Custom Online CNC Turning Services
3ERP offers high-precision custom CNC turning services for OEM, rapid prototypes and production. Get tight-tolerance metal and plastic parts with quick delivery.
- Custom CNC Prototypes
- High and Low-Volume Machining
- Tight Tolerances
- All uploads are secure and confidential.
CNC Turning With RapidDirect
Our CNC turning service enables the production of high-precision CNC turning parts for a wide range of industries. Using advanced CNC turning centers and experienced machinists, we provide reliable CNC turning machining solutions for both simple and complex cylindrical components. Our CNC turning capabilities allow us to deliver turned parts with high accuracy, regardless of the complexity. You will get durable parts from flats to radial and axial holes, slots, and grooves as fast as one day.
Our precision CNC turning lathes provide low-cost parts for simple and complex cylindrical geometries. We also use Live tooling to create precise, complex geometries for features like axial and radial holes, grooves, slots, and flats. Full automation of these versatile machines allows us to produce hundreds of similar dimensions easier, faster, and cost-effectively.
CNC Turning Manufacturing for Every Stage
Our advanced online CNC machining services offer the flexibility to meet your design needs and development timelines. We produce prototypes, test parts, and low-volume production runs with the speed and accuracy needed for modern product development.
Prototype Turned Parts
Quickly transform your designs into functional metal or plastic prototypes. Our CNC turning services enable rapid design validation, testing, and iterative refinement—ideal for optimizing components before moving to mass production.
Low-Volume CNC Turning
Whether you need just a few parts or several thousand, our CNC lathe services deliver precise, repeatable components with tight tolerances and cost-efficient production, perfect for small-batch manufacturing or bridge production runs.
CNC Milling Materials
At 3ERP, we provide a full range of CNC milling surface finishes that enhance both functionality and appearance, improving durability, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetics as part of our comprehensive CNC machining process.
Aluminum is a highly versatile CNC machining material known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and overall durability. It machines exceptionally well, allowing for high speeds, tight tolerances, and cost-efficient production. Its balance of performance, finish quality, and reliability makes it a go-to choice for a wide range of CNC-machined components.
The following aluminum materials can be found on Xometry’s quoting menu:
- 2024
- 2A12
- 5052
- 5083
- 6061
- 6063
- 7075
- MIC-6
Plastics offer exceptional versatility in CNC machining, providing lightweight strength, chemical resistance, and excellent electrical and thermal insulation. We offer options ranging from general-purpose to high-performance engineering plastics, which enable cost-effective solutions across a wide range of design and performance requirements.
Our machinable plastics include:
- ABS
- Acetal (POM)
- Delrin
- Acrylic
- HDPE
- Nylon 6/6
- PC
- PEEK / PEEK GF30
- UHMW PE
- ULTEM 1000
- PP
Brass, bronze, and copper are known for their excellent machinability, wear resistance, and conductivity. These materials produce smooth finishes, retain fine details, and perform well in applications requiring durability or electrical and thermal efficiency.
Xometry auto-quotes the following brass, bronze, and copper materials:
- 260 (Brass)
- C110
- C932 (Bronze)
- C360 (Brass)
- 110
Stainless steels are valued for their exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. They deliver reliable performance in demanding environments while maintaining precision, making them well-suited for high-strength, wear-resistant components.
Xometry offers stainless steel alloys such as:
- Stainless Steel 17-4
- 300 Series Stainless Steel (e.g., 303, 304, 316)
- 400 Series Stainless Steel (e.g., 410, 416, 420, 440C)
Carbon and tool steels are trusted for their strength, toughness, and versatility. They can be machined to precise tolerances and can be heat-treated for enhanced hardness and wear resistance, making them ideal for durable, high-performance components.
Xometry’s steel options include:
- 1018
- 1215
- 4130
- 4140
- 4340
- A36
- Tool Steel A2
- Tool Steel O1
CNC Milling Surface Finishes
At 3ERP, we provide a full range of CNC milling surface finishes that enhance both functionality and appearance, improving durability, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetics as part of our comprehensive CNC machining process.
As Machined Finish
Milled parts come directly from the machine with visible tool marks and a slightly rough surface. Ideal for functional prototypes or internal components where precision is critical, offering fast turnaround and cost savings.
Anodized (Type II or Type III)
Type II creates a corrosion-resistant finish. Parts can be anodized in different colors—clear, black, red, and gold are most common—and are usually associated with aluminum. Type III, also known as hardcoat anodizing, is thicker and creates a wear-resistant layer in addition to the corrosion resistance seen with Type II.
Sandblasting & Bead Blasting
The part is cleaned, deburred, and placed in an abrasive blaster where surface deposits are removed by applying fine glass beads at high pressure, without damaging the surface. Bead blasted parts will have a matte or satin-like appearance.
Sanding & Polishing
Removes tool marks and rough areas, delivering smooth, glossy surfaces while maintaining dimensional accuracy. Perfect for customer-facing parts and high-end prototypes.
Powder Coat & Paint
Powder coat and wet paints provide a durable, protective layer that resists corrosion, wear, and UV damage. They offer a uniform, attractive appearance while preserving the underlying part’s precision and performance.
