9 Types of Machining Processes

Turning is a machining method that uses a lathe to rotate the metal while a cutting tool moves linearly to remove metal along the diameter, creating a cylindrical shape. The cutting tool can be angled differently to create different shapes. Turning can be done manually, with a traditional lathe, which frequently requires continuous supervision by the operator, or by an automated lathe that does not. Today the most common type of such automation is computer numerical control, called CNC. 

Turning uses either lathes or turning machines. The types of lathes available include turret lathes, engine lathes, and special-purpose lathes. Turning produces rotational, typically axis-symmetric parts with many features, such as holes, grooves, threads, tapers, diameter steps, and even contoured surfaces. Parts fabricated entirely through turning often include components used in limited quantities, perhaps for prototypes, such as custom-designed shafts and fasteners.

The applications of turning are, among others, baseball bats, camshafts, bowls, crankshafts, cue sticks, signboards, musical instruments, and table and chair legs. If you'd like to get a turning quote with Xometry, you can do so by visiting our CNC turning service page today.

Drilling is a machining process that uses multi-point drill bits to produce cylindrical holes in the workpiece. In drilling, the machine feeds the rotating drill bit perpendicularly to the plane of the workpiece’s surface, making vertically-aligned holes with diameters equal to the drill bit employed for the drilling operation. However, specialized machine configurations and workholding devices can also perform angular drilling operations. 

Drilling uses rotating drill bits to produce the cylindrical holes in the workpiece. The drill bit’s design allows the waste metal—i.e., chips—to fall away from the workpiece. There are several types of drill bits, each of which is used for a specific application. The types of drill bits include spotting drills (for producing shallow or pilot holes), peck drills (for reducing the number of chips on the workpiece), screw machine drills (for creating holes without a pilot hole), and chucking reamers (for broadening already-made holes).

Common applications we see with Xometry's CNC drilling service include construction, medical equipment, transportation, and electronic equipment.

Milling is a machining method that uses rotating multi-point cutting tools to remove material from the workpiece. In CNC milling, the CNC machine typically feeds the workpiece to the cutting tool in the same direction as the cutting tool’s rotation. In contrast, in manual milling, the machine feeds the workpiece in the opposite direction to the cutting tool’s rotation. 

Milling uses rotating multi-point cutting tools to shape the workpiece. Milling tools are either horizontally or vertically oriented, including end mills, helical mills, and chamfer mills.

The CNC milling process also utilizes CNC-enabled milling machinery, referred to as mill machines or mills, which can be horizontally or vertically oriented. Basic mills can have three-axis movements, with more advanced models accommodating additional axes. The types of mills available include hand, plain, universal, and omniversal milling machines. Some of the most common types of milling machines include knee-type, ram-type, bed-type (or manufacturing-type), and planer-type.

Milling applications include making various gears, producing slots or grooves in workpieces, machining flat surfaces and irregular surfaces, and machining complex shapes. You can learn more about Xometry's milling services on our milling services page.

Grinding is a machining method that removes small amounts of material from both flat surfaces and cylindrical shapes. Surface grinders reciprocate the work on a table while feeding it into the grinding wheel. The depth to which the wheel cuts usually falls between 0.00025 and 0.001 in. 

Cylindrical grinders mount the workpiece on centers and rotate it while simultaneously applying the periphery of a spinning abrasive wheel to it. Centerless grinding produces small parts in high volumes where the ground surface has no relation to any other surface except as a whole.

Ground surfaces of 200-500 min. rms are usually considered acceptable for many applications and are a starting point for further finishing operations, including lapping, honing, and superfinishing. Double disc grinding is another machine process that lets parts pass one or more times between two counter-rotating grinding wheels.

Planing is used to machine large flat surfaces, particularly ones that will be finished through a scraping process, such as machine tool ways. To achieve economical planning, small parts are ganged together in a fixture.

The applications of planning include linear-toolpath ones, such as generating accurate flat surfaces and cutting slots, such as keyways.

Sawing uses cut-off machines and is done to create shorter lengths from bars, extruded shapes, etc. Vertical and horizontal band saws are standard, which use continuous loops of toothed bands to chisel away at the material. The band’s speed varies depending on what metal material is being sawed, with certain high-temperature alloys requiring a slow 30 fpm. Softer materials, such as aluminum, can be machined at the speed of 1000 fpm or more. Other cut-off machines include power hack, abrasive wheel, and circular saws.

Broaching is a machining process that uses a broach consisting of many teeth arranged sequentially almost like a file but with each successive tooth slightly larger than each previous tooth. The broach takes a series of progressively deeper cuts when pulled or pushed through a prepared leader hole (or past a surface). 

Push broaching is often done using vertical press-type machines. Pull broaching is often done with vertical or horizontal machines that, in many instances, are powered hydraulically. Cutting speeds range from 5 fpm for high-strength metals to as many as 50 fpm for softer metals. The applications of broaching include square holes, keyways, spline holes, etc.

Electrical discharge machining, or EDM for short, uses electric arcing discharges to create micro-craters that rapidly result in complete cuts. EDM, also known as spark machining, is used in applications requiring complex geometrical shapes in hard materials and at close tolerances. However, it needs the base material to be electrically conductive, which limits its use to ferrous alloys.

Manufacturers use EDM for an extensive range of applications - you can use Xometry's EDM services for whatever projects you have. Because the process can cut tiny pieces, it is often an ideal choice for producing small, highly detailed items that would typically be too delicate for other types of machining. Additionally, electric discharge machining is cost-effective for low-quantity projects and can be beneficial in prototype manufacturing, even if the actual project is carried out by different means.

Electro chemical machining is a reverse electroplating process that makes burr-free holes with high surface finishes. An electrochemical process removes material. It is typically used for mass production and for working with extremely hard materials or materials that are difficult to machine. The base material does need to be electrically conductive. 

ECM can cut small or odd-shaped angles, cavities, or intricate contours, in hard and exotic metals, such as titanium aluminides, high nickel, cobalt, and rhenium alloys. In addition, it is a cold machining process that doesn’t put thermal stresses on the workpiece.

Xometry provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities including CNC machining (our supplier network can do all of the techniques described above), 3D printing, injection molding, laser cutting, and sheet metal fabrication. Get your instant quote today.

Disclaimer

The content appearing on this webpage is for informational purposes only. Xometry makes no representation or warranty of any kind, be it expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be inferred to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or manufacturers through Xometry’s network. Buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for those parts. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.