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.

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: Causes, Effects & How to Reduce It

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

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...
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 (FAI): Process, Report & CNC Machining Guide

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

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: 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: 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: 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: Differences, Accuracy, Surface Finish & Cost

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

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 Sizes Chart: Dimensions, Codes & Fit Guide

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

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...

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...

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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? 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? Properties, Hardness & Comparison

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

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? Elements, Properties, and Uses Explained

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

Prices on Plasma Cutters: Your Ultimate Guide to Value & Performance

Find the best prices on plasma cutters with our expert guide. Compare trusted, certified & affordable...

Mastering Metal Roofing Cuts: How to Choose the Right Circular Saw Blade for Perfect Results

Discover the best metal roofing circular saw blades for steel cutting. Our complete guide covers key...

Skilsaw Metal Cutting Blade: Your Ultimate Guide to Better Performance & Cost Savings

Discover the ultimate Skilsaw metal cutting blade guide. Learn best practices, key features, and selection criteria...

Complete Guide to Metal Cutting Chop Saw Blades: Best Practices for Precision & Efficiency

Unlock peak performance with our metal cutting chop saw blade guide. Discover best practices, key specs,...

10 Inch Metal Cutting Blade for Miter Saw: How to Choose the Right Blade

A 10 inch metal cutting blade for a miter saw can be used to cut certain...

Laser Cutting Aluminum: How It Works and What to Consider

Laser cutting aluminum is widely used for sheet metal parts because it can produce clean 2D...

Cutting Tools: The Complete Guide to Materials and Applications

Discover the ultimate guide to cutting tool materials. Learn about cutter tool types, cutting equipment, and...

Tungsten Carbide Cutter Tools: The Complete Guide to Durable Cutting Solutions

Master tungsten carbide cutter selection & use. This complete guide covers specs, best practices & industry...

Box Cutter Tool Mastery: The Complete Guide to Safe and Efficient Cutting

Master box cutter tool techniques with our complete guide. Learn best practices, cost analysis, and precision...

Professional Cutting Tools: The Complete Guide to Better Machining Results

Discover the ultimate guide to professional cutting tools. Master best practices, explore precision solutions, and boost...

Stainless Steel Cutter Tools: The Complete Guide to Better Metalworking

Master stainless steel cutting with our complete guide. Explore best practices from industry experts. Boost efficiency...

Diamond Cutter Tools: The Complete Guide to Precision Cutting Solutions

Discover the ultimate guide to diamond cutter tool materials. Learn best practices, key specs, and industry...

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: Standards and Accuracy

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

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...

What Is a CNC Machine Shop?

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

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...

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? Methods & CNC Applications

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

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? 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? 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? 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: A Beginner’s Guide

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

The Ultimate Guide to Affordable CNC Milling Machines

Looking for a reliable CNC provider? This guide helps you understand the cost of CNC machines,...

Smithy 3-in-1: The Ultimate Workshop Tool for Precision and Versatility

Master your workshop with our complete guide to the 3-in-1 lathe drill mill. Discover best practices,...

Luxury CNC Milling Machines: Your Gateway to Top-Tier Precision and Performance

Discover the world of advanced miniature milling with our complete guide. Explore luxury CNC milling machines,...

Jet Vertical Mill: Precision, Power, and Performance in One Machine

Jet vertical milling machines are an essential tool in the world of precision manufacturing. Learn how...

Ready to Turn Your Design Into Parts?

Share your drawings and requirements with us. We’ll help you review materials, tolerances, machining methods, and finishing options for your project.

Request A Quote
Upload your drawing and get a quote within 24 hours.