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CNC Machining Blog

The YuanYi blog shares practical knowledge from our day-to-day experience in CNC machining and precision manufacturing. We write to help engineers, designers, and buyers better understand materials, machining methods, tolerances, surface finishes, and part design, making it easier to plan projects and make better manufacturing decisions.

CNC end mill cutting tool showing flutes, cutting edges, shank, and tool geometry
What Is an End Mill? Types, Uses & Selection Guide

An end mill is a rotary cutting tool used in CNC milling to machine slots, pockets,...

CNC tool deflection showing a long end mill bending while machining a deep aluminum pocket
CNC Tool Deflection: Causes, Effects & How to Reduce It

Tool deflection occurs when a cutting tool bends slightly under machining forces, causing the cutting edge...

CNC deburring process showing external edge hole exit and internal cross hole burrs on an aluminum manifold
Deburring in CNC Machining: Methods, Tools & Design Guidelines
Deburring removes unwanted raised metal from CNC-machined edges and holes. Cutting, brushing, and abrasive methods are...
CNC knurling process creating a diamond pattern on an aluminum cylindrical part using knurling wheels
Knurling in CNC Machining: Types, Methods & Design Guidelines

Knurling is a machining process that creates a repeating pattern of straight, diagonal, or diamond-shaped ridges...

First article inspection of a CNC machined aluminum bracket using a CMM and engineering drawing
First Article Inspection (FAI): Process, Report & CNC Machining Guide

First Article Inspection (FAI) is a documented verification process used to confirm that a manufacturing process...

CNC undercut machining using a lollipop cutter to machine a hidden groove inside an aluminum housing
CNC Undercuts: Types, Machining Methods & Design Guidelines

CNC undercuts are recessed features that cannot be fully reached by a standard end mill from...

Tolerance stack up analysis in a CNC machined aluminum housing assembly showing accumulated dimensions and axial clearance
Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis: Worst-Case vs RSS With Examples

Tolerance stack-up analysis calculates how dimensional variations from multiple parts combine to affect the fit and...

Deep hole drilling process showing a long drill machining a deep hole in a CNC aluminum component
Deep Hole Drilling: Methods, Challenges & CNC Design Guidelines

Deep hole drilling is a machining process used to produce holes with a high depth-to-diameter ratio....

Dowel pin hole tolerances showing precision steel locating pins fitted into CNC machined aluminum plates
Dowel Pin Hole Tolerances: Press Fit, Slip Fit & Size Guide

Dowel pin hole tolerance determines whether a locating pin fits tightly, slides freely, or requires force...

Reaming vs boring comparison showing a multi-flute reamer and single-point boring tool machining aluminum holes
Reaming vs Boring: Differences, Accuracy, Surface Finish & Cost

The main difference between reaming and boring is how they improve an existing hole. Reaming uses...

Metric and imperial clearance hole size chart illustrated with CNC machined aluminum plates and screws
Clearance Hole Size Chart: Metric & Imperial Screw Sizes

A clearance hole is an unthreaded hole slightly larger than a screw or bolt, allowing the...

Ball bearing dimensions showing inner diameter, outer diameter, and width of a 6205 bearing
Ball Bearing Sizes Chart: Dimensions, Codes & Fit Guide

Ball bearing sizes are defined by three dimensions: inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and width....

Common types of non-ferrous metals including aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, titanium, magnesium and nickel alloy
What Are Non-Ferrous Metals? Types, Properties & Applications

Non-ferrous metals are metals and alloys in which iron is not the primary base metal. Common...

Engineering composite materials including carbon fiber, fiberglass, metal matrix and ceramic composites
What Is a Composite Material? Types, Properties, Examples & Uses

A composite material is made by combining two or more different materials to create properties that...

Anodized CNC aluminum parts in black blue and clear finishes
Aluminum Anodizing Guide: Types, Colors, Thickness & CNC Design Tips

Aluminum anodizing is an electrochemical surface treatment that converts the outer surface of aluminum into a...

Cast iron vs steel properties differences and CNC machining
Cast Iron vs Steel: Differences, Properties & CNC Machining Guide

Cast iron and steel are both iron-based materials, but they behave very differently in manufacturing and...

Galvanized steel vs aluminum for CNC machining
Galvanized Steel vs Aluminum: Which Is Better for CNC Machining?

Galvanized steel generally offers higher stiffness, higher absolute strength, and lower raw material cost. Aluminum is...

Types of gears
Types of Gears: Differences, Applications and How to Choose

Gears transfer motion and power between rotating parts, but different gear types behave very differently. Spur...

Acetal vs Delrin
Acetal vs Delrin: Key Differences, Properties and Machining

Acetal and Delrin are closely related, but they are not exactly the same material. Acetal is...

Sheet Metal Gauge Chart
Sheet Metal Gauge Chart: Steel, Stainless, Aluminum & More

Use the sheet metal gauge charts below to convert common gauge numbers into thickness in inches...

What is aluminum's symbol Al
What Is Aluminum’s Symbol? Chemical Symbol Al Explained

The chemical symbol for aluminum is Al, and its atomic number is 13. The symbol uses...

What is the softest metal cesium comparison
What Is the Softest Metal? Properties, Hardness & Comparison

Cesium is generally considered the softest solid metal, with a Mohs hardness of about 0.2. It...

Density of iron
Density of Iron: kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/in³ & Weight Calculation

The density of pure iron is approximately 7.87 g/cm³, equal to 7,870 kg/m³ or about 0.284...

What Are Metalloids
What Are Metalloids? Elements, Properties, and Uses Explained

Metalloids are elements that have properties between metals and nonmetals. They may look metallic, but they...

CNC operator setting up a CNC milling machine in a modern workshop
How to Use a CNC Machine: Basic Operation Steps

Using a CNC machine means preparing the machine, setting up the workpiece and tools, running the...

Comparison of 3+2 axis machining and simultaneous 5 axis machining on a complex aluminum part
3+2 Axis vs Simultaneous 5 Axis Machining: Which Should You Choose?

When searching for 5-axis machining services, many people come across two machining methods: 3+2-axis machining and...

5-axis CNC machining software optimizing toolpaths for complex curved aluminum components
How 5 axis machining software improves complex part production

Many people assume that high-quality 5-axis machining mainly depends on the CNC machine itself. In reality,...

5-axis CNC machine cutting a complex aluminum part
What Can a 5-Axis CNC Machine Do? Common Questions Answered

A 5-axis CNC machine can machine a part from more directions compared to a standard 3-axis...

5 Axis on a CNC Machine
What Are the 5 Axis on a CNC Machine? X, Y, Z, A and B Axis Explained

Walk into any manufacturing workshop equipped with a 5-axis machining center, and you’ll hear engineers discussing...

CNC system
What Is a CNC System? A Complete Guide to Components & Functions

If we compare a CNC machine to the human body, then the CNC system is equivalent...

cnc machining tools
What Are CNC Machining Tools? Types, Uses & Tool List Explained

Machining tools refer to the tools and equipment used in the machining process to cut material,...

Understanding the 5-axis CNC machine
What Are the 5 Axes on a CNC Machine? Understanding X, Y, Z, A & B Axes

Simply put, a 5-axis CNC machine tool consists of three linear axes (X, Y, Z) and...

metal clippers tool
How to Use Metal Clippers Tool: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cuts

Discover the ultimate guide to metal cutting tools. Learn how to choose and use the best...

cutting tools electrical
How to Master Cutting Tools Electrical: A Step-by-Step Guide to Selection and Operation

Master cutting tools electrical with our complete guide. Explore best practices, technical specs & industry applications....

plasma-cutting-capabilities
How to Master Plasma Cutting Capabilities: A Step-by-Step Guide to Advanced Techniques

Unlock the full potential of plasma cutting capabilities with our complete guide. Learn best practices, key...

how-do-plasma-cutters-work
How Do Plasma Cutters Work: Your Ultimate Guide to Principles & Applications

Discover how plasma cutters work in our complete guide. Learn key principles, best practices, and advanced...

CNC machining datum reference showing precision part positioning
What Are Datums in CNC Machining? Definition, Types, and Applications

A datum in CNC machining serves as a theoretical reference point, line, or plane that helps...

