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12 Types of CNC Machines: A Simple Guide for Everyone
Are you curious about CNC machines? These cool tools help make things we use every day. Let’s learn about the types of CNC machines and how they work!
Table of Contents
What Are CNC Machines?
CNC means “Computer Numerical Control.” These smart machines use computers to make parts with high precision. They can cut, shape, and form materials into all kinds of things.
How CNC Machines Are Sorted
People group CNC machines in different ways:
By Operation Type
- Cutting machines – cut through materials
- Forming machines – bend or shape materials
- Additive machines – build parts layer by layer
- Subtractive machines – remove material to make shapes
By Axis Count
- 3-axis machines – move in three directions
- 5-axis machines – move in five directions
- 9-axis machines – move in nine directions
More axes mean the machine can make more complex shapes. A 5-axis CNC machine can reduce production time by 30% compared to simpler machines.
By Material Type
- Metal machines
- Wood machines
- Plastic machines
- Glass machines
12 Types of CNC Machines You Should Know
Let’s look at the most common CNC machine types:
1. CNC Milling Machines
CNC milling machines use spinning tools with multiple cutting edges to remove material.
- How they work: The tool spins while moving across the material.
- What they make: Car parts, molds, and prototypes.
- Good things: Very precise and can make complex shapes.
- Not-so-good things: Cost a lot to buy.
Want to know more? Check out our guide on CNC milling services.
![CNC milling machine carving a metal part]
2. CNC Lathes (Turning Centers)
CNC lathes spin the material while tools cut it to shape.
- How they work: The material spins while tools stay still.
- What they make: Round parts like screws, shafts, and pins.
- Good things: Great for round parts.
- Not-so-good things: Not good for square or odd shapes.
Around 90% of automotive parts use CNC lathes in their production.
3. CNC Routers
CNC routers cut softer materials like wood, foam, and plastic.
- How they work: Similar to milling but made for softer stuff.
- What they make: Signs, furniture, and art.
- Good things: Work 40% faster than hand carving.
- Not-so-good things: Not good for hard metals.
4. CNC Plasma Cutters
Plasma cutters use hot plasma to cut through metal.
- How they work: Super-hot gas melts metal for cutting.
- What they make: Metal signs, car parts, and metal art.
- Good things: Can cut 1-inch steel at 20 inches per minute.
- Not-so-good things: Only works on materials that conduct electricity.
5. CNC Laser Cutters
Laser cutters use a focused beam of light to cut materials.
- How they work: A laser beam melts or burns the material.
- What they make: Precise parts, signs, and jewelry.
- Good things: Very precise (up to 0.001 inches).
- Not-so-good things: Limited in what they can cut through.
6. CNC Electric Discharge Machines (EDM)
EDM machines use electric sparks to shape metal.
- Types: Wire EDM and sinker EDM.
- How they work: Electricity jumps between the tool and material.
- What they make: Molds, dies, and precise metal parts.
- Good things: Can cut very hard metals.
Learn more about sinker EDM machining.
7. CNC Waterjet Cutters
Waterjet cutters use high-pressure water to cut materials.
- How they work: Super-fast water (sometimes with sand) cuts through material.
- What they make: Stone, glass, and metal parts.
- Good things: No heat damage, saves 50% material waste.
- Not-so-good things: Can be slow for thick materials.
8. CNC Grinders
CNC grinders use abrasive wheels to make smooth finishes.
- How they work: Spinning wheels grind material for a smooth finish.
- What they make: Precise gears and sharp tools.
- Good things: Can make super smooth surfaces.
- Not-so-good things: Only for finishing, not making whole parts.
9. CNC Drilling Machines
CNC drilling machines make holes in materials.
- How they work: Spinning drill bits make holes in material.
- What they make: Circuit boards, building parts.
- Good things: Fast and precise hole-making.
- Not-so-good things: Only make holes, not complex shapes.
10. CNC Bending Machines
CNC bending machines shape metal sheets and pipes.
- How they work: Press metal into shapes using controlled force.
- What they make: Car panels, pipes, and metal frames.
- Good things: Can make 500+ bends per hour.
- Not-so-good things: Limited to bending, not cutting.
11. CNC Swiss-Type Lathes
Swiss lathes make tiny, precise parts.
- How they work: Hold material in a guide to reduce vibration.
- What they make: Watch parts, medical implants.
- Good things: 85% of medical implant makers use these.
- Not-so-good things: Only for small parts.
Check out our Swiss machining services for more details.
12. Multi-Axis Hybrid Machines
Hybrid machines combine different CNC operations in one machine.
- How they work: Can mill, turn, and print in the same machine.
- What they make: Complex parts that need many operations.
- Good things: Reduce production time by 65%.
- Not-so-good things: Very expensive and complex.
CNC Machine Comparison Table
| Machine Type | Best For | Material | Speed | Precision | Cost |
| Milling Machine | Complex shapes | Most materials | Medium | High | High |
| CNC Lathe | Round parts | Metals, plastics | Fast | High | Medium-high |
| CNC Router | 2D & 3D designs | Wood, soft materials | Fast | Medium | Low-medium |
| Plasma Cutter | Thick metal | Conductive metals | Fast | Medium | Medium |
| Laser Cutter | Detailed cuts | Thin materials | Fast | Very high | Medium-high |
| EDM | Hard metals | Conductive metals | Slow | Extremely high | High |
| Waterjet | Any material | Almost anything | Slow | High | High |
| CNC Grinder | Smooth finishes | Hard materials | Medium | Very high | Medium-high |
| Swiss Lathe | Tiny parts | Metals, plastics | Medium | Extremely high | High |
How to Pick the Right CNC Machine
When choosing a CNC machine, think about:
Materials You’ll Work With
- Metals: Milling machines, lathes, or EDM
- Wood: CNC routers
- Plastics: Routers or lasers
- Glass: Waterjets
Part Complexity
- Simple shapes: 3-axis machines
- Complex shapes: 5-axis or more
Budget
- Small budget: Entry-level routers
- Medium budget: Basic mills or lathes
- Large budget: Multi-axis or hybrid machines
Production Volume
- Few parts: Basic machines
- Many parts: Industrial machines with automation
Where CNC Machines Are Used
CNC machines work in many industries:
Aerospace
- 5-axis milling for turbine blades
- EDM for heat-resistant parts
Automotive
- CNC lathes for engine parts
- Bending machines for car bodies
Medical
- Swiss-type lathes for implants
- Micro-milling for surgical tools
To learn more about medical CNC machining, visit our specialized page.
Woodworking
- CNC routers for furniture
- CNC carving for art and signs
Questions People Often Ask
What’s the cheapest CNC machine for beginners?
Entry-level CNC routers are most affordable, starting around $1,500-$2,000.
Can one CNC machine work with all materials?
No. Different materials need different machines. For example, soft wood needs routers, while hard metals might need mills or EDM.
What industries use CNC machines the most?
The automotive industry, aerospace, medical, and consumer electronics use CNC machines the most.
Are 5-axis machines worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you make complex parts. They reduce setup time by 70% and can make parts in one setup.
The Big Picture
The CNC machine market will grow to $127.8 billion by 2027. This shows how important these machines are becoming.
Different types of CNC machines fit different needs. From making tiny medical parts to huge airplane wings, there’s a CNC machine for every job.
Remember that the right machine depends on:
- What you’re making
- The material
- How many you need to make
- Your budget
If you need help picking the right CNC service for your project, our team at iStar Machining can help!
