What Is The Difference Between CNC Machining and Precision Machining?

Many buyers and engineers are confused by the terms CNC machining and precision machining, and often assume they refer to the same process. In reality, they describe two different concepts in manufacturing.

CNC machining refers to the use of computer-controlled machines to perform milling, turning, and drilling operations. Precision machining, however, focuses on achieving tighter tolerances, higher accuracy, and better surface quality.

CNC machining can deliver precision results, but only when machine capability, process control, and inspection systems are properly matched. In this article, we explain the key differences and help you determine which solution best fits your application.

CNC Machining vs. Precision Machining: What’s the Real Difference?

CNC machining describes how a part is made—by using computer-controlled machines to automate cutting operations such as milling, turning, and drilling.

Precision machining describes how accurately a part must be made—with tighter tolerances, a better surface finish, and greater repeatability.

In other words, CNC machining is a method, while precision machining is a machining requirement.

A CNC machine can produce precision parts, but only when the machine configuration, cutting strategy, and inspection capability are properly matched to the drawing.

The CNC Machining

Now, let us first understand what CNC machining is. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which is a pretty common technology found in the manufacturing process. The reason why manufacturers would use it in the first place is that it enables a larger scale of production for machined parts, which is highly demanded.

Additionally, the CNC machine is also a great tool for companies to make prototypes of their products. CNC milling and CNC turning each has its own unique functions.

The CNC milling works by utilizing the functions of computers to operate the cutting tools. These tools will work using the minimal 3 axes or possibly more, depending on the complexity. When activated, the machine will rotate the cutting tool that will cut the surface of a stationary workpiece. The cutting tool will rotate at such a high speed to remove all unwanted materials.

Meanwhile, CNC turning, which is also known as the metal fabrication process, is a technique that’s mostly used for creating conical, cylindrical, and rounded parts. It is a part of CNC machining, but not as versatile as CNC machining, as its ability is limited.

Aside from being known as a metal fabrication process, CNC turning is also known as CNC turning centers and lathes. The structure consists of a gripping tool and a rotating spindle. The way it works is also different from CNC milling.

The multi-axis that the CNC machine has makes it possible for it to create more versatile creations. Thus, companies can always make machined parts, even complex ones, without having to focus more on manual reorientation.

How Does It Work

The way the CNC machine works is really simple. As we’ve previously explained, many manufacturers are now using CNC machining for their basic machine parts production. Its ability to make various complex machine parts using its multi-axis cutting tool is unbeatable, and it’s up to today’s standards.

CNC machining is also an essential part of the manufacturing process as it enhances automatic production and reduces the likelihood of human errors.

To operate the CNC machines, the operators will use CAM or CAD software, which functions to produce files that will later be scanned by the CNC machines. From that step, the CNC machine will use the scanned file to handle the machining.

Now, many would say that CNC machining and precision machining are different. How come? Although both have similar structures, the specs may be different. Just as the name tells you, precision machining was created with higher standards, as it highly focuses on precision.

With the more precise machines, the parts you can create out of it will be more accurate as well. The difference is apparent in the tolerance standards. While the CNC machine has 0.008” or as close as 0.005”, the precision machine has a tolerance standard of 0.0001”.

Although the difference might seem pretty slim, it actually means a lot. Using precision machines, manufacturers can make even more complex machine parts that were unable to be created in standard CNC machines. For industries like medical and aerospace, this is a matter of life and death.

The Advantages of CNC Machines 

Although CNC machines are not as accurate as precision machines, it still has several advantages that the manufacturers may consider, such as

More Efficient Material Usage

Many companies look for better efficiency, and it’s exactly what CNC machines can offer. The process of CNC milling usually requires only a small batch of parts for a single manufacturing process. As a result, the material it will use to make machine parts will be less as well.

Furthermore, CNC milling also supports electrical, thermal, and chemical processes. Therefore, it can nicely fit all kinds of industries with better efficiency.

Better Production Capacity 

Another thing that CNC machines can offer is an increased production capability. As the production will require small batches of parts, the whole process basically needs a low material consumption. In the long run, it can be a great way to increase the production capacity for huge projects.

Versatile

What’s great about the CNC machine is the kinds of cutting tools it has. Thanks to them, the CNC machine can work in a much better and more efficient way compared to the other machines.

The cutting machine makes it possible for the manufacturers to create machine parts with more complex structures. Therefore, it’s just logical to think that most manufacturers are now optimizing their production processes using CNC machines.

Aside from the complexity of the design, CNC machines are also capable of creating a wide range of parts with their own unique specifications. Even the complex ones can be treated in the same way as the simple parts.

The Precision Machining

Now, let us talk about precision machining. Just as we’ve told you before, precision machining is basically an upgrade of CNC machining. It involves the manufacturing process that lets users create parts with better accuracy and better tolerances.

Aside from handling the metal parts, precision machining is also suitable for making parts out of plastic. Thanks to its precision in the work, the machining is highly compatible for so many manufacturing projects, both individual and bulk orders. It can nicely fit the customer’s needs, no matter how complex and specific the requested parts are.

Materials Used for Precision Machining

In the section above, we’ve mentioned that precision machining is suitable for plastic and metal materials. However, its actual capabilities are actually beyond that. Several materials can be processed through precision machining:

• Bronze

• Steel

• Titanium

• Brass

• Glass

• Graphite

• And other metals.

With that, it can be said that precision machining is a very dependable machine as it can process a wide range of materials. It’s suitable for so many manufacturing needs, and the precision that can be obtained through the combination of saws, grinders, and milling machines is just hard to miss.  

The Important Aspects of Precision Machining

Of course, due to the high precision, consistency, and accuracy, precision machining became one of the most essential factors in the manufacturing business. Having the machine around you can ensure that your production capabilities stay effective, no matter what the client’s needs are.

To carry out the manufacturing duties more effectively, the manufacturers have to consider a few essential points before getting the machines, such as:

The Useful Benefits 

As time continues to go on, while technological development also doesn’t show any sign of stopping, it’s just understandable that more companies are looking for a better way to support their manufacturing business

Following the client’s needs can be different at all times, but the manufacturing can always accomplish the important manufacturing objectives by using precision CNC machining. Here are a few of its best benefits:

Decreased risk of error

Due to the high level of precision, CNC machining is able to maintain consistency and effectively reduce the possibility of an error. Most of the manufacturing processes will be handled automatically as well, so any mistakes made by human error will be minimized as well.

Fewer material scraps

In a manufacturing process, scraps can be produced on a large scale. The less precision a machine has, the more waste it will produce later on. Thus, as the precision CNC machine has a high degree of precision, this results in much less waste due to production errors.

Consistency

The high precision also makes it possible for precision machining to make more accurate parts. With higher consistency, the quality of the parts produced from the machining is carefully maintained. This can effectively result in increasing profits as there’s a consistent product quality in every single production.

Shorter production cycles

Another notable benefit of precision CNC machining is the shorter production cycle, which is also one of the reasons why it’s more effective compared to the other older methods.

As you can bring more products to the market due to the high production level, you may also have a chance to be more adaptable to any production changes brought by individual customers or industry rules.

Conclusion

The type of machining you’d use will highly affect how the manufacturing process goes in your production company. Therefore, choosing the one that can be considered effective in maintaining the quality of production and consistency is a must.

With a high level of tolerance and precision, CNC machining can be a great solution to a wide range of manufacturing needs. Now, it is time to find the best machining solutions. And you can get one at Yangsen.