From vehicle brakes and engine parts to wooden furniture and aviation parts, computer numerical control (CNC) machines can create a wide variety of materials. Every item produced by a CNC machine is crafted with incredible precision so that it meets the required specifications for proper use.
Link to Qisheng
While today’s CNC machines are incredibly complex, they can’t do all of this on their own. To run effectively and efficiently, they require the skills of a CNC machinist, who will load the program, set up the machine and monitor it to ensure everything works correctly.
If this sounds like an exciting career path, consider enrolling in a training program. UTI’s CNC Machining Technology program, which is offered at the campus in Mooresville, North Carolina, can equip you with the skills to create performance parts and components from raw materials.1
Curious to learn more? Read along as we answer nine of the most common questions we receive about the CNC Machining Technology program. If you’re ready to get started and talk to an Admissions Representative, request information today.
UTI’s CNC program can be completed in just 36 weeks. Unlike traditional college programs that typically take four years to complete, this program is designed to have you on your way to pursuing a career in less than nine months.
While the time spent training is short, you’ll walk away with an in-depth understanding of the CNC industry and have hands-on skills you can start applying to a career. Your courses will cover a variety of topics, including:
To learn more about what you’ll learn in each individual class, check out our CNC course guide.
While certification is highly suggested and sometimes required for auto and diesel techs, this isn’t always the case in the CNC industry.
UTI doesn’t offer certifications through the CNC program, but we do follow most of the National Institute of Metalworking Skills’ guidelines to ensure students are learning what the industry requires. For students who choose to pursue certifications, they can do so after graduation and will have a foundation of skills that can be beneficial as they go through the process.
Students in the CNC Machining program train on Mastercam, a leading CAD/CAM software solution used in the industry. Instructors also teach students G-Coding directly into the machines, which they’ll use in the field.
Mastercam isn’t the only brand students will have exposure to in the program. UTI’s CNC program was created in conjunction with Roush Yates, a leading brand in the performance industry, to ensure the curriculum is aligned with industry expectations. Students will also have the chance to work with equipment from Mitee-Bite and Mitsubishi Materials.
Students in the CNC program mostly train on HAAS CNC machines. Throughout their coursework, they learn how to set up and operate manual machining equipment, as well as how to set up, operate and program CNC machining equipment.
Additionally, students learn to read blueprints, interpret Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, inspect and measure parts, and perform required mathematical computations required of those in the machining industry. A key emphasis is placed on safety to ensure students are equipped to have long, successful careers in the field.
Read:6 of the Most Common CNC Machines
All of the tools students use while in the CNC machining program are provided by UTI, so they don’t need to purchase their own tools. However, students can use UTI’s Snap-on student discount when it comes time to build their tool set after graduation.
The CNC machining program is a general program designed to prepare students for career opportunities in the manufacturing industry. Students in the program don’t specifically learn to bore out engines and rebuild them, but the skills they learn can be applied in an automotive environment if they choose to take that route.
UTI is proud to offer Career Services resources. While in school, UTI’s team of local Career Advisors can assist students in their search for a part-time local job that doesn’t interfere with their studies.1 Many manufacturing jobs are full-time, but some students do work in industry jobs as they complete their training.
This team of Career Advisors is also available to students who are seeking employment after graduation. UTI has relationships with national dealerships, distributors and other employers of all sizes across the country to help identify potential jobs for graduates.
The CNC Machining Technology program teaches three axes. This helps to prepare students to pursue entry-level roles in the CNC industry after they graduate.
Read:What Are Machining Tolerances?
Cost is an important factor to consider when looking into any kind of training program. At UTI, there are several ways you may be able to save on your education, including financial aid, scholarships and grants.10
The Financial Aid team at UTI is available to answer any questions and assist you along the way, whether you need help filling out a FAFSA, taking out a loan or applying for scholarships. To determine your financial aid eligibility and out-of-pocket costs associated with going to UTI or any of its schools, use our Tuition Estimator (Net Price Calculator).
The CNC Machining Technology program starts every six weeks, so you’re able to get going and prepare for your career sooner. To learn more, visit our program page and request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.
In the meantime, feel free to check out these additional resources:
Precision can make or break a product. Whether you're developing aerospace components, surgical tools, or tight-tolerance industrial parts, choosing the right CNC machining company isn’t just about getting a quote, it’s about getting it right the first time.
Too often, companies go with the lowest bidder and end up dealing with dimensional inaccuracies, missed lead times, or poor surface finishes, issues that can derail production and kill budgets. In this guide, we break down the 10 most critical factors to consider when selecting a precision CNC machining service, especially if you're sourcing custom or complex parts.
