CNC machining : from design to finished product and successful mass production.
- CNC machining : from design to finished product and successful mass production.
- The six core processes involved in CNC machining projects
- Changes and optimizations to the CNC factory production process to achieve efficient mass production
- Materials and their applications in CNC machining
- Summary of practical experience in CNC machining
- How to divide the processing steps?
- What principles should be followed when arranging the processing sequence?
- What aspects should be considered when determining the workpiece clamping method?
- How to monitor and adjust during the processing?
- Connection between CNC machining process and ordinary process
- Advances and Future Trends in CNC Machining
- Why choose Elimold as your precision CNC parts manufacturing partner?
- in conclusion
CNC machining is one of the most advanced machining methods available today, renowned for its ease of operation and automation. This technology utilizes a computer-controlled system and machine tool, programmed to remove material from the workpiece, thereby manufacturing customized parts. CNC machining has a wide range of applications and is used across various industries to manufacture mechanical parts with extremely high requirements for precision, efficiency, and repeatability. This article will help you understand the entire CNC machining process and summarize relevant experience , providing you with guidance. Let’s walk through the steps of CNC machining from design to finished product and explore its future development .
The six core processes involved in CNC machining projects
CNC machining is a technology that uses computer programs as its core to automate the machining of mechanical parts through digital control. It combines traditional machining (such as turning, milling, planing, grinding, and drilling) with computer technology. By controlling the machine tool’s movement through pre-written program instructions, it achieves high-precision and high-efficiency machining of materials such as metals, plastics, and composites, making it one of the core technologies of modern manufacturing. The CNC machining process is mainly divided into five stages: preparation, programming design, machine operation, quality inspection, and final cleaning. Each stage is interconnected and works together to ensure machining accuracy and efficiency. Below, we will break down these key steps in detail.
| Parts design | The first step in CNC machining is designing the part to be machined, which involves creating a three-dimensional model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This step includes various necessary specifications, such as dimensions, material properties, and tolerances. |
| CNC machine tool programming | Once the design is complete, the next step is to translate the machining process into a series of instructions. These instructions are typically written in G-code, which is based on tool movement and material removal at specific depths. This process is automated by CAM software. |
| CNC machine tool installation | This step involves installing the CNC machine tool, including the cutting tool, workpiece, and lubricant. An important step is calibrating the machine tool to ensure the accuracy of the machined parts. After the workpiece is secured, the G-code is entered into the machine tool to start machining. |
| Parts processing | Once the workpiece is installed and calibrated, the machining process begins, and the machine tool will perform machining according to the path provided by the G-codes. These G-codes control the tool to move along the specified path, removing material at different angles and depths. Depending on the machine tool, different axes will be used to obtain the desired product. |
| Inspection and Quality Control | Maintaining product and process quality is crucial, which requires the application of different inspection strategies. These strategies necessitate the use of various precision instruments, calibrated equipment, and quality control inspection methods. |
| finishing | This is the final stage of the machining process, including finishing the machined parts such as polishing and contouring. These steps are crucial to the final shape and aesthetics of the part. It includes adding grooves, threads, or a final surface treatment layer to the machined part. |
Changes and optimizations to the CNC factory production process to achieve efficient mass production
With the rapid development of intelligent technologies and equipment, they are playing an increasingly important role in factory production. Utilizing intelligent technologies, factories can not only achieve high-precision machining but also significantly improve the efficiency of mass production of CNC machined parts. Furthermore, by optimizing the production processes in CNC factories, production costs can be significantly reduced, product quality improved, and thus market competitiveness enhanced.
The application of multi-axis CNC machining centers improves the manufacturing efficiency of complex parts.
Multi-axis machining also reduces the need for workpiece repositioning, thereby minimizing setup time. This capability is particularly valued in large-scale manufacturing, where optimizing the speed and accuracy of each machining operation is crucial.
The application of intelligent robots improves the efficiency of mass production.
Robotic automation significantly reduces idle instances and can operate 24/7. This extended performance helps improve overall productivity, making it well-suited for large-scale production where maximizing output is crucial.