CNC machining tolerances inspection using CMM measurement
CNC Machining Tolerances: Standards and Accuracy

Modern CNC machining tolerances are influenced by several factors such as the machine’s performance, the characteristics...

CNC wire EDM machine cutting a metal workpiece in a precision machining workshop
What Is a CNC Wire Cut Machine? Wire EDM Process Explained

Wire EDM is like slowly cutting through a metal material with a “live wire.” Its cutting...

CNC milling center
What Is a CNC Machine Shop?

A CNC machine shop is a manufacturing facility that uses CNC machine tools to produce custom...

Engineer reviewing a CAD model for 5-axis CNC machining design and DFM analysis
How to Design Parts for 5 Axis CNC Machining: Practical DFM Tips

Five-Axis Machining does indeed allow access to parts from multiple angles and reduces the number of...

5-axis CNC programming with CAM toolpaths for complex aluminum part
What Is 5-Axis CNC Programming? Toolpaths, CAM & Simulation

5-axis CNC programming is the process of creating toolpaths for a 5-axis CNC machine. The programmer...

What is Rapid Prototyping
What Is Rapid Prototyping? Methods & CNC Applications

Rapid prototyping plays an important role in the development of products.It allows for the fast production...

What is broaching machining
What Is Broaching Machining? How It Works, Types & Common Applications

In modern mechanical manufacturing, CNC milling and CNC turning are widely known, while broaching machining is...

What Is a CNC Router Machine
What Is a CNC Router Machine? Everything You Need to Know

A CNC router is a machining device that uses computer programs to automatically control the movement...

What Is Electron Beam Machining
What Is Electron Beam Machining? Process, Advantages & Applications

Electron Beam Machining is a high-precision, non-traditional machining process that utilizes the high energy generated by...

What Is Runout in Machining
What Is Runout in Machining? Causes, Effects & How to Reduce It

In CNC machining, even if the machine tool has very high precision, runout in the cutting...

How to Program a CNC Machine
How to Program a CNC Machine: A Beginner’s Guide

CNC programming typically involves creating a CAD model, generating toolpaths in CAM software, outputting G-code, and...

wood design cutting machine
Choosing the Best Wood Design Cutting Machine for Your Workshop

Discover everything you need to know about wood design cutting machine prices, from choosing the right...

precision milling
Precision Milling for Metal: Best Practices for Top-Quality Results

Find out how precision milling machines help create high-quality parts. This guide explores the best practices,...

best desktop cnc router
Mastering Precision with Desktop CNC Milling Machines: A Complete Guide

Find the perfect best desktop CNC router for your workshop. Our guide compares top models, key...

desktop cnc
Mastering Desktop CNC: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Unlock the full potential of your workshop with our complete guide to desktop CNC. Discover best...

cnc router steel
Mastering CNC Router Steel: A Complete Guide to Precision Metal Cutting

Discover how the best small CNC machine for metal transforms steel fabrication. Our guide covers key...

cnc metal
Mastering CNC Metal Machining: A Complete Guide

Master CNC metal machining with our complete guide to steel CNC machines. Explore best practices, key...

micromill milling machine
Micromill Milling Machines: The Future of Small-Scale Precision Manufacturing

Explore the best practices for using micro milling machines! This guide covers key features, applications, and...

luxury precision milling machines
Luxury Precision Milling Machines: The Key to Unmatched Accuracy and Detail

In this guide, we explore the best practices for using PM milling machines, focusing on precision,...

cnc machine aluminum cutting
The Essential Guide to CNC Machine Aluminum Cutting

Learn the best practices for small aluminum CNC machining in this comprehensive guide! Explore key features,...

alu cnc
Mastering Aluminum Machining: A Complete Guide to Alu CNC

Learn everything you need to know about small CNC machines for aluminum in this comprehensive guide....

premier cnc machines
Mastering Premier CNC Machines: A Guide to Precision and Efficiency

Unlock manufacturing excellence with our guide to premier CNC machines. Explore key features, industry applications &...

portable cnc mill
Portable CNC Mills: Compact Machines with Big Capabilities

Discover the ultimate guide to portable CNC mill machines. Explore key features, industry applications & best...

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