Parlec Turbo Turn – Custom Toolholders Without the Wait

by Bernard Martin

Standard toolholders don’t always get the job done. Maybe you’ve got a deep-pocketed part that needs a long-reach solution. Maybe you’re dealing with tight clearances on a 5-axis job. Or maybe you’re chasing better finishes and tighter tolerances, and your current setup just isn’t cutting it—literally. When that happens, you’re usually stuck waiting weeks for a custom solution. That’s where Parlec’s Turbo Turn changes the game.

Now, despite the name, this has nothing to do with turning. “Turbo Turn” refers to fast turnaround—as in, how quickly Parlec can engineer and build a custom toolholder that’s made specifically for your application. It’s all about speed, precision, and eliminating the production delays that typically come with special tooling.

Turbo Turn is Parlec’s rapid-response solution for CNC milling machines—vertical, horizontal, or 5-axis. If your part or fixture setup doesn’t play nice with standard holders, Turbo Turn gives you a made-to-order alternative that’s rigid, precise, and ready to go.
These holders are fully customized, but there are a few key areas that Parlec commonly modifies—and they make a big difference in real-world performance.

Need a specific taper? Turbo Turn supports CAT, BT, DIN, NMTB, and HSK tapers, and other options are available upon request. If you’re working with BIG-PLUS®, Ingersoll, or custom spindles, you can also request Simulfit® dual-contact tapers for better rigidity.

Coolant configuration is another big one. You can specify coolant input through the flange or center (AD/B), and set up coolant output ports or grooves to match your cutting tool’s requirements. If your operation depends on high-pressure through-coolant, Parlec can build that right in.

You can also define your gauge length exactly—no more stacking spacers or making compromises in tool reach. And if you’re running high-RPM spindles, balance holes can be added to keep everything dialed in for smoother rotation. There’s even an option for an RFID chip pocket so you can integrate tool data tracking without additional hardware clamped to the machine.

As far as interfaces, you’re not limited to just one style. Parlec’s Turbo Turn supports shrink-fit (standard and heavy wall), facemill holders (coolant or standard), and ER collet chucks across BT, CAT, and HSK formats. They even offer aerospace-specific solutions if you’re working in high-spec environments.

The big win here is that all these customizations are built into the initial design—so you’re not modifying a standard toolholder after the fact. And because Parlec builds these fast, you’re not waiting around while your job sits idle. You get exactly what your application calls for—and you get it quickly.

If you’ve been making do with compromises or waiting too long for “specials,” it’s time to look at Turbo Turn. Parlec built this program for shops that don’t have time to wait and don’t want to settle for anything less than perfect-fit performance.
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Want to dive deeper? Check out the Turbo Turn Flyer below or reach out to the team at F&L Technical Sales. We’ll work with you to design a toolholder that fits your machine, your part, and your production schedule.

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