Precision Machining, Milling, & CNC Turning - Fabrication Guide
Precision machining plays an important role in producing custom metal applications with tight tolerances, complex features, and repeatable dimensions. At Toledo Metal Spinning Company, CNC turning CNC milling, and VTL machining are all integrated with our broader forming and fabrication capabilities. We utilize a combination to produce components from prototype through production. This guide defines CNC machining, turning, milling, and precision metal fabrication, and how factors such as material, part geometry, tolerances, production volume, and tooling influence the manufacturing approach.
At TMS, we utilize CNC machine tools to make highly detailed cuts in non-metallic and metallic pieces used in a variety of industries including Oil, Aerospace, Automotive and Defense applications. By utilizing CNC machined tools we make parts quickly and more complex faster than using manual machine tools. We use Solidworks®, HSMWorks® and Mastercam® programming to ensure your final product is designed to exact specifications.
Spin and draw tooling are machined from the type of steel that will give the most useful life and economical cost, depending on your requirements of quantity, type of material formed and tolerances required. Our engineering department utilizes 3D parametric solid modeling CAD software for designing and MasterCAM® to aid in the efficient precision tool design and fabrication processes. Our in-house developed standard library of CNC tooling enables us to swiftly go from the tool design stage to the CNC fabrication build stage with minimum effort and time while maintaining precision. Most tools are designed and machined in our plant for speed, control, and economy.
Complex parts with tight tolerances often need more than one process to get right. Engineers and buyers sourcing custom metal components need a partner who can hold precise dimensions consistently, work in the right material, and turn parts around without adding another vendor to the supply chain. TMS combines CNC milling, turning, and vertical turret lathe work with in house tool design, so parts move from raw material to finished component under one roof.
What Is CNC Machining and Turning?
CNC machining uses computer controlled cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece and produce a finished part to exact specifications. Milling uses a rotating cutting tool against a stationary or moving workpiece to cut flat surfaces, slots, and contours. Turning rotates the workpiece itself against a stationary cutting tool, typically used for cylindrical parts. Both processes are programmed using CAD and CAM software, which lets TMS produce complex geometries repeatably across a production run, not just on a single prototype.
TMS utilizes Solidworks, HSMWorks, and Mastercam to program every job to exact specifications before it reaches the shop floor, so tolerances are built into the process rather than corrected after the fact.
Tooling Built In House
Spin and draw tooling is machined from the steel best suited to the job, based on production quantity, material being formed, and required tolerances. TMS’s engineering department uses 3D parametric solid modeling software to design tooling and Mastercam to build it efficiently, with an in house library of standard CNC tooling that shortens the path from design to fabrication. Most tools are designed and machined in TMS’s own plant, which keeps tool turnaround quick and cost controlled.
Extreme Accuracy and precision
Our mill has high torque, and is more than capable of heavy duty machining. With spindle speeds up to 10,000 rpm and the ability to hold 1413 N-m (1,042 lbs), we can handle any conventional milling operation up to 40″ x 35″ x 35″. Our tolerances can be as precise as +/-0.0002 dependent on materials.
With spindle speeds up to 10,000 rpm, it is critical that we utilize our temperature controlled cooling oil to circulate around the spindle bearings and headstock, minimizing any thermal changes to the spindle.
Horizontal Milling
At Toledo Metal Spinning Company, we specialize in 304 & 316 stainless steel. We can also machine a variety of substances in non-ferrous and exotic materials, such as: Aluminum, Copper, Bronze, and Brass, Cast Iron, Plastics, Glass Filled Materials, and any hardened materials except for wood and ceramics.
Table specifications: We can fix Ø41 inches and more on one table, without using the pallet changer. Equipped with two tables, each with four sides, we are set up for an extremely efficient machining process.
High productivity & Efficiency
- High speed drum-type tool magazine for improved maximum tool length and moment
- Is more info on this necessary? Example: max tool length: 690 mm (27.17 in) max moment: 49N-m (36 ft*lbs) tool change time – min 6 seconds
Tooling: Our mill is equipped with 120 tools for various cutting procedures
CNC Turning Centers
Our CNC Turning Centers 2-axis (X and Z-axis) are computer-controlled and generally have one spindle. They are commonly slant bed machines and protective enclosures around the machine and the machine ways. We have a variety of turning Centers with several types of material available to machine and we can handle up to Ø24” X 45” in length down to Ø0.5 and .100 in length.
CNC VTL
Vertical turret lathes have the workpiece held vertically instead of the normally horizontal positions which helps since you’re not battling gravity.
Vertical Turret Lathe all types of material available to machine and we can handle up to Ø40” X 18” in length.
Commonly Used Materials and Machining Capabilities
- Materials up to 50″ x 20″ x 20″, Close tolerances to +/- .0005” (depending on material characteristics)
- Conventional milling operations to 40″ x 20″ x 20″ Spindle speeds up to 10,000 RPM
- We machine a variety of substances in non-ferrous and exotic materials, such as: Aluminum, Copper, Bronze, Brass, Toledo Metal Spinning Company specializes in 304 & 316 stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rolling & Seam Welding Metal Cylinders
Turnaround depends on part complexity, material, and whether new tooling needs to be built. Because TMS designs and machines most tooling in house, quoting and production can move faster than working with a shop that outsources tooling. Contact TMS directly for a lead time estimate specific to your part.
Yes. TMS handles metal spinning, deep drawing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and welding under one roof, so a single part requiring both formed and machined features doesn't need to move between multiple vendors. This is common on parts that start as a spun or deep drawn shape and need machined features added afterward.
TMS supports both prototyping and low volume part production. Programming is done in Solidworks, HSMWorks, and Mastercam before a job runs, which allows for accurate prototyping builds as well as full production runs without sacrificing precision on either end.
TMS is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and all parts are produced in the USA. Machining tolerances are held per part specification.