What is CNC machining?

　　Part 1

　　The Basics

　　What is CNC machining?

　　What are the different types of CNC machines? How do they work?

　　In this section, we answer all these questions and we compare CNC machining to other manufacturing technologies to help you find the best solution for your application.

　　What is CNC machining?

　　CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a subtractive manufacturing technology: parts are created by removing material from a solid block (called the blank or the workpiece) using a variety of cutting tools.

　　This is a fundamentally different way of manufacturing compared to additive (3D printing) or formative (Injection Molding) technologies. The material removal mechanisms have significant implications on the benefits, limitations and design restrictions of CNC. More on this below.