Large Diameter Turning Services
at Greno Industries
Large diameter turning is a core strength at Greno Industries. Our horizontal turning centers and vertical turning lathes (VTLs) allow us to achieve tight tolerances, repeatable accuracy, and dependable lead times with oversized parts that many shops can’t handle.
At Greno, our large diameter turning capabilities support:
Diameters up to 90 inches
Long shafts and cylinders
Large rings, flanges, and housings
Complex geometries
In addition, our experienced machinists understand large-part challenges like tool deflection, vibration control, heat management, and material behavior at scale. This expertise ensures that even the largest components meet your dimensional, finish, and performance requirements.
What is Large Diameter Turning?
Large diameter turning is a machining process that uses a lathe to remove material from oversized components that are cylindrical or round. Unlike standard turning for small to mid‑sized parts, large diameter turning requires equipment with these characteristics:
Extended swing capacities
Heavy‑duty spindle power
Rigid construction, which is especially important for Inconel.
Long beds or large vertical tables
Tooling systems designed for high cutting forces
Large diameter turning allows engineers to specify parts with diameters measured in feet rather than inches. It’s used in industries where large components must withstand extreme loads, high pressures, rotational forces, or harsh environmental conditions.
At Greno, our turning equipment allows us to handle both long, slender components and extremely heavy, wide‑diameter parts. Find out if large diameter turning is the most efficient and accurate manufacturing method for your project.
Horizontal Turning vs. Vertical Turning for Large Parts
|
Category |
Horizontal Turning |
Vertical Turning |
|
When to Use It |
When the part is long, requires precision along its length, or needs multi-axis machining |
When the part is wide, heavy, difficult to fixture horizontally, or requires extreme stability |
|
Materials |
Alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminum, high-strength steels and tool steels |
Same materials, but VTLs are especially effective for heavy-wall alloys and large castings. |
|
Precision |
Excellent for maintaining straightness, roundness, and parallelism over long distances |
Excellent for maintaining flatness, perpendicularity, and roundness on large diameter parts |
|
Cutting Efficiency |
Very efficient for long turning operations and multi-axis contouring |
Very efficient for facing, boring, and OD turning on large, heavy parts |
|
When to Choose It |
When the part is long, requires precision along its length, or needs multi-axis machining |
When the part is wide, heavy, difficult to fixture horizontally, or requires extreme stability. |
| With Thin-Walled Rings | Horizontal turning is not recommended for thin-walled rings because jaw pressure could distort or crush the parts. | Vertical turning is recommended for thin walled rings because the gravity that's used helps hold parts with less pressure |
Parts Made with Large Diameter Lathes
Greno machines oversized power generation components, but we also support customers in many other industries, including military, industrial manufacturing, and oil and gas. The following sections provide some examples of parts made with large diameter lathes.
Power Generation Components
Turbine rings
Generator housings
Large couplings
Pump bowls and impellers
retaining rings (could be used for other industries.)
Gland casings
Large diameter rings (could be used for other industries.)
Split rings
Ring segments
Piston rings (could be used for other industries)
Military Hardware
Missile canisters
Launcher components
Heavy‑wall cylinders
Structural rings and housings
Industrial Manufacturing
Hydraulic cylinders
Industrial rollers
Bearing housings
Gear blanks and hubs
Oil, Gas & Petrochemical
Valve bodies
Pressure vessel components
Large flanges
Drill collars and tool joints
Custom Engineered Components
Prototype cylindrical parts
Large‑format tooling
Precision rings and spacers
Horizontal Turning for Large Diameter Parts
Horizontal turning is used for long shafts, cylinders, and components that require extended bed lengths. Greno has multiple heavy‑duty horizontal turning centers that are engineered for rigidity, accuracy, and repeatability.
Large-Diameter Horizontal Turning Equipment
Greno has three horizontal turning centers:
Okuma LOC650‑4 Axis Simulturn: This multi‑axis turning center is capable of complex geometries and reduced cycle times. It’s ideal for parts that require grooves or intricate profiles. This is a dual turret machine like the LU7000, but the LOC650 does not have live tooling.
