CNC machines are repeatable, and programmable machines which can function while unattended in order to manufacture parts quickly and efficiently. They perform machining operations such as drilling, milling, turning, broaching, electro discharge machining (EDM), etching, honing, jig boring, laser machining, screw machining, Swiss screw machining, and water or abrasive jet machining. Some CNC machining services provide specialty machining services such gear, jig, and fixture manufacturing; casting and forging machining; and tool and die production. Others can perform secondary operations such as anodizing, black oxide finishing, electroplating, heat treating, stress relieving, lapping, polishing, painting, powder coating, and welding.


CNC machining services may provide additional services such as CAD/CAM support, design assistance, just-in-time (JIT) delivery, rapid prototyping, low-volume production, and high-volume production. Computer aided design or drafting (CAD) is used to design parts quickly and accurately. Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) is used to fabricate products directly from CAD outputs. CNC machining services that provides design assistance can help with concepts, manufacturing costs, manufacturing techniques and material considerations such as sourcing. They may also be able to assist with upgrading, redesigning, reevaluating or modernizing existing products to increase performance and/or reduce manufacturing costs. Some CNC machining services have just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing capabilities or can provide prototypes for use in presentations or functional testing. Others provide low-volume or high-volume production.Diameter capacity and material capabilities are important parameters to consider when selecting CNC machining services. Diameter capacity is often expressed as a range and includes choices such as less than 1-inch, 1 to 3 inches, 3 to 6 inches, and more than 6 inches. In terms of material capabilities, CNC machining services may grind aluminum, brass, bronze, carbides, cast iron, ceramics, composites, copper, diamond, polycrystalline diamond (PCD), glass, glass ceramics, hardened metals, nickel and nickel alloys, precious metals, quarts, sapphire, ruby, stainless steel, and titanium.


CNC machining services adhere to a variety of certifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. CNC machining services follow four main specifications from the International Standards Organization (ISO): ISO 9001:2000, ISO 13485:2003, ISO 14001, and ISO/TS 16949:2002. AS 9000, AS 9100, and QS-9000 are industry-specific quality standards that are based on ISO 9001. Both AS 9000 and AS 9001 define quality management system (QMS) requirements for suppliers to the aerospace industry. QS-9000 is a quality standard for suppliers of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation.