Machining Interview Questions and Answers

What is machining?
Machining is a manufacturing process that involves the removal of material from a workpiece
to create the desired shape, size, and surface finish.

What are the types of machining?

There are several types of machining, including turning, milling, drilling, grinding, and
broaching.

What is CNC machining?

CNC machining is a type of machining that uses computer-controlled machines to remove
material from a workpiece. It is often used for high-precision and complex parts.

What are the advantages of CNC machining?

CNC machining offers several advantages, including increased accuracy, repeatability, and
efficiency. It also allows for the production of complex geometries and reduces the risk of
human error.

What is a lathe?
A lathe is a machine tool that rotates a workpiece on its axis while cutting, drilling, or sanding
it to create a symmetrical object.

What is a milling machine?

A milling machine is a machine tool that removes material from a workpiece using a rotating
cutter. It is commonly used to create complex shapes and contours.

What is a drilling machine?

A drilling machine is a machine tool used to create holes in a workpiece. It uses a rotating
drill bit to remove material from the workpiece.

What is a grinding machine?

A grinding machine is a machine tool used to create a smooth surface finish on a workpiece.
It uses a rotating abrasive wheel to remove material from the workpiece.

What is broaching?
Broaching is a machining process that uses a broach to remove material from a workpiece.
The broach is a tool with a series of teeth that gradually increase in size and remove material
as it is pushed through the workpiece.

What is the difference between a lathe and a milling machine?

A lathe rotates the workpiece while a cutting tool is moved along it to remove material and
create a symmetrical object, while a milling machine removes material using a rotating cutter
to create complex shapes and contours.

What is the difference between drilling and boring?

Drilling creates a hole in a workpiece, while boring enlarges an existing hole to a desired size.

What is reaming?
Reaming is a machining process that enlarges and smoothes the surface of an existing hole to
create a precise and accurate diameter.

What is tapping?
Tapping is a machining process that creates threads inside a hole using a tap, which is a
cutting tool with spiral grooves.

What is honing?
Honing is a machining process that removes small amounts of material from the surface of a
workpiece to create a smooth and accurate surface finish.

What is abrasive machining?

Abrasive machining is a type of machining that uses abrasive particles to remove material
from a workpiece, such as in grinding, honing, or lapping.

What is electrochemical machining (ECM)?

ECM is a type of machining that uses a high-speed, low-voltage current to remove material
from a conductive workpiece. It is often used for high-precision and complex parts.

What is electrical discharge machining (EDM)?

EDM is a type of machining that uses electrical discharges to remove material from a
workpiece. It is often used for hard and difficult-to-machine materials.

What is ultrasonic machining?

Ultrasonic machining is a type of machining that uses high-frequency vibrations to remove
material from a workpiece. It is often used for brittle and delicate materials.

What is waterjet cutting?

Waterjet cutting is a type of machining that uses a high-pressure stream of water and abrasive
particles to cut through a workpiece.

What is plasma cutting?

Plasma cutting is a type of machining that uses a high-temperature plasma arc to cut through a
workpiece.

What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a type of machining that uses a high-powered laser beam to cut through a
workpiece.

What is the difference between a CNC lathe and a manual lathe?

A CNC lathe is computer-controlled, while a manual lathe is operated by hand. CNC lathes
offer greater precision, repeatability, and efficiency than manual lathes.

What is the difference between a CNC milling machine and a manual milling machine?
A CNC milling machine is computer-controlled, while a manual milling machine is operated
by hand. CNC milling machines offer greater precision, repeatability, and efficiency than
manual milling machines.

What is the difference between a horizontal milling machine and a vertical milling
machine?
A horizontal milling machine has a horizontal spindle, while a vertical milling machine has a
vertical spindle. Horizontal milling machines are typically used for larger and heavier parts,
while vertical milling machines are used for smaller and lighter parts.

What is a milling machine?

A milling machine is a machine tool that uses rotating cutters to remove material from a
workpiece. It can be used for a variety of machining operations, such as drilling, milling, and
boring.

