Tasks that were impossible years ago are now easy thanks to CNC machining. CNC machines are computer-controlled machines used in the manufacturing industry to achieve efficiency, accuracy and consistency.
There are various types of CNC machines, including milling machines, lathes, routers, plasma cutters, electric discharge machines and laser cutters. CNC milling machines use computer controls to cut materials and can perform functions such as face milling, shoulder milling, tapping, drilling and turning. CNC lathes, on the other hand, cut workpieces as they rotate and offer precision and compactness compared with manual lathes. CNC routers are similar to hand-held routers and can cut various materials in three dimensions, making them suitable for smaller projects and complex designs.
If you're interested in learning how to operate this advanced equipment, check out the CNC Machining Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI). Keep reading to learn all about the different types of CNC machines and their unique functions.
A CNC machine (Computer Numerical Control machine) is a type of automated equipment used in manufacturing that’s controlled by pre-programmed software. These machines can perform precise cutting, drilling, milling and other tasks with minimal human intervention. CNC machines are commonly used to operate complex tools and machinery, allowing manufacturers to produce high-quality parts efficiently, reduce material waste and improve accuracy.
Training to become a CNC machinist at UTI’s Mooresville campus doesn’t look like your traditional college education.1 Rather, it’s an “intensive immersion,” as CNC instructor Craig Hibdon says, meaning students dive in with hands-on training to develop meaningful skills applicable to a variety of careers. The CNC courses cover topics such as precision measurement, blueprint reading and multi-axis milling, giving students a solid foundation to enter the field with confidence.
As part of the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) family of schools, NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) began operating under the UTI brand in April .
CNC machines play a critical role in modern manufacturing, offering the precision and efficiency needed to create complex, high-quality parts.
These machines are operated using G-code, a specialized programming language that controls everything from speed and feed rate to tool movement. Each type of CNC machine is built for a specific function and requires skilled professionals to operate them safely and effectively.
One of the most common types of CNC machines, a CNC mill utilizes computer controls to cut various materials. Mills can translate specific programs of numbers and letters to move the spindle in several ways.
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CNC mills can perform a wide variety of functions, including face milling, shoulder milling, tapping, drilling and turning. Most machines come in three-to-six-axis configurations. Compared with other tools, CNC mills are typically larger and more expensive. Common manufacturers include Okuma, HAAS and DMG Mori.
A lathe is a CNC machine that cuts workpieces as they are rotated. CNC lathes can quickly make precise cuts by using various tools. CNC lathes are more precise than manual lathes, even if their framework is similar. They often have fewer axes than CNC milling machines so they’re more compact.
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CNC lathes come with similar controls to those of CNC mills. They can read both G-code and other proprietary programming languages. Some of the most common CNC lathe machine manufacturers include HAAS, Mori Seiki and Okuma.
A CNC router is a machine that is very similar to a hand-held router, which is commonly used for cutting various materials. This type of CNC machine can cut steel, wood, aluminum, composites, plastic and foam.
A CNC router is similar to a CNC mill. It can use computer numerical control to route tool paths that enable the machine to function. CNC routers reduce waste and increase productivity by producing various items in a shorter amount of time.
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Most routers can operate on a particular material in all three dimensions and are great for smaller projects such as creating prototype models or complex designs. They are also available in three-axis, four-axis, five-axis and six-axis routers.
CNC plasma cutters use a plasma torch to cut material. This method is most commonly used to cut heavy materials, such as steel and other types of metal.
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A CNC plasma cutter works by blowing gas at a high speed from a nozzle. It creates an electrical arc through the gas on the surface that is being cut.
This process converts some of the gas into plasma with temperatures that range from about 10,000-50,000 degrees. The plasma is hot enough to melt any material and it blows away any molten metal from the site of the cut.
CNC plasma cutters are very similar to CNC routers in terms of shape and size.
Electric discharge machining, or EDM for short, involves creating a specific shape within a certain material by using electrical discharges, or sparks.
