CNC machining services encompass a range of subtractive manufacturing methods used to create precision components from solid materials.
Each service type is optimized for specific part geometries, materials, and industry requirements.

What Are the Primary Types of CNC Machining Services?

The main types of CNC machining services include milling, turning, drilling, routing, grinding, and EDM.
These services support industries from aerospace to medical by enabling complex part production with tight tolerances and high repeatability.

CNC Milling

CNC milling uses rotating cutting tools to remove material from a stationary workpiece along multiple axes.

Ideal for:

• Flat surfaces, pockets, and contours

• 3D shapes and cavity milling

• Complex parts requiring multi-axis access

Materials: Aluminum, steel, brass, engineering plastics
Applications: Enclosures, molds, brackets, and mechanical assemblies

CNC Turning

CNC turning rotates the workpiece while a fixed cutting tool removes material to form cylindrical shapes.

Best used for:

• Round components with axial symmetry

• Threaded parts, shafts, bushings

• High-volume, tight-tolerance round parts

Typical output: Smooth finishes, fast cycle times, and concentric accuracy

CNC Drilling

CNC drilling creates holes with consistent depth, diameter, and spacing using computer-controlled drilling heads.

Use cases:

• Through holes, blind holes, countersinks, and counterbores

• Threaded holes for assembly components

• High-speed hole production in metals and plastics

Often used in combination with CNC milling or turning.

CNC Routing

CNC routing is designed for high-speed machining of softer materials such as wood, plastics, and foams.

Common applications:

• Signs, panels, and cabinetry

• Plastic enclosures or packaging prototypes

• Large-format or lightweight parts

Note: CNC routers operate at higher spindle speeds than mills.

CNC Grinding

CNC grinding removes material using an abrasive wheel to achieve fine finishes and ultra-tight tolerances.

Suitable for:

• Surface, cylindrical, and profile grinding

• Hard metals and high-wear components

• Applications where Ra 0.2 µm is required

Industries: Mold and die, toolmaking, and aerospace

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

EDM uses electrical sparks to erode conductive material with high precision.

EDM types:

• Wire EDM: Cuts fine contours through entire part

• Sinker EDM: Creates cavities and internal geometries

Ideal for:
Sharp internal corners, hardened alloys, and complex dies

Industry Application: CNC in the Medical Sector

Medical CNC machining is essential for creating biocompatible, sterile, and highly accurate components.

Typical medical CNC products:

• Orthopedic implants

• Surgical tools

• Diagnostic device housings

• Custom prosthetic parts

Materials: Titanium, PEEK, stainless steel
Tolerances: Often tighter than ±0.001 mm
To learn more, visit this comprehensive overview of medical CNC machining.

Summary Table: CNC Machining Services Overview