What is CNC Machining? A Beginner’s Guide
- Long Nguyen
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Walk into any factory, auto shop, or even a medical lab, and chances are many of the parts you see were created with CNC machining. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes technologies that quietly powers modern life. At Advanced Tech Machining, we use CNC every day to help our customers in Fremont, San Jose, and beyond turn ideas into reality.
So, what exactly is CNC machining?
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. In simple terms, it’s a way to take a digital design and have a machine cut, shape, or drill material to match it—precisely. Instead of a machinist turning handles by hand, the instructions are loaded into the machine’s computer. The result? Consistency, accuracy, and speed.
How does the process work?
It usually follows three steps:
Design – The part starts in CAD software (think of it as a 3D blueprint).
Programming – That blueprint is converted into machine code.
Machining – The CNC machine removes material and produces the finished part.
Because everything is computer-driven, you get the same high-quality part whether it’s the first piece or the thousandth.
Different types of CNC machining
Not every job is the same, which is why there are different kinds of CNC work:
Milling – A spinning tool cuts material away to create complex shapes.
Turning – The material itself spins while a tool shapes it, great for round parts like shafts.
Drilling – Exactly what it sounds like—clean, accurate holes.
Multi-Axis Work – Advanced machines that can cut in 4 or 5 directions at once, making very intricate parts possible.
Why does CNC matter?
For one, it allows us to hold tolerances down to thousandths of an inch. That’s critical for industries like aerospace and medical, where there’s no room for error. CNC is also versatile—it works on metals like aluminum, steel, titanium, as well as plastics. And because it’s efficient, it helps reduce both lead times and costs.
Where you’ll see CNC parts
Chances are you already rely on CNC parts every day:
Car engines and transmissions
Airplane components
Surgical tools and implants
Electronics housings and semiconductor parts
Why work with a local shop?
Plenty of companies outsource their machining overseas, but there are big advantages to staying local:
Quicker turnaround
Easier communication
Tighter quality control
At Advanced Tech Machining, we pride ourselves on combining the latest CNC technology with hands-on experience to deliver parts you can trust.
Final word
CNC machining is everywhere, but not all machining is equal. If you need reliable, precision-made parts, our Fremont shop is here to help.
👉 Get in touch today to talk about your next project.
Contact: 408-433-9451
Email: RFQ@atmachining.us
3095 Osgood Ct, Fremont, CA 94539
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