What is CNC machining?
Sep 05, 2024
What is CNC machining? Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is a form of subtractive manufacturing, meaning that material gets removed (rather than added) during the production process. This means CNC machining starts with a block of material (called a blank), and uses fast-moving cutters to quickly carve away material and create the finished part. This essentially makes it the opposite of additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing), where three dimensional objects are created layer-by-layer from materials loaded into 3D printing machines. Crucially, CNC machining is also a metal fabrication method where written code controls the CNC machinery in the manufacturing process. Let’s take a closer look at what this means: How do CNC machines work? As we just touched on, CNC machines are run by a digitalised computer that automates, monitors, and controls the movement of an industrial machine. In large industrial plants, the computer is usually installed in the...