CNC Knowledge
Machining terms explained clearly, everything you need to know about CNC manufacturing.
What is CNC?
Computerized Numerical Control, How CNC machines work, available processes, and why CNC is the foundation of modern manufacturing.
What is CNC Milling?
Rotating tools, 3-axis and 5-axis, climb vs. conventional milling, the most important machining process explained clearly.
What is CNC Turning?
Rotating workpiece, bar feeder, driven tools, everything about CNC turning for shafts, bolts and bushings.
What is Machining?
The umbrella term for turning, milling, drilling, grinding & more. Processes per DIN 8589, cutting parameters and coolants.
Manufacturing Tolerances: The ISO System Explained
ISO tolerance system, IT classes, fits (H7/g6) and their direct impact on CNC manufacturing costs.
Surface Finish: Ra, Rz, and Roughness Values
Ra and Rz values, roughness parameters, measurement methods and how surface finish relates to function and cost.
How Much Do CNC Milled Parts Cost?
Was kosten CNC-Frästeile? Stundensätze, Preisfaktoren und Tipps zum Sparen bei der Fräsbearbeitung.
Cutting data calculator
Spindle speed, feed rate and metal removal rate for turning and milling. With guide values for eight material groups and theoretical roughness.
Hardness converter
Convert Rockwell C, Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell B and tensile strength. Based on ISO 18265, with the full comparison table.
Material designation cross-reference
German material number, EN name, old DIN name, AISI and UNS for 53 materials. Forgiving search, also for V2A or Ms58.
Bolt circle calculator
X/Y coordinates for holes on a bolt circle, with hole spacing, sketch and output as NC blocks.
Weight & material requirement
Weight of round, tube, hex, square and flat bar. Plus parts per bar and bars needed for a batch.
Taper calculator
Setting angle, included angle and taper ratio from three dimensions. With Morse and steep tapers as presets.
Countersink and chamfer calculator
Countersink diameter and depth, chamfer in X and Z, drill point length. With countersink dimensions for screws M3 to M20.
Ra/Rz converter
Convert surface roughness in both directions, with the ISO 1302 roughness grade and the machining process that achieves it.
Tolerance calculator ISO 286
Deviations and limits for holes and shafts. Fit type, clearance and interference. Including the full IT tolerance chart.
Thread Calculator
Tap drill, pitch, clearance hole and thread engagement for metric threads. 40 sizes from M1.6 to M36, including blind hole layout.
Material Selector
Filter 25 materials by strength, corrosion, temperature and machinability. Including what the choice will cost you in production.
What does CNC turning cost?
Cost factors, hourly rates and savings tips for CNC turned parts, with interactive charts.
Turning vs. Milling
CNC turning or CNC milling? The big comparison with a decision aid for design engineers.
Material Guide for CNC Parts
Which material for your CNC part? Steel, stainless steel, aluminium and plastics compared.
What is contract manufacturing?
Definition, advantages and process of contract manufacturing, everything important about outsourced CNC machining.
Any Questions?
Our team is happy to advise you on all questions regarding CNC manufacturing, materials and design.