What is a jig?
A jig is a tool used to hold a workpiece in a specific position or orientation during machining.
It ensures accurate and repeatable machining operations.

What is a fixture?
A fixture is a tool used to securely hold a workpiece during machining. It often includes
clamps, bolts, or other fasteners to prevent the workpiece from moving or shifting during
machining.

What is the difference between a roughing cut and a finishing cut?

A roughing cut removes large amounts of material quickly, while a finishing cut removes
small amounts of material to create a smooth and accurate surface finish.

What is a chip?
A chip is the small pieces of material that are removed from a workpiece during machining.

What is a cutting tool?

A cutting tool is a tool used to remove material from a workpiece during machining. It
includes tools such as drills, end mills.

What is a carbide tool?

A carbide tool is a cutting tool made from tungsten carbide, which is a hard and wear-resistant
material. Carbide tools are often used for high-speed machining and cutting hard materials.

What is a high-speed steel tool?

A high-speed steel tool is a cutting tool made from a type of steel that can withstand high
temperatures and is able to maintain its hardness at high speeds. It is often used for machining
softer materials.

What is a coolant?
A coolant is a fluid that is used during machining to cool the workpiece and cutting tool,
reduce friction, and improve surface finish.

What is a lubricant?
A lubricant is a substance that is used during machining to reduce friction between the cutting
tool and workpiece, prevent wear, and improve surface finish.

What is a cutting speed?

Cutting speed is the speed at which the cutting tool moves across the surface of the workpiece
during machining. It is typically measured in meters per minute or feet per minute.

What is a feed rate?

Feed rate is the rate at which the cutting tool advances into the workpiece during machining.
It is typically measured in millimeters per revolution or inches per revolution.

What is a depth of cut?

Depth of cut is the distance between the cutting tool and the workpiece during machining. It
determines the amount of material that is removed from the workpiece during each pass.

What is a spindle speed?

Spindle speed is the speed at which the spindle of a machine tool rotates during machining. It
is typically measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).

What is a tool holder?

A tool holder is a device used to hold a cutting tool in place during machining. It typically
includes a clamp or collet to secure the tool.

What is a tool post?

A tool post is a device used to hold a cutting tool on a lathe. It allows the operator to quickly
and easily change tools during machining.
What is a collet?
A collet is a type of tool holder that uses a tapered sleeve to hold a cutting tool in place. It
provides a more secure grip than other types of tool holders.

What is a chuck?
A chuck is a device used to hold a workpiece on a lathe or milling machine. It typically
includes jaws or clamps to securely hold the workpiece in place.

What is a tailstock?
A tailstock is a part of a lathe that supports the end of a workpiece during machining. It often
includes a center or drill chuck to hold the workpiece in place.

What is a live center?

A live center is a type of tailstock center that rotates with the workpiece during machining. It
reduces friction and wear on the center and workpiece.

What is a dead center?

A dead center is a type of tailstock center that does not rotate with the workpiece during
machining. It provides a more stable support for the workpiece.

What is a tool path?

A tool path is the path that a cutting tool follows during machining. It is typically
programmed into a CNC machine using software.

What is a work offset?

A work offset is a setting that determines the location of the workpiece in relation to the
cutting tool during machining. It is typically programmed into a CNC machine using
software.

What is a fixture offset?

A fixture offset is a setting that determines the location of a fixture in relation to the cutting
tool during machining. It is typically programmed into a CNC machine using software.

What is a program zero?

Program zero is the starting point for a CNC program.
What is a tool radius compensation?
Tool radius compensation is a setting that adjusts the position of the cutting tool based on its
radius. This ensures that the tool follows the correct path during machining.

What is a spindle orientation?

Spindle orientation is a setting that aligns the spindle of a machine tool with a specific
position. This is often used for precise machining operations.

What is a runout?
Runout is the amount of deviation from the ideal circular shape of a rotating tool or
workpiece. It can cause vibration, reduce accuracy, and decrease tool life.

What is a surface finish?

