There are several types of CNC machining processes-Hongming Sheng

Postion: Home > Our Case > CNC Machining Services >

Our Service

We specialize in sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, metal stamping, welding, and assembly. Our one-stop support helps save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.

our factory operates under an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system to ensure consistent quality and reliable delivery.

There are several types of CNC machining processes

Different CNC Processes Are Used for Different Part Features

CNC machining is not a single manufacturing method. Milling, turning, drilling, grinding, EDM, and other processes are selected according to part geometry, material, tolerances, surface requirements, and production needs.

Understanding the differences helps engineers choose a more practical manufacturing route before quotation or production.

1. CNC Milling

PROCESS 01

CNC Milling

CNC milling uses rotating cutting tools while the workpiece is held in position. The cutter removes material from different directions to create complex non-cylindrical geometry.

Typical features:pockets, slots, holes, flat surfaces, contours, mounting faces, and complex profiles.

Typical parts:housings, brackets, plates, fixtures, blocks, equipment components, and custom mechanical parts.

2. CNC Turning

PROCESS 02

CNC Turning

CNC turning rotates the workpiece while a cutting tool removes material. It is mainly used for parts with rotational or cylindrical geometry.

Typical features:outside diameters, bores, grooves, shoulders, tapers, and threads.

Typical parts:shafts, bushings, sleeves, pins, adapters, spacers, and fittings.

3. Drilling, Boring & Tapping

PROCESS 03

Hole-Making Operations

Hole features often require more than a basic drilling operation. Different tools can be selected according to diameter, depth, tolerance, thread, and functional requirements.

● Drilling: creates the initial round hole

● Boring: enlarges or refines an existing hole

● Reaming: improves hole size and finish when required

● Tapping: creates internal threads

4. Multi-Axis CNC Machining

PROCESS 04

3-Axis, 4-Axis & 5-Axis Machining

Additional machine axes allow the cutting tool to reach more sides of a component without repeatedly repositioning the part.

3-axis:common for standard milling features and multi-face parts with conventional setups.

4-axis:useful when rotational positioning or machining around a part is required.

5-axis:can support complex geometry and difficult tool-access directions when suitable.

5. Grinding

PROCESS 05

Precision Grinding

Grinding uses an abrasive wheel to remove small amounts of material. It is often used after machining when a project requires refined dimensions, flatness, roundness, or surface finish.

Typical uses:shafts, tooling components, hardened parts, precision surfaces, and finishing operations.

6. EDM

PROCESS 06

Electrical Discharge Machining

EDM removes conductive material through controlled electrical discharge rather than conventional cutting.

Useful for:hard materials, narrow slots, sharp internal features, tooling components, and geometries that may be difficult to reach with conventional cutters.

Common methods include wire EDM and sinker EDM.

How to Choose the Right CNC Process

Part Requirement	Common Process
Flat surfaces, pockets, slots, complex profiles	CNC Milling
Cylindrical or rotational geometry	CNC Turning
Round holes and threaded holes	Drilling / Boring / Reaming / Tapping
Complex multi-face geometry	Multi-Axis CNC Milling
Fine dimensional or surface finishing	Grinding
Hard conductive material or difficult internal features	EDM

What About Laser Cutting & Waterjet Cutting?

Many Parts Require More Than One Process

A finished CNC component may require several operations. For example, a shaft can be turned first, then milled for flats and cross holes, followed by grinding or surface finishing.

MachiningMilling, turning, drilling, threading, and multi-axis machining

Secondary WorkDeburring, finishing, machining after fabrication, and assembly when specified

InspectionCritical dimensions checked according to agreed drawings and project requirements

What Information Helps Select the Process?

Not Sure Which CNC Process Fits Your Part?

Send your drawing, CAD model, material, quantity, finish, and critical requirements. Our engineering team can review the geometry and suggest a practical machining route for quotation.

Customer drawings, CAD files, samples, and technical specifications are treated as confidential. NDA support is available for OEM projects.

Email:info@hms1688.com

Send CNC Drawing