What is a CNC machine?

CNC Lathe – This type of lathe works by spinning material in the lathe's chuck. The tool then moves on 2 axes, cutting out cylindrical parts. CNC lathes are capable of forming curved surfaces that are difficult or even impossible with manual lathes. The tool is usually non-rotating, but if it is a power tool, it can also be movable.

CNC Milling Machines – CNC milling machines are typically used to make flat parts, but more complex machines have more degrees of freedom and are capable of producing complex shapes. The material is stationary, the spindle rotates with the tool, and the tool moves along 3 axes to cut the material. In some cases, the principal axis is stationary while the material moves.

CNC Drilling – This machine is similar to a CNC milling machine, but it is designed to cut in only one axis, that is, it only drills down into the material along the Z axis and never cuts along the X and Y axes .

CNC Grinder – This machine engages the grinding wheel into the material, producing a high-quality surface. It is designed to remove small amounts of material from hard metals; therefore it is used as a surface preparation operation.