CNC is an acronym for Computer Numerical Controlled. CNC is a type of machining practice. Besides CNC the other type of machining is manual machining. In CNC machining the workpiece is held in the machine and the CNC Programmer writes code so that the CNC machine can machine the workpiece. The CNC Machinist sets up and operates the CNC machine and oversees the machining process.

There are several types of CNC Machines, such as a CNC mill, CNC Lathe, CNC multitasking center, and others. A CNC mill is typically a 3-axis machine, but they can have up to 5-axis on them. In a CNC mill, the workpiece is secured to the mill’s table with workholding equipment such as a vice.

In a CNC lathe, the part is held in a chuck, and it rotates. The CNC programmer makes a CNC program to cut the part. These lathes can have 3-axis of movement up to a dozen or more axis of movement.