Surface finish is the quality of the surface of a machined part. It is typically measured in
microns or microinches and can affect the function and appearance of the part.

What is a tolerance?
Tolerance is the allowable deviation from a specified dimension or measurement. It is often
specified in engineering drawings and determines the accuracy and precision of a part.

What is a cutting tool wear?

Cutting tool wear is the gradual loss of material from the cutting tool during machining. It can
reduce tool life, decrease accuracy, and affect surface finish.

What is a cutting tool breakage?

Cutting tool breakage is the failure of a cutting tool during machining. It can be caused by
excessive forces, wear, or defects in the tool.

What is a workpiece deformation?

Workpiece deformation is the distortion or bending of a workpiece during machining. It can
be caused by excessive forces, incorrect tool path, or insufficient support.

What is a fixture design?

Fixture design is the process of designing a device to hold a workpiece in place during
machining. It involves considering factors such as stability, accessibility, and ease of use.

What is a cutting tool design?

Cutting tool design is the process of designing a tool that is optimized for a specific
machining operation. It involves considering factors such as material, geometry, and coating.

What is a tool wear monitoring?

Tool wear monitoring is the process of measuring and tracking the wear of a cutting tool
during machining. It can help optimize machining parameters and reduce tool changeovers.

What is a chip control?

Chip control is the process of managing and removing chips (or swarf) during machining. It is
important for maintaining accuracy, preventing tool damage, and ensuring a good surface
finish.

What is a vibration analysis?

Vibration analysis is the process of measuring and analyzing the vibration of a machine tool
during operation. It can help identify problems such as wear, imbalance, or misalignment.

What is a spindle motor?

A spindle motor is the motor that drives the spindle of a machine tool during machining. It
typically provides high torque and speed.

What is a servo motor?

A servo motor is a type of motor that provides precise control over position, velocity, and
acceleration. It is often used in CNC machines for precise positioning of cutting tools and
workpieces.

What is a linear motor?

A linear motor is a type of motor that provides motion in a straight line rather than rotation. It
is often used for high-speed and high-precision positioning.

What is a backlash?
Backlash is the amount of play or clearance between mating parts, such as gears or threads. It
can affect the accuracy and repeatability of a machine tool.

What is a lead screw?

A lead screw is a threaded rod that is used to translate rotary motion into linear motion. It is
often used in machine tools for precise positioning of cutting tools and workpieces.

What is an indexable tool?

An indexable tool is a cutting tool that uses replaceable cutting inserts that can be rotated or
flipped to present a fresh cutting edge.

What is a tool holder?

A tool holder is a device that holds a cutting tool securely in place on a machine tool. It can
provide tool clamping, coolant delivery, and chip evacuation.

What is a collet?
A collet is a type of tool holder that grips a cutting tool by its shank. It provides high accuracy
and repeatability and is often used for high-speed machining.

What is a chuck?
A chuck is a type of tool holder that grips a workpiece by its external surface. It is often used
for turning and drilling operations.

What is a fixture?
A fixture is a device that holds a workpiece in a fixed position during machining. It can
provide support, alignment, and clamping.

What is a jig?
A jig is a type of fixture that guides a cutting tool or workpiece during machining. It can
provide precise positioning and repeatability.

What is a fixture plate?

A fixture plate is a flat plate that is used to mount and locate fixtures and tooling on a machine
tool. It can provide flexibility and quick changeovers.

What is a workholding system?

A workholding system is a collection of fixtures and tooling that is used to hold a variety of
workpieces in place during machining. It can provide versatility and reduce setup time.

What is a pallet changer?

A pallet changer is a device that allows multiple workpieces to be loaded and unloaded from a
machine tool without interrupting the machining process. It can increase productivity and
reduce setup time.

What is a tool presetter?

A tool presetter is a device that measures the dimensions and geometry of a cutting tool
before it is installed on a machine tool. It can ensure accuracy and reduce setup time.

What is a tool monitoring system?

A tool monitoring system is a device that measures the performance and condition of cutting
tools during machining. It can provide early warning of tool wear or breakage and optimize
tool life.