Chemical Finishes
These are treatments that enhance the surface properties of machined parts without significantly altering dimensions. Processes such as chromate conversion, passivation, black oxide, and electropolishing improve corrosion resistance, surface cleanliness, appearance, and in some cases, lubricity or electrical performance.
Why Choose 5-Axis Machining with 3ERP
With so many precision machining providers available, why partner with 3ERP? Here are four key reasons that make us stand out:
Fast Turnaround Times
With over 10 advanced 5-axis CNC machines in-house, we deliver both prototypes and production parts quickly and reliably. Need it faster? Our expedited machining options help you meet tight deadlines with ease.
High-Performance Machinery
We operate top-tier HAAS and JingDiao 5-axis CNC machines, supported by a state-of-the-art on-site inspection system to ensure ultra-tight tolerances and consistent quality.
Engineering Expertise
Beyond just machining capabilities, our engineers work closely with you to optimize your design and offer valuable suggestions, ensuring better performance, cost-efficiency, and manufacturability.
Trusted Across Industries
We serve diverse industries—from aerospace to electronics—providing precise, reliable machining solutions for every application.
Complex 5-Axis CNC Milling Projects
Over the years, we’ve successfully tackled various complex machining challenges—delivering precise, reliable solutions for parts with intricate and unconventional shapes. Explore the case studies below to see how our 5-axis CNC machining services bring high-precision parts to life.
Automation Equipment MountingBracket
Used for structural positioning and componentmounting in your industrial automation systemswhere dimensional accuracy is non-negotiable.
- Material
- Finish
- Tolerance
- Application
- Aluminum 6061-T6
- Black Anodizing
- ±0.01mm
- Industrial Automation
Automation Equipment MountingBracket
Used for structural positioning and componentmounting in your industrial automation systemswhere dimensional accuracy is non-negotiable.
- Material
- Finish
- Tolerance
- Application
- Aluminum 6061-T6
- Black Anodizing
- ±0.01mm
- Industrial Automation
Automation Equipment MountingBracket
Used for structural positioning and componentmounting in your industrial automation systemswhere dimensional accuracy is non-negotiable.
- Material
- Finish
- Tolerance
- Application
- Aluminum 6061-T6
- Black Anodizing
- ±0.01mm
- Industrial Automation
5-Axis CNC Machining FAQ
Can 5-axis machining provide tight tolerance?
Yes, 5-axis CNC machining is renowned for its ability to achieve exceptionally tight tolerances. It can typically maintain precision within ±0.005 mm. This high level of accuracy is due to the machine’s capability to access five sides of a part in a single setup, reducing the number of setups required and minimizing errors associated with repositioning. The simultaneous movement along five axes allows for closer tool paths, ensuring precise adherence to design specifications, especially for complex geometries.
How much does your 5-axis milling service cost?
The cost of 5-axis CNC milling services can vary widely based on several factors such as the complexity of the part, the type of material used, and the required precision. Generally, prices might range from $75 to $250 per hour depending on these variables. For a specific quote, it’s best to provide detailed drawings and specify material requirements on RapidDirect online platform so that a more accurate estimation can be calculated. Remember, while 5-axis machining might have a higher hourly rate, it often reduces the total production time and number of setups needed.
When should I choose 5-axis CNC machining?
Opt for 5-axis CNC machining when manufacturing parts with complex geometries, intricate details, or when high precision is critical. This technology is ideal for parts that require machining from multiple sides in a single setup or where multiple tool angles are necessary to achieve the design. Industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive, where the geometrical complexities and tight tolerances are common, significantly benefit from 5-axis machining. It is also preferable when aiming to reduce lead times and improve surface finishes without compromising on detail.
What’s the difference between 5-axis machining and 3-aixs machining?
The main difference between 5-axis and 3-axis machining lies in their respective capabilities and the complexity of parts they can handle. 3-axis machining operates along three axes (X, Y, and Z), suitable for parts with relatively simple geometries. It typically requires multiple setups and repositioning to reach all sides of the part. Conversely, 5-axis machining adds two additional rotational axes, allowing the cutting tool to approach the part from virtually any direction. This capability makes it ideal for complex shapes, reducing setup times and improving precision by minimizing handling.
What is 5-axis CNC machining?
5-axis CNC machining is an advanced form of computer numerical control (CNC) technology that allows a machine to move a tool or part along five different axes simultaneously. This enables the machine to create highly complex shapes and features in a single setup, increasing precision and efficiency. It’s commonly used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical for creating intricate components.
How does a 5-axis CNC machine work?
A 5-axis CNC machine operates by allowing the cutting tool or part to move in five different directions: along the X, Y, and Z axes, and rotating around the A and B axes. This capability allows for machining complex geometries without needing multiple setups or repositioning, which reduces human error and increases accuracy. The machine’s advanced software ensures precise control over every movement.
What is the tolerance of 5 axis CNC machining?
RapidDirect’s 5-axis CNC machining can achieve extremely tight tolerances, often tighter than ±0.001 inches, depending on the material and part complexity. Their advanced machines and strict inspection processes ensure parts are manufactured according to your design specifications and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) requirements, delivering precise, high-quality components.