The most common CNC machining processes

1. CNC Milling Machine

For complex shapes, CNC milling can be employed. Rotating cutting tools are utilized during the milling process. These tools can move in multiple directions while the workpiece remains stationary.

Advantages of CNC Milling

● The milling process enables the carving of intricate grooves.

● It can sculpt fine 3D contours and the most delicate notches.

● You can mill the hardest materials (like titanium) as well as softer items (like plastics).

● Tolerances can reach 0.001 (SME Journal, 2023).

When you need to produce complex parts with the finest details, CNC milling is your choice.

2. CNC Turning

For all circular and curved parts, CNC turning is the optimal choice. This process allows you to move the material. Throughout machining, the cutting tool remains perfectly positioned.

CNC turning specializes in producing components where internal parts move relative to each other. Examples include hydraulic components or engine shafts. Manufacturing such curves demands precise motion accuracy and sealing integrity.

Advantages of CNC Turning

● The process has been proven to be 30% faster than manual turning.

● Significantly improves surface finish on curved components

● Proven to be faster for high-turnover circular items in batch production

When you need rotary components and symmetry, CNC turning is the process you rely on.

3. CNC Drilling

Drilling capabilities are critical. Automated by CNC machines, it produces precise, sealed slots and holes with accuracy unattainable by manual labor. Consider manufacturing intricate components like circuit boards or automotive engines—these require drilling with extreme precision at high speeds.

Benefits of CNC Drilling

● On average, CNC drilling can process approximately 50 holes per minute, regardless of material.

● It handles complex designs.

● It automates drilling tasks that might otherwise take hours to complete.

If your project demands rapid, continuous drilling of numerous precise holes, CNC drilling is your solution.

4. CNC Grinding

The ideal method for achieving a perfect surface finish is CNC grinding. Sometimes, the surface of the part you order must be as smooth as glass. Different sides of a part may require different textures.

Grinding wheels are used in the mechanical grinding process. It is this process that enables machined surfaces to achieve specific surface finishes. The process can even be used to sharpen and dull objects.

Advantages of CNC Grinding

● It can be applied to items as large as aircraft propellers and as small as surgical scalpels.

● The process can remove microscopic imperfections.

● It excels at maintaining industry standards.

● CNC grinding can also reduce friction between moving parts.

You'll use CNC grinding when the surface of your required item must possess the highest quality finish.

5. Combining CNC Machining Processes

You may have considered combining different CNC processes. This is common across industries. A single part or tool may require milling and drilling, or grinding and turning. Therefore, combining different methods during CNC machining is not uncommon.