What is a machine vision system?

A machine vision system is a device that uses cameras and image processing software to
measure and inspect machined parts. It can provide quality control and process feedback.

What is a probing system?

A probing system is a device that measures the dimensions and position of a workpiece or
cutting tool during machining. It can ensure accuracy and provide automatic tool and
workpiece alignment.

What is a toolpath?
A toolpath is the path that a cutting tool follows during machining. It is generated by
CAD/CAM software based on the geometry of the part and the machining parameters.

What is a G-code?
A G-code is a language that is used to control the motion and operation of CNC machine
tools. It specifies commands such as tool position, feed rate, and coolant flow.

What is a M-code?
A M-code is a language that is used to control auxiliary functions of CNC machine tools. It
specifies commands such as spindle on/off, coolant on/off, and tool change.

What is a postprocessor?
A postprocessor is a software program that translates the toolpath generated by CAD/CAM
software into G-code that is specific to a particular machine tool. It can customize the
machining process for optimal performance.

What is a simulation software?

A simulation software is a program that simulates the machining process to predict the
behavior of the cutting tool and workpiece. It can optimize machining parameters and reduce
setup time.

What is the difference between roughing and finishing?

Roughing is the process of removing large amounts of material quickly, while finishing is the
process of achieving a high-quality surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

What is the purpose of a cutting fluid?

A cutting fluid is used to cool and lubricate the cutting tool and workpiece during machining.
It can improve tool life, reduce tool wear, and improve surface finish.

What are the common types of cutting fluids?

The common types of cutting fluids are water-based fluids, oil-based fluids, and synthetic
fluids. Each type has different properties and is suitable for different machining applications.

What is the purpose of a chip breaker?

A chip breaker is a feature on cutting tools that helps to break up and control the size and
shape of chips. It can prevent chip buildup and improve chip evacuation.

What is chatter?
Chatter is a vibration that occurs during machining and can cause poor surface finish and
dimensional accuracy. It can be caused by improper cutting conditions or unstable machine
setup.

What is the difference between climb milling and conventional milling?

Climb milling is a technique where the cutting tool feeds into the workpiece in the same
direction as the rotation of the spindle. Conventional milling is a technique where the cutting
tool feeds into the workpiece in the opposite direction to the rotation of the spindle. Climb
milling can provide better surface finish and reduce cutting forces, but it can also increase the
risk of tool breakage.

What is a stepover?
A stepover is the distance between each pass of a cutting tool during machining. It can affect
the surface finish and chip evacuation.

What is a stepdown?
A stepdown is the depth of each pass of a cutting tool during machining. It can affect the
cutting forces and tool life.

What is the difference between a roughing end mill and a finishing end mill?
A roughing end mill is designed for removing large amounts of material quickly, while a
finishing end mill is designed for achieving a high-quality surface finish and dimensional
accuracy.

What is a ball nose end mill?

A ball nose end mill is a cutting tool with a rounded end that is used for 3D contouring and
surface finishing. It can provide a smooth surface finish and can reach difficult-to-access
areas.

What is a center drill?

A center drill is a type of drill bit that is used to make a small starting hole for a larger drill
bit. It can ensure accurate hole positioning and prevent drill bit wandering.

What is a counterbore?
A counterbore is a tool that enlarges the end of a hole to provide a flat bottom and a larger
diameter. It is often used for fastener installation.

What is a countersink?
A countersink is a tool that creates a conical recess at the end of a hole to allow a flat-head
fastener to sit flush with the surface. It can provide a clean and finished look.

What is a reamer?
A reamer is a cutting tool that is used to enlarge and improve the accuracy of a pre-existing
hole. It can provide a smooth and precise finish.

What is a broach?
A broach is a cutting tool that is used to remove material in a linear motion. It is often used
for producing internal keyways or splines.

What is a tap?
A tap is a cutting tool that is used to create internal threads in a hole. It can be used to create
threads for fasteners or for creating fluid connections.

What is a die?
A die is a cutting tool that is used to create external threads on a cylindrical part. It can