Okuma L470BB: This high‑precision horizontal turning center is used with long, heavy components. Its stability and spindle power make it a good choice for alloy steels, stainless steels, and high‑strength materials.
Okuma LU7000EX: This high‑rigidity horizontal turning center is built for large‑diameter, heavy‑wall components. Dual‑turret capability improves throughput, allows complex machining in a single setup, and supports live tooling milling.
Horizontal Turning Advantages
Horizontal turning offers these and other benefits for large-diameter parts:
Superior support for long parts: Steady rests, tailstocks, and rigid beds maintain accuracy over extended lengths.
Excellent chip evacuation: Gravity assists chip flow, reducing heat and improving tool life.
High accuracy for cylindrical features: Shafts, rollers, and components requiring concentricity and straightness are good candidates for horizonal turning.
Efficient multi‑axis machining: Greno’s Okuma LOC650‑4 Axis Simulturn machine allows turning and milling in one setup.
Horizontal Turning Applications
Greno’s horizontal turning centers provide the performance and consistency that’s required for these and other oversized parts.
Long hydraulic cylinders
Industrial rollers
Pump shafts
Large threaded components
Cylindrical housings
Vertical Turning for Large Diameter Parts
Vertical turning lathes (VTLs) are recommended for oversized round or cylindrical components that are wide, heavy, or awkwardly shaped. By orienting the part vertically, vertical lathes use gravity to stabilize the workpiece.
Large Diameter Vertical Turning Lathes (VTLs)
Greno has three VTLs:
New Century CNC 76: This versatile CNC vertical lathe is capable of handling large‑diameter components with precision and repeatability. It has live tooling.
Toshiba 80” VTL: One of our largest machines, this VTL offers exceptional swing capacity for oversized parts. It’s ideal for heavy components requiring tight tolerances. It has live tooling.
King CNC 72: This reliable, heavy‑duty VTL is designed for large rings, flanges, and housings.
Vertical Turning Advantages
Vertical turning offers these and other benefits for large diameter parts:
Gravity‑assisted stability: Heavy parts sit securely on the table, reducing vibration and improving accuracy.
Ideal for wide‑diameter components: Large rings, flanges, and housings are easier to fixture and machine.
Improved safety and handling: Vertical orientation simplifies loading and reduces the risk of part movement.
Excellent for heavy‑wall materials: VTLs handle the cutting forces required for alloy steels, stainless steels, and hardened materials.
Vertical Turning Applications
If your part is wide, heavy, or requires exceptional stability during machining, Greno’s VTL capabilities provide the precision and reliability you need. Part candidates include:
Turbine rings
Large flanges
Bearing housings
Pump bowls
Pressure vessel components
Large Diameter Turning FAQs
What is the maximum diameter Greno can turn?
Depending on machine orientation, Greno can turn components up to 80 inches in diameter on our largest VTLs.
Do you handle one‑off or prototype parts?
Yes. Greno machines prototypes, custom components, and replacement parts in addition to production quantities.
What materials can you machine?
We work with a wide range of materials, including:
Carbon and alloy steels
Stainless steels
High‑temperature alloys
Aluminum
Tool steels
Specialty materials used in defense and energy applications
Can Greno machine complex geometries?
Yes. Our multi‑axis turning centers allow us to machine grooves, tapers, threads, pockets, and milled features in a single setup.
Do you offer engineering support?
Yes. Greno provides design‑for‑manufacturability (DFM) guidance, material recommendations, and machining strategy support to help engineers optimize their parts.
What industries does Greno serve?
We support the defense, aerospace, power generation, heavy equipment, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries – just to name a few.
Ask Greno for Large Diameter Turning
Large diameter turning needs more than just big machines. It requires experience, engineering insight, and a commitment to quality. Greno Industries brings all three to every project.
Our combination of horizontal turning centers, vertical turning lathes, and skilled machinists allows us to deliver results that many shops can’t accomodate.
If you need a partner who understands the challenges of large‑part machining and delivers dependable results, Greno is ready to help.
Contact Greno Industries to discuss your large diameter turning project.
