Technologies
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which computer-controlled cutting tools remove material from a solid workpiece to produce precision parts. Common CNC machining types include mi
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which computer-controlled cutting tools remove material from a solid workpiece to produce precision parts. Common CNC machining types include milling, turning, EDM, and grinding — each suited to different geometries, tolerances, and materials.
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which computer-controlled cutting tools remove material from a solid workpiece to produce precision parts. Common CNC machining types include milling, turning, EDM, and grinding — each suited to different geometries, tolerances, and materials. Choosing the right process directly impacts cost, lead time, and part quality.
The four core CNC machining types are CNC milling, CNC turning, EDM (electrical discharge machining), and surface grinding. Each uses a different cutting method, tool configuration, and machine setup:
CNC Milling — rotating multi-point cutters remove material from a stationary workpiece. Ideal for prismatic, flat, or complex 3D shapes. Tolerances: ±0.1 mm (standard) to ±0.01 mm (fine, ISO 2768-f). Surface finish: Ra 0.8 µm.
CNC Turning — the workpiece rotates while a single-point cutting tool removes material. Best for axisymmetric parts: shafts, bushings, sleeves. Tolerances: ±0.01 mm. Surface finish: Ra 0.8 µm. Faster and more cost-effective than milling for round components.
EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) — controlled electrical sparks erode material. Used for hardened steels, carbide, and intricate cavities that cannot be conventionally cut. Tolerances: ±0.005 mm (tight). Surface finish: Ra 0.4 µm. Essential for die and mould tooling.
Surface Grinding — rotating abrasive wheels flatten and finish hardened workpieces. Achieves ±0.005 mm tolerance and Ra 0.4 µm surface finish. Used for bearing races, gauge blocks, and sealing surfaces.
| Process | Typical Tolerance | Surface Finish (Ra) |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Milling | ±0.01 mm | 0.8 µm |
| CNC Turning | ±0.01 mm | 0.8 µm |
| EDM | ±0.005 mm | 0.4 µm |
| Surface Grinding | ±0.005 mm | 0.4 µm |
Part geometry drives process selection. Flat or prismatic parts with pockets, slots, or complex 3D features = milling. Round, axisymmetric components like shafts and bushings = turning. Hardened steel dies, intricate internal cavities, or materials above 45 HRC = EDM. Flat, hardened surfaces requiring Ra 0.4 µm or tighter = grinding.
At Entag, we deliver CNC milling, turning, and EDM services on the same on-demand platform. Engineers across Egypt (Cairo, Alexandria) and Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) upload a CAD file, receive a DFM review, and obtain a quoted price within 24 hours. Material compatibility spans aluminium alloys (6061, 7075), stainless steel (304, 316), tool steel, brass, titanium, and Inconel — mapped to each process per ISO 286-1 fit and tolerance standards.
CNC Milling & Turning handle aluminium, stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, and copper—standard across aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors.
EDM is essential for hardened steels (>45 HRC), carbide inserts, and exotic alloys like Inconel that resist conventional cutting.
Surface Grinding finishes hardened tool steels and bearing-grade materials to sub-micron precision. Entag stocks and machines these materials at facilities serving Egypt and the Gulf, ensuring consistent CNC machining tolerances across production runs.
What are the main types of CNC machining?
The main CNC machining types are milling, turning (lathing), EDM (electrical discharge machining), and grinding. Milling removes material with rotating cutters; turning spins the workpiece against a fixed tool; EDM erodes material with electrical sparks; grinding finishes surfaces to Ra 0.4 µm or better. Each process suits specific part geometries and material properties.
What is the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning?
CNC milling uses rotating multi-point cutters to machine prismatic or complex 3D shapes with tolerances of ±0.01 mm. CNC turning rotates the workpiece while a single-point tool cuts axisymmetric parts like shafts and bushings, also achieving ±0.01 mm. Turning is faster and more cost-effective for round components; milling is best for flat or complex geometries.
What tolerance can CNC machining achieve?
Standard CNC milling and turning achieve ±0.1 mm (ISO 2768-m) to ±0.01 mm (ISO 2768-f). EDM reaches ±0.005 mm for hardened or intricate parts. Surface grinding achieves ±0.005 mm with surface finishes of Ra 0.4 µm — suitable for sealing faces, bearing bores, and precision gauge components.
Which CNC machining type is best for hardened steel?
EDM (electrical discharge machining) is the best process for hardened steels, carbide, and materials above 45 HRC that cannot be conventionally milled or turned. It machines by controlled electrical spark erosion, ideal for dies, moulds, and complex internal cavities with tolerances to ±0.005 mm.
Is CNC machining available in Egypt and Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Entag provides on-demand CNC machining across Egypt (Cairo, Alexandria) and Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam). Engineers upload a CAD file, receive a DFM review, and get a quoted price within 24 hours. Milling, turning, EDM, and grinding are all available on the same platform.
What materials can be CNC machined?
CNC machining is compatible with aluminium alloys (6061, 7075), stainless steel (304, 316), carbon steel, tool steel, brass, copper, titanium, and Inconel. Material selection depends on the process: EDM handles hardened and exotic alloys; milling and turning cover most standard engineering metals and plastics.
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