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....

304 Steel vs 316 Stainless Steel Cost: Which One is Right for Your Project?

Learn everything you need to know about the differences between 304 steel and 316 stainless steel,...

Are Brass Casings Magnetic? Understanding Their Properties and Applications

Have you ever wondered at what temperature titanium melts? This isn’t just a curious question –...

Exploring Aluminum’s Magnetic Properties: Why It Matters in Manufacturing

Have you ever wondered why aluminum doesn’t stick to magnets like your refrigerator door? That’s what...

Titanium Strength vs Steel: Key Differences and Best Applications

Have you ever wondered why some materials are stronger than others? While titanium is well-known for...

At What Temperature Does Titanium Melt? Best Practices for Melting Titanium

Learn everything you need to know about the temperature at which titanium melts, its applications, and...

How Dense is Aluminum? Understanding Aluminum Alloy Density and Its Applications

Learn everything about the Density of Aluminum Alloy and how it affects your manufacturing processes. Explore...

Complete Guide to Steel Density in kg/m³: Key Insights & Uses

Learn everything about the Density of Steel kg/m³ and its impact on your manufacturing process. Explore...

Understanding Brass Material Density: Best Practices and Applications

Discover the essential guide to brass material density and weight per cubic inch. Explore key specs,...

CNC Cutting Tools: Types, Materials, Coatings, and Selection Guide

CNC cutting tools are the tools that physically remove material during milling, turning, drilling, boring, threading,...

What Is a Bottoming Tap? A Guide to Blind Hole Threading

A bottoming tap is a thread-cutting tool with a very short chamfer, typically about 1–2 threads....

Types of CNC Machines: 9 Common Types and How to Choose

The main types of CNC machines include CNC mills, lathes, Swiss machines, mill-turn centers, gantry machines,...

Counterbore vs Countersink: Differences, Uses & How to Choose

A counterbore and a countersink are both recessed hole features used to seat fastener heads, but...

NPT Thread Size Chart: Dimensions, TPI & Tap Drill Sizes

NPT (National Pipe Taper) is a 60° tapered pipe thread commonly used for fluid, pneumatic, and...

Honing Process: How It Works, Types, Tolerances & Applications

Honing is a precision abrasive machining process mainly used to finish internal bores. A honing tool...

6 Essential Wood Lathe Turning Tools and What They Are Used For

The six essential wood lathe turning tools are a spindle roughing gouge, spindle gouge, bowl gouge,...

3/8-16 Tap Drill Size: Complete CNC Machining Guide

When making a threaded hole, it is important to select the right drill size to ensure...

Engineering Drawing Symbols and Abbreviations: Complete Guide for CNC Machining

When you send a CNC machining project to a manufacturer, one of the first things engineers...

How CNC Machining Software Improves Production Efficiency

CNC machining software improves production efficiency by helping engineers create better toolpaths, reduce programming time, prevent...

What Can You Make With a CNC Machine? CNC Products & Applications

A single CNC machine is capable of producing thousands of different items, ranging from simple brackets...

Can a CNC Machine Engrave Metal?

Yes. CNC machine tools can not only machine metal parts, but also engrave text, numbers, logos,...

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...

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.