Not all CNC machining companies are created equal. Some specialize in basic milling or prototyping, while others have advanced capabilities like 5-axis machining, Swiss turning, or EDM. You want a shop that understands tight tolerances, complex geometries, and repeatable quality.
Ask:
● What’s the minimum tolerance they consistently hold?
● Do they have case studies or parts they’ve produced in aerospace, medical, or defense sectors?
Tip: Look for services that advertise tolerance capabilities within ±0.005mm or better.
A good CNC machining service should be proficient in a wide range of materials, especially if you're machining exotic alloys or non-standard materials.
Common materials to ask about:
● Metals: Aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, titanium, Inconel
● Plastics: PEEK, Delrin (acetal), nylon, PTFE, UHMW
● Composites or specialty materials
If you're working with heat-resistant, high-strength, or corrosion-resistant components, their material experience matters.
The types of CNC machines a company owns say a lot about their range and quality.
● 3-axis CNC mills: Basic precision
● 5-axis CNC machines: Complex curves, one-pass machining
● CNC lathes: Cylindrical parts, turned features
● Swiss machines: Ultra-precise small parts
● EDM: Intricate cavities, hardened steel work
A strong CNC company invests in modern, diverse machinery with automated tool changers and inspection systems.
No matter how advanced the machines, quality assurance is where reliable CNC machining companies stand apart.
For more information, please visit High‑Precision CNC Machining Services.
Look for:
● CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) inspections
● ISO or AS certification
● In-process and final dimensional reports
● Surface finish verification (Ra values)
If a shop doesn't talk about metrology, that's a red flag.
A great custom CNC machining service doesn’t just ask for a STEP file, they ask questions.
They should support:
● DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback
● Iterative prototyping
● Flexible low-volume runs
● Changes on the fly if the part evolves
This is especially important for startups, R&D teams, or anyone developing new mechanical products.
Time matters, especially in prototyping or high-speed product cycles.
An online CNC machining service should be upfront about:
● Typical lead times for prototypes vs. production
● Rush job availability
● How they handle unforeseen delays or material shortages
Some of the best CNC machining services offer 3 - 7 day turnaround on low-volume aluminum or plastic parts.
A CNC shop should grow with your project. Can they scale from 10 parts to 10,000 without retooling delays or outsourcing?
Ask:
● Do they do production runs in-house or through a partner network?
● What’s their daily part capacity or machine availability?
● Can they support blanket orders or scheduled deliveries?
You should never feel like you're talking to a black box.
● Do they offer real-time order updates?
● Can you talk directly with engineers, not just sales reps?
● Do they give clear, honest feedback on manufacturability?
Strong communication leads to fewer errors, better parts, and lower costs over time.
Modern CNC machining companies offer online instant quotes, material options, and tolerance spec input right on their platform.
Look for platforms that let you upload CAD files, set tolerances, pick finishes, and compare pricing instantly.
It saves time, reduces miscommunication, and makes sourcing parts easier, even across time zones.
You can get an instant quote from JLCCNC here!
Finally, check what others are saying.
● Do they have Google reviews, case studies, or testimonials?
● Are they used by industries where failure isn't an option, like aerospace, automotive, or robotics?
A track record of on-time delivery, consistent tolerances, and supportive customer service is the ultimate proof.
Summary: Comparison Table
FactorWhat to Look ForPrecision Capability±0.005mm or betterMaterial RangeFrom aluminum to titanium, PEEK, and compositesMachine Types3-axis, 5-axis, lathe, Swiss, EDMQC & CertificationsCMM, ISO /AS, full inspection reportsCustomization SupportDFM guidance, quick iterations, low-volume runsLead Time3 - 7 days for small batches, clear rush policiesScalabilityPrototype to production without outsourcingCommunicationEngineer contact, responsive project updatesOnline ToolsInstant quotes, CAD uploads, tolerance selectionReputationTestimonials, reviews, industry trustA mid-sized robotics team was preparing for a product demo. They needed 30 precision-milled aluminum linkages with ±0.01mm tolerance for a robotic arm assembly. Their regular vendor couldn’t guarantee tolerances tighter than ±0.05mm, and the few prints they received were just slightly off… but enough to cause alignment issues in the joints.
That’s when they turned to JLCCNC’s precision CNC service.
The result? Fully spec-compliant parts, delivered in 6 days, with inspection reports included. The demo worked flawlessly, and they’ve been outsourcing their entire aluminum arm assembly to JLCNC ever since.
Precision doesn’t just meet specs, it builds trust when it matters most.
You can get a free quotehere!
Don’t gamble on low-cost providers if precision, delivery, and accountability are critical to your part’s performance. Choose a CNC machining company that brings technical expertise, real support, and machining power you can count on.
Ready to move past sourcing headaches and get flawless parts, every time?
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Services Injection Molding for Electronics. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.