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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.

Top 10 Medical CNC Machining Companies in China
Top 10 Medical CNC Machining Companies in China (2026)

China has become an important sourcing destination for precision medical CNC parts, but medical machining suppliers...

Ceramic CNC machining for precision ceramic parts
Ceramic CNC Machining: Materials, Processes, Tolerances and Design Guide

Ceramics offer excellent wear resistance, electrical insulation, chemical stability, and high-temperature performance, but they are also...

What is investment casting process
What Is Investment Casting? Process, Materials, Benefits & CNC Machining

Investment casting, also called lost wax casting, is a precision metal casting process used to produce...

CNC machining vs 3D printing
CNC Machining vs 3D Printing: Which Is Better for Your Part?

CNC machining and 3D printing can both produce prototypes and end-use parts, but they are best...

What does CNC mean in machining
What Does CNC Mean? CNC Meaning Explained Simply

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It means using a computer program to automatically control a...

How CNC machining works from CAD file to finished part
How Does CNC Machining Work? From CAD File to Finished Part

CNC machining works by converting a digital CAD design into programmed machine movements. CAM software creates...

CNC milling parts types and design guide
CNC Milling Parts: Common Types, Examples & Design Guidelines

CNC milling parts are components manufactured from solid metal or plastic stock using CNC milling. Common...

What is a product prototype
What Is a Product Prototype? Types, Process, Methods & Examples

A product prototype is an early version of a product used to test its design, function,...

Face Milling vs Peripheral Milling
Face Milling vs Peripheral Milling: What’s the Difference?

Face milling is mainly used to machine broad, flat surfaces. Peripheral milling uses the cutter’s outer...

alloy steel CNC machined parts in 4140 4340 8620 and 4130
Alloy Steel CNC Machining: Grades, Machinability & Uses

Alloy steel CNC machining is commonly used for parts that need higher strength, wear resistance, fatigue...

Top 13 CNC Machining Companies in China
Top 13 CNC Machining Companies in China (2026 Guide)

If you’re looking for a reliable CNC machining supplier in China, you’ll find thousands of factories...

Precision CNC machining a complex aluminum component
What Is Precision CNC Machining? Process & Tolerances

Precision CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled machine tools to produce parts...

white anodized aluminum
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
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....

Copper vs bronze properties
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 applications
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
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 and brass alloy temperature
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 Material Comparison
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 measurement showing steel sheet and precision measurement tools
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 and CNC machining components
Tungsten Metal: Properties, Applications, and CNC Machining Challenges

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

1810 304 and 316 stainless steel material comparison
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 vs 316 stainless steel material comparison for CNC machining
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...

Nickel metal samples and CNC machined nickel alloy parts showing magnetic properties
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 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...

machine shop machines
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...

machining-manufacturing-companies
How Machining Manufacturing Companies Are Shaping Modern Industry

Discover leading machining manufacturing companies in our complete CNC guide. Learn best practices, selection criteria &...

micro cnc
How Micro CNC Machines Are Revolutionizing Precision Manufacturing

Learn everything you need to know about micro CNC milling machines. Discover key features, best practices,...

best cnc lathe
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 illustration showing a precision aluminum housing and major manufacturing cost factors
CNC Milling Cost: Pricing Factors, Examples & How to Reduce It
cheap cnc mill
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...

large horizontal milling
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...

cnc auction
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...

garage cnc mill
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...

grizzly gunsmithing lathe mill combo
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...

used 5 axis cnc machine for sale
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...

mill drill milling machine
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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