February 09, 2026
CNC machining is an automated subtractive manufacturing process controlled by computer programs. It precisely removes materials from a raw piece of material to ultimately produce parts or products. Producing a single part involves a lot of wasted materials and takes a long processing time, thus resulting in a high unit price. Since the entire processing procedure is controlled by computer programs, the processing accuracy is very high.
CNC Milling
According to the different processing methods, CNC machining is divided into 2 types: CNC milling and CNC turning. CNC Milling, the cutting tool rotates while the material remains fixed. The cutting tool moves along different axes to perform the cutting operation. According to the difference in the number and types of the machine tool's moving axes, CNC milling equipment is classified into 3,4,5-axis equipment.
3-Axis Machining
The 3-axis equipment allows the cutting tool to freely move along the x, y, and z axes. This processing method is used for Plate-type parts, two-dimensional contours, cavities, simple surfaces, and drilling holes, which is the most fundamental and widespread processing method.
4-Axis Machining
The 4-axis equipment builds upon the 3-axis equipment by adding a rotation axis. By rotating the material, the cutting tool can come into contact with the sides and different angles of the material, enabling one setup to machine multiple surfaces. This processing method is used for cylindrical part processing, side holes, slots, and spiral grooves on box-type parts, human models, and engraving.
5-Axis Machining
The 5-axis equipment builds upon the 4-axis equipment by adding an additional rotation axis. Two rotating axes can move simultaneously, enabling the tool to approach the material from any angle in space. The tip of the tool can maintain the optimal cutting condition. The processing accuracy has also improved. The processing tolerance of 5-axis equipment can reach ±0.001mm. It is used for aerospace parts (wing components, engine blades), medical implants (artificial joints), complex molds, high-precision military components, and automotive turbines.
CNC Turning
The processing method of CNC turning is that the material undergoes rotational motion (the main motion), while the cutting tool performs linear or curved feed motion, thereby removing the material and obtaining the desired shape and size of the part.
Based on the lathe, the technology of combined turning and milling has also been developed. It integrates a variety of processing functions such as turning, milling, drilling, tapping, and boring. This equipment realizes milling square holes, engraving characters, and milling curves on the cylindrical surface.
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