CAD/CAM/CNC  

I put this page in for animations really. They link to outside pages (which I don't usually do) but the files are so big they take forever to load on your machine. So unless you have broadband don't go here. For and explanation on CAD/CAM/CNC (to you lot that is Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture/Computer Numerical Control) you need to look here. . I think you should read it through before looking at any animations.

Look here for CNC metal routing, its all done by programming computers to control cutting tools

Look here for a lathe that has been programmed to turn a small metal component

Have you ever thought how they make metal bowls and stuff, have a look