The authoritative guide to CNC FAQs provides a one-stop solution to your CNC machining problems, helping you improve production efficiency and easily master the essence of CNC machining.
Our own internal processing capabilities: Five-Axis CNC 16 Units, Four-Axis CNC 12 Units, Three-Axis CNC 27 Units, CNC Milling & Turning 16 Units. If you have larger processing needs, we can also meet them.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining is a high-precision manufacturing process where computer-controlled machines automatically remove material from a workpiece to produce detailed parts or components with specific dimensions. It involves using coded programming instructions to control a range of tools—such as drills, lathes, or mills—that work on materials like metal, plastic, wood, and composites. By automating the control of these tools, CNC machining ensures high accuracy, repeatability, and consistency in production.
Here’s a closer look at the CNC machining process:
Design and Programming: A digital model of the part is first created using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. Then, CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software converts this design into a set of instructions, often in G-code, which controls the CNC machine’s movements and operations.
Setup and Tooling: Operators set up the CNC machine and choose the appropriate cutting tools. These tools can be configured for different types of operations, like cutting, milling, or drilling.
Material Removal: The machine precisely removes layers of material, shaping the workpiece to match the design. CNC machines can perform various operations, including turning, grinding, and routing, to produce intricate shapes and features.
Finishing and Quality Control: After the primary machining is complete, parts may go through secondary finishing steps to refine edges or surfaces. Quality control checks ensure that the part meets exact specifications.
CNC machining is widely used in industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics, where accuracy and durability are critical. This technique is valued for its efficiency, ability to handle complex designs, and capability to produce consistent, high-quality parts even in large quantities.
Choosing CNC Machining comes with numerous benefits that make it a preferred method in modern manufacturing:
For industries that demand intricate, reliable, and consistently high-quality parts, CNC machining stands out as an essential method, combining advanced technology with superior manufacturing capabilities.
This streamlined CNC machining process ensures high precision, efficiency, and repeatability, making it essential for producing parts with intricate geometries and tight tolerances.
In essence, 3D printing is best for complex, custom, or lightweight parts, especially in rapid prototyping, while CNC machining excels in precision, strength, and larger-scale production. Both have unique strengths, and choosing between them depends on factors like part complexity, durability, material requirements, and production volume.
Type of CNC Machine Used:
Production Volume:
Part Complexity:
Material:
Finishing and Tolerances:
By understanding these factors, customers can work with your engineering and sales teams to receive a detailed, tailored quote that balances quality and cost.
Maximum Dimensions (3-axis milling): 1500*800*300mm, 1270×508×635 (mm).
Maximum Dimensions (5-axis milling): 4000*400*150mm, 750x1150x550mm,
600*600*600mm, 500*500*450mm, 500*310*200mm,
Worktable Diameter Φ400 mm. All can be processed, and larger sizes can also be consulted by engineers
CNC machining typically leaves a surface finish known as “as-machined” or “as-milled,” characterized by faint visible tool marks left by the cutting tools. Here’s a closer look at the surface finish qualities and options available in CNC machining:
The appropriate surface finish depends on the part’s intended function and aesthetic requirements. For example:
Each level of finish has its own trade-offs in terms of time and cost, but CNC machining provides flexibility to accommodate a range of surface roughness requirements depending on project needs.
Precision CNC machining plays a significant role in improving product quality through the following key aspects:
Precision CNC machining enhances product quality by ensuring parts meet exact design requirements, improving consistency, reducing errors, and enabling complex designs with high repeatability. This leads to products that are not only reliable and functional but also cost-effective and sustainable in their manufacturing.
CNC machining is particularly advantageous for metals, allowing for high accuracy and durability. Common metals include:
CNC machining is also compatible with a range of non-metallic materials, providing flexibility for specialized applications.
The flexibility of precision CNC machining to work with both metals and non-metals allows it to meet the demands of a wide array of applications across diverse industries. This versatility ensures that each part can be manufactured to precise specifications, regardless of the material.