On-demand production services based on cloud management systems
Many manufacturers now offer the ability to adjust production based on demand fluctuations. CNC machining can be scaled up or down entirely according to real-time market demand, enabling highly efficient resource utilization. Some manufacturers have already implemented fully cloud-based infrastructure that allows for remote programming of CNC machine tools and real-time production tracking. This is particularly useful for handling large-scale manufacturing facilities distributed across specific locations.
Materials and their applications in CNC machining
The table below summarizes commonly used CNC machining materials and their typical applications, covering metals, plastics, composite materials and special materials used in the daily CNC manufacturing of precision custom parts.
| Material Category | Material Name | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
| Metals | Aluminum (6061, 7075) | Lightweight, good machinability, corrosion-resistant | Aerospace parts, automotive components, housings, fixtures |
| Steel (1018, 1045) | High strength, toughness, low cost | Shafts, brackets, structural components | |
| Stainless Steel (304, 316) | Corrosion resistance, strength, heat resistance | Medical devices, food equipment, chemical industry parts | |
| Tool Steel (D2, H13) | High hardness, wear resistance | Molds, dies, cutting tools | |
| Brass | Excellent machinability, good conductivity | Valves, fittings, electrical connectors | |
| Copper | High electrical and thermal conductivity | Heat sinks, electrical components | |
| Titanium (Grade 2, Grade 5) | High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance | Aerospace parts, medical implants | |
| Plastics | ABS | Impact-resistant, easy to machine | Enclosures, consumer product housings |
| Nylon (PA6, PA66) | Wear-resistant, low friction | Gears, bushings, bearings | |
| POM (Delrin/Acetal) | Dimensional stability, low friction | Precision mechanical parts, rollers | |
| PTFE (Teflon) | Chemical resistance, low friction | Seals, insulating components | |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Optical clarity, good surface finish | Display panels, light covers | |
| PEEK | High temperature and chemical resistance | Aerospace, medical, high-performance components | |
| Composites | Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) | Lightweight, high stiffness | Aerospace structures, automotive panels |
| Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) | Good strength, electrical insulation | Electrical enclosures, structural panels | |
| Specialty Materials | Inconel | High-temperature and oxidation resistance | Turbine components, aerospace engines |
| Monel | Corrosion resistance in marine environments | Marine hardware, chemical processing parts | |
| Magnesium Alloys | Very lightweight, good machinability | Aerospace, automotive lightweight components | |
| Ceramics (Machinable Ceramics) | High temperature and wear resistance | Insulators, semiconductor equipment parts |
Summary of practical experience in CNC machining
Because each CNC machining project is unique, its complexity far exceeds that of typical manufacturing processes. Different machine tools, materials, cutting tools, cutting methods, parameter settings, and so on, determine whether the final part can meet the design specifications. The following is a summary of my experience as an engineer at Elimold, based on long-term practical production experience, regarding CNC machining processes, procedures, selection of commonly used tool parameters, and monitoring during machining. This summary is provided for your reference.
How to divide the processing steps?
When dividing the workpiece into different machining processes, use the same tool to machine all possible parts of the part. This reduces tool changes, minimizes idle time, and reduces unnecessary positioning errors.
Furthermore, for parts with numerous machining operations, the machining process can be divided into several parts according to their structural characteristics, such as internal shapes, external shapes, curved surfaces, or flat surfaces. Generally, flat surfaces and locating surfaces are machined first, followed by holes; simple geometric shapes are machined first, followed by complex geometric shapes; and areas with lower precision requirements are machined first, followed by areas with higher precision requirements. For parts prone to machining deformation, correction is necessary due to potential deformation after rough machining. Therefore, generally, rough and finish machining operations should be separated.
What principles should be followed when arranging the processing sequence?
The machining sequence should be arranged based on the part’s structure, the condition of the blank, and the needs of positioning and clamping, with a focus on ensuring the workpiece’s rigidity is not compromised. The machining sequence should ensure that the preceding process does not affect the positioning and clamping of the following process; any interspersed general-purpose machine tool machining processes should also be considered. Furthermore, internal shaping and cavity machining processes should be performed first, followed by external shaping processes. Processes using the same positioning and clamping method or the same tool should ideally be performed consecutively to reduce the number of repositioning operations, tool changes, and pressure plate movements. For multiple processes performed in the same setup, those that cause minimal damage to the workpiece’s rigidity should be arranged first.
