...

Aerospace

Provide efficient production and faster design to delivery.

Automotive

Produce precision parts that exceed industry standards.

Automation

Create and test products quickly to bring them to market.

Consumer Products

Bring new, affordable products to market faster.

Communication

Empower to innovate faster, maximizing performance.

Electronics

Innovation in enclosures for low-volume production.

Industrial Equipment

Deliver machinery that beats the competition.

New Energy

Speed up innovation and development.

Medical Devices

Build prototypes and products that adhere to medical safety.

Robotics

Improve efficiency with precise, fast, and constant part quality.

Semiconductor

Drive time-to-market through on-demand production.

CNC Machining for Aerospace

The extremely high level of precision needed within the aerospace industry makes CNC machining a suitable manufacturing process for the sector.

 

This article provides you with a complete guide to aerospace machining and its importance.

 

Blog

Gain valuable insights into manufacturing processes.

News

Company news, platform updates, holiday announcement.

eBooks

Improve manufacturing know-how with our eBooks collection.

Case Studies

Learn successful stories to inspire your project.

Surface Finishes

Select from 30+ surface finishing options.

Materials

Choose from 50+ metals and plastics for your project.

CNC Machining eBook

If you want to produce high-quality machined parts with a sleek appearance, it’s essential to consider some critical factors related to CNC machining. 

 

Here, we’ve gathered some basic information and important considerations to help you achieve the desired results.

About RapidDirect

Our vision, mission, development history, and dedicated team.

Our Platform

Get instant quotes with our smart online platform.

Quality Assurance

Deliver quality parts that meet requirements and exceed expectations.

Contact Us

Instant Quote for Sheet Metal Fabrication and New Homepage

Exciting news from RapidDirect!  We’ve rolled out two exciting updates to enhance your manufacturing journey. 

  • Instant Quote for Sheet Metal Fabrication
  • A brand-new Homepage Experience

CNC Machining 101: Get to Know CNC Machining Basics

what is cnc machining 1

Published:  April 19, 2022         Reading Time:  About 3 minutes

cnc machining whitepaper

Ultimate Guide to CNC Machining

The comprehensive guide provides you with the basics, design considerations, materials, surface finish, cost, and more about CNC machining to help you create quality machined parts with aesthetic appearance.

Despite CNC machining being a long-standing presence in our lives, it’s surprising that some people remain unfamiliar with this manufacturing process. Have you ever wondered how companies acquire intricate machine parts? The answer lies in CNC machining.

This process extends beyond machine parts and serves as a crucial manufacturing technique for individuals seeking hands-free production. If you’re new to the world of CNC machining, we understand that you may not be fully prepared. That’s why we offer CNC Machining Basics, providing you with the foundational knowledge of this process.

What Is CNC Machining?

what is cnc machining

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses computerized machine tools to make a custom-designed part. A computer uses programming codes to direct machine tools to chip at (subtract) a material. This is until the material forms the input designed part.  

How CNC Machining Works?

In order to further grab the basics of CNC machining, it is crucial to know how CNC machining works. From the definition, CNC machining is a subtractive and computerized process. Therefore, knowing how it works comes from understanding the relationship between the computer, the required operations, and the workpiece.  

Based on this relationship, CNC machining’s mechanism can be divided into four different stages, which we explained below.

  • Create A CAD Design

Creating a Computer-Aided Design either in 2D or 3D format is the first thing to do. You can achieve this by using CAD software. With the software, you can render any parts you want with the right technical specifications. However, there is a little limitation. The workpiece’s properties have a huge role to play in the design and how it turns out. We will discuss this under CNC machining materials.

  • Convert the CAD File to A CNC Program

The next step is converting the CAD file to a CNC-compatible file format. The CNC program will analyze the CAD file to generate the programming codes needed for the process.

There are two types of code you should be familiar with in CNC machining basics. These are the G-code (Geometric Code) and M-code (Machine Code). G-code controls the machine’s actions. For example, it controls how it moves, when it moves, how fast it moves, the path it takes, etc. On the other hand, the M-code controls the factors that surround the machine’s capabilities. For example, it controls the removal and replacement of the machine cover.

  • Set Up  the CNC Machine

Setting up the CNC machine is done in two ways. One is that you must run a check on the CNC machine to ascertain its condition. The second thing is fixing the workpiece on the machine. You can fix the workpiece directly into the machine while you attach the required tools and components.

  • Execute the Operation

After setting up the CNC machine, you can then run the CNC program. The CNC program is the control center for all the actions of the CNC machine. It commands the machine by dictating its actions and movements toward getting the right result.

Modern CNC machining like ours at Rapid Direct only requires you to upload a CAD file. The CNC program will analyze the CAD file to make sure the design is possible.

Common CNC Machining Operations

Understanding CNC machining operations is essential to grasp the full concept of CNC machining. There are two significant operations that you need to be aware of, and we will demystify them for you below.

CNC Milling

cnc milling

Milling in CNC machining is cutting away part of a workpiece using rotating cutting tools.

There are two processes in CNC milling. The automatic process allows a CNC machine to feed the workpiece directly into the cutting tool rotation. The feeding direction is always in the direction of the cutting tool’s rotation. The other is manual CNC milling, which is always the opposite of the cutting tool’s rotation.

CNC Milling allows you to perform two major types of operations:

  • Face Milling: This is used for cutting shallow surfaces, flat surfaces, and flat-bottomed cavities.
  • Peripheral CNC Milling: This is for cutting deep cavities on the workpiece.

