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...

Manual Milling: Process, Machines, Applications & CNC Comparison

Manual milling is a machining process where an operator controls the movement of the machine instead...

Top 10 CNC Milling Companies in China (2026 Guide)

China has many machine shops, but the machinery they use, their engineering knowledge, and their quality...

Top 8 5 Axis CNC Machining Manufacturers in China (2026)

China has emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for 5 axis CNC machining, offering...

Top Advantages of 5 Axis CNC Machining for Complex Parts

For parts with complex structures and high precision requirements, traditional 3-axis machining typically requires multiple setups,...

What Is a CNC Lathe Machine? Types, Parts & Applications Explained

A CNC lathe is an automated turning machine that uses pre-programmed instructions to control the machine’s...

What Is CNC Milling? Process, Machines, Materials, Costs & Design Tips

CNC milling is a computer-controlled subtractive manufacturing process that uses a rotating multi-blade tool to remove...

MR1 CNC Mill Mastery: The Complete Guide to Precision Desktop Machining

Complete Guide to MR1 CNC Milling Machine: Discover Key Features, Technical Specifications & Industry Applications. Master...

Bantam Desktop CNC Mastery: The Complete Guide to Precision Desktop Machining

Complete Guide to Bantam Desktop CNC: Discover Key Features, Industry Applications & Best Practices. Access Precision...

Flour Mills Mastery: The Complete Guide to Grain Grinding Technology & Solutions

Discover the complete guide to CNC milling and grinder solutions. Learn best practices, key features, and...

Home Mill Mastery: The Complete Guide to Precision CNC Machining & Workshop Solutions

Discover the power of a home mill for superior grain processing. Our complete guide covers best...

Finding the Best Mill for Your Home: The Complete Guide to Grain Grinding Excellence

Discover the best mill for your home with our complete guide. Learn key features, selection criteria...

The Complete Guide to Precision Micromachining: How to Master Small-Scale Manufacturing

Unlock the potential of precision micromachining. Our complete guide covers best practices, selection criteria, and future...

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