Machining is any of various processes in which a piece of raw material is cut into a desired final shape and size by a controlled material-removal process. The processes that have this common theme, controlled material removal, are today collectively known as
subtractive manufacturing, in distinction from processes of controlled material addition, which are known as
additive manufacturing. Exactly what the "controlled" part of the definition implies can vary, but it almost always implies the use of
machine tools (in addition to just
power tools and
hand tools).