CNC Machining Operations & Tooling

What Is Deburring? Definition & Methods

Deburring is the finishing step that removes burrs—the thin raised ridges and rough edges left on a part after machining, drilling, casting, molding or grinding—and replaces them with a clean, controlled edge.

What Is an End Mill? Definition, Types & Uses

An end mill is a rotating cutting tool for milling machines with cutting teeth on its end as well as around its sides, so it can cut sideways through material, not just plunge like a drill.

What Is Feed Rate? Definition, Formula & Speed

Feed rate is the speed at which a cutting tool advances through the workpiece, usually given in inches or millimeters per minute.

What Is Knurling? Definition, Patterns & Types

roll knurlinghelical knurling

Knurling is a machining process that presses or cuts a regular pattern of straight, angled or diamond-shaped ridges into the surface of a part, usually a round part turned on a lathe.

What Is Machinability? Definition & Ratings

Machinability is a measure of how easily a material can be cut to shape, judged by tool life, cutting forces and power, surface finish, chip disposal and material-removal rate, and is usually expressed as a rating relative to B1112 steel at 1.00 (100%).

What Is Reaming? Reaming vs Boring vs Drilling

Reaming is a machining operation that slightly enlarges an existing drilled hole with a multi-edged cutting tool called a reamer, bringing it to a precise diameter with a smooth finish.