CNC machining is a computer-controlled subtractive manufacturing process that removes material from blocks or sheet stock to create finished parts. This article explains its ability to produce complex geometries from digital surface data, work with materials ranging from metals and plastics to wood and modeling board, and achieve high accuracy and surface quality. It also compares three common equipment categories: industrial CNC milling centers for repeatable metal parts, compact desktop machines for schools and hobby use, and CNC routers for profile cutting in woodworking.
CNC machining is a computer-controlled machining process and a subtractive digital manufacturing technology. It rapidly removes material from a solid block or sheet to create the final shape. Compared with traditional and manual machining, CNC machining offers many advantages. Most notably, it can produce highly complex surface geometries directly from computer files.
CNC machining supports a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, foam, modeling board, and wood. Material costs can be lower than those required for 3D printing, while surface quality and accuracy can be very high. Because CNC machining uses 3D surface data, a fully solid 3D model is not always required.
CNC machining centers are high-end industrial machines. These heavy-duty machines were primarily developed to cut metal. Their tool-changing systems allow them to selectively perform different machining operations, including milling, drilling, and tapping. Their function is to manufacture many identical parts with closely controlled tolerances and specifications. High cost, large floor-space requirements, and power requirements mean that this equipment is mainly used in industrial settings.
Smaller CNC machines have been developed to meet the needs of woodworkers and hobbyists. Suitable materials include wood, plastics, and polyurethane modeling board. Because they are easy to operate and occupy little space, these machines are also suitable for making product models in schools.
CNC routers are relatively large machines developed mainly for woodworking. Their X and Y travel ranges are usually much larger than their Z travel range, so they are mainly used to cut profiles. In general, the cutting head is a high-speed router fitted with an end mill. These machines are often called gantry machines because the machine frame moves over the sheet material on all three axes.
Because CNC machining is specialized work, operation requires professional training and guidance.
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