CNC machining guides for engineers and buyers: compare milling and turning processes, 5-axis options, machining costs and drawing requirements for custom parts.
Use the categories above to move between machining fundamentals, drawing preparation, material choices and inspection strategy.
When to use Swiss machining is a bar-and-bushing decision for small parts, not a quality slogan. Choose Swiss when the stock is small-diameter bar, the cut must stay next to a guide bushing, and…
Read guide
Know when 5-axis is not worth the cost: every feature is reachable on a 3-axis mill, the drawing uses ISO 2768-m (or looser) on general sizes, and you are not protecting a multi-face ASME…
Read guide
How to vet a Chinese CNC supplier is a file-and-floor test, not a website test. Get the legal company name, a video of the mill or lathe that would run your 6061 or 304…
Read guide
CNC turning vs Swiss for custom shafts is a workholding decision on a round axis, not a milling decision. Quote conventional CNC turning when the shaft is chucked or colleted on a shoulder, the…
Read guide
CNC turning quote drawings what to include is a file pack, not a pretty screenshot. Send a STEP (or STP/IGES) model plus a dimensioned PDF. Name the material and temper (6061-T6, 304, 4140, C360).…
Read guide
CNC turning length to diameter ratio (L/D) is a stiffness problem on the lathe, not a brand of machine. Unsupported bar or a slender 4140, 304, or 6061-T6 shaft will chatter, taper, and lose…
Read guide
CNC turning concentricity and runout are not interchangeable notes. On a shaft or bushing, circular or total runout to a datum diameter is what most shops can check with a V-block and indicator. ASME…
Read guide
How to send CAD files to a China CNC factory is a packaging job: one STEP (or STP, IGES, X_T) solid, one PDF drawing with the same revision, and a short RFQ line for…
Read guide
Mill-turn machining vs separate ops is a setup-count decision on a part that is already a turned family. Use mill-turn (live tooling on a turning center) when flats, cross-holes, slots, or wrench features must…
Read guide
Factory direct CNC machining vs trading company is a control choice. Factory direct means the mill that will cut 6061-T6 or 304 also answers L/D, Ra 3.2, and CMM questions on your STEP plus…
Read guideSend the material, quantity and critical features you already know. YXT will help identify the next practical review step.
