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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.

Comparison of aligned and misaligned axes on a precision stepped shaft
Concentricity in GD&T: Meaning, Measurement & Alternatives

Concentricity in GD&T describes how the centers of circular features relate to a common reference axis....

Machine screw size chart showing metric screw sizes, lengths, and different head types
Machine Screw Size Chart: US & Metric Diameters, Thread Sizes and Measurement Guide

Machine screws are threaded fasteners commonly used to assemble metal components, machinery, electronics, and precision equipment....

Metal hardness illustration comparing indentation depth in softer and harder metals
Hardness of Materials: Types, Testing Methods, Charts, and Applications

Material hardness is the ability of a material to resist localized permanent deformation, such as indentation,...

Comparison of internal and external thread milling processes on CNC machined metal components
Thread Milling: Process, Types, Advantages, and Tapping Comparison

Thread milling is a CNC machining process used to produce internal and external threads with a...

Powder coating vs painting comparison on identical CNC machined aluminum housings
Powder Coating vs Painting: Which Is Better for Metal Parts?

Powder coating generally offers better durability, scratch resistance, and cost efficiency for high-volume metal parts. Painting...

Common welding defects including cracks, porosity, undercut, slag inclusion, lack of fusion, and incomplete penetration
12 Common Types of Welding Defects: Causes and Prevention

Welding defects are imperfections that can affect the strength, appearance, dimensional accuracy, or reliability of a...

Young's modulus and stress-strain curve explaining material stiffness
Stiffness of Material: Definition, Young’s Modulus, and Stiffness vs. Strength

Material stiffness describes how strongly a material resists elastic deformation when a force is applied. A...

Metal heat treatment process showing heating soaking and controlled cooling
Heat Treatment of Metals: Processes, Types & CNC Machining Guide

Heat treatment of metals is a controlled process of heating, holding, and cooling metal to change...

Thin gauge vs thick gauge sheet metal thickness comparison
Thin Gauge vs Thick Gauge Sheet Metal: Differences, Costs & How to Choose

Choosing between thin gauge and thick gauge sheet metal affects more than part strength. Thickness also...

Common casting defects including porosity, shrinkage, inclusions, cold shuts, hot tears and flash
Casting Defects: 18 Common Types, Causes and How to Prevent Them

Casting defects are unwanted irregularities that affect the appearance, dimensions, strength, or performance of a cast...

Common types of fasteners including bolts, screws, nuts, washers, studs, rivets, pins and threaded inserts
Types of Fasteners: 12 Common Types and How to Choose Them

Fasteners are mechanical components used to join, secure, locate, or retain two or more parts. Common...

CNC milling operations on a machined aluminum part
12 Types of Milling Operations: Processes, Uses, and How to Choose

Milling operations are different ways a rotating cutting tool removes material to create specific features on...

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...

full-size-carbide-turning-tools
Full Size Carbide Turning Tools: The Complete Guide to Better Woodturning

Master full size carbide turning tools with our complete guide. Explore best practices, key features, and...

ceramic-cutters
Ceramic Cutters: The Complete Guide to Advanced Cutting Tool Solutions

Master ceramic cutters with our complete guide. Explore best practices, key features, and selection criteria for...

straight-cutter-tool
Straight Cutter Tool Mastery: The Complete Guide to Precision Cutting Solutions

Master straight cutter tool selection & use. This complete guide covers best practices, technical specs &...

hand-cutter-tool
Hand Cutter Tool Mastery: The Complete Guide to Precision Cutting Solutions

Master advanced hand cutter tool techniques with our complete guide. Discover best practices, precision solutions, and...

electric scroll saw
The Electric Scroll Saw: Where Precision Meets Creative Lightning

Master the electric scroll saw with our complete guide. Explore best practices, key features, and selection...

power carving tools
Beyond the Chip: The Unseen Revolution of Modern Power Carving Tools

Unlock the potential of power carving tools with our complete guide. Explore professional electric wood carving...

deep-hole-saws
The Depth Revolution: How Deep Hole Saws Are Redefining Precision Cutting

Discover the ultimate guide to deep hole saws! Learn best practices, key features & selection criteria...

hand-chisels
The Uncarved Truth: What Your Hand Chisels Reveal About Your Craft

Discover the ultimate guide to buying premium hand chisels. Learn best practices for selecting trusted suppliers,...

professional-wood-turning-tools
The Unseen Edge: Why Professional Wood Turning Tools Cut Deeper Than You Think

Master professional wood turning with our complete guide to wood lathe chisels. Discover best practices, key...

lathe-tools
The Lathe Tool Library: Why Owning “Just Enough” Is Holding Your Workshop Back

Find the perfect lathe tools for your workshop. Our complete guide covers key features, selection best...

quality lathe tools
Your Lathe is Only as Precise as Your Worst Tool: The Quality Cascade Effect

Discover the ultimate guide to selecting & using quality lathe tools. Master best practices, technical specs,...

wood turning hollowing tools
The Surgeon’s Touch: Why Wood Turning Hollowing Tools are the Heart of Fine Craftsmanship

Master wood turning with our complete guide to hollowing tools. Discover best practices, key features, and...

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...

cnc big
CNC Big Machines: The Ultimate Solution for Large-Scale Manufacturing

Explore the ultimate guide to the largest CNC machines. Learn about their key technical specifications, industry...

6 Axis CNC Machines: The Key to Advanced Precision and Efficiency in Manufacturing

Unlock the potential of 6 axis CNC machining. Our complete guide delivers best practices, key specifications,...

mini mill cnc conversion
Mini Mill CNC Conversion: Boosting Efficiency and Precision in Your Projects

Unlock your mini mill’s potential! Our complete guide to mini mill CNC conversion covers best practices,...

gantry machining center
Gantry Machining Centers: The Backbone of Modern Precision Manufacturing

Unlock your CNC’s full potential! Our complete guide covers best practices for CNC Gantry Mills. Find...

6 Axis Milling Machine vs 5 Axis CNC Machining
6 Axis Milling Machine: 5 Axis vs 6 Axis CNC Machining

A 6 axis milling machine adds another degree of controlled movement beyond a typical 5-axis CNC...

atc cnc
Why ATC CNC Machines Are Revolutionizing Precision Manufacturing

Unlock the potential of desktop CNC with tool changers! Our complete guide covers best practices, key...

cnc accessories
CNC Accessories Demystified: How the Right Attachments Can Transform Your Manufacturing Process

Unlock your CNC’s full potential! Our complete guide covers best practices for CNC accessories & tool...

kit cnc
Kit CNC: Affordable Precision for Hobbyists and Makers

Master the world of CNC machining with our complete guide to kit CNC systems. Learn about...

cnc machine kit
Everything You Need to Know About CNC Machine Kits: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the world of CNC machining with our complete guide to CNC machine kits. Learn about...

cnc machine brands
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best CNC Machine Brands for Your Business

Explore the world of CNC machines with our comprehensive guide. This page compares top CNC machine...

manual cnc mill
Taking Control: How to Get the Most Out of Your Manual CNC Mill

Manual mill machines remain essential in manufacturing for their precision and hands-on control. This guide walks...

mini mill
Mini Mills Unleashed: Your Guide to Affordable Precision in Small-Scale Manufacturing

If you’re curious about mini mills, this guide is for you! Learn everything about benchtop milling...

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