishing services including centerless grinding, plating, anodizing, heat treat, bead blast, and much more.
Prototype Your Design with CNC Turning
Bring your ideas to life quickly! Mechanical engineers sourcing prototype quantities (100 – 1000) of machined parts often face tight deadlines. Pioneer Service understands this and is uniquely positioned to meet your needs for quick delivery of small volume machined parts as well as offer you valuable input on the manufacture-ability of your part.
Pioneer Service is able to provide small volume precision turned parts quickly. You’ll find that we work hard to meet your quality AND delivery expectations for prototype CNC turned components.
When you’re ready, we can help you think beyond the prototype quantities, and discuss the best options for production volumes. Contact us today, and let’s begin a productive partnership helping you with CNC turned prototypes!
If your part has a .060″ to 2.66”″ (1.5 mm to 67 mm) outer diameter, it may be a good fit for our CNC turning equipment.