91ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø

Introduction to Common Metal Processing Methods
Knowledge

Introduction to Common Metal Processing Methods

Metalworking is the production activity of applying various processes to metallic materials to manufacture desired parts, assembly line components or overall large structures. Do you know what metal processing is? The process of metal processing is roughly divided into three categories, namely metal forming, metal cutting and metal joining. This article will give a further introduction to metal cutting.
Published: Dec 12, 2022
Introduction to Common Metal Processing Methods

What is Metalworking?

Metalworking is the production activity of applying various processes to metallic materials to manufacture desired parts, assembly line components or overall large structures. Many large items such as oil rigs, ships, bridges to small parts such as engines, right through to jewelry are manufactured through metalworking. Therefore, a wide range of techniques, processes, and tools are required to work with metals and ultimately achieve the desired results.

The process of metal processing is roughly divided into three categories, namely metal forming, metal cutting and metal joining.

Metal cutting is the process of bringing material into a specified form by removing it using various tools. Its finished parts should meet the specified requirements in terms of size, workmanship, design and aesthetics. Chipping has only two products - scrap and finished product. After metal has been cut, the waste is called metal swarf.

Metal cutting processes can be further divided into three categories:

  • The ones that generate chips are classified into one category, also known as machining.
  • Classify substances that burn, oxidize, or evaporate into one category.
  • A mixture of the two, or other processes are classified into one category, such as chemical cutting.

Drilling holes in metal parts is the most common example of a process of the first type. Cutting a steel plate into small pieces using a cutting torch is an example of the combustion category. Chemical grinding is an example of a specialized process that uses etch chemicals to remove excess material.

There are many process techniques for cutting metal, such as:
  • Manual techniques: eg. sawing, chiseling, shearing.
  • Mechanical technology: eg. stamping, grinding and milling.
  • Welding/combustion techniques: eg. by laser, oxy-fuel combustion and plasma combustion.
  • Erosion techniques: Machining using water jet, electrical discharge or abrasive flow.
  • Chemical technology: photochemical processing or etching.
  • As you can see, there are many different types of metal cutting methods!

    Introduction to Metal Processing Technology

    Metal Marker

    Direct Part Marking is a family of technologies for permanently marking metals for part traceability, industrial part labeling, decoration or any other purpose.

    Metal Engraving

    Engraving is a technology mainly used to engrave patterns, characters, pictures or codes on metal surfaces to obtain products with permanent marks, or to print engravings on paper using engraved metals. Engraving mainly uses two technical means of laser and mechanical engraving.

    Metal Stamping

    Metal stamping is not a subtractive machining process. It is the use of molds to fold metal sheets into various shapes. The household utensils we usually come into contact with, such as pans, spoons, cooking pots and plates, are all stamped.

    Metal Etching

    Etching can be achieved by photochemical or laser processes. Laser etching is the current popular technique. This technology has evolved exponentially over time. It refers to high-precision etching by using a coherently amplified beam of light on a metal surface.

    Chemical Etching

    Chemical etching is the process of exposing a portion of a metal sheet to a strong acid (or etchant), thereby cutting a pattern in it and creating the designed shape in the grooves (or cutouts) in the metal. It is essentially a subtractive process that uses etchant chemistry to produce complex, high-precision metal parts.

    Photolithography

    Photolithography refers to the photographic process of making acid-resistant layers on metal surfaces. A key difference between this method and motorized or manual scraping techniques prior to chemical etching is that the applied acid-resistant layer is also irradiated to produce a photoresist layer (photoresist layer), a process that helps produce highly Precise and reproducible patterns.

    Metal Grinding

    Grinding is the physical grinding of a workpiece using cutting tools (abrasives), typically to smooth rough edges, deburr, grind welds, remove chips, create sharp edges, or give metal parts a unique finished look. Typically, grinding is the final operation after a part has been engraved, stamped, etched, or any other form of metalworking.

    Metal Milling

    Metal milling is the machining process that removes material from a metal surface to form its final shape. Milling machines consist of a milling cutter that rotates on a spindle and a table that can move in multiple directions relative to the work surface.

    Published by Dec 12, 2022 Source :

    Further reading

    You might also be interested in ...

