The Ultimate CNC Machining Glossary
All the key terms you need to make the most of CNC machining.
Aluminum and Steel parts. Delivered faster. Express machining available for Turning and Milling – 10 business days lead time. Get a quote now!
CNC Machining Services
Upgrade your operations with the precision and efficiency of our CNC machining services. Lead times start at just 6 days.
By ordering your CNC machined parts online through MakerVerse, you can enjoy the convenience of a streamlined ordering process, fast lead times, and high-quality results.
CNC Milling
CNC milling is a flexible manufacturing technology for prototyping and series production, mainly when a part requires multiple features, such as drilled holes, with high repeatability and quick turnaround times.
CNC Turning
CNC turning , also known as lathing, uses a cutting to remove material from a rotating workpiece to create a desired shape. It is beneficial for creating centrally symmetric shapes, such as conical end-parts, with high repeatability and short lead times.
CNC Drilling
With high reproducibility and applicability to almost every material, CNC drilling is the ideal technology for drilling, such as a pre-stage for threading or as an end-use structure.
Key Feature: Automatic CNC Quotes
Tired of waiting for quotes? We provide you with a comprehensive quote in minutes.
Our AI-powered pricing engine automatically uses the geometric metadata from your 3D files and all the features and tolerances from your technical drawing. Get a quote based on your exact specifications for more than 150 materials and 30 finishes.
Key Feature: Oversized parts
Looking for bigger parts? You're in the right place.
While the standard size for CNC parts is typically 2 meters in the longest dimension, we offer state-of-the-art machines capable of up to 12 meters in the longest dimension. With these capabilities, you can explore all-new applications in prototyping, spare parts, and series production.
Source industrial grade CNC-machined parts
On-demand manufacturing
- Instant quoting and DFM checks
- Short lead times
- Fast and intuitive order placement
Production Orders
- Expert support from end-to-end
- Comprehensive manufacturing and quality plan
- Guaranteed quality meeting advanced specifications
Popular CNC Machining Materials
CNC machining’s diverse range of materials can be tailored to specific applications and requirements. Metal and plastic materials offer different properties, such as strength, durability, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity.
Aluminum Brass PA PTFE POM Steel Superalloys Titanium Tooling steel AluminumAluminium
Main characteristics
A good balance of strength, hardness, and dynamic properties values characterizes aluminum and its related alloys. It’s a lightweight, malleable metal that is easy to machine and has good corrosion resistance.Use cases
Aluminum is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries for parts such as housings, brackets, and heat sinks. BrassBrass
Main characteristics
Brass is a corrosion-resistant alloy made from copper and zinc. The main benefits are that its easily machinable and has good thermal and electrical conductivity.Use cases
Brass is often used for decorative applications and in plumbing, hardware, and electrical components. PAPA
Main characteristics
PA (Polyamide), also known as nylon, is a strong, lightweight polymer. It offers good wear resistance and low friction.Use cases
This polymer is often used for gears, bearings, and structural components in various industries, from automotive to consumer goods. PTFE PTFE
Main characteristics
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), also known as Teflon, is a highly heat-resistant and low-friction polymer. This material also offers excellent chemical resistance.Use cases
PTFE is commonly used in applications that require non-stick properties, such as bearings, seals, and electrical components. POM POM
Main characteristics
POM (Polyoxymethylene), also known as Acetal, is a strong and stiff polymer. It offers good dimensional stability combined with low friction.Use cases
Various industries often use POM for gears, bearings, and electrical components Steel Steel
Main characteristics
Steel is characterized by high yield strength and strong corrosion resistance. It’s a multi-purpose metal offering both good weldability and machinability.Use cases
Steel is widely used for everything from vales to fittings to medical instruments. Many industries, from aerospace to food processing, use stainless steel. Superalloys Superalloys
Main characteristics
Superalloys are high-performance alloys offering excellent heat resistance, strength, and corrosion resistance.Use cases
Superalloys are commonly used in the aerospace and energy industries for heavy-duty parts such as turbine blades, exhaust systems, and heat exchangers. Titanium Titanium
Titanium is used extensively due to its high strength and low weight ratio. It also offers high corrosion and oxidation resistance.Use cases
Due to titanium’s biocompatibility, it is used for medical and dental applications. Its high strength and comparatively low weight make it appealing for high-performance parts like gearboxes and connecting rods in racing cars and bionic brackets in the aviation industry.
Tooling steelTooling steel
Main characteristics
Tooling steel is characterized by a high tensile strength and a high toughness. It can be used in higher temperatures since its mechanical properties remain stable at high temperatures. Heat treatment can further optimize mechanical properties.Use cases
This metal is often used for tooling inserts for injection molding, extrusion tool inserts, or for functional prototypes. Furthermore, this tooling steel can be used for tooling and fixtures.CNC Machining Resources
10 Big Benefits of CNC Milling
Why is CNC milling such a popular technology? Here’s 10 reasons why.
Best Practices: Designing for CNC Milling
Follow these tips to save money and improve your CNC milling designs.
When to Use an As-Machined Finish for Your Parts
Learn when an as-machined finish makes sense and when a smoother surface is the better option.
Let's build together
Schedule a free consultation with our specialists to kickstart your project.