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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.

CNC end mill cutting tool showing flutes, cutting edges, shank, and tool geometry
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 showing a long end mill bending while machining a deep aluminum pocket
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...

CNC deburring process showing external edge hole exit and internal cross hole burrs on an aluminum manifold
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...
CNC knurling process creating a diamond pattern on an aluminum cylindrical part using knurling wheels
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 of a CNC machined aluminum bracket using a CMM and engineering drawing
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 undercut machining using a lollipop cutter to machine a hidden groove inside an aluminum housing
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 in a CNC machined aluminum housing assembly showing accumulated dimensions and axial clearance
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 process showing a long drill machining a deep hole in a CNC aluminum component
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 showing precision steel locating pins fitted into CNC machined aluminum plates
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 comparison showing a multi-flute reamer and single-point boring tool machining aluminum holes
Reaming vs Boring: Differences, Accuracy, Surface Finish & Cost

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

Metric and imperial clearance hole size chart illustrated with CNC machined aluminum plates and screws
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 dimensions showing inner diameter, outer diameter, and width of a 6205 bearing
Ball Bearing Sizes Chart: Dimensions, Codes & Fit Guide

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

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...

CNC cutting tools selection guide for precision machined parts
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
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
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
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 with dimensions TPI and tap drill sizes
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
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
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,...

38-16 tap drill size guide showing drill bit and threaded hole
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...

CNC machining engineering drawing guide
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...

CNC machining software workflow showing CAD CAM programming, toolpath simulation, and CNC manufacturing process
How CNC Machining Software Improves Production Efficiency

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

Examples of CNC machined parts made with a CNC machine including metal brackets, housings, shafts, and industrial components
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...

CNC milling machine engraving a precision aluminum part
Can a CNC Machine Engrave Metal?

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

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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