What is CNC Machining and How Does it Work?

Conversion: For all our non-U.S. friends, 1 Thou is equal to .0254 mm.

Autodesk Free Trials:

If you've ever taken shop class in high-school or watched an episode of how it's made, you have probably have some idea how lathes and other metalworking machines function. As technology and computers have improved over the years, a new high-precision computer controlled manufacturing technique called CNC machining has spawned.

CNC machines, or computer numerically controlled machines, are electro-mechanical devices that can manipulate tools around a varying number of axis, usually 3 or 5, with high-precision per instruction from a computer program. CNC machining is one of two ways that engineers, machinists, or makers can generate a physical part from a computer design file, with the other being 3D printing, known as additive manufacturing.

All images and videos courtesy of the creative commons or used in accordance with fair use laws.

[ConcerningReality]

Apologies for my voice in this video, it was completely shot thanks to a cold. It happens sometimes since I try to keep to a weekly upload schedule. Check out some of our other content if this interested you!

[Cobrass]

I work as a cnc machinist for over 9 years now, planing to open my own shop now, have the ability to buy and programm turning and milling machnes also good at programming robot hands, also have experience in 5 axis programming, but mostly we run same parts so not so much programming there, programm in Siemens NX. Love my job, where i work is very clean, fun people, always something new to learn. Its a job where you always learn something new, it has no boundries what makes it fun for me. Love it! but its not for everyone.

[joanna]

thank god for this video, I spent like 20 minutes trying to understand how cnc machining works and I found this vid which really saved me

[PrashannaGauta]

I am applying to be a CNC machinist, i had an internship at a cnc company before but that was long ago and i had forgotten alot this video helped me alot with reminding me the essence of CNC machining while also giving me additional information about it. Great Video Thank You SO much!

[lolnoname]

Im a student my degree is Mechatronics and next year im gonna start working with CNC Machines this really helped me understand how they work and i find it very fun and satisfying. Thank you and good luck

[antoniocaballero]

As a 20 year old that runs 3 5-axis machines 11 hours a day I can say it really is a good industry to work in.

[massassassin]

I have been doing CNC machine work for a little over 3 years. I have work with plastics for medical and science development in the beginning of my career path. I now work with Bronze and I'm in the United steel workers union, I would highly recommend getting into CNC machine work for anyone out there that wants a job where you feel like you have accomplished something at the end of the day. For example, I make memorial flag markers for our fallen veterans, fire fighters, and police officers. It's a great feeling to be apart of something like that. If you are watching this video because you're thinking about getting into this career path. Don't think about it anymore. DO

[JustAGuyWithALongScreenName]

CNC. The only job you'll love to hate. Been doing this for almost 10 years now. The good out weighs the bad, but when the bad hits it sucks.

[jgb]

This is a decent video for beginners getting into the trade. You can get super in depth with machining.

[brainbox]

its amazing to see how technology is advancing and incorporating itself into the modern world and everyday life, i remember when it used to be manual machining with a lathe machine and now you have something that you can programm and just monitor it to do all the work.. pretty amazing

[liveloveteen]

Thank you SO much. Was up late doing a last minute assessment about this and your video literally saved my life. THANK YOU

[luxxulyanite]

I work in programing CNC milling machines, a few are 3-axis and a few are 5-axis and it is the best thing about my job. Mold milling is my favourite

[dineshdon]

I'm working in this field and I love it

[j.ansari]

Very informative & helpful for a layman to understand basics.

[nitchmakes]

I’m a machinist apprentice and I’m learning program, setup and run CNC milling machines.

I’ve always enjoyed making stuff with my hands, especially wood and metalworking. I got interested in machining during early High School and signed up for my apprenticeship Junior year.

I wanted too be a manual machinist but I now see why CNC machining is the way of the future and the huge advantages it has. I still enjoy me some good old milling on a Bridgeport though

[easylearning]

I Remember the First time I Saw A CNC Machine Was At A Robotics Convention Last Year. It Was Amazing And So Fascinating. In My Tech Class In The Beginning Of the year we had to build a Structure Using 3D Printers and That Was So Much Fun.
THANK you For this video it really Made Me Understand Much better Than What i used to.

[RJE]

Very cool industry! Been lucky enough to set up and run and maintain a few various machines. From making little gearboxes up to aerospace engine components. I’m now facing wheels in lathes and enjoy it. Had some great experience and I’m only 27 🙂

[Em_]

Been doing this for 10 years. Love it.

I have just started working for ANCA 2 weeks in its good to see how the machine actually functions as I work in the warehouse side of the business.

[raymondsmith]

I work one of the haas cnc machines and love it, a joy to watch working.