CNC machining is a common subtractive manufacturing technique. Unlike 3D printing, CNC typically starts with a solid piece of material and then uses various sharp rotating tools or knives to remove the material to achieve the desired final shape.
CNC turning can produce a wide range of shapes with axial symmetry, like cones, cylinders, disks, or a combination of those shapes. Some turning centers are even capable of polygonal turning, using special rotating tools to create shapes like a hexagon along the axis of rotation.
CNC turning is a particular form of precision machining in which a cutter removes material by making contact with the spinning workpiece. The movement of the machinery is controlled by computer instructions, allowing for extreme precision and repeatability.
Although methods of material removal differ, first, CNC drilling and milling machines and CNC lathes each remove material to produce a part.
CNC machining is one of the most common manufacturing technologies. This is mainly due to its high accuracy, precision and strict tolerance range.
