Which component in CNC machining is responsible for the actual cutting process?

In the context of CNC machining, the component responsible for the actual cutting process is the tool. The tool is the element that interacts directly with the workpiece material, removing material to achieve the desired shape and finish based on the programmed instructions.

Tools can vary significantly depending on the type of operation being performed—such as milling, turning, or drilling—and they may be designed with specific geometries and cutting edges to effectively handle different materials and achieve specific tolerances. The cutting tool's design, along with its material and coating, plays a substantial role in the efficiency, surface finish, and precision of the machining operation.

While other components like the controller, spindle, and workpiece are crucial to the overall CNC machining process, they do not perform the cutting directly. The controller sends commands to the machine to execute the programmed sequence, the spindle mechanically rotates the tool, and the workpiece is the material being shaped. The tool is the active element performing the cutting, making it the correct choice in this scenario.