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...

Precision Wood Cutting Tools: Your Ultimate Guide to Flawless Results

Discover the ultimate guide to precision wood cutting tools. Explore our curated list of hand and...

Your Drill’s Missing Link Isn’t Power, It’s the Carbide Hole Saw Kit

Explore the comprehensive guide to carbide holesaws. Learn how to choose a professional carbide hole saw...

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...

Choosing the Right Machine Shop Machines for Your Business

Learn everything you need to know about machine shop tools for sale. Discover key features, best...

How Machining Manufacturing Companies Are Shaping Modern Industry

Discover leading machining manufacturing companies in our complete CNC guide. Learn best practices, selection criteria &...

How Micro CNC Machines Are Revolutionizing Precision Manufacturing

Learn everything you need to know about micro CNC milling machines. Discover key features, best practices,...

How to Choose the Best CNC Lathe for Your Workshop

Learn everything you need to know about CNC milling machines. Discover key features, best practices, and...

CNC Milling Cost: Pricing Factors, Examples & How to Reduce It
The Complete Guide to Buying a Cheap CNC Mill: Save Money, Maintain Precision

Discover how a cheap CNC mill can revolutionize your manufacturing. Our guide reveals best practices, key...

The Ultimate Guide to Large Horizontal Milling for Industrial Manufacturing

Discover how CNC auctions unlock premium machinery at unbeatable prices. Our complete guide reveals best practices...

How to Find Premium CNC Machines at Auction: Expert Tips and Strategies

Discover how CNC auctions unlock premium machinery at unbeatable prices. Our complete guide reveals best practices...

How to Choose the Perfect Garage CNC Mill for Your Projects

Learn everything you need to know about garage CNC mills. Discover key features, best practices, and...

Complete Guide to Grizzly Gunsmithing Lathe Mill Combo: Best Practices & Solutions

Learn everything you need to know about gunsmith mill machines. Discover key features, best practices, and...

Top Tips for Buying a Used 5 Axis CNC Machine for Sale

Learn everything you need to know about mill drill machines. Discover key features, best practices, and...

How Mill Drill Milling Machines Revolutionize Small-Scale Manufacturing

Learn everything you need to know about mill drill machines. Discover key features, best practices, and...

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