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Subtractive Manufacturing

Machining (Subtractive Manufacturing): Definition, Process, Advantages, and Applications

Machining (subtractive manufacturing) is the controlled removal of material with cutting tools to achieve the required dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish on metals and plastics. In this guide, you’ll find what machining is, which machines are used, the step-by-step process, pros and cons, and what sets our workshop apart.

What Is Machining?

Machining is a manufacturing method where the raw stock is shaped by removing chips to reach the desired dimensions and tolerances while achieving the target surface roughness. The process can be performed on conventional lathes and mills as well as advanced CNC machines.

Main Machine Tools

  • Lathe: Ideal for turning external/internal diameters, grooving, thread cutting, and taper turning on rotational parts.
  • Milling Machine: Used for planes, slots, pockets, and complex surfaces. CNC milling enables 3–5-axis operations.
  • Drilling/Hole Making: Drilling, reaming, and tapping for precise holes and threads.
  • Grinding: Surface and cylindrical grinding for micron-level Ra values on hardened materials.
  • CNC Machining Centers: Multi-operation capability with high repeatability in a single setup.

Machining Process (Step by Step)

  1. Technical drawing & quotation: Dimensions, tolerances, material, and quantity are clarified to build a cost-effective plan.
  2. Material selection & sourcing: St37, C45, 304/316 stainless, 6061/6082 aluminum, brass, POM, and more.
  3. Process planning & toolpaths: (For CNC) CAM programming defines toolpaths, cutting speeds, feeds, and step-downs.
  4. Machining: Turning/milling operations are executed with validated parameters.
  5. Heat treatment/coating (optional): Hardening, nitriding, anodizing, galvanizing, etc.
  6. Quality control: Calipers, micrometers, gauges, surface roughness tester, and go/no-go gauges verify specs.
  7. Packing & shipment: Final checks vs drawing; protected packaging and on-time delivery.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

  • High precision: Micron-level tolerances and low Ra values are achievable.
  • Flexibility: Efficient for prototypes and series production across quantities.
  • Wide material range: Steels, stainless steels, aluminum, brass, plastics, and cast alloys.

Limitations

  • Material waste: By nature, chip removal generates scrap.
  • Complex geometries: Some features require multi-axis CNC or alternative methods.
  • Cost drivers: Tight tolerances, surface finish targets, and material type affect pricing.

Materials We Machine

Common materials include structural and alloy steels (S235, C45, 4140), stainless steels (304, 316), aluminum (6061, 6082, 7075), brass (CuZn39Pb3), bronze, engineering plastics (POM, PA6, PTFE), and various cast alloys. With the proper tooling and cutting data, both tool life and surface finish are optimized.

Tolerance & Surface Finish

We apply relevant ISO tolerance classes (e.g., H7/g6 fits) per project. Surface finish targets are defined by Ra; roughing is followed by finishing passes and, where necessary, grinding to reach the specification. Dimensional and surface reports are available upon request.

Application Areas

  • Machinery & automation: Shafts, gears, bushings, housings.
  • Energy & defense: Flanges, fasteners, custom fixtures and jigs.
  • Food/medical/chemical: Stainless process parts and hygienic fittings.
  • Automotive & tooling: Prototype parts and fixture components.

Why Choose Us?

  • Precision & consistency: CNC-backed production and standardized QC.
  • Fast quotes & lead times: Send your drawing; we respond quickly with price and delivery.
  • Special jobs: Agile approach for low-volume prototypes, revisions, and urgent maintenance parts.

Visit our Contact page to share your drawings and requirements, and see details of our turning and CNC milling services.

FAQ

What tolerance range do you work to?

Depending on geometry and material, we achieve tight, micron-level tolerances. The agreed tolerance is clearly stated in our quotations.

Do you produce low-volume prototypes?

Yes. We optimize our process for quick turnaround and competitive cost in single-piece and small-batch runs.

Do you provide heat treatment and coatings?

Yes. We manage requests such as nitriding, induction hardening, case hardening, anodizing, and galvanizing within the project scope.

Which drawing/file formats do you accept?

Preferably STEP/IGES (3D) and PDF/DWG/DXF (2D). Including material, tolerance, and surface roughness targets speeds up quoting.