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Overview: How CNC machining works?

What Is CNC Machining

CNC is the abbreviation of "computer numerical control", CNC machining is a kind of manufacturing process that instructs the operation of equipment and tools through programmed computer. This process can control various complicated machinery, such as CNC milling machine, CNC lathe, CNC laser machine, water jet machine, electric discharge machine (EDM), to complete the three-dimensional cutting task.


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How CNC Machining Works

After activating the CNC system, the product file will be programmed into the software and assigned to the corresponding tools and machinery. These tools and machinery will perform the specified cutting tasks. The CNC machining process includes the following stages:

  • Design CAD Model

  • Convert CAD file to CNC program

  • Prepare CNC machine and tools

  • CNC Machining operations

Main Processes Of CNC Machining

  • CNC Milling: Use a multi-point rotating tool to remove material from the workpiece. Basic mills consist of a 3-axis system (X, Y and Z), which is still one of the most popular and widely used machining processes. In 3-axis machining, the workpiece remains fixed, and the rotating tool cuts along the x, y, and z axes. Meanwhile, most newer mills can accommodate two additional axis, 4-axis CNC machining and 5-axis CNC machining have higher versatility, and they are often used in the production of high-precision parts.

  • CNC Turning: Use a single-point cutting tools to remove material from the rotating workpiece. In CNC turning, the CNC machine, typically a lathe or turning machine, feeds the cutting tool in a linear motion along the surface of the rotating workpiece, removing material around the circumference until the desired diameter is achieved. Most CNC lathes consist of two axis, X and Z.


Features of CNC Machining

  • Fast and Repeatable

    Quick removal of large amounts of metal material, parts ready as fast as 1 day

  • Accuracy

    High-precision tolerances ranging from +/-0.005″ – 0.01″, depending on customer specs.

  • Wide Range of Materials

    Choose from over 50 metal and plastic materials.

  • Scalable Volume

    CNC Machining has scalable volumes for production of 1-100,000 parts.

  • Custom Surface Finishes

    Suitable for many different kinds of substrates, make your parts just the same as real products.

  • Cost Saving

    Low investment in tooling and preparation costs, economical for parts with simple structure.

CNC Machining Processes

CNC Common materials

MetalPlastic
Aluminum (4 types)ABS (3 types)
Stainless steel (5 types)Polycarbonate (PC) (1 types)
Brass (1 types)Nylon (2 types)
Copper (1 types)Polypropylene (PP) (1 types)
Titanium (1 types)POM (1 types)
Mild steel (3 types)PTFE (Teflon) (1 types)
Alloy steel (3 types)PMMA (Acrylic) (1 types)
Tool steel (6 types)Polyethylene (PE) (1 types)
Spring steel (1 types)PEEK (1 types)

Bakelite (1 types)

FR4 (1 types)

Rubber (1 types)

Carbon Fiber (1 types)

Custom Sourced Materials

A variety of CNC machined metal and plastic part options are available for an instant online quote. If you do not see the material stock you are looking for, please choose "Custom" under the material drop-down on your quote page and submit for an expert engineering review once you have specified features, tolerances, inspection needs, and quantities required.


Our standard surface finishes

Here is a list of standard surface finishes. For custom surface finishes such as electroplating or polishing, please contact sales@365pcb.com.


Standard (As-Milled) (Ra 125μin)Bead blast + Anodized color
AnodizedElectrically conductive oxidation
Black oxideBrushed
Bead BlastSpray painting -Matt paint
Spray painting - High gloss paintPowder coat -Matt
Powder coat -High glossChrome plating
GalvanizationNickel plating
Silver platingGold plating
Tin platingVacuum plating -High gloss paint
Vacuum plating -Matt paint#1000 sanding
SilkscreenLaser engraving
Smooth machining (Ra1.6um, 63 μin)Chemical conversion coat (Chem film)
ElectrophoresisPassivation
EtchingElectropolished (Ra0.8um, 32uin)
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)Pickling
OthersDyeing


Dedicated Engineering & Support Team

Contact our expert team for personalized assistance. Email us at sales@365pcb.com for project inquiries.

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