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.

MIG vs TIG Welding: Differences, Pros, Cons & When to Use Each

MIG and TIG are two of the most common welding processes used for metal fabrication and...

What Is Tack Welding? Purpose, Process, Types & Applications

Tack welding is a preliminary welding technique used to hold metal parts in the correct position...

10 Types of Plastics Used in the Automotive Industry

Plastics are used throughout modern vehicles because they can reduce weight, resist corrosion, provide electrical insulation,...

Metal Punching vs Stamping: Differences, Applications, and How to Choose

Metal punching and stamping are both common sheet metal processes, but they are not the same....

Types of Machining Processes: 12 Common Operations and How to Choose

Machining is a manufacturing process that removes material from a workpiece to create the required shape,...

Alloy Steel vs Carbon Steel: Differences, Properties & CNC Machining

Alloy steel and carbon steel are both widely used for CNC-machined parts, but they serve different...

Top 10 Plastic Injection Molding Companies in China in 2026

China is home to a large number of plastic injection molding companies, ranging from specialized mold...

Fillet vs Chamfer: Differences, CNC Machining & Design Guide

A fillet creates a rounded transition between two surfaces, while a chamfer removes a sharp corner...

Types of Rivets: 9 Common Rivet Types, Uses, and Selection Guide

Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners used to join two or more components without threads. They are...

Types of Springs: Uses, Materials, and Selection Guide

Springs are mechanical components used to store energy, resist force, control motion, absorb shock, or return...

GD&T for CNC Machining: How Geometric Tolerances Affect Cost, Setup & Inspection

GD&T, or Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, defines how much a part’s shape, orientation, location, and rotational...

Die Casting vs Injection Molding: Materials, Cost, Design & Manufacturing Guide

Die casting and injection molding are both high-volume manufacturing processes that inject molten material into a...

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 CNC Machines for Cutting Wood and Metal

Discover the ultimate CNC machine that cuts wood and metal with our comprehensive guide. Learn key...

CNC Lathe vs CNC Mill: Differences, Applications & How to Choose

The main difference between a CNC lathe and a CNC mill is what rotates during machining....

Affordable Precision: The Complete Guide to CNC Cheap Machines

Discover how to find a quality, cheap CNC milling machine without sacrificing performance. Our complete guide...

Unlock Precision with CNC Small Machines: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore the complete guide to small CNC machines. Learn best practices and solutions, from key features...

Affordable Precision: A Complete Guide to Budget CNC Milling Machines

Discover how to find the perfect affordable CNC milling machine for your workshop with our comprehensive...

Master Precision at Home with a Mini CNC Machine

Explore the complete guide to household mini CNC machines: Learn about key technical specifications, industry applications,...

8 Axis CNC Machines: What Makes Them Different and Why You Need One

Elevate manufacturing excellence with our guide to 8 Axis CNC machines. Explore key features, industry applications...

Maximize Your Production Quality with High Precision CNC Routers

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Used Mill

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

Maximize Your Mini Mill’s Potential with Digital Readout (DRO) Technology

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

CNC Router Auto Tool Changer: Revolutionizing How We Make Parts

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

Big Milling Machines: The Backbone of Large-Scale Manufacturing

Explore the ultimate guide to big milling machines. Learn about the key features, industry applications, and...

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