Deutsch
English
Italiano
CNC machining: turning and milling via the PROTIQ Marketplace
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process: a computer-controlled machine removes material from a solid blank until the finished part is created. The most important processes are CNC milling and CNC turning. They deliver high dimensional accuracy, defined surfaces and reproducible quality – for single parts and prototypes as well as small to medium-sized series.
On the PROTIQ Marketplace, you can request CNC-milled and CNC-turned parts directly: upload your STEP file in the configurator and select “Subtractive Manufacturing” in the filters. For larger projects, start a project inquiry or write to our expert.
- Milling & turningsubtractive processes for metal and plastic
- STEP fileas the basis for your inquiry
- Single part to seriesprototypes, single parts, small to medium-sized series
- Tooling Shop of the Yearawarded twice: the tooling shop of Phoenix Contact
Process
What is CNC machining?
CNC stands for “Computerized Numerical Control”. The machine moves the tool and the workpiece along defined axes under computer control and removes material in the process. Because axis movements, cutting speed and feed are controlled numerically, parts can be produced with high dimensional accuracy and consistent quality.
Unlike conventional, manually controlled machining, CNC machining works with a high degree of automation. Once defined, processes can be repeated with identical results – ensuring planning reliability, short lead times and consistent part quality.
How does production work?
First, the raw material is securely clamped on the machine. Rotating cutting tools then remove material until the contour approaches its final shape over several machining passes. Depending on the geometry and accessibility, the workpiece may need to be re-clamped during the process. In modern manufacturing systems, turning and milling can also be combined – producing complex parts with fewer machining steps.
↑ Back to overview
Milling or turning
CNC milling or CNC turning – what is the difference?
In CNC milling, the tool rotates; in CNC turning, the workpiece rotates. Milling is suited to surfaces, contours and three-dimensional shapes, turning to rotationally symmetrical parts. Many parts are produced using both processes.
| CNC milling | CNC turning | |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | The tool rotates and is guided over the firmly clamped workpiece. | The workpiece rotates around its axis; the tool creates the contour with a linear feed motion. |
| Geometries | Flat surfaces, complex contours and three-dimensional geometries | Rotationally symmetrical parts, for example cylindrical ones |
| Suitable for | Functional and structural parts with demanding geometries | Parts with high requirements for dimensional accuracy |
| Limits | Tool accessibility: internal cavities and undercuts only to a limited extent or not at all | Designed for rotationally symmetrical shapes – can be extended by additional milling |
Inquiry
What is needed for CNC-machined parts?
The basis is a digital CAD model of your part in STEP format. From this, an experienced programmer creates the CNC program that the machine executes.
The program – often referred to as G-code – describes the individual machining steps: travel paths, feed and cutting parameters, spindle speeds, tools and additional functions such as coolant control. This reliably turns the digital model into a physical workpiece.
How to request CNC parts on the PROTIQ Marketplace
- Upload your STEP fileUpload your CAD model in the configurator.
- Select “Subtractive Manufacturing”Choose the process using the filters.
- Submit your inquirySend your inquiry – for larger projects also as a project inquiry.
- Coordinate and manufactureWe coordinate the details with you and organize the implementation with a qualified production partner.
Limits
What are the limitations of CNC machining?
In CNC milling, material can only be removed where the tool can reach the part. Internal cavities, undercuts or very fine structures are therefore only possible to a limited extent or not at all. CNC turning is designed for rotationally symmetrical parts.
Compared to 3D printing, design freedom is therefore lower. In return, CNC machining stands out for high dimensional accuracy, very good surface and material properties and high reproducibility.
↑ Back to overviewCNC machining or 3D printing?
| CNC machining | 3D printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Subtractive: material is removed | Additive: material is built up layer by layer |
| Design freedom | Limited by tool accessibility | High, including internal structures and channels |
| Cavities and undercuts | Only to a limited extent or not at all | Possible |
| Dimensional accuracy and surface | High, even with tight tolerances | Functional surfaces are often post-processed |
| Strengths | Functional parts with defined technical requirements | Complex geometries, lightweight design, function integration |
3D printing + CNC
Combining 3D printing and CNC machining
Additively manufactured parts offer high design freedom. For functional surfaces, fits or areas with high requirements for dimensional accuracy and surface quality, however, mechanical post-processing is often necessary – and this is where CNC milling comes in.
The combination brings together the advantages of both processes: 3D printing creates the complex geometry, CNC machining brings defined surfaces to size. This results in parts that could not be produced with a single manufacturing process.
↑ Back to overview
Applications
What is CNC machining used for?
CNC machining is established in industry whenever high-quality parts with tight tolerances are required – from prototype to series.
Mechanical and plant engineering
High accuracy requirements, functional requirements and often small quantities make CNC milling a proven process here. The range extends from simple geometries to complex functional components – depending on the requirements, made of tool steels, aluminum alloys, brass or copper.
Tool making
Components for injection molding, stamping and forming tools place high demands on geometry, dimensional accuracy and material; materials with high strength and hardness are often used. Via the PROTIQ Marketplace, we work with production partners who specialize in such tool components. Find out how 3D printing complements tool making under Tool making.
Prototypes and series production
CNC parts are manufactured precisely and reproducibly regardless of quantity – for prototypes and single parts as well as small to medium-sized series. For large quantities of plastic parts, injection molding can be the right alternative.
↑ Back to overviewQuality
Qualified production partners on the PROTIQ Marketplace
The PROTIQ Marketplace is geared to the quality requirements of industrial applications. Before a supplier joins the Marketplace, it goes through a multi-stage qualification process.
The connected production partners meet defined quality criteria and have suitable quality assurance concepts in place. This ensures that projects are implemented reliably and reproducibly.
Our roots: the Tooling Shop of the Year
PROTIQ is a subsidiary of Phoenix Contact and emerged from its internal tooling shop. This tooling shop looks back on more than 50 years of experience and has twice been named overall winner and “Tooling Shop of the Year” in the “Excellence in Production” competition. This experience in machining still shapes PROTIQ today.
↑ Back to overviewFAQ
Frequently asked questions about CNC machining
What is CNC machining?
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a computer-controlled machine removes material from a blank. The most important processes are CNC milling and CNC turning. They enable parts made of metal and plastic with high dimensional accuracy and reproducible quality.
What is the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning?
In milling, the tool rotates and is guided over the firmly clamped workpiece – suitable for surfaces, contours and three-dimensional geometries. In turning, the workpiece rotates and the tool creates rotationally symmetrical shapes. Both processes can be combined.
What data do I need for a CNC inquiry?
For an inquiry via the PROTIQ Marketplace, you need a CAD model of your part in STEP format.
Which materials can be CNC-machined?
CNC machining is suitable for a wide range of metals and plastics, such as steels, aluminum alloys, brass or copper. We coordinate with you which material is suitable for your part as part of the inquiry.
When is CNC machining better than 3D printing?
When high dimensional accuracy, defined surfaces and tight tolerances are required and the geometry is accessible to the tool. For internal structures, cavities and very complex shapes, 3D printing has the advantage. Often, combining both processes is the best solution.
Can 3D-printed parts be post-processed by CNC?
Yes. Functional surfaces and areas with high requirements for dimensional accuracy and surface quality can be selectively post-processed by CNC milling.
What quantities is CNC machining suitable for?
For prototypes and single parts as well as small to medium-sized series.
How do I request CNC parts from PROTIQ?
Upload your STEP file in the configurator and select “Subtractive Manufacturing” in the filters. For larger projects, start a project inquiry or send our expert an email.
↑ Back to overview
