Turning tools sit at the heart of every lathe and multi-tasking turning center. They define how stable your process is, how good the surface finish becomes, and how much productive time you get out of each spindle hour.
Modern CNC turning tools and tool holders combine high rigidity, repeatability and quick-change concepts so you can turn, bore, groove, drill and tap in one clamping, even on complex multi-axis machines. Leading manufacturers offer complete systems of static and driven tool holders, cartridges and accessories.
Duroc Machine Tool works with selected partners to supply turning tooling solutions that support both traditional horizontal lathes and advanced multi-tasking turning centers across the Nordic and Baltic region.
Why turning tools matter for your production.
For The Hands-On Operator, the right turning tools mean:
• A quiet, stable cut with less chatter
• Secure insert clamping that doesn’t shift under load
• Tool changes that are simple and repeatable at the machine
For The Operational Optimizer, turning tools are a direct driver of:
• Uptime and planned vs. unplanned stops
• Changeover time when switching between jobs
• Dimensional consistency, surface finish and scrap rate
High-quality tool holders with rigid interfaces and precise repeatability reduce the need for re-touching offsets and make it easier to run standardised setups across machines and shifts.
For The Strategic Owner, an optimised turning tooling setup supports:
• Better utilisation of existing lathe and multi-tasking investments
• Shorter lead times and more flexible capacity
• Safer moves towards automation and unmanned productio
Types of CNC Turning Tools.
Static turning tool holders
Static turning tool holders secure your inserts and boring bars on the turret. On modern CNC lathes, these are often based on BMT or VDI interfaces, which define how the holder mounts to the machine.
High-performance static holders are designed for:
• Maximum rigidity: often through one-piece bodies and robust clamping screws
• High accuracy: positioning and repeat accuracy in the single-digit micron range is possible with premium systems
• Precise alignment: pre-set interfaces and adjustable sliding blocks that position the holder correctly on the turret
For the operator, this means less time adjusting tools and more time cutting. For production management, it simplifies standardisation and ensures that the same holder behaves the same way on different machines.
Driven (live) tool holders
Driven or live tool holders add milling, drilling and tapping capability to the lathe. Instead of only rotating the workpiece, you can also rotate tools, ideal for features like flats, cross holes, keyways and light milling in one setup.
Advanced live tool holders typically offer:
• Axial and radial configurations for flexible machining in different directions
• Compact, one-piece bodies for high stiffness and minimal runout
• Rigid spindle guidance and optimised bearings to handle higher speeds and cutting loads
• Effective sealing and coolant management to protect internal components and control heat
For shops with multi-tasking turning centers, well-chosen driven tools let you reduce the number of setups and move work from milling machines to the lathe when it makes sense from a capacity and cost-per-part perspective.
Quick-change and modular turning systems.
To keep machines cutting, tool change time matters. Modern turning tools includes quick-change and modular systems designed to speed up setup without sacrificing rigidity:
• Quick-clamp turret interfaces that allow the holder to be locked with a single screw while keeping full rigidity and positional accuracy
• Modular basic holders and cartridges for multi-tasking turning centers, where square tool holders, boring bar holders and cartridges can be swapped while keeping the same base on the machine
These systems reduce downtime during tool changes by up to several tens of percent, while also making it easier for operators to use pre-set tools measured offline.
External and internal turning tools
External (OD) turning:
External turning tools handle profiling, facing and grooving on the outside diameter of the workpiece. Typical features include:
• Hardened steel bodies with precision insert pockets and secure clamping mechanisms
• Configurations for roughing, finishing, profiling and parting
• ISO insert compatibility for easy sourcing and standardisation
Internal turning and boring:
Internal turning and boring tools are used for bores, internal profiles and grooves. Boring bar holders and damped bars are available to maintain stability even with long overhangs from the turret.
Key benefits:
• Improved surface finish and roundness inside the bore
• Reduced vibration and noise at higher cutting speeds
• Better tool life when boring deep or in unstable setups
Turning tools for multi-axis and multi-tasking turning centers.
Multi-axis machines and multi-tasking turning centers place higher demands on tooling.
Here, modular turning systems with basic holders, cartridges and integrated damping elements help you:
• Optimise tool length and approach angle (e.g. 45° or 90° tools) for different operations
• Exchange cartridges instead of complete holders, reducing tooling cost
• Maintain high rigidity and secure insert clamping, even at long projections
For operators, this means easier access to complex features. For production managers, it opens the door to more one-hit machining strategies with fewer workholding operations
Turning tooling solutions from Duroc Machine Tool.
Duroc Machine Tool operates in seven markets – Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – supplying machining solutions, tools, service and support to manufacturing companies across the Nordic and Baltic regions.
Within turning tools and tool holders, we offer:
• Static and driven tool holders for BMT, VDI and other common interfaces
• Quick-change and modular turning systems for CNC lathes and multi-tasking turning centers
• Application support that links turning tools, tool holders, machines and cutting data into one coherent solution
Our role is to enable you to perform better, with stable turning processes, predictable tool life and tooling concepts that support your future production strategy.
Ready to review your tooling aetup?
If you experience chatter, slow tool changes, inconsistent tolerances or limitations on your lathes and mill-turn centers, your turning tools and holders may be part of the reason.
