What Is CNC Machining? The Complete Basics to Get Started

Achieve high-precision parts with complex geometries using our 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling centers. From prototyping to mold making, we deliver tight-tolerance components in a wide range of metals and plastics.

CNC machining, controlled by computers, produces high-precision parts and components. In this process, a computer program controls the movement of the cutting tools, which the CNC programming controls to remove material from a workpiece to create a finished part.

The History of CNC Machining

Its history can be traced back to the 1940s

  • Express Air Shipping: The fastest method, perfect for urgent parts or tight deadlines. Higher cost, but ideal when time is critical.
  • Standard Air Freight: A balanced option offering reliable delivery within a few days at a lower cost than express air. Suitable for most mid-urgency projects.
  • Sea Freight: Best for large-volume or heavy shipments with flexible lead times. It’s the most cost-effective method for long-distance international shipping.
  • Rail and Trucking: Great for regional and cross-border transport, especially within connected countries. Lower cost than air and faster than sea in some cases.

How CNC Machining Works?

Contemporary CNC systems focus on minimizing human intervention as much as possible. This ensures consistent and continuous performance, which facilitates smart manufacturing and delivers excellent results.

Contemporary CNC systems focus on minimizing human intervention as much as possible. This ensures consistent and continuous performance, which facilitates smart manufacturing and delivers excellent results.

However, CNC manufacturing requires careful consideration from the initial design to the final manufacturing. The entire process works in three different steps:

Common CNC Operations Across the Industry

  1. Express Air Shipping: The fastest method, perfect for urgent parts or tight deadlines. Higher cost, but ideal when time is critical.
  2. Standard Air Freight: A balanced option offering reliable delivery within a few days at a lower cost than express air. Suitable for most mid-urgency projects.
  3. Sea Freight: Best for large-volume or heavy shipments with flexible lead times. It’s the most cost-effective method for long-distance international shipping.
  4. Rail and Trucking: Great for regional and cross-border transport, especially within connected countries. Lower cost than air and faster than sea in some cases.
Materials Description Price
ABS Durable, impact-resistant, easily machinable, good thermal stability, suitable for detailed CNC machining. $$$
PC High impact strength, excellent transparency, heat-resistant, machinable, ideal for precision parts requiring clarity. $$$
PMMA (Acrylic) Excellent optical clarity, UV resistant, good machinability, ideal for aesthetically critical components. $$$
POM High stiffness, low friction, excellent dimensional stability, good wear resistance, ideal for precision parts. $$$

CNC milling is a highly precise and versatile machining process used to remove material from a solid block to create a specific shape or design. It involves the use of a CNC system to manipulate a multi-point cutting tool, typically a milling cutter, with extreme accuracy. During this process, the workpiece is securely mounted on a table, and the milling cutter is rotated at high speeds to systematically chip away at the material. This method is particularly effective for generating flat surfaces, but its capabilities extend far beyond simple shapes.