• Introduction
• What are CNC Turned Parts
• Why Buy CNC Turned Parts Online
• What platforms offer CNC turning services? (parts, etc.)
• How to Get a Quotation for CNC Turned Parts Online
• Ordering CNC Turned Parts Online
• Delivery of your CNC Turned Parts
• Conclusion

Turned parts are used in large quantities in most mechanical assemblies, which often means that cost and time are both sensitive aspects about buying turned parts. At the same time, because of their relative simplicity, many machining shops will charge a significant premium or require fairly long lead times to make the project “worth doing” from an engineering and production setup point of view. This is why using online platforms with automated quoting and drawing analysis has become a popular approach to buyingCNC turning parts.

We’ll take you through the typical steps of the process, what drawing formats or part information you’ll need, and evaluate some of the platforms offering these services so that you can get your parts on time and under budget.

What are CNC Turned Parts

CNC turned parts are precision components produced using computer numerical control (CNC) turning processes, where material bars are rotated while a cutting tool is held against them to remove material to the desired shape and dimensions. This technology is crucial for manufacturing as it allows for high accuracy and repeatability, which are essential in producing complex parts used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process where a rotating workpiece is shaped by a stationary cutting tool which is controlled by a computer-controlled machine to fabricate CNC turned parts.

Fig. 1: CNC Turned Parts

Why Buy CNC Turned Parts Online

Buying CNC turned parts online using powerful of digital tools offers a more accessible, efficient, and flexible manufacturing solution. This not only supports rapid prototyping and production but also aligns with the dynamic needs of modern businesses, accommodating everything from small-scale projects to large, ongoing production needs. The following are key advantages of buying CNC turned parts online:

Fast Turnaround

One of the most significant benefits of online purchasing of CNC turned parts is the ability to achieve faster turnarounds. Online platforms utilize advanced software to directly interface with production facilities, enabling quick transitions from design uploads to manufacturing. Often, there’s no need to reproduce CADs or go through the time intensive quoting process. With the scale and market size provided by online ordering, platforms also tend to have wider varieties of material in stock and more capacity to handle surges in demand. This also translates to faster production times.

Greater Visibility

Online platforms generally offer much more visibility and transparency into product quotation and timelines than most job shops or offline suppliers. Most will offer set production timelines, delivery options, and will update you once parts are finished. Production status can be checked and there’s less of a “wait and see” dynamic that you might have with a job shop.

Instant Quotation & Fast Iteration

Traditional methods of obtaining quotes for manufacturing work can be time-consuming, often involving back-and-forth communication and waiting periods. Online systems change this dynamic by offering immediate pricing as soon as design specifications are uploaded. The ability to get an instant quote means that various options can be quoted in little to no time, allowing customers to check different volume quotes, different surface finishes, different levels of precision and what their impact on pricing is in real time, rather than a time and labor intensive back and forth with an offline supplier.

Easy Order Placement

These online platforms are designed for user-friendliness so you can upload your designs, choose materials, specify quantities, and place orders with just a few clicks. Payment for goods and shipment can be through credit card or other method, rather than wire transfers, and can often be done at the same time (some platforms will offer limited free shipping options depending on location). Additionally, these systems often include features for tracking the production and delivery status, providing a centralized management hub that reduces the administrative burden on your companies. There’s no need for purchasing to send 10 RFQs (Request for Quotation) to different suppliers, or to create purchase orders and documentation – just register and order.

Support For Lower Volumes

Traditional manufacturing often requires large minimum orders, making it challenging for small businesses or those needing limited runs to proceed without significant expense. Online CNC services typically cater to a wider range of order sizes, including small batches, thus allowing access to high-quality manufacturing for startups, small to medium enterprises, and larger companies testing new concepts.

Fig. 2: Komacut’s Instant Quotation Platform

What Platforms Offer CNC Turning Services?

Online platforms offering CNC machined parts have proliferated, providing a wealth of options for businesses and individuals needing precision components. These platforms are designed to bridge the gap between digital manufacturing capabilities and global accessibility, ensuring that anyone, anywhere can benefit from high-quality CNC machining services with just a few clicks:

• Fictiv - Offers precision CNC machining with an emphasis on rapid turnaround and high-quality finishes. Fictiv is praised for its digital manufacturing ecosystem that connects customers with manufacturing capabilities seamlessly.
• Facturee - Specializes in CNC turning with an emphasis on rapid quotes and production. Known for accommodating flexible order quantities and a wide range of materials, Facturee serves diverse client needs from prototyping to large-scale manufacturing efficiently.
• Xometry - Has an extensive network of manufacturing partners, which allows it to offer a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and injection molding. Xometry's platform is engineered to provide instant quotes and has a robust system for handling both large and small orders efficiently.
• Hubs by Protolabs - Emphasizes rapid prototyping and on-demand production. Hubs leverages the parent company’s high-speed manufacturing techniques to deliver parts at an accelerated pace, supporting projects with critical time constraints.
• Komacut - Emerging as the leader in the market with a streamlined approach, specializes in providing rapid quotes and fast turnarounds for CNC machined parts. Its focus is on serving small to medium-sized enterprises with efficient and scalable solutions

These platforms collectively enhance the CNC machining market by offering diverse capabilities, flexible order sizes, and rapid production options, making advanced manufacturing more accessible and adaptable to the needs of modern industries.

Each platform has its unique strengths, allowing customers to choose services that best fit their specific project requirements and timelines.

How to Get a Quotation for CNC Turned Parts Online

Getting quotations and ordering metal parts online is a fairly straightforward process, and sites have FAQs and tutorials to guide you through it.

