Hey there! I'm a supplier in the field of CNC Precision Machining. Today, I'm gonna share with you the different types of CNC precision machining processes.
1. Milling
Milling is one of the most common CNC precision machining processes. It uses a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece. There are two main types of milling: face milling and peripheral milling.
Face milling is used to create flat surfaces on the workpiece. The cutting tool moves perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece, and the teeth of the cutter remove material as it rotates. This process is great for making smooth, flat faces on parts like engine blocks or machine bases. For example, when we're working on CNC Machining Auto Parts, face milling can be used to create the flat mating surfaces of engine components.
Peripheral milling, on the other hand, is used to cut along the edges of the workpiece. The cutting tool moves parallel to the surface of the workpiece, and the teeth of the cutter remove material as it rotates. This process is often used to create slots, grooves, or contours on parts. For instance, if we're making a part with a specific shape for a custom machine, peripheral milling can help us achieve those detailed edges.
2. Turning
Turning is another important CNC precision machining process. In turning, the workpiece rotates while a cutting tool moves along its axis to remove material. This process is mainly used to create cylindrical parts.
We use a lathe for turning operations. There are different types of lathes, including manual lathes and automatic lathes. Automatic Metal Lathe Machining is a highly efficient option. With automatic lathes, the machine can perform a series of operations automatically, such as cutting, drilling, and threading, without much human intervention. This makes it ideal for mass - producing small to medium - sized cylindrical parts like shafts, bolts, and nuts.
When we're turning a part, we can control the diameter, length, and surface finish of the workpiece. For example, if we need to make a shaft with a specific diameter and a smooth surface finish for a high - speed motor, turning on a CNC lathe can ensure that we meet those precise requirements.
3. Drilling
Drilling is a process used to create holes in a workpiece. A drill bit is rotated and fed into the workpiece to remove material and form a hole. CNC drilling machines can accurately position the drill bit and control the depth and diameter of the hole.
There are different types of drill bits available, depending on the material of the workpiece and the requirements of the hole. For example, when drilling into Stainless Steel 440C Machining, we need to use a drill bit that is designed to handle the hardness of stainless steel 440C.
CNC drilling can also perform multiple operations, such as countersinking and counterboring. Countersinking is used to create a conical recess at the entrance of a hole, which is often used to allow the head of a screw to sit flush with the surface of the workpiece. Counterboring, on the other hand, is used to create a cylindrical recess at the entrance of a hole to accommodate the head of a bolt.
4. Grinding
Grinding is a precision machining process used to achieve very fine surface finishes and tight tolerances. It uses an abrasive wheel to remove small amounts of material from the workpiece.
There are different types of grinding operations, including surface grinding, cylindrical grinding, and internal grinding. Surface grinding is used to create flat and smooth surfaces on the workpiece. The workpiece is held on a magnetic chuck or a fixture, and the abrasive wheel moves across the surface of the workpiece to remove material.
Cylindrical grinding is used to grind the outer surface of cylindrical workpieces. The workpiece rotates while the abrasive wheel moves along its axis to remove material. This process is often used to finish parts like shafts or bearings to achieve the required surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
Internal grinding is used to grind the inner surface of holes in a workpiece. A small abrasive wheel is inserted into the hole, and it rotates and moves along the axis of the hole to remove material. This process is used to finish parts like cylinders or bushings.
5. Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
EDM is a non - traditional machining process that uses electrical discharges to remove material from the workpiece. There are two main types of EDM: wire EDM and sinker EDM.
In wire EDM, a thin wire electrode is used to cut through the workpiece. The wire is charged with an electrical current, and as it moves through the workpiece, electrical discharges occur between the wire and the workpiece, melting and vaporizing the material. This process is ideal for cutting complex shapes and profiles in hard materials, such as tool steel or carbide.


Sinker EDM, on the other hand, uses a shaped electrode to create a cavity in the workpiece. The electrode is submerged in a dielectric fluid, and electrical discharges occur between the electrode and the workpiece, removing material. This process is often used to make molds, dies, or parts with complex internal shapes.
6. Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a modern CNC precision machining process that uses a high - powered laser beam to cut through materials. The laser beam is focused on the workpiece, and the heat generated by the laser melts, burns, or vaporizes the material, creating a cut.
Laser cutting is known for its high precision, speed, and ability to cut a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and wood. It can cut complex shapes and patterns with very fine details. For example, in the automotive industry, laser cutting can be used to cut intricate parts for car interiors or engine components.
Why Choose Our CNC Precision Machining Services
As a CNC precision machining supplier, we have the expertise and equipment to handle all these different types of machining processes. We use the latest CNC technology to ensure high precision, quality, and efficiency in our production.
Our team of experienced engineers and technicians can work closely with you to understand your requirements and provide the best machining solutions. Whether you need a single prototype or a large - scale production run, we can meet your needs.
If you're in the market for high - quality CNC precision machining parts, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you bring your ideas to life and provide you with the best products at competitive prices. Contact us for a free quote and let's start the procurement negotiation process.
References
- ASM Handbook Volume 16: Machining. ASM International.
- Manufacturing Engineering & Technology by Serope Kalpakjian and Steven R. Schmid.
