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What Steps Are Taken To Minimize Waste In CNC Machining Processes?

Design optimization, material management, strategic machining, tool maintenance, and waste recycling minimize waste in CNC machining. Waste in CNC machining refers to surplus or residual material produced during the machining process. Waste can take many different forms, including chips, shavings, scraps, and leftover material. The residue left behind after material is removed to form and produce the required pieces or components is known as waste in CNC machining. Reducing waste is crucial for maximi......

Jan 02,2024

CNC Meaning: Definition and What It Stands For

What Is CNC? Realistic factory photo of a CNC milling machine cutting aluminum with coolant spray, technician in the background. CNC Definition and Acronym Explained CNC, short for Computer Numerical Control, refers to a manufacturing method in which machine tools are controlled by pre-programmed computer instructions rather than manual operation. These instructions define tool movement, speed, feed rate, and machining sequence, allowing machines to perform cutting, drilling, milling, and shaping task......

Aluminum CNC Machining: Process, Tools, and CNC Milling Aluminum Explained

(A block of aluminum getting CNC milled) What Is Aluminum CNC Machining? Aluminum is exceptionally suited for CNC machining due to its combination of light weight, strength, and machinability. It's lightweight, which is a huge bonus, yet it stays strong. It's soft enough that you can machine it extremely fast, but it's tough enough to handle real-world abuse. This balance makes aluminum a preferred material for CNC applications in aerospace, robotics, automotive, and consumer electronics. Here's why a......

What Is CNC Routing? A Complete Guide to Routing Machines and the CNC Routing Process

(Istock) (A CNC router cutting into wood) What Is CNC Routing? When people ask what is CNC routing, they're usually trying to figure out one thing: how machines can carve clean shapes out of wood, plastic, and soft metals without human hands guiding the cut every second. CNC routing is essentially a computer-driven cutting system. It uses a tool that spins fast, really fast, to remove material following a pre-programmed path. The machine handles the motion autonomously, without human intervention, fol......

CNC Milling Machines — How They Work, Types, Parts & Buying Guide

You don't Google “what is a CNC milling machine” unless something real is on the line. Maybe you're trying to build a product. Maybe you're pricing out parts. Or maybe you're staring at a machine catalog thinking, Am I about to make an expensive mistake? The problem is that most CNC milling guides either talk like engineering textbooks or oversimplify everything until it's useless. This guide won\t do that. We'll break down how a CNC milling machine actually works, what “CNC milled” really means, and ......

CNC Grinding Machine Guide: Process, Tools, Applications & Benefits

Close-up of a CNC grinding machine shaping a metal part in a factory. A surface finish so perfect that the tool itself, the micrometer, could not register a single difference. It produced a surface finish so perfect that the tool itself—the micrometer—could not register a single difference. This level of perfection is why CNC grinding exists. This isn't dependent on some operator's mood or how tired their hands are. It's a machine following an instruction set, shaping metal components, hardened steels......

What Are CNC Machining Tools? A Complete Guide

Confused about the sea of tool options for CNC work? One wrong end mill, one mismatched insert, and suddenly your “simple” job is rattling the spindle, eating your stock, and casually torching your budget. Doesn't matter if you're setting up your first benchtop mill or running a job shop that lives and dies by cycle time, CNC tooling are the make-or-break variable most machinists underestimate until it's too late. And it's not just “buy a good cutter and hope for the best.” Choosing tooling means unde......

What Is a CNC Lathe? Everything You Need to Know About CNC Lathing

(AI-generated) CNC lathes remain one of the most important machine types in modern manufacturing, powering industries from automotive to aerospace with accuracy, speed, and repeatability. If you're researching CNC lathing for your next project—or comparing CNC lathe machines, CNC machine lathes, or even trying to understand what is a CNC lathe—this guide gives you everything you need to make informed decisions. And if you're looking for fast, reliable machining services, JLCCNC provides high-precision......

CNC Plasma Cutting: Machines, Process & Cost Breakdown

What Is CNC Plasma Cutting? (AI-generated) CNC plasma cutter slicing a steel sheet with a bright, controlled plasma arc. Most people don’t realize this, but plasma isn’t just “hot.” It’s hotter than the surface of the sun, literally. So when a CNC plasma cutter fires up, you’re basically steering a controlled piece of miniature lightning through a sheet of steel. No wonder it slices metal like it’s peeling an orange. CNC plasma cutting is the fast, loud, no-nonsense way to slice through metal. Simple ......

CNC Machining Bronze: Techniques, Alloys, and Design Best Practices

What Is CNC Machining Bronze? Close-up of raw bronze billets and machined bronze parts on a clean industrial workbench, showcasing metallic texture in a real machining workshop. CNC machining bronze is exactly what it sounds like, cutting, shaping, and finishing bronze alloys using controlled, high-precision toolpaths. Bronze behaves differently from aluminum or steel: it's heavier, tougher in a good way, and surprisingly stable when you're chasing fine tolerances. Most shops treat it as a premium mat......

