6 Common CNC Machines & What They Do

Tasks that were impossible years ago are now easy thanks to CNC machining. CNC machines are computer-controlled machines used in the manufacturing industry to achieve efficiency, accuracy and consistency.

There are various types of CNC machines, including milling machines, lathes, routers, plasma cutters, electric discharge machines and laser cutters. CNC milling machines use computer controls to cut materials and can perform functions such as face milling, shoulder milling, tapping, drilling and turning. CNC lathes, on the other hand, cut workpieces as they rotate and offer precision and compactness compared with manual lathes. CNC routers are similar to handheld routers and can cut various materials in three dimensions, making them suitable for smaller projects and complex designs.

Keep reading to learn all about the different types of CNC machines and their unique functions.

What Is CNC?

CNC is defined as a process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory machinery and tools. As a result, manufacturers can produce parts in less time, reduce waste and eliminate the risk of human error.

This manufacturing process is used to control a wide variety of complex machinery. Essentially, CNC machining makes it possible for three-dimensional cutting to be completed by following one set of prompts.

Training to become a CNC machinist at Universal Technical Institute’s NASCAR Technical Institute campus doesn’t look like your traditional college education.⁸⁵ Rather, it’s an “intensive immersion,” as CNC instructor Craig Hibdon says, meaning students dive in with hands-on training to develop meaningful skills applicable to a variety of careers.

Watch the video below to learn more about the CNC experience at NASCAR Tech:

6 Types of CNC Machines

What is a CNC machine? There are six types of CNC machines that are designed to manufacture a wide variety of items.

It’s important to know that these are not your average machines. They require the skills of a trained professional to be able to produce high-quality commercial products. All of the following machines use what is known as G-code, which is a programming language. Each type of CNC machine caters to a specific purpose.

1. CNC Milling Machine

One of the most common types of CNC machines, a CNC mill utilizes computer controls to cut various materials. Mills can translate specific programs of numbers and letters to move the spindle in several ways.

Photo by directindustry.com

Many mills use G-code, a standardized programming language recognized by most CNC machines. A CNC mill can have a wide variety of functions such as face milling, shoulder milling, tapping, drilling and turning. Most CNC mills come in three-to-six-axis configurations.

A CNC mill is larger than other tools and can cost more. Some CNC milling machine manufacturers include Okuma, HAAS and DMG Mori.

2. CNC Lathe

A lathe is a CNC machine that cuts workpieces as they are rotated. CNC lathes can quickly make precise cuts by using various tools. CNC lathes are more precise than manual lathes, even if their framework is similar. They often have fewer axes than CNC milling machines so they’re more compact.

Photo by cnc.com

CNC lathes come with similar controls to those of CNC mills. They can read both G-code and other proprietary programming languages. Some of the most common CNC lathe machine manufacturers include HAAS, Mori Seiki and Okuma.

3. What is a CNC Router?

A CNC router is a machine that is very similar to a handheld router, which is commonly used for cutting various materials. This type of CNC machine can cut steel, wood, aluminum, composites, plastic and foam.

A CNC router is similar to a CNC mill. It can use computer numerical control to route tool paths that enable the machine to function. CNC routers reduce waste and increase productivity by producing various items in a shorter amount of time.

Photo by stylecnc.com

Most routers can operate on a particular material in all three dimensions and are great for smaller projects such as creating prototype models or complex designs. They are also available in three-axis, four-axis, five-axis and six-axis routers.

4. What is a CNC Plasma Cutter?

CNC plasma cutters use a plasma torch to cut material. This method is most commonly used to cut heavy materials, such as steel and other types of metal.

Photo by stylecnc.com

A CNC plasma cutter works by blowing gas at a high speed from a nozzle. It creates an electrical arc through the gas on the surface that is being cut.

This process converts some of the gas into plasma with temperatures that range from about 10,000-50,000 degrees. The plasma is hot enough to melt any material and it blows away any molten metal from the site of the cut.

CNC plasma cutters are very similar to CNC routers in terms of shape and size.

5. CNC Electric Discharge Machine

Electric discharge machining, or EDM for short, involves creating a specific shape within a certain material by using electrical discharges, or sparks.

Photo by directindustry.com

In this process, the material is removed from a specific workpiece by a series of recurring electrical discharges between two electrodes. These electrodes are separated by a dielectric fluid, which often receives an electric voltage. In this machine, the material is placed in between two electrodes. The machine then calculates the amount of electrical discharge each electrode needs to produce.

6. What is a CNC Laser Cutter?

The CNC laser cutter is similar to the CNC plasma machine. The only difference is that lasers are mostly used for cutting.

Photo by ACCURL Machine Tools

They are great for cutting metals, plastic or hardwood. Depending on the density and strength of the material, the intensity of the laser can be adjusted.

Applying This To Your Career

All of the CNC machines serve their own important function. CNC operators, machinists and programmers need to have a good understanding of how these machines work and what they are used for.

Curious about career opportunities in the CNC industry? Check out our CNC career guide. From aerospace to medical to oil and gas, CNC machines are used in a variety of fields, which opens the door to many different career opportunities in each of these industries.

UTI offers a 36-week CNC Machining Technology program, where you can gain hands-on training and in-demand skills needed to prepare for a career as a CNC machinist.⁸⁵ Created in conjunction with Roush Yates Engines, a leading brand in the industry, you’ll be taught everything from reading blueprints to the setup and operation of CNC mills and lathes.

This program begins frequently, so you may be able to start your training sooner than you think. You can request more information and an Admissions Representative will reach out!