CNC Turning/Lathe for Plastic and Polymer Components 

Create custom bushes, sleeves, spacers and other round components from engineering polymers.

CNC turning uses a lathe to shape rotating material with controlled cutting tools. The right approach depends on the grade, part dimensions, fit requirements, and application. Our team will happily help you determine this. 

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What is CNC Turning? 

In CNC turning, the workpiece rotates in a lathe while cutting tools remove material along a programmed path. The process is particularly suited to features arranged around a common axis.

Operations can include machining outside diameters, facing ends, boring internal diameters, cutting grooves and producing threads. Flats and cross holes may need milling or another setup.

Why Choose this Route: The Benefits for Polymer Components 

  • 1. Round Geometry

    Shape internal and external diameters 

    Create sleeves, bushes and other details for your project needs. 

  • 2. Functional Details

    Add grooves and threads

    Specify shoulders, chamfers and fastening details where the design permits.

  • 3. Design Development

    Machine from available stock

    Assess prototypes and smaller quantities without a dedicated mould.

  • 4. Fit Requirements

    Focus on mating surfaces 

    Define the dimensions and geometric relationships that matter to the assembly.

Which plastics can be CNC turned?

POM (Acetal)

This material machines easily and creates high precision

Nylon / PA

Does machine well but moisture absorption can affect dimensions

PEEK

Great for demanding components and machines well

PTFE / PVDF

Its softer characteristics make tighter tolerances more challenging

PP & PC

Require heat management to avoid deformation 

PEI

Though its stiffness is beneficial in machining, heat can build-up and affect finished dimensions 

PPS

Offers very good dimensional stability, but cracking, edge chipping and warping can occur during machining.

Glass-Filled Materials: RENY, PEEK GF30, PA66 GF60

These grades require more control of tool wear and surface finish 

Which components can be produced? 

This manufacturing method is best suited to custom components requiring round or cylindrical features. 

  • Sealing Components

  • Shafts and Pins

  • Electrical Insulators

  • Bushes and Sleeve Bearings

  • Spacers and Standoffs

  • Washers and Rings

Custom Part Process: 

1. Design Review

We review your CAD drawings to see if CNC turning would be the best method of production.

Material Selection

We help you choose the right material for your performance and cost goals.

3. The Machining

The machine first does a heavy rough turning cut to remove bulk material quickly, followed by a lighter finish turning pass for exact size and smooth texture.

4. Inspection and Certification

Your component(s) are then fully inspected and sent to you with a CoC.

Get your quotation here in 24 hours: 

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What to include: 

  • Dimensioned drawing and available CAD file
  • Material and grade
  • Thickness or finished dimensions
  • Quantity and repeat demand
  • Critical tolerances and finish
  • Application and delivery date
  • Certification or inspection needs
Request a Custom Component Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions 

We are experts in this field, so don't hesitate to ask us for advice or information. But initially, start here: assess the conditions the part will experience- temperature, mechanical loads, chemical contact, moisture, and movement against other components. Electrical insulation, food-contact requirements, and other application-specific needs may also influence material selection. Include these details when requesting a quotation.

Achievable tolerances depend on the polymer grade, part size, wall thickness and geometry. Plastics can change dimensions with temperature, and some also absorb moisture. Specify critical tolerances on your drawing so they can be assessed alongside the material and inspection conditions.

Yes. CNC turning can produce internal and external threads, stepped diameters, grooves, tapers, and bores. Fine threads, deep bores and thin walls require particular attention to material strength, tool access and workpiece support. 

Yes, although these features may require milling or drilling alongside turning. Depending on the equipment and component design, they can be produced using live tooling on a turning centre or through a separate machining operation.

Yes. CNC turning can produce one-off components, prototypes and small batches without dedicated mould tooling. It can also suit repeat production. The most economical manufacturing method depends on the design, material, quantity and expected future demand.