Subcontract machining is when a company outsources part of its manufacturing work to an external machine shop. These shops focus on cutting, shaping, and finishing metal or plastic parts to precise specifications.

Tool steel machining means cutting, drilling, or shaping tool steel into a specific part. This can be done with CNC machines or by hand. Tool steel is a carbon and alloy steel made to be very hard and resistant to wear. It can also keep a sharp edge. Common grades include D2, O1, A2, and M2.

ABS plastic machining is the process of shaping ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) into finished parts using tools like mills, drills, and lathes. ABS is a thermoplastic. It is strong, impact-resistant, and lightweight. It comes in sheets, rods, or blocks. You can cut, drill, or turn it into parts with basic machining tools.

When picking a material for CNC milling, you need to know your design’s needs, the part’s job, and your budget. Think about strength, machinability, cost, and how the part will be used. Then match those needs to what each metal or plastic can do. Good material choices save you time, money, and trouble.

Thread tapping is cutting threads inside a hole using a tap. The tap has cutting edges shaped to match the thread profile. As it turns into a drilled hole, it removes grooves to form a threaded path.

Taper turning is the process of cutting a surface that gradually changes in diameter along the length of a round workpiece. It forms a cone-like shape using a lathe. The taper can be on the outside (external) or inside (internal) of the part. The angle and length of the taper are based on what the part is used for.

Composite CNC machining uses advanced equipment to cut and shape tough materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass. Specialized tools and methods reduce tool wear and keep parts strong. This process lets you make lightweight parts for industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical.

A 5-axis lathe is a CNC machine that rotates and moves the cutting tool along five axes. These include the usual X, Y, and Z linear axes, plus two rotary axes, often labeled as A and B or B and C. This setup allows the tool to approach the part from almost any angle.

A mill uses a spinning tool to cut and shape material, while a lathe spins the material and shapes it with a fixed tool. Mills are best for flat, complex, or angled parts, while lathes work better for round, cylindrical, or threaded shapes. Knowing when to use each machine can help you save time and avoid mistakes.

Vertical milling is a cutting process where the spindle holds the cutting tool vertically. The tool moves up and down to remove material. The workpiece stays fixed on the machine table, which can move side to side and front to back.

Hard turning is precision turning that shapes metals with high hardness, typically above 45 HRC. The process uses a single-point cutting tool made of CBN (cubic boron nitride), ceramic, or carbide. The goal is to produce a smooth surface and meet tight tolerances in a single operation. It’s most often used on steel parts after heat treatment, eliminating the need for secondary grinding.

Contour turning is a lathe process in which the cutting tool moves in both the X and Z axes simultaneously. This multi-axis movement lets the tool follow a specific curved or angled path. The goal is to create smooth shapes, like arcs, rounded edges, or sloped profiles, on a rotating workpiece.

High speed machining (HSM) is a cutting method that utilizes significantly faster speeds than standard machining. It involves higher spindle speeds, quicker feed rates, and rapid moves between cuts.

The primary goal is to remove material quickly without generating excessive heat. Fast and light cuts help keep the tools cool. This reduces tool wear and gives a smoother surface on the finished part.

Single point threading is a method that uses a cutting tool to create threads on a workpiece. It uses one tool shaped like the thread profile. As the part spins on a lathe, the tool moves along it and cuts the thread. This cutting happens slowly and in steps.

SFM means “Surface Feet per Minute.” It measures how fast the cutting edge of the tool moves across the material surface. This speed depends on how fast the tool spins and how big it is.

Think of it this way: if a cutting tool spins too slowly, the cut may not be clean. If it turns too fast, the tool may overheat or wear out quickly. SFM gives a number to help find the right speed.

Carbon steel machining needs clear steps, proper tool choices, and a focus on detail. Good planning helps you avoid issues like excessive tool wear or part distortion. Choosing the right cutting speeds, feeds, and coolants makes a big difference. Understanding the steel’s grade and condition lets you get the best results.