CNC Turning

cnc turning

In CNC machining, turning refers to the process of removing material from a workpiece while it rotates on a single axis. The definition may sound complex, but let’s simplify it with an example. Imagine a bolt and a nut. CNC turning is the process of creating the spiral external and internal parts of these two components using CNC machining.

CNC Turning allows you to perform the following operations:

  • Boring.
  • Facing
  • Grooving.
  • Thread cutting.

Depending on your CAD file and specific requirements, there are other available CNC machining operations to consider. Below, we outline some of these additional options for you to explore.

  • Drilling.
  • Broaching.
  • Sawing.
  • Grinding.
  • Honing.
  • Lapping.

Pros and Cons of CNC Machining

Understanding the basics of CNC machining involves recognizing its advantages and disadvantages, just like any other machining process. Here are some of the pros and cons of utilizing CNC machining.

Pros

  • Precision

CNC machines are precise. Therefore, they are employed in sectors that deal with human lives. You wouldn’t want to board a plane made from materials subjected to a flawed manufacturing process. This makes them the right manufacturing process for the aviation, and automotive industries.

  • Accuracy

CNC machines have high accuracy, which allows them to produce parts without worrying about whether they will fit into a bigger component.

  • Versatility

CNC machining offers various options in terms of materials supported. You should know whether the material is compatible with the process before using it. Check for factors such as heat tolerance, sheer resistance, and hardness.     

Cons

  • Cost

Enjoying the pros of CNC machining comes with a very high cost. However, it is better to go on with it because of the advantages, such as accuracy and precision.

  • Size limitation

CNC machining supports materials that can withstand the manufacturing process. However, there is a size limitation. This can lead to problems when manufacturing large parts.

CNC Machining Materials

cnc machining materials

CNC Machining 101 cannot be completed without knowing the materials suitable for the process. To be precise, you can use any material for the process. However, the material must be able to withstand the heavy requirements of the manufacturing process.

You can say that choosing a material for CNC machining depends on the material’s specifications and the manufacturing process. Examples of materials suitable for the process and supported by us at Rapid Direct are:  

  • Aluminum.
  • Copper.
  • Brass / Bronze.
  • Steel.
  • Stainless Steel.
  • Titanium.
  • Plastics.
  • Wood.

You can find the full list of our supported materials on our instant quoting platform. Upload your design files and start your project today!

Try RapidDirect Now!

CNC Machining Applications

We are at the end of CNC machining 101, and the last thing you need to know is CNC machining basic applications. Due to its versatility and other advantages, CNC machining has a wide range of applications in different industrial sectors. Below are the top industries that use CNC machining.

  • Automotive

The automotive industry incorporated CNC machining into its manufacturing process because it helps them make prototypes and real products with high accuracy and precision.

  • Consumers Electronics

While it might be surprising, CNC machining is very prominent in consumer electronics. Companies such as Apple use CNC machining in their production. For example, the Apple MacBook’s chassis comes from aluminum subjected to CNC machining.

  • Aviation/Military

The two industrial sectors are frequent users of CNC machining. This is because it can produce on-demand replacement and upgraded versions of any parts.

whitepaper cnc machining 1

Ultimate Guide to CNC Machining

Looking to create quality machined parts with an aesthetic appeal? Our comprehensive guide to CNC machining has got you covered! We cover all the basics, design considerations, materials, surface finishes, and costs associated with CNC machining.

Don’t settle for less – take your machining game to the next level and download our guide today!

Make Rapid Direct Your First Choice for CNC Machining

Having a basic knowledge of CNC machining can help you stay relevant in this industrial age. With this article, you will be exposed to the basics of CNC machining. This article demystified the process. It showed what makes the process special and why many industries are incorporating it into their manufacturing process.

CNC machining is popular. This is evident in the adoption of the process in many industrial settings. It is also evident in the number of companies that offer to bring the service to people/companies that need it. At Rapid Direct, we are very good at what we do.

Therefore, when you choose us, you get to enjoy many benefits. For instance, you get an instant online quotation once you upload your CAD file into our system. What makes ours unique is that this takes not more than one minute. You also get to enjoy DFM (Design for Manufacturing) analysis, which determines whether the parts are manufacturable or not. Apart from that, you can always enjoy professional suggestions provided by our engineering team. Upload your design files and start your project today!

FAQ

What is a CNC Machining?

CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses computerized machine tools to make a custom-designed part.

What Is the Difference Between G-Code And M-Code?

G-code and M-code are the two types of code in CNC programming. G-code controls the machine’s actions, for example, how it moves, when it moves, how fast it moves, the path it takes, etc. M-code controls other miscellaneous factors that surround the machine’s capabilities.

What Does CNC Stand For?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control.

Share This Post
Subscribe Our Newsletter

    cnc machining whitepaper

    Ultimate Guide to CNC Machining

    The comprehensive guide provides you with the basics, design considerations, materials, surface finish, cost, and more about CNC machining to help you create quality machined parts with aesthetic appearance.

    Recent Blog Posts

    precision and accuracy in cnc machining
    CNC Machining

    Precision vs Accuracy in Machining: Key Differences

    How do you know whether the machined parts are precise and accurate or not? Different inspections and measurements are used to...
    Read More
    what is vapor polishing
    Surface Finish

    Vapor Polishing for Smooth, Glossy Surfaces: A Complete Guide

    Have you ever wondered how to achieve a flawless, glossy finish on plastic parts, especially when surface imperfections aren't immediately...
    Read More
    multi axis machining for precision parts
    CNC Machining

    What is Multi-axis Machining? Why Precision Matters

    Multi-axis computer numerical control machining is a term that is viable in the future with the ever-growing industrialization. It allows...
    Read More
    Try RapidDirect
    now, for free