Here's a walkthrough of the typical process you would follow:

Step 1: Prepare Your Drawing

Before you begin, ensure you have a ready-to-upload drawing of the part you need. Generally you will need two drawing formats to proceed: a 3D of the part (this will be used to prepare the CAM file for the actual programming of the machining center), and a 2D drawing (generally DXF format, sometimes a PDF print) which will provide the necessary surface finish, material and tolerance specifications for the factory to make the part. Only a 3D drawing or only a 2D drawing won’t work – there will need to be both.

Step 2: Visit or Log to the Platform

Some companies support direct quotations on their page, but most will require creating an account and a quick sign-in. All companies will generally require account creation in order to order parts – this is for payment, billing, and ordering purposes. Luckily, it’s generally a very simple set-up process for most, and they will guide you through the options and requirements.

Step 3: Upload Your Drawing

Look for an option to upload your drawing, either drag and drop or select your drawing file from your computer and upload it to the platform. Generally at this stage, if there’s a drawing issue, such as an unachievable requirement or an issue with the part design / geometry, the platform should provide DFM feedback or warnings. Some platforms will simply reject the drawing.

Tip:if your drawing is having issues being quoted, a good thing to do is check the engineering guidelines provided by the platform to see if it is manufacturable.

Step 4: Input Part Parameters

After uploading your drawing, input the specific details of your part. This typically includes quantity, material, and finishing.

• Material:This parameter refers to the measure of the texture of the surface and is typically quantified as a roughness average (Ra). There are generally 5-6 standard roughness options for CNC machined components, which will impact part production timing, appearance, smoothness and cost.
• Surface Roughness: You have to select the material that best fits the mechanical and environmental requirements of the part. Options typically include Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Plastics, or Nylon.
• Finish:Several surface finishing options might be available to enhance the appearance or performance of the part such as Anodization, Oiling, Zinc Plating, E-coating, etc. You’ll need to think through the part application and what kind of environment it will be exposed to, along with the base material you are using when selecting a finish.
• Quantity:You'll need to specify the number of units you require. This is essential because platforms are providing significant discounts as volumes go up – this can be dramatic especially when you are going from 1 or 2 parts to 20, 30 or a 100. This is primarily due to the set-up cost on the machine per part and the administrative and handling costs on each order. The more parts, the less per piece these fees will add up to.

Step 5: Request Quotation

Once you have entered all the necessary information, submit your request for a quote and if the platform you are using has an instant quotation option, the system will generally generate a quotation within 20 to 60 seconds based on your inputs.

Many platforms will not offer instant quotation, instead having a standard 24- or 48-hour turnaround, while others will only offer limited instant quotation options (simple part geometries, prototyping quantities, etc.). In this case, these companies will generally send your drawing to a costing engineer (often outsourced, though not always) who will generate a quote after a drawing review. You’ll then receive an email with your quotation within that 24 or 48 hours to your account.

Komacut offers true instant quotation for CNC turned parts for both prototyping and mass production quantities, from 1 to 100,000 parts as long as parts meet our guidelines and are with our standard materials and finishing options.

Fig. 3: Steps for Ordering CNC Turned Parts at Komacut

Ordering CNC Turned Parts Online

After you've received your quotation, you are ready to order. Ordering should be a streamlined and user-friendly process, and generally more or less all platforms follow the same general online ordering process you see everywhere from Amazon to Shopify

Step 1: Review and Confirm Your Quotation

Make sure the specifications in your quotation match your requirements. If everything looks good, confirm your acceptance of the quotation.

Step 2: Enter Shipping and Billing Information

Enter your shipping address and provide your billing details. This could be the same as the shipping address or different, depending on your situation.

Step 3: Review and Place Your Parts Order

Before submitting your order, review all the details for the final time. Check the parts specifications, quantity, shipping, and billing details. Once you're satisfied everything is correct, click the button to place your order.

Step 4: Choose a Shipment Method

While some platforms will offer free shipping depending on location and order size, most will charge courier fees for shipping your parts. There may be automatic freight calculation or, especially if the shipment is international, there may be a need to manually generate and confirm a shipping quote later on.

Local shipping is more straightforward and may have some low-cost options such as local or express delivery. For international shipping, using a freight forwarder is generally a must, unless volumes are very low, especially if you are not using an express courier like DHL or Fed Ex. They are experts in the logistics of shipping goods internationally and can handle customs clearance, import taxes, and other regulations.

Freight forwarders can often negotiate better shipping rates, provide tracking, and ensure that your shipment is compliant with international shipping laws and regulations.

We’ve created a comprehensive link on options to ship your parts from China for more information on the process.

Step 5: Choose a Payment Method and Pay

Choose from the available payment options. These include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and other online payment services.

Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-Up

You should receive an order confirmation via email. This will include your order details, a receipt of your payment, and an estimated delivery date. You can monitor the progress of your order on the platform or just wait for the procedurally generated notices of shipment and delivery.

Delivery of your CNC Turned Parts

Depending on your chosen shipping option and the size of the order, this can be fairly straightforward (the courier drops it at your door), or a bit more complex (submitting paperwork to customs, setting up truck delivery, etc.) but should be a bit simpler than a comparable order from an offline supplier. If you run into issues, you can also work with your account manager from the platform to help smooth any problems.

Conclusion

Buying CNC turned parts online has revolutionized the manufacturing landscape by making it both easy and efficient. You can effortlessly compare prices, materials, and delivery times, often benefiting from rapid quotes and the ability to tweak orders as per real-time feedback. The integration of advanced technologies, like CAD and CAM software directly on our platform, further streamlines the customization process, enabling precise manufacturing that aligns with specific engineering requirements.

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