CNC Machining – What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

 CNC Machining – What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

CNC machining is a broad manufacturing category that includes many different computer-controlled processes where raw material is selectively removed in exact amounts to produce a near-final shape of parts. That’s why it’s considered subtractive, as opposed to additive manufacturing or 3D printing. Standard CNC machining processes include milling, turning, surface grinding and electrical discharge machining (EDM) although there are other specialized applications. Whenever a machine is digitally controlled there must always be a 3D CAD file of the part design which is used to program the machine’s movements.

CNC machining is used on many common metals such as aluminum, brass, mild and stainless steels, magnesium and titanium. It can also be used on rigid or engineering-grade plastic resins. We employ it every day to make not only finished parts but also tools and dies that are used for plastic injection molding and pressure die casting.

Because of the reliability and precision afforded by modern tools controlled with sophisticated software, CNC machining is an ideal rapid prototyping and production volume solution for making complex end-use parts with very tight tolerances.

One of the great advantages to CNC machining is its versatility. It is highly flexible and adaptable to many shapes and sizes of parts, and because there is no need for fixed tooling one part can be made just as easily as one thousand. CNC machined components are full strength and they have excellent surface finishes. You can choose to put them into service immediately or they can be further processed with additional treatments such as plating, polishing, anodizing, painting and more.

Curious as to how a CNC machine works? Interact with our diagram below to learn more about the main features of a CNC milling center.