    Headline
    Knowledge
    Exploring Major Types of Plastics and Their Properties
    Plastic materials are indispensable raw materials in modern manufacturing. Based on their chemical structures and processing characteristics, plastics are mainly classified into two categories: thermoplastics and thermosets. Understanding the properties of these two types aids in material selection and product design, thereby enhancing manufacturing efficiency and product performance.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    Analysis of Green Plastic Manufacturing
    With the rise of environmental awareness and the global push for sustainable development goals, traditional plastics face increasing environmental pressure due to their challenges in decomposition and recycling. In response, the manufacturing industry is actively developing and applying eco-friendly plastic materials to build green manufacturing systems. This article explores the types, characteristics, and industrial applications of eco-friendly plastics to assist industry transformation and upgrading.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    Key Parameters for Manufacturing High-Quality Plastic Products
    Plastic materials are widely used across various industries due to their lightweight, ease of molding, and versatile properties. 91ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍøever, different types of plastics exhibit distinct mechanical, thermal, chemical, and dimensional stability characteristics, which directly affect the final product¡¯s performance and service life. Therefore, understanding the performance indicators of plastics is fundamental to designing and manufacturing high-quality plastic products.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    Dry Cutting vs. Wet Cutting: The Balance of Energy Saving, Cost, and Quality
    In CNC machining, the choice of cooling method is not simply a technical preference but a multi-faceted trade-off involving cost control, machining quality, tool life, and production line stability. Both dry cutting and wet cutting have their advantages and limitations. To stand out in the fiercely competitive market, companies must shift from pursuing the ¡°theoretically optimal¡± to the ¡°contextually optimal¡± solution.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    The Unsung Heroes of Cutting Tool Coatings: Performance Differences from TiN to DLC
    In CNC machining, cutting tool coatings are a critical yet ¡°invisible¡± factor in boosting production efficiency and reducing costs. Although coating thickness is only a few microns, it significantly enhances tool hardness and wear resistance, optimizes heat dissipation, and improves cutting speed and machining accuracy. From classic Titanium Nitride (TiN) to advanced Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings, different coating materials not only offer varying hardness and heat resistance but also affect tool lifespan and machining adaptability.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    Comprehensive Overview of Plastic Processing Methods: Mastering Key Technologies and Applications
    Plastic products play an indispensable role in modern manufacturing, and various plastic processing techniques are crucial for achieving product diversity and efficient production. The following introduces five common and important plastic processing methods, helping readers gain a thorough understanding of their principles, features, and application scopes.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    Fabric Knowledge Base: A Guide to Fiber Applications, From Beginner to Expert Selection
    Textile fiber is the fundamental element that determines fabric performance and product suitability. Whether you are a designer, manufacturer, or consumer, understanding the unique characteristics of different fibers and their suitable applications is crucial for precise material selection and informed purchasing. This article will systematically introduce the applications of major natural and synthetic fibers and explain how blending them can overcome the limitations of single fibers, providing versatile functional solutions and helping you build a comprehensive knowledge base of textile applications.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    What is Liquid Injection Molding?
    Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) is a manufacturing process that involves injecting liquid silicone rubber (LSR) into precision molds, followed by heating and curing to form high-precision, complex plastic components. Compared to traditional thermoplastic injection molding, LIM offers superior accuracy and the capability to produce more intricate shapes, making it especially suitable for applications demanding high performance and reliability.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    Precision Mold Development and Manufacturing: The Core Technology of Modern Plastic Production
    Precision molds form the foundation for the quality and efficiency of plastic part molding. In today¡¯s highly competitive manufacturing environment, the design and fabrication of molds directly impact a product¡¯s functional performance and market competitiveness. Excellent mold development requires not only precise engineering design but also the integration of advanced machining technologies and rigorous quality control to achieve efficient and stable mass production.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    The Magical Journey of Milk Tea
    Pouring smooth, rich milk into robust black tea with a unique aroma, then stirring it all together, gets you a cup of milk tea. But do you really know what defines milk tea, and how it differs from the milk tea we enjoy today?
    Headline
    Knowledge
    The Connection Between Textiles and Biomimicry: A Fabric Revolution Inspired by Nature
    Lotus leaves after rain shed water droplets without a trace; delicate spider silk is stronger than steel. These are not coincidences but exquisite designs evolved by nature over millions of years. The textile industry is learning from this great designer¡ªnature itself¡ªthrough biomimicry, transforming natural wisdom into fabrics that perform better and are more eco-friendly.
    Headline
    Knowledge
    What Is a CNC Machine Tool? Unveiling the Secret Behind Modern Factories¡¯ High Efficiency
    CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools are automated devices that control machining processes through computer programming. Known for their high efficiency, precision, and stability, they are widely used across industries such as aerospace, automotive, mold making, electronics, medical, and energy. With the rise of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, CNC technology continues to evolve toward multi-axis machining, intelligent control, remote monitoring, and integrated processes. This widespread adoption not only enhances manufacturing performance but also reshapes the workforce, shifting traditional manual skills toward digital operation and system integration¡ªbringing greater production flexibility and competitiveness to businesses.
    Agree