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.

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
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.
Quick removal of large amounts of metal material, parts ready as fast as 1 day
High-precision tolerances ranging from +/-0.005″ – 0.01″, depending on customer specs.
Choose from over 50 metal and plastic materials.
CNC Machining has scalable volumes for production of 1-100,000 parts.
Suitable for many different kinds of substrates, make your parts just the same as real products.
Low investment in tooling and preparation costs, economical for parts with simple structure.
| Metal | Plastic |
| 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) |
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.
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 |
| Anodized | Electrically conductive oxidation |
| Black oxide | Brushed |
| Bead Blast | Spray painting -Matt paint |
| Spray painting - High gloss paint | Powder coat -Matt |
| Powder coat -High gloss | Chrome plating |
| Galvanization | Nickel plating |
| Silver plating | Gold plating |
| Tin plating | Vacuum plating -High gloss paint |
| Vacuum plating -Matt paint | #1000 sanding |
| Silkscreen | Laser engraving |
| Smooth machining (Ra1.6um, 63 μin) | Chemical conversion coat (Chem film) |
| Electrophoresis | Passivation |
| Etching | Electropolished (Ra0.8um, 32uin) |
| PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) | Pickling |
| Others | Dyeing |
Contact our expert team for personalized assistance. Email us at sales@365pcb.com for project inquiries.