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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....

white anodized aluminum
Can Aluminum Actually Be Anodized White?

If you need a white aluminum part, anodizing may seem like an obvious choice. After all,...

What Is Plaster Mold Casting
What Is Plaster Mold Casting? Process, Materials, Advantages & Uses

Plaster mold casting is a metal casting process that uses a gypsum-based mold instead of sand....

Copper vs bronze properties
Is Bronze More Expensive Than Copper? Price & Cost Comparison

Bronze is not always more expensive than copper. Pure copper can cost more than some common...

Delrin vs Nylon applications
Delrin vs Nylon: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Delrin and nylon are both strong engineering plastics, but they are better suited to different jobs....

Top 10 strongest metals in the world
Top 10 Strongest Metals in the World

When people ask which metal is the strongest, it’s not always easy to give a single...

Brass melting point and brass alloy temperature
Brass Melting Point: Temperature, Grades & Comparison

Brass typically melts within a range of about 900–940°C (1650–1725°F), but there is no single exact...

PVC vs Acrylic Material Comparison
PVC vs Acrylic: Differences, Properties, and Applications

When it comes to comparing PVC and acrylic, the real differences come down to transparency, chemical...

14 gauge steel thickness measurement showing steel sheet and precision measurement tools
14 Gauge Steel Thickness: Complete Guide

14 gauge steel has a thickness of about 0.0747 inches or 1.897 millimeters.It is widely used...

tungsten metal properties and CNC machining components
Tungsten Metal: Properties, Applications, and CNC Machining Challenges

When engineers require a material that can endure extreme heat, heavy pressures, and tough operating environments,...

1810 304 and 316 stainless steel material comparison
18/10 vs 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: What Is the Difference?

Stainless steel is a commonly used material in various industries such as CNC machining, medical devices,...

420 vs 316 stainless steel material comparison for CNC machining
420 Stainless Steel vs 316 Stainless Steel: Differences and How to Choose

When choosing stainless steel for CNC machined components, engineers typically evaluate various grades to find the...

Nickel metal samples and CNC machined nickel alloy parts showing magnetic properties
Is Nickel Magnetic? Nickel Magnetism Explained

Nickel is one of the few naturally occurring metals that have magnetic properties.When it is in...

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...

Manual milling machine operation with machinist
Manual Milling: Process, Machines, Applications & CNC Comparison

Manual milling is a machining process where an operator controls the movement of the machine instead...

Top 10 CNC Milling Companies in China
Top 10 CNC Milling Companies in China (2026 Guide)

China has many machine shops, but the machinery they use, their engineering knowledge, and their quality...

Top 8 5 Axis CNC Machining Manufacturers in China
Top 8 5 Axis CNC Machining Manufacturers in China (2026)

China has emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for 5 axis CNC machining, offering...

Top Advantages of 5-Axis CNC Machining for Complex Parts
Top Advantages of 5 Axis CNC Machining for Complex Parts

For parts with complex structures and high precision requirements, traditional 3-axis machining typically requires multiple setups,...

CNC Lathe Machine
What Is a CNC Lathe Machine? Types, Parts & Applications Explained

A CNC lathe is an automated turning machine that uses pre-programmed instructions to control the machine’s...

What Is CNC Milling
What Is CNC Milling? Process, Machines, Materials, Costs & Design Tips

CNC milling is a computer-controlled subtractive manufacturing process that uses a rotating multi-blade tool to remove...

mr1-cnc-mill
MR1 CNC Mill Mastery: The Complete Guide to Precision Desktop Machining

Complete Guide to MR1 CNC Milling Machine: Discover Key Features, Technical Specifications & Industry Applications. Master...

bantam desktop cnc
Bantam Desktop CNC Mastery: The Complete Guide to Precision Desktop Machining

Complete Guide to Bantam Desktop CNC: Discover Key Features, Industry Applications & Best Practices. Access Precision...

flour-mills
Flour Mills Mastery: The Complete Guide to Grain Grinding Technology & Solutions

Discover the complete guide to CNC milling and grinder solutions. Learn best practices, key features, and...

home-mill
Home Mill Mastery: The Complete Guide to Precision CNC Machining & Workshop Solutions

Discover the power of a home mill for superior grain processing. Our complete guide covers best...

best mill
Finding the Best Mill for Your Home: The Complete Guide to Grain Grinding Excellence

Discover the best mill for your home with our complete guide. Learn key features, selection criteria...

precision micromachining
The Complete Guide to Precision Micromachining: How to Master Small-Scale Manufacturing

Unlock the potential of precision micromachining. Our complete guide covers best practices, selection criteria, and future...

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