Machining is a part of the manufacture of many metal products, but it can also be used on materials such as wood, plastic, ceramic, and composites.

A person who specializes in machining is called a machinist.

A room, building, or company where machining is done is called a machine shop. Machining can be a business, a hobby, or both.

Much of modern day machining is carried out by computer numerical control (CNC), in which computers are used to control the movement and operation of the mills, lathes, and other cutting machines.

pl. CNC forgácsoló = CNC machinist