CNC machining is highly suited to high-volume production due to its ability to maintain consistent quality, deliver cost savings, and maximize efficiency. It enables mass production with exceptional precision and low per-unit costs, making it an excellent choice for industries that demand reliable, scalable, and high-quality manufacturing solutions.
CNC machining excels at producing complex part geometries due to its multi-axis capabilities, advanced tooling, and precise control systems. The ability to perform detailed operations in a single setup, combined with sophisticated simulation and verification tools, ensures that even the most intricate components are manufactured accurately and efficiently. This makes CNC machining a go-to solution for industries requiring parts with high complexity and precision.
CNC machining provides numerous benefits over traditional manual machining processes, making it a preferred method for modern manufacturing. Here’s an in-depth look at why CNC machining is superior:
CNC machining offers significant advantages over manual processes, including higher precision, reduced human error, faster production times, and the capability to create complex geometries efficiently. Its ability to handle high-volume production while maintaining consistent quality and offering superior surface finishes further underscores its value in modern manufacturing. The benefits of automation, scalability, and safety make CNC machining an essential tool for industries seeking reliable, efficient, and precise part production.
GreatLight gives you instant pricing and lead times for your custom parts. There are two ways get a quote and DFM feedback from our sales team.
1.Upload one or more 3D CAD file on our Get a Quote page
2.Send one or more 3D CAD file directly to info@glcncmachining.com
In most cases, we respond Quotation within 24 business hours of receiving an RFQ. If the quote is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Each project is assigned a technical sales manager and a lead project engineer, who will be there from project launch to the delivery of your parts.
For quoting GreatLight prefer 3D CAD file in format in STEP, IGES, X_T or STL.
2D CAD drawings with reference dimensions in format DWG and PDF.
All of the GreatLightn processes are dependent on good 3D CAD solid models.
GreatLight rely on our reputation of working with hundreds of thousands of unique designs over many years, we always keeps customer information confidential and have a strict policy within our factory. If needed, we can sign an NDA with customers who require this documentation.
There is no minimum order quantity requirements at GreatLight.Our services can support you scale from one-off prototypes all the way to mid- and high-volume production.
Our standard terms are Ex Works (EXW) for rapid prototyping and regular production orders. This means the customer is responsible for shipping, customs clearance and all other associated fees once the goods have left our premises. We also offer terms of Delivery At Place(DAP) by DHL Express air freight, customers are responsible for import duties and fees associated with international shipping. Customers also have the option to use their own shipping accounts (e.g. DHL,FedEx or UPS) during checkout if applicable.
There is no single answer to this question but a few rules apply. For customers in USA, Prototypes to be used exclusively for development, testing, product evaluation, or quality control purposes,allow for a MFN Duty Rate of duty-free import into USA(US HTS Number: 9817.85.01.). Import duties vary widely between countries, and are dependent on the type of good being imported. Most countries in the world conform to the international Harmonized System (HS) codes that categorize virtually all commercial trade goods.
Each process is different and depends on part size, quantity required, and finishing requirements. Quality prototyping parts can be made in 3-9 days. Rapid injection molding may take 2-5 weeks to complete. More complex parts requiring or other special features will take longer. As for shipping, most of our shipments are via air freight, which can take a few days from China to Europe or North America.
GreatLight accepts payment in two ways:
Bank to bank wire transfer. GreatLight has accounts in Hong Kong and ShenZhen, China.
GreatLight can send you a PayPal invoice and you can use your PayPal account or credit card to pay.
Unless otherwise agreed upon, all new rapid prototyping customers must pay in advance, we will consider giving 30 days credit based on the order quantity after a period of cooperation between the parties.
Except in very special cases, all tooling orders require a 50% deposit in advance, even for clients who have credit terms. Typically the balance must be paid after T1 approval of samples. Terms are negotiable with each individual customer.
Great Light can handle your CNC machining whether you need a few parts or over 10,000 end-use units. Check out the variety of custom CNC services we offer to take your designs from concept to reality quickly and accurately.