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In this process, the material is removed from a specific workpiece by a series of recurring electrical discharges between two electrodes. These electrodes are separated by a dielectric fluid, which often receives an electric voltage. In this machine, the material is placed between two electrodes. The machine then calculates the amount of electrical discharge each electrode needs to produce.
The CNC laser cutter is similar to the CNC plasma machine. The only difference is that lasers are mostly used for cutting.
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They are great for cutting metals, plastic or hardwood. Depending on the density and strength of the material, the intensity of the laser can be adjusted.
3D printers use additive manufacturing technology, which builds objects layer by layer using materials such as plastic, resin or metal. Unlike subtractive CNC machines that remove material, 3D printers add material based on digital models.
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These machines are ideal for prototyping, custom parts and low-volume production. They are commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical and consumer products.
Multi-axis CNC machines are advanced systems capable of moving tools or parts in four or more directions simultaneously. The added axes allow for greater precision and the ability to machine complex shapes in a single setup.
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Common configurations include 4-axis, 5-axis, and even 6-axis machines, which are often used in aerospace and high-end manufacturing.
A CNC automatic tool changer (ATC) is a system that quickly switches tools in and out of a CNC machine to improve productivity and reduce manual intervention.
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This feature is typically found on advanced mills or machining centers and is essential for jobs requiring multiple operations or tooling changes in a single run.
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CNC waterjet cutters use a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with abrasive particles, to cut through materials such as metal, stone, ceramic and glass without generating heat.'
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This cold-cutting method is ideal for materials sensitive to high temperatures and allows for clean, precise cuts with minimal waste.
CNC drilling machines specialize in making precise, consistent holes in a variety of materials. Unlike manual drills, they use computer programming for exact depth, angle and spacing.
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They are commonly used in manufacturing, construction and electronics industries, where accuracy is critical.
CNC grinders use rotating abrasive wheels to remove material and achieve a high surface finish or tight tolerance on a part. They are commonly used for metalworking, especially in finishing or sharpening applications.
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CNC grinding is ideal for producing smooth finishes and refining components like cutting tools, gears and engine parts.
Read: 7 Beginner Tips for Using a CNC Machine
All of the CNC machines serve their own important function. CNC operators, machinists and programmers need to have a good understanding of how these machines work and what they are used for.
Curious about career opportunities in the CNC industry? Check out our CNC career guide. From aerospace to medical to oil and gas, CNC machines are used in a variety of fields, which opens the door to many different career opportunities in each of these industries.
There are many different types of CNC machines used in modern manufacturing, each designed for a specific purpose. While the number can vary depending on classification, there are at least 12 common types of CNC machines, including CNC milling machines, lathes, routers, plasma cutters, and 3D printers. When exploring what different types of CNC machines are, it's important to consider the function, complexity and material capabilities of each machine.
A standard CNC machine includes several key components:
Together, these parts enable CNC equipment to perform precise, automated tasks.
A CNC machine operates using pre-programmed computer software to control movement and actions. The process starts with a digital design, which is converted into G-code—a language the machine understands. The machine’s controller then directs motors and drives to move tools or materials along specified paths. Whether cutting, drilling or shaping, CNC equipment can work with incredible precision and repeatability.
CNC machines are highly versatile and can work with a wide range of materials. These include metals like aluminum, steel and titanium; plastics such as acrylic and PVC; and other materials like wood, foam, composites and even glass. The type of material used often determines the best machine for the job, as different types of CNC machines are built to handle specific material properties.
CNC equipment is used across many industries due to its precision and efficiency. Common sectors include aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical device manufacturing and construction. Additionally, CNC machines are widely used in custom fabrication, prototyping and even art or furniture design. Different types of CNC machines are selected based on the specific needs of each industry, whether it’s cutting metal, routing wood or printing complex components.
UTI offers a 36-week CNC Machining Technology program, where you can gain hands-on training and in-demand skills needed to prepare for a career as a CNC machinist.1 Created in conjunction with Roush Yates Engines, a leading brand in the industry, you’ll be taught everything from reading blueprints to the setup and operation of CNC mills and lathes.