What aspects should be considered when determining the workpiece clamping method?
Workpiece clamping should strive for consistency between design, process, and programming calculations. Minimize the number of clamping operations, aiming to machine all surfaces in a single setup. Avoid machine-occupying manual adjustments; ensure the fixture is unobstructed, and that its positioning and clamping mechanisms do not interfere with the tool feed (e.g., causing collisions). In such cases, use a vise or a base plate with screws for clamping.
How to monitor and adjust during the processing?
After the workpiece is aligned and the program is debugged, it can enter the automatic machining stage. During automatic machining, the operator must monitor the cutting process to prevent abnormal cutting that could cause workpiece quality problems or other accidents. Monitoring the quality of the cutting tools largely determines the machining quality of the workpiece. During automatic machining, the normal wear and abnormal damage of the cutting tools should be determined through methods such as sound monitoring, cutting time control, pause inspection during cutting, and workpiece surface analysis. The cutting tools must be handled promptly according to the machining requirements to prevent machining quality problems caused by untimely tool handling.
Connection between CNC machining process and ordinary process
CNC machining processes are usually interspersed with other conventional machining processes, and poor coordination can easily lead to conflicts. Therefore, while being familiar with the entire machining process, it is essential to understand the technical requirements, machining objectives, and machining characteristics of each CNC machining process and conventional machining process. For example, whether or not to leave machining allowance, and how much; the accuracy requirements and geometric tolerances of positioning surfaces and holes; the technical requirements for the forming process; and the heat treatment state of the blank, etc.
Advances and Future Trends in CNC Machining
Modern machine tools prioritize speed and precision to meet evolving consumer demands. As CNC machine tools help manufacturers produce higher-quality products and improve workflow efficiency, suppliers will continue to push boundaries. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to further transform CNC machining. In the most basic manufacturing processes, AI algorithms may be able to offer predictive maintenance suggestions, thereby improving accuracy, accelerating production time, and saving costs. Additionally, AI may help machinists find better toolpaths, reducing machining time and improving quality. These advancements all contribute to a more sustainable production environment.
In the near future, if the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) can provide more intelligent and adaptable machining solutions, and if big data analytics is incorporated into production data to identify correlations between production variables and defects, and to predict quality problems before they occur, then the application of AI can change the errors caused by human operation in CNC machining and pave the way for advanced predictive maintenance strategies. It will also have a positive impact on the sustainable development of the manufacturing industry. The CNC machining industry will continue to evolve, and with the application of AI algorithms and related equipment, the future may see the emergence of equipment and manufacturers with higher precision, faster efficiency, and more stable production quality.
Why choose Elimold as your precision CNC parts manufacturing partner?
Choosing a reliable CNC machining partner determines the quality and speed to market for your products. Elimold, with its unique core strengths, has become a trusted provider of precision CNC parts manufacturing solutions for numerous companies. As a direct manufacturer, our quotes directly reflect factory costs, eliminating middlemen and their markups, providing you with highly cost-effective solutions. We prioritize building long-term, trust-based partnerships with our clients. Our in-house factory is located in Shenzhen, the innovation capital, with a complete supply chain, ensuring rapid response in raw material and surface treatment processes. We also offer 24-hour prototyping and a standard sample delivery within 7 days – an exceptionally fast delivery service. Contact us now for a project quote.
in conclusion
Custom CNC parts manufacturers can significantly improve mass production efficiency by optimizing the production processes in their CNC factories. This includes not only precise planning during the design phase and efficient optimization of CNC programming, but also improvements in machining processes, the application of automation and intelligent technologies, enhanced quality control, and the scientific arrangement of production scheduling and inventory management. By comprehensively optimizing these aspects, factories can achieve more efficient mass production, improving product quality, reducing production costs, and ultimately enhancing market competitiveness.
Furthermore, with continuous technological advancements, CNC machining will become more intelligent and efficient. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies is expected to further improve CNC machining processes, enhancing production efficiency and quality. Simultaneously, progress in materials science and innovative machining technologies will bring new opportunities and challenges to this field. Leading CNC machining companies are actively exploring these emerging technologies to maintain their competitive edge.