Top 10 Machining Processes In Manufacturing

Unless you’re directly involved in the space, you may not realize how much machining in manufacturing shapes the modern world. From the intricate parts inside medical equipment to the precision components used in aerospace and electronics, machining processes play a pivotal role in producing the products we use every day.

In this article, we’ll explore the top machining methods, their applications, and the innovations that continue to transform the field.

What Is Machining in Manufacturing?

Machining is a subtractive manufacturing process where material is removed from a raw workpiece to achieve a desired shape and dimension. Using specialized tools and machinery, this process creates complex geometries and tight tolerances across a wide range of materials.

According to SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), machining is essential for industries that demand precision and repeatability, such as defense, automotive, and energy.

How Precise Is Machining?

Machining processes, especially CNC machining (Computer Numerical Control), offer unmatched precision. CNC machines automate the movement of cutting tools, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and minimal human error. With modern systems, tolerances as tight as ±0.001 inches can be achieved, making machining vital for mission-critical parts.

Dimar Manufacturing Corporation uses advanced CNC equipment to provide precision machining services, ensuring consistent performance across high-volume production runs. Learn more about their CNC machining capabilities.

Top 10 Machining Processes and Applications

Numerous machining processes are used in manufacturing, each serving different purposes and offering unique capabilities. Manufacturers choose the most appropriate process based on material properties, desired tolerances, surface finishes, and production requirements. Here are ten commonly employed machining processes in manufacturing:

Milling

Milling uses rotating cutting tools to remove material from a flat or contoured surface. It’s ideal for producing complex parts such as engine housings and aerospace brackets.

• Common materials: aluminum, stainless steel, plastics
• Used in: automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery

Turning

Turning rotates the workpiece while a stationary cutting tool removes material. It’s typically used to produce round components like shafts, rods, and bushings.

• Performed on: manual lathes or CNC turning centers
• Used in: defense, HVAC systems, heavy equipment

Drilling

Drilling is the process of creating round holes in a workpiece using rotating drill bits. It’s one of the most fundamental machining methods.

• Used in: electronics enclosures, frames, mounting plates

Grinding

Grinding removes small amounts of material using an abrasive wheel to improve surface finish and accuracy.

• Used in: die and mold making, tooling, hardened parts
• Surface finishes: up to 16 microinch Ra or better

Boring

Boring enlarges pre-existing holes with extreme precision. It ensures alignment and accuracy in cylindrical features.

• Used in: hydraulic cylinders, engine blocks
• Achieves: tighter tolerances and smoother finishes

Broaching

Broaching uses a toothed tool to cut internal or external shapes in one linear pass. Commonly used for keyways and splines.

• Often used in: firearms, automotive transmissions, aerospace structures

Sawing

Sawing cuts material into smaller pieces using serrated blades. While not highly precise, it’s a fast method for initial rough cutting.

• Used for: cutting bar stock, tubing, and sheet metal

Honing

Honing improves the roundness and finish of cylindrical parts. It’s used to create ultra-smooth bores, often in conjunction with boring.

• Used in: cylinders, tubes, injector housings

EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)

EDM uses electrical sparks to cut hard or heat-treated materials. It is especially useful for parts with tight internal corners or complex cavities.

• Used in: mold tooling, aerospace components, hardened steels

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting uses a concentrated beam of light to cut through metals with speed and accuracy.

• Ideal for: stainless steel, aluminum, sheet metal

Don’t Undermine Machining In Manufacturing

Machining’s significance in manufacturing cannot be overstated. Its precision, efficiency, and constant innovation have revolutionized industries across the globe.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect machining to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible, driving advancements in manufacturing and shaping the future of our world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Machining Processes

Understanding machining is essential for industries that demand high precision, tight tolerances, and efficient production workflows. Whether you’re new to CNC or evaluating advanced manufacturing options, these FAQs address key topics like turning, grinding, surface finish, and machining in agriculture—while also targeting common search queries related to the field.

Which of the following machining processes creates cylindrical parts?

Turning is the most common machining process used to create cylindrical parts. It rotates the workpiece while a stationary cutting tool removes material along its axis, making it ideal for producing shafts, pins, bushings, and rods.

CNC turning services at Dimar Manufacturing allow for the production of precision cylindrical parts with tight tolerances and consistent repeatability.

What are some common CNC machining processes used in agriculture?

In the agriculture industry, CNC machining is used to fabricate durable, wear-resistant parts for heavy equipment and irrigation systems. Common processes include:

• CNC milling (for brackets, gears, and housings)
• Turning (for shafts and rollers)
• Drilling (for bolt patterns and assembly points)
• Surface grinding (for mating components)

These parts are typically made from stainless steel or coated alloys to withstand exposure to moisture and debris.

What are the processes where abrasive jet machining can be used?

Abrasive Jet Machining (AJM) is useful for delicate or heat-sensitive materials, including:

• Thin metals
• Ceramics
• Glass
• Composites
• Plastics

It’s commonly used in aerospace, medical, and electronics manufacturing where intricate shapes and fine tolerances are required. AJM removes material using a high-pressure stream of gas and abrasive particles—ideal for applications where thermal distortion must be avoided.

What is the advantage of machining over other processes?

Machining offers several distinct advantages:

• High precision and dimensional accuracy
• Excellent surface finish
• Flexibility in part geometry
• Compatibility with metals, plastics, and composites
• Lower tooling costs for small production runs

Unlike casting or forging, machining doesn’t require molds or dies, making it cost-effective for prototyping and low- to mid-volume production.

What distinguishes machining from other manufacturing processes?

Machining is a subtractive process—the material is removed from a workpiece. In contrast, processes like casting (liquid to solid) or additive manufacturing (layer-by-layer building) involve material transformation or addition.

Machining stands out for its accuracy, repeatability, and ability to produce tight tolerances across a wide variety of materials.

What is advanced machining processes?

Advanced machining processes (AMPs) go beyond traditional methods like milling and turning. Examples include:

• Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
• Ultrasonic Machining
• Laser Beam Machining
• Plasma Arc Machining

These processes are often used for high-hardness materials, micro-features, or thermally sensitive components.

How do machining processes affect surface finish?

The surface finish depends on the type of machining, tool condition, cutting speed, and material. Processes like grinding and honing can achieve extremely fine finishes, while milling or turning may require secondary finishing to reduce tool marks.

Surface finish effects:

• Wear resistance
• Aesthetic appearance
• Fit with mating parts
• Friction and lubrication performance

At Dimar Manufacturing, surface finish is tailored to meet customer specifications, including Ra requirements for functional or cosmetic parts.