Stop Choosing Between Lathe and Mill – Own the Optimal Sequence

(6 Procurement-Critical Q&As for Your Next Bid)

Q1: Should the lathe always handle 70% turning-dominant parts?

A: Starting with turning generates expensive waste.
Real case: 316L pump impeller (3k pcs/yr)

Traditional (Lathe-first)

Optimized Sequence

Ø280 mm bar → 0.49 kg part

Near-net casting → 0.49 kg

83% waste

46% waste

Saving: $31/pc with forging + 5-axis rough milling

 

Key: Deep-pocket parts remove 60-80% material faster with 5-axis milling before precision turning.

 

Q2: How to eliminate seal surface damage during transfer?

A: Make sealing features the FINAL operation.
Our method:

1. Complete all milling/drilling in mill-turn

2. Cut seal groove with a fresh insert in the same fixture
Result: 100% helium leak test pass rate for hydraulic clients.

 

Q3: Can one supplier manage multi-process workflows?

A: Yes, with a process-driven mindset.
Simituo’s decision framework:

PlaintextHeavy material removal → 5-axis milling centre  
Critical roundness → Mill-turn/Swiss lathe  
Shafts with milled features → B-axis mill-turn  

Outcome: Single PO, single deadline, zero finger-pointing.

 

Q4: How to handle 10x prototype quantity spikes?

A: Leverage 5-axis/mill-turn flexibility.
Emergency case: German robotics order

• Initial: 5 pcs in 3 weeks

• Changed: 50 pcs in 1 week
Action: Clone the first-article program for batch production
Result: Shipped 4 days early at original pricing.

 

Q5: Where to find a 15-20% cost reduction?

A: Target two overlooked areas:

1. Blank strategy

– Forgings/castings over bar stock

– Additive near-net shaping

2. Setup elimination

– One-clamp mill-turn vs multi-fixture flow
Valve body result:

• 24% cost reduction

• Lead time 42 → 19 days

 

Q6: Who answers midnight drawing revisions?

A: You’re talking to the solution.

Simituo’s 24/7 advantage:
✅ Direct engineer access via WeChat/WhatsApp
✅ Factory running 24/6 with 40+ material grades in stock
✅ Change response protocol:

• Rev B drawings reviewed before 8 AM CN time

• Updated quote/delivery before your workday starts

 

Stop fighting processes – Make them work for you.
Submit drawings at www.simituo.com
Guarantee: 2-hour preliminary quote, 24-hour firm plan

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