Five basic methods in metal machining

In actual production, metal is the most common processing material, but for different metals and different processing needs, the processing methods are also different. Below we will introduce the five metal processing methods commonly used in production, so that everyone can have a certain understanding of this.

1. Drilling

There are many models and sizes of machine tools. The variety of modern machine tools is almost limitless. Some machine tools are so small that they can be installed on a workbench, while others are so large that a special workshop is needed to accommodate them.

Some machines are fairly simple, while others are very complex in construction and operation. Whether the machine tool is large or small, simple or complex, it can be divided into five categories, which are the five basic methods of forming metal.

Drilling is the process of drilling holes in solid metal. Use a rotary drill called a twist drill. Machine tools used for drilling are called drill presses. Drill presses also come in a variety of models and specifications. In addition to drilling, drilling machines can also perform other processing. When drilling, the workpiece is positioned, clamped and fixed; the drill bit rotates while drilling into the workpiece.

2. Turning and Boring

Common machine tools are the most common machines used for turning workpieces. Turning is the process of removing metal from a workpiece. While the workpiece rotates, the tool cuts into or turns along the workpiece.

Boring is a processing method for expanding or further processing holes that have been drilled or cast in metal workpieces. Boring on a lathe is accomplished by a single-edged tool that feeds into the workpiece as it rotates.

3. Milling

Milling is the process of removing metal using a rotating tool with multiple cutting edges called a milling cutter.

4. Grinding

Grinding is the process of removing metal using a grinding wheel called a grinding wheel. Grinding is used to finish the workpiece, and the workpiece after machining is accurate in size and smooth in surface. When grinding a round workpiece, the workpiece is rotated while the workpiece is fed to the rotating grinding wheel. When grinding flat workpieces, the workpiece reciprocates under the rotating grinding wheel. The grinding process is often used for the final finishing of hard, heat-treated workpieces to precise dimensions.

5. Bull head planing, gantry planing and slotting machine

These operations are machined with single-edged tools to produce precise flat surfaces. We should understand the difference between a planer, a planer and a slotting machine. When machining with a planer, the workpiece is fed to the tool, and the tool moves back and forth on the workpiece.

When machining with gantry planer, the tool cuts into the workpiece or feeds to the workpiece, and the workpiece moves back and forth under the tool.

Ploughing is similar to bulldozing.

The slotting machine is actually a vertical planer, but the tool moves up and down. During plunging machining, the workpiece, such as the direction of the tool, moves over and over, depending on the type of workpiece to be machined, sometimes it is straight, sometimes it is arc. A slotting machine is a vertical planer, which is mainly used for cutting certain types of gears.

Broaching machines can be classified as gantry planers. The broach has multiple teeth. Broaching machines can be used for internal machining, such as machining square holes, or for external machining, machining flat surfaces or a specific shape.