Introduction
Metal machining is a highly complex art requiring experienced professionals and sophisticated machinery. It involves the use of cutting tools, hardening, and tempering of metal, plating and finishing processes, and often the application of modern computerized tools and machinery. Metal machining can involve the use of five basic methods - drilling, turning, milling, grinding and sawing - as well as specialist techniques such as EDM (electrical discharge machining).
Drilling
Drilling is the process of creating a round hole in metal, using a drill bit. This technique is most commonly used for creating holes for screws and bolts or for creating slots for lathes and similar machinery. The most common materials used for drilling are metals such as steel, iron, aluminium or brass. Drilling can be performed manually or by using a machine such as a drill press. One benefit of drilling is that it is relatively quick compared to other metal machining techniques.
Turning
Turning is a metal machining process that involves rotating a workpiece while a cutting tool moves across its surface. This process is used to create a variety of finished shapes, including grooves, threads and contours. Common metals used in turning are steel and aluminium. Turning machines commonly used in industrial settings include lathes and turning centers.
Milling
Milling is a process of using a rotating cutting tool to shape a workpiece. Milling is typically used to create cavities, holes and grooves in metals. Common materials used for milling are copper, iron, brass and stainless steel. In modern industrial settings, computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines are often used to achieve precise results quickly.
Grinding
Grinding is the process of abrading a workpiece by rubbing it against a rough surface. This process is used to create smooth polishing, sharpening and to round edges. Common materials used in grinding are stainless steel, brass, bronze and aluminium. Grinding machines, such as bench grinders, are commonly used in industrial settings to achieve precise results.
Sawing
Sawing is the process of cutting a workpiece into sections using a variety of saws. This technique is commonly used for cutting shapes and objects from larger pieces of metal or for cutting irregular shapes. Common materials used for sawing are metals such as steel, aluminium, brass and bronze. Saws used in industrial settings include hacksaws, band saws, scroll saws and other specialized saws.
Conclusion
Metal machining is a complex art that involves several distinct processes, each requiring expertise and sophisticated machinery. The five main methods of machining metal are drilling, turning, milling, grinding and sawing. Each of these processes has specific materials and machinery associated with it, and is used for different metals in different industrial settings.
