CNC machining is not one process but a family of them. Understanding the main types is the first step to knowing which one your part needs.
The Core Types
- CNC milling - a rotating cutter removes material to make flats, slots, pockets, and complex 3D shapes
- CNC turning - the part rotates against a fixed tool to make cylindrical parts like shafts and bushings
- 5-axis machining - the tool tilts and rotates to reach complex geometry in fewer setups
- Swiss machining - small, precise turned parts made on sliding-headstock lathes
- CNC grinding - abrasive finishing for the tightest tolerances and finest surfaces
How to Choose
Flat parts and housings go to milling. Round parts go to turning. Complex geometry with angled features goes to 5-axis. Small, high-precision pins go to Swiss. Hardened parts that need tight tolerance go to grinding. Most parts combine at least two of these.
For the full overview of every CNC process, read Types of CNC Machining.
IsoCNC runs milling, turning, 5-axis, Swiss, and grinding in-house, and recommends the right process for your part.