INDUSTRIES & APPLICATIONS
From precision machining and prototyping to production and metal fabrication, different applications place different demands on machinery. Explore equipment categories, tooling and buyer resources according to your operating environment and the work you need to perform.
Precision Parts
Prototypes & One-Off Components
Production Machining
Cylindrical & Turned Parts
Sheet & Profile Cutting
Forming & Fabrication
MACHINE SHOPS
Machine shops may perform a wide range of milling, turning, drilling, routing and related machining operations. Equipment selection should begin with the parts, materials, dimensions, operations and production requirements involved.
MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION
Production environments often evaluate machinery according to part requirements, workflow, repeatability needs, throughput objectives, available space and compatibility with existing processes. The appropriate equipment depends on the specific production task and machine specifications.
METAL FABRICATION
Metal fabrication workflows can involve cutting, profiling, forming, drilling, grinding and finishing operations. Equipment should be selected according to the material, dimensions, required process and specifications of the individual machine.
ENGINEERING & R&D
Engineering and research environments may require equipment for prototype development, experimental components, design iteration and small-part machining. Machine selection should reflect the intended material, component dimensions, required operations and available workspace.
PROTOTYPING
Prototyping can require rapid design iteration and the ability to produce physical components for evaluation before a design moves further into development or production. The appropriate CNC equipment depends on the part geometry, material, size and operations required.
TECHNICAL & EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Technical and educational facilities evaluating CNC equipment should consider the intended curriculum or technical application, available space, materials, machine configuration, electrical requirements, tooling and operating environment.
SHOP BY PROCESS
Start With the Operation
Milling
- Explore CNC milling equipment for controlled material-removal operations.
Turning
- Explore CNC lathes and turning equipment for rotational components.
Routing
- Explore CNC routers for programmed routing, profiling and related operations.
Laser Cutting
- Explore laser equipment according to the requirements and specifications of your cutting application.
Plasma Cutting
- Explore CNC plasma equipment for applicable metal-cutting workflows.
Forming
- Explore press brakes and related fabrication machinery.
Sawing
- Explore metal bandsaws and cutting equipment.
Grinding & Finishing
- Explore equipment for applicable grinding and finishing operations.
MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Material Matters
Aluminum
Steel
Stainless Steel
Brass & Copper Alloys
Plastics
Composites
Wood & Engineered Materials
Always verify the specifications and material compatibility of the individual machine before purchasing equipment for a particular application.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Material
Workpiece Size
Required Operations
Axis Configuration
Spindle Characteristics
Tooling & Workholding
Workspace
Electrical Requirements
Research Before You Choose
How to Choose a Benchtop CNC Mill
CNC Mill vs. CNC Router
How to Choose a CNC Lathe
Understanding CNC Machine Specifications
Fiber Laser vs. CNC Plasma Cutting
CNC Tooling & Workholding Guide
NOT SURE WHICH MACHINE FITS YOUR APPLICATION?
If you need assistance before purchasing, tell JDL which equipment you are considering, the intended application, materials, approximate workpiece dimensions and any specific requirements or questions.
Already know what you need? Products with published pricing can be purchased directly online.