CNC Turning & Milling Services

CNC machining is an umbrella term for a diverse set of computer-controlled machining operations. Two of the most common operations employed are CNC turning and CNC milling.

CNC Turning

CNC turning operations use a lathe or turning center to rotate and feed the workpiece against a stationary single point cutting or shaping tool. These operations typically result in the creation of cylindrical or tube-shaped components with symmetrical details. Using computerized controls to manage the movement of the workpiece facilitates the production of precise and accurate designs.

CNC Milling

In contrast to CNC turning operations, CNC milling operations involve a stationary workpiece. The milling process employs a computer-controlled rotating cutting tool to shape the workpiece by milling, drilling, and other cutting tools to remove layers of the material. For parts with more complex designs or geometries, manufacturers use milling machines that accommodate additional axes—typically 3 to 5 axes. These multi-axis machines allow for the manufacture of more detailed parts in a multiple of shapes and sizes with fewer manual adjustments.

Contract manufacturing is a business model in which a company contracts—i.e., partners—with a third-party manufacturer to produce parts and products to their custom part designs and production specifications. The agreement forged between the two parties eliminates the need for in-house production operations, allowing the contracting company to focus on other business aspects, such as marketing. 

By partnering with a contract manufacturer for a CNC machining project, some of the other benefits experienced include:

Lower Error Rates

The use of computer programming and controls in CNC manufacturing operations reduces the risk of production errors compared to traditional machining operations, which use manual calculations and adjustments. Additionally, employing advanced modeling software for initial part designs ensures precision and consistency in the production of multiple components.

Greater Product Diversity

With computerized programming and automation, the manufacture of custom parts is much easier and more efficient. CNC machining operations allow manufacturers to design and create components from a wider variety of materials in a broader range of designs. 

More Expertise and Equipment

When choosing a contract manufacturer for a CNC machining project, you can first vet them to ensure they have the necessary experience and equipment to meet your part design and production specifications. This ability guarantees that your production partner has the knowledge and tools to complete your machining project.

Superior Quality Control

Partnering with a contract manufacturer effectively adds another layer of quality control to the production process. Combined with your in-house quality control protocols, the contract manufacturer’s quality checks further guarantee that machined parts are made to your desired specifications and meet the necessary standards.

Enhanced Scalability

Outsourcing excess production operations to a contract manufacturer allows you to scale up and down as needed to meet changing consumer demands. This flexibility facilitates the reduction of the required equipment investment costs—both spatially and monetarily—and increases the number of parts that can be produced within the same time period.

Simpler Supply Chain

When you hire a contract CNC machining company, you are guaranteed a one-stop shopping experience for your design, manufacturing, inspection, and shipping needs. Rather than attempting to manufacture individual parts independently, you can rely on your CNC machining contractor to produce high quality parts for even the most demanding applications.