Typically, one of the largest costs associated with CNC machining is the CNC machine itself. Entry level machines start around $5,000 with high end machines reaching upwards of $500,000. The cost depends on factors like size, power, spindle speed, multi-axis capabilities, and accuracy. Once you have a machine, you will need to purchase cutting tools to machine parts. To generate the instructions required for CNC machining, it’s common to subscribe to a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software as well. So, while there’s no one size fits all answer, CNC machining requires some up-front investment to get started.

Milling is one style of CNC machining. CNC machining is any process where a part is manufactured by a machine that is controlled by a computer. In milling, a cutting tool spins at high speeds and advances into or across the work piece to remove material. Other types of CNC machining include turning, routing, plasma cutting, and water jetting. Turning and milling can be combined into a single machine, as can additive and subtractive operations, creating even more complex styles of CNC machining.

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the process of depositing layers of material to build up the desired geometry. Generally speaking, CNC machining is used to refer to subtractive processes, where material is removed from the work piece, resulting in the desired geometry. While 3D printing processes can create more complex geometry like internal latticing, parts must also be supported during the printing process to prevent failure. CNC machining generally produces more accurate parts and can be significantly faster, especially when manufacturing single parts.

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which means that a computer controls what the machine does, including but not limited to the spindle speed, feed rate, position. In order to program the computer, often called a control, a person can use computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software. CAM software generates a series of instructions called toolpaths and then generally uses a post processor to translate that toolpath data into code the machine can read. Then a person would transfer that code onto the machine and run it to produce their final part.

Yes! Fusion 360 includes a powerful and easy to use CAM solution that can control a wide variety of CNC machines including mills, lathes, routers, mill/turn machines, plasma cutters, water jets, and lasers. Fusion 360 also integrates CAD, CAE, and ECAD along with CAM into a single solution to reduce data loss and improve process reliability for CNC machining and other downstream processes.

Fusion 360 costs — /year. A Fusion 360 license gives you access to integrated 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, PCB, collaboration, and data management tools in a single platform. Fusion 360 subscriptions also include EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering.