WHAT TOOLS AND MATERIALS ARE USED FOR PRECISION MACHINING? Precision machining can be used with a number of raw starter materials including (but not limited to) plastic, ceramic, metal, composites, steel, bronze, graphite, and glass. In order to make precise cuts and intricate removal of the raw material, a combination of tools may be used. These tools vary depending on the raw material. Frequently used tools include milling machines, lathes, Electric Discharging Machine (aka. EDM's), saws, and grinders. Most commonly used manufacturing equipment is computer controlled heavy machinery that is designed and utilized to remove substrate material creating finely detailed components and piece parts. In some cases, even high-speed robotics and photochemical processes may be used to achieve the desired result for the final product.