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...

Can Aluminum Actually Be Anodized White?

If you need a white aluminum part, anodizing may seem like an obvious choice. After all,...

What Is Plaster Mold Casting? Process, Materials, Advantages & Uses

Plaster mold casting is a metal casting process that uses a gypsum-based mold instead of sand....

Is Bronze More Expensive Than Copper? Price & Cost Comparison

Bronze is not always more expensive than copper. Pure copper can cost more than some common...

Delrin vs Nylon: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Delrin and nylon are both strong engineering plastics, but they are better suited to different jobs....

Top 10 Strongest Metals in the World

When people ask which metal is the strongest, it’s not always easy to give a single...

Brass Melting Point: Temperature, Grades & Comparison

Brass typically melts within a range of about 900–940°C (1650–1725°F), but there is no single exact...

PVC vs Acrylic: Differences, Properties, and Applications

When it comes to comparing PVC and acrylic, the real differences come down to transparency, chemical...

14 Gauge Steel Thickness: Complete Guide

14 gauge steel has a thickness of about 0.0747 inches or 1.897 millimeters.It is widely used...

Tungsten Metal: Properties, Applications, and CNC Machining Challenges

When engineers require a material that can endure extreme heat, heavy pressures, and tough operating environments,...

18/10 vs 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: What Is the Difference?

Stainless steel is a commonly used material in various industries such as CNC machining, medical devices,...

420 Stainless Steel vs 316 Stainless Steel: Differences and How to Choose

When choosing stainless steel for CNC machined components, engineers typically evaluate various grades to find the...

Is Nickel Magnetic? Nickel Magnetism Explained

Nickel is one of the few naturally occurring metals that have magnetic properties.When it is in...

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...

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