CNC Turning and Swiss Machining Services
Precision CNC turning for cylindrical components, from micro-precision parts to large industrial shafts.
Reviewed by PiPrecision Engineering Team on March 11, 2026
Overview
PiPrecision supports prototypes and repeat production of shafts, bushings, pins, fittings, sleeves, and connector bodies using standard CNC turning, Swiss machining, live tooling, and sub-spindle operations. Process selection and achievable geometry are confirmed from the drawing, bar stock, setup strategy, secondary operations, and inspection method.
Select the Turning Process Around Geometry and Production Risk
Round parts are reviewed for diameter-to-length ratio, stock support, feature relationships, surface finish, runout, and secondary-operation needs.
| Process | Typical parts | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Standard CNC turning | Bushings, sleeves, shafts, spacers, and simple fittings | Chuck access, concentric features, cutoff face, and second-operation requirements |
| Swiss turning | Small pins, connector bodies, miniature shafts, and long slender parts | Guide-bushing compatibility, bar straightness, length-to-diameter ratio, and volume |
| Live-tool mill-turn | Round parts with flats, cross holes, slots, or off-axis features | One-setup relationships, driven-tool access, and inspection datum strategy |
| Sub-spindle machining | Parts requiring controlled front and back features | Part transfer, pickup location, cutoff allowance, and back-working access |
Define Functional Geometry and How It Will Be Verified
A bilateral size tolerance does not define roundness, cylindricity, runout, or concentric feature relationships.
- Identify bearing fits, sealing diameters, thread classes, shoulders, grooves, and functional datum axes.
- State circular runout, total runout, roundness, cylindricity, and surface texture separately when required.
- Define inspection over threads, splines, tapers, and interrupted surfaces, including gauges or reference standards.
- Call out straightness and supported-versus-free-state inspection for slender shafts.
- Confirm whether grinding, lapping, heat treatment, passivation, plating, or other secondary operations are required.
Documented Project Examples
Results below are specific to the linked project, part, volume, process, and inspection scope. They are not universal capability guarantees.
Engineering Resources
Use these guides to prepare drawings, tolerances, finish requirements, and inspection expectations before RFQ.
Capabilities
These are general, drawing-reviewed capabilities. The quotation confirms the applicable process, tolerance, inspection method, evidence, and any outside operation for the specific part.
2-axis turning for standard cylindrical parts
Y-axis and C-axis for off-center features
Milling, drilling, tapping on lathe — complete in one setup
Sliding headstock for parts under 32mm diameter
Complete machining front and back without handling
Automated bar feed for production volumes
Quality Assurance
- In-process inspection with digital readouts
- CMM verification of critical dimensions
- Surface finish measurement
- Roundness and cylindricity analysis available
Specifications
| Maximum Turning Diameter | 300mm (11.8") |
| Maximum Turning Length | 600mm (23.6") |
| Swiss Turning Diameter | 1mm to 32mm (0.04" to 1.26") |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.005mm (±0.0002") |
| Standard Tolerance | ±0.05mm (±0.002") per ISO 2768-m |
| Precision Tolerance | ±0.01mm (±0.0004") |
| Ultra-Precision | ±0.003mm (±0.00012") on request |
| Surface Finish (Standard) | Ra 1.6 μm (63 μin) |
| Surface Finish (Fine) | Ra 0.8 μm (32 μin) |
| Surface Finish (Precision Ground) | Ra 0.2 μm (8 μin) |
| Roundness Tolerance | 0.005mm (0.0002") |
| Concentricity | 0.01mm (0.0004") typical |
Published capabilities are indicative and subject to drawing review.
Equipment
Primary Machines
- HAAS ST-20Y — 2-axis with Y-axis, live tooling, sub-spindle
- DMG MORI NLX-2500 | 700 — High-precision turning center
- Star SR-20J Type B — Swiss-type automatic lathe
- Tsugami B0385C — 5-axis Swiss turning center
Inspection Equipment
- Benchtop Optical Comparator — Form verification
- CMM — For complex geometries
- Surface Roughness Tester — Finish measurement
- Height Gauge & Micrometers — 0.001mm resolution
Materials
| Material | Grades | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 6061-T6, 7075-T6, 5052, 6082-T6, etc. | Shafts, bushings, pins |
| Stainless Steel | 303, 304, 316, 17-4PH, 420, etc. | Medical, marine, valves |
| Steel | C45, Q235, 1018, 4140, A2, D2, etc. | Shafts, fasteners, tools |
| Titanium | Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | Medical implants, aerospace |
| Brass & Copper | C360, H59, C464, C110, T2, etc. | Fittings, connectors, decorative |
| Engineering Plastics | ABS, POM, PEEK, PC, Delrin, Nylon, etc. | Bushings, insulators, bearings |
| Exotic Alloys | Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy | Chemical, aerospace |
Sample Parts
Why Choose PiPrecision
- 6+ yrs Export Experience
- 24h CAD Quote Review
- 1 piece Minimum Order
- 2 weeks Production Lead Time
Need CNC Turning Service?
Initial review is targeted within 24 hours for a complete RFQ. Orders from one prototype are supported.
Request QuoteCNC Turning Service FAQs
Process-specific answers from the PiPrecision Engineering and Quality teams.
What diameter range can PiPrecision CNC turn?
Published machine references include approximately 1-32 mm bar diameter for Swiss turning and turning capacity up to 300 mm diameter and 600 mm length on conventional equipment. These are not a guaranteed finished-part envelope: chucking or collet length, bar-stock tolerances, through-bore, sub-spindle transfer, tailstock or steady-rest support, tool access, material, and part geometry can reduce usable capacity. Engineering confirms the process from the drawing, stock size, quantity, and inspection requirements.
Answer owner: PiPrecision Engineering Team
When is Swiss turning a good choice?
Swiss-type turning is often suitable for small-diameter, slender, or complex parts made from bar stock because the guide bushing supports the material close to the cutting zone. It can also combine turning, drilling, cross-holes, flats, threads, and back-working in one cycle. Bar straightness and diameter, guide-bushing compatibility, length-to-diameter ratio, remnant and cutoff allowances, material, tolerance, and production quantity determine whether Swiss-type or conventional turning is the better process.
Answer owner: PiPrecision Engineering Team
How are concentricity and runout controlled on turned parts?
Coaxial function should be defined with an appropriate datum reference and a current GD&T control such as position, circular runout, or total runout rather than an ambiguous note. Setup count, datum transfer, chucking, stock condition, tool pressure, part stiffness, and any post-machining process all affect the result. Engineering may keep related features in one setup, use qualified soft jaws or sub-spindle transfer, leave stock for grinding, and select a measurement method that matches the actual callout.
Answer owner: PiPrecision Engineering Team
How are precision turned parts inspected?
Inspection is feature-specific. Diameters and bores may use micrometers, limit gauges, or bore gauges; form and runout may require a roundness instrument, indicator setup, or suitable CMM strategy; small profiles may use optical measurement; threads require the agreed gauges or measurement method; and surface texture requires a specified parameter and cutoff. CMM is not automatically the best method for every diameter, thread, or form tolerance. Identify datums, critical features, sampling, and reporting requirements before production.
Answer owner: PiPrecision Quality Team
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