Guide to Precision Ceramic CNC Machining: Processes, Parameters & Best Practices

Ceramic CNC Machining: Key Process, Parameters & Tips What Is Ceramic CNC Machining? CNC machine using a diamond tool to cut a ceramic part in a clean industrial workshop. Ceramic CNC machining is the process of cutting, shaping, and finishing advanced ceramics using precision CNC equipment. You see it everywhere high heat, electrical insulation, or extreme wear resistance is required, aerospace seals, semiconductor fixtures, medical implants, cutting tools, all the usual suspects. Ceramics behave not......

Blind Hole Machining Guide: What Is a Blind Hole, Types of Holes, and Tapping Tips

What Is a Blind Hole? Types of Holes and CNC Hole Machining Explained In CNC machining, few operations challenge process control and tool stability as much as blind hole machining. A blind hole is a hole that terminates at a defined internal depth rather than breaking through the opposite surface. Because the cavity is enclosed at the bottom, chip evacuation, thermal behavior, tool wear, and dimensional accuracy become far more difficult to manage compared to through-hole machining. These constraints ......

Laser Marking Services — Process, Benefits & Applications

Laser marking is an essential technology in today’s precision manufacturing environment. It enables permanent, high-contrast identification on metals, plastics, ceramics, and advanced engineered materials—making it a preferred method for part traceability, branding, and regulatory labeling across countless industries. From industrial components to consumer electronics, the need for durable and high-resolution marks has never been greater. For companies seeking professional-grade results, JLCCNC offers......

From STP File to Finished Part How Online CNC Machining Brings Your CAD Model to Life

Driven by intelligent manufacturing and industrial internet, CNC machining is innovating from traditional mode to digitalization and visualization. As the “international language” for product data exchange, STP file (STEP/STP format) has become the core bridge connecting design and manufacturing due to its high compatibility and integrity. In this article, we will explain how to realize the whole process management from STP files to finished parts through online visualization technology, covering key ......

Rivet Guide: What Is a Rivet and How to Remove Rivets Properly

Rivets are one of the oldest and most reliable methods for joining metal parts. Even with modern welding and adhesives, riveting continues to be valued for its simplicity, strength, and consistency — especially when heat or distortion must be avoided. But what is a rivet, and how does it function in sheet metal assembly? A rivet is a cylindrical fastener with a head on one end and a tail on the other. When inserted into aligned holes, the tail is deformed using a riveter, creating a permanent mechanic......

The True Cost of Custom Sheet Metal Parts

When engineers or product designers start a new fabrication project, one of the first questions is often: “How much will my custom sheet metal parts cost?” The answer isn't always straightforward. Pricing depends on multiple variables, from the choice of material to finishing options and production volume. Understanding these elements is essential if you want to balance performance, quality, and cost. A clear view of what drives sheet metal part pricing can also help you make better design decisions e......

Cold Rolled Steel vs Galvanized Steel Sheet in Sheet Metal Fabrication

When working on sheet metal fabrication projects, choosing the right steel type is crucial. Both cold rolled steel and galvanized steel sheet are widely used, but they serve different purposes. The main differences lie in surface finish, corrosion resistance, cost, and applications. At JLCCNC, both cold rolled and galvanized steel sheets are widely used in sheet metal fabrication. Cold rolled steel offers high precision and a smooth surface, while galvanized steel provides excellent corrosion resistan......

CNC Machining vs Sheet Metal: Which is Better for Enclosures?

Introduction Designing enclosures for electronic devices and industrial equipment can be challenging. Factors like precision, material selection, production cost, and manufacturing lead time all play critical roles in the success of a product. For engineers, designers, and startups, choosing the right manufacturing method for enclosures is crucial. JLCCNC provides both CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication services, helping clients transform their CAD designs into high-quality enclosures quickly a......

CNC Machining vs 3D Printing: Complementary Technologies for Prototyping

Introduction: Multiple Options for Rapid Prototyping In today’s fast-paced product development environment, rapid prototyping is a critical part of the design cycle. Engineers and designers need to validate their ideas quickly, test functionality, and optimize designs before moving to full-scale production. Two of the most widely used technologies are CNC machining and 3D printing. Each technology has unique advantages, limitations, and optimal use cases. By understanding their differences, companies ......

CNC Tooling 101: Choosing the Right End Mills and Cutters

Introduction: The Unsung Heroes of CNC Machining In CNC machining, precision doesn’t start with the machine—it starts with the tooling. Choosing the right end mills and cutters determines not only the surface finish and dimensional accuracy but also the machining time, tool life, and overall production cost. Many machinists and engineers underestimate how much tooling affects performance. Whether you’re shaping aluminum, cutting stainless steel, or milling engineering plastics, the right CNC tool can ......

Rapid CNC Prototyping: Speed Up Your Product Development

Introduction In today’s fast-paced engineering and product development world, speed is crucial. Rapid prototyping allows designers and engineers to quickly iterate, test, and refine their products before full-scale production. Traditional prototyping methods can be slow and expensive, creating bottlenecks that delay product launch. This is where rapid turnaround CNC services come in. JLCCNC offers high-precision, online CNC machining services starting from just $1 per part, enabling engineers, makers,......