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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...

304-steel-vs-316
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
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 –...

aluminium-magnetic
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
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
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
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...

Density-in-kg-m³
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...

brass-material-density
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 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 machine that cuts wood and metal
The Ultimate Guide to CNC Machines for Cutting Wood and Metal

Discover the ultimate CNC machine that cuts wood and metal with our comprehensive guide. Learn key...

CNC lathe versus CNC mill comparison showing a turning operation on a shaft and a milling operation on a housing
CNC Lathe vs CNC Mill: Differences, Applications & How to Choose

The main difference between a CNC lathe and a CNC mill is what rotates during machining....

cnc cheap
Affordable Precision: The Complete Guide to CNC Cheap Machines

Discover how to find a quality, cheap CNC milling machine without sacrificing performance. Our complete guide...

cnc small
Unlock Precision with CNC Small Machines: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore the complete guide to small CNC machines. Learn best practices and solutions, from key features...

budget cnc milling machine
Affordable Precision: A Complete Guide to Budget CNC Milling Machines

Discover how to find the perfect affordable CNC milling machine for your workshop with our comprehensive...

mini cnc
Master Precision at Home with a Mini CNC Machine

Explore the complete guide to household mini CNC machines: Learn about key technical specifications, industry applications,...

8 axis cnc machine
8 Axis CNC Machines: What Makes Them Different and Why You Need One

Elevate manufacturing excellence with our guide to 8 Axis CNC machines. Explore key features, industry applications...

high precision cnc router
Maximize Your Production Quality with High Precision CNC Routers

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

used mill
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Used Mill

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

mini mill dro
Maximize Your Mini Mill’s Potential with Digital Readout (DRO) Technology

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

cnc router auto tool changer
CNC Router Auto Tool Changer: Revolutionizing How We Make Parts

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

big milling machine
Big Milling Machines: The Backbone of Large-Scale Manufacturing

Explore the ultimate guide to big milling machines. Learn about the key features, industry applications, and...

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