CNC machining services include several subtractive processes that shape raw material into precise parts using automated toolpaths.
Each service type specializes in different geometries, tolerances, and production volumes.

What Are the Main CNC Machining Services?

The core types of CNC machining services are milling, turning, drilling, routing, grinding, and EDM.
Each service is selected based on part complexity, material type, and accuracy requirements.

CNC Milling

CNC milling uses a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a stationary workpiece in multiple directions.

Key capabilities:

  • Produces flat surfaces, slots, holes, pockets, and complex 3D shapes

  • Supports 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining

  • Ideal for prismatic or contoured parts

Common materials: Aluminum, brass, steel, plastics
Applications: Housings, brackets, molds, jigs

To explore this service in more detail, visit CNC milling services.

CNC Turning

CNC turning rotates the workpiece against a fixed cutting tool to produce cylindrical or round parts.

Key capabilities:

  • Ideal for parts with rotational symmetry

  • Can produce internal and external threads, grooves, and tapers

  • Fast for high-volume production

Common materials: Steel, titanium, copper alloys
Applications: Shafts, bushings, pins, collars

To learn more about precision lathe work, visit CNC turning services.

CNC Drilling

CNC drilling creates precise, repeatable holes using vertically mounted rotary drill bits.

Capabilities:

  • Through holes, blind holes, countersinks, and tapped holes

  • Often combined with milling or turning operations

  • Ideal for structural or assembly-critical parts

Applications: Fastener holes, mounting points, electrical component slots

CNC Routing

CNC routing is similar to milling but designed for softer materials and high-speed machining.

Used for:

  • Wood, plastics, foam, composites

  • Signs, cabinetry, enclosures, large-format panels

  • Producing smooth finishes on lightweight materials

Router machines operate with higher RPMs and lower cutting forces.

CNC Grinding

CNC grinding uses abrasive wheels to achieve fine surface finishes and exact dimensional tolerances.

Best for:

  • Hardened steel and wear-resistant materials

  • Surface, cylindrical, and form grinding

  • Die and mold components requiring micro-tolerances

Finish quality: Often reaches Ra < 0.2 µm

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

EDM removes material through electrical sparks, enabling precise cutting of hard or conductive materials.

EDM types:

  • Wire EDM: Cuts through material using a thin wire

  • Sinker EDM: Shapes cavities using an electrode mold

Applications: Tight corners, thin walls, hardened alloys
Materials: Tool steels, Inconel, titanium

Comparison Table: CNC Machining Services

Service Type Motion Type Best For Example Applications
Milling Rotating tool, static part Flat/3D features, complex profiles Enclosures, molds, engine parts
Turning Rotating part, static tool Round parts, threads, tapers Shafts, connectors, spacers
Drilling Vertical rotary motion Holes, countersinks, tapped threads Mounting holes, electronics housings
Routing High-speed rotary tool Soft materials, large shapes Panels, signage, soft plastics
Grinding Abrasive wheel Ultra-tight tolerances, hardened metals Dies, gauges, precision tools
EDM Spark erosion Sharp corners, hard-to-machine alloys Molds, aerospace parts, fine slots

Which CNC Machining Service Do You Need?

Choose the right CNC service based on part geometry, volume, and material.

  • Use milling for precision multi-surface parts

  • Use turning for round, symmetric components

  • Use drilling when accurate hole placement is critical

  • Use routing for light materials and large panels

  • Use grinding for ultra-fine tolerances or surface finish

  • Use EDM for hardened materials or tight internal corners