In cutting processes material is removed from the part using a tool of a harder material. The relative movement is reached by either moving the part or the tool or a combination of the two. The movement is achieved by means of a primary motion (the speed) and a secondary motion (the feed).

Typical characteristics for cutting is low tooling investment, high geometric flexibility and a high level of material waste.

Processes where the part is rotated (speed) while the tool is moved (feed) is called turning. In milling the part stays in a fixed position while the tool is rotated (speed) and mooved (feed) along a curve at the same time. If the curve is a straight line perpendicular to the part surface it is drilling.

Sawing
Turning
Milling
Planing
Drilling
Reaming
Broaching

Abrasive processes

Angle grinder
Flame cutting
Punching
Water jet cutting
Laser beam cutting
Plasma arc cutting

Electric discharge machining (EDM)
Electric discharge wire cutting
Electrochemical machining (ECM)
Chemical machining