What is CNC machining?

5 common types of cnc machining
July 2, 2024 Author: Tony

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What is CNC machining?

1. What is CNC machining?

what is cnc machining

The term CNC stands for “Computer Numerical Control”, it is a subtractive manufacturing process.It is typically using computer control and machine tools to remove layers of material from stock parts (called blanks or workpieces) to produce custom-designed parts. Because of this computer control, CNC machining is faster, more precise and more accurate than traditional machining.

2. What are CNC machining uses?

Our precision CNC machining services, which allow us to create complex finished parts and assemblies, as well as for plastic injection molding or die casting.

Apart from this, CNC manufacturing is also used to perform secondary drilling, tapping, and milling operations on machined parts, or parts that have been manufactured through other processes.

Because there are several specialized types of CNC machines, accordingly, CNC machining is capable of performing a variety of operations on raw materials.

3. 5 common types of CNC machining

CNC machining is divided into various types, including turning, milling, drilling, grinding, etc., widely used in various industries. Today I will share with you the 5 most common types of CNC machining in our production process:

  • CNC Turning
what is cnc machining

Turning is the process of using a CNC machine tool to rotate a machined object on an equal axis, using a turning tool to cut and form different shaped parts.

Compared with other machined, turning has high requirements for accuracy and surface finish. Equally,Turning is widely used in various industries.

  • CNC Drilling
cnc-drilling

Drilling is the use of CNC machine tools in the drill processing bottom hole.

With different shapes of the drill can be realized in different shapes of the bottom hole processing, drilling processing is also widely used in parts processing a way.

  • CNC Milling
cnc machining cnc-milling

Milling is the process of cutting the machined parts along different trajectories with the rotary tool on the CNC machine tool, which can be used for machining parts of different shapes and in different directions.

Milling is widely used in machining, mold manufacturing and other fields.

  • CNC Grinding
cnc-grinding

Grinding is the use of grinding stones and grinding wheels to cut, slash, polish and other processing of objects.

Grinding processing is widely used in mold manufacturing, gear manufacturing and other fields.

  • Cutting process
Cutting-process

Cutting machining is the process of cutting a material that has been deformed under specified requirements to the required length. In a nutshell, cutting machining is the process of separating a workpiece into parts.

Cutting processing is usually used in metal processing, steel processing, construction and other industries.

Although these five machining methods are widely used in various fields, but the final choice depends on the material or shape of your workpiece, and even the function to be realized and other characteristics.

4. What materials can we choose for CNC machining?

Almost any steel solid can be machined, including mild and stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, magnesium, titanium, and a wide range of engineering plastics.

You can view our list of commonly used materials directly.

Common Materials grade Used in CNC Projects

• Aluminium 2007
• Aluminium 2017
• Aluminium2024
• Aluminium5052
• Aluminium 6060
• Aluminium 6061
• Aluminium6063
• Aluminium6068
• Aluminium 6082
• Aluminium 7075

• Copper E-Cu57 / E-Cu58
• Copper C260
• Copper C360
• Copper C1100
• Copper T27300
• Copper T27600,
• Copper T28200

  • C3604
  • C3602
  • Brass Ms58
  • Brass C36000
  • H62(C28000, CuZn40)
  • H65(C27000, CuZn35)
  • H68(C26800, CuZn35)
  • Hpb59(C37700, CuZn38Pb2)
  • HPb62(C36000,CuZn36Pb3)
  • Stainless Steel 303
  • Stainless Steel 304
  • Stainless Steel 304L
  • Stainless Steel 316L
  • Stainless Steel 316Ti
  • Stainless Steel 416
  • Stainless Steel420
  • Stainless Steel430
  • Marine-grade stainless steel
  • Titan Grade 2 / 3.7035
  • Titan Grade 5 / 3.7164 / 3.7165 / Ti-6Al-4V
  • ABS
  • Acrylic
  • Industrial PEEK
  • Nylon 6 / PA 6
  • PC (Polycarbonate)
  • PEEK glass-filled
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • POM / Delrin acetal
  • PTFE / Teflon
  • PVDF / Polyvinylidene fluoride
  • UHMW PE / Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
  • 4130
  • 4140
  • 4340
  • 40Cr
  • 42CrMo
  • 25CrMoV
  • Q195
  • Q215
  • Q235/S235JRC
  • 1010
  • 1015
  • 1018
  • 1020
  • 1045
  • 1060
  • 1117
  • 12L14
  • 12L15
  • D2
  • A2
  • O1

Common Materials for CNC Machining

ABS is a thermoplastic polymer known for its toughness and impact resistance. It is commonly used in applications such as prototyping, automotive parts, enclosures, and consumer goods. ABS offers good strength and durability, is easy to machine, is available in various colors, and is cost-effective.

ACM panel is a lightweight composite material consisting of a thin aluminum sheet bonded to a polyethylene or fire-retardant core. It finds applications in signage, architectural cladding, exhibition displays, and interior design. ACM Panel provides excellent flatness, a high strength-to-weight ratio, weather resistance, and ease of shaping and cutting, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Baltic birch plywood is a type of plywood made from multiple layers of birch veneer. It is known for its strength and durability. It is commonly used in furniture, cabinetry, jigs, and decorative items. Baltic birch plywood offers stability, void-free construction, high strength, good screw-holding ability, and suitability for intricate cuts and engraving.

HDPE is a versatile thermoplastic known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to chemicals. It finds applications in kitchen cutting boards, marine applications, wear strips, and storage containers. HDPE is lightweight, exhibits excellent chemical resistance, has low moisture absorption, is easy to machine, and is cost-effective.

MDF is a type of engineered wood product that is manufactured by breaking down residuals of hardwood or softwood into wood fibers. These fibers are then combined with resin and compressed to form a dense and uniform board. MDF finds widespread use in applications such as cabinetry, furniture, signage, and decorative panels. One of its key advantages is the smooth and consistent surface it offers. MDF is also highly machinable, making it easy to shape and carve. Additionally, it is known for its affordability, stability, and suitability for painting and veneering processes.

Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic known for its high impact resistance and clarity. It is used in applications such as protective screens, machine guards, lenses, and electronic components. Polycarbonate exhibits excellent impact resistance, high optical clarity, ease of shaping and forming, and good electrical insulation properties.

CNC routing is commonly employed in cutting and shaping foam materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane foam. Foam is frequently used in packaging, insulation, theatrical props, and architectural modeling.

UHMW is a tough and abrasion-resistant thermoplastic with a high molecular weight. It finds applications in bearings, wear strips, conveyor components, and chute liners. UHMW offers excellent abrasion resistance, self-lubrication, low friction, and high impact strength.

Aluminum is a lightweight metal known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. It is commonly used in machine parts, common household hardware, automotive components, and enclosures. Aluminum provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, good thermal and electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance.

Brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc, known for its attractive appearance and easy machinability. It is used in applications such as decorative items, jewelry, hardware, and musical instruments. Brass also offers good corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties.

CNC routing is used to process composite materials, including fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), and other composite laminates. CFRP exhibits high strength and stiffness, is light for its strength, has excellent fatigue resistance, and low thermal expansion. This material is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and sports industrie

5. Why choose Allied metal for CNC machining?

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