CNC machining
CNC machining — subtractive production with mill, lathe and router
CNC machining is the production of parts by computer-controlled machine tools (mill, lathe, router, plasma) that remove material as chips.
How it works
Toolpaths generated in CAM software move the machine along X-Y-Z axes while a rotating cutting tool removes material. The final geometry is obtained by machining a raw block or sheet.
Key properties
- Works in metal, wood and engineering plastics.
- High tolerance (typically ±0.05 mm and finer).
- Produces stronger, denser parts than 3D printing.
- Setup and tooling costs are relatively high.
- A large-volume part can be machined in one go.
Use cases
- Functional metal parts and jigs
- Finishing step in reverse engineering
- Cylindrical parts on a lathe
- Sheet cutting with plasma/router
Compatible materials
Aluminium and alloysSteel and stainlessBrass and copperEngineering plastics (POM, PA, PEEK)Wood, MDF, rigid foam
Frequently asked questions
CNC or 3D printing?
CNC suits load-bearing, tight-tolerance and metal parts; 3D printing suits fast prototypes, internal cavities and lightweight parts.
What tolerance can CNC achieve?
Typically ±0.05 mm with good setup and a good machine; finer tolerances are possible on precision machines.
What is the difference between a CNC router and a mill?
Both remove material; a router is generally used for wood/sheet and large tables, while a mill and lathe are used for metal and precise volume work.