Machining is a diverse industry that provides several services. It can be defined as the process through which material is removed from a piece to achieve the desired design. It is typically carried out with the help of specialized tools, each of which provides a different end result.
Basic Machining Services
There is a wide range of machining services, and each can be provided through different machining methods. The following are the most common machining services offered.
Turning
Turning is the process through which the object to be cut is placed on a lathe. The lathe turns the object so that it can be cut precisely.
Milling
Milling is the opposite of turning. With milling, the table turns the object, whereas with turning, a tool turns the object. Some newer milling tools consist of both a moving table and moving tools.
Drilling
Drilling is the process through which holes are created in an item with drill bits. Typically, these holes are used for the assembly process.
Boring
Boring is often confused with drilling, but the two are separate processes. While drilling creates the holes, boring refines those holes to enlarge them or improve them in other ways.
Grinding
Grinding is the process through which a rotating wheel is used to smooth out a surface. It can also be used to create tiny cuts on the surface.
Broaching
Broaching is a machining process that uses a toothed tool to create specific effects. For example, it can be used to cut square holes or the teeth on the inside of pliers and other tools.
Machining Methods
The following are some of the most common methods through which machining services are offered.
Erosion Machining Methods
Some machining services are completed through the use of erosion to cut objects. Two of the most common erosion methods include the following:
- EDM: Electric discharge machining or EDM uses sparks for cutting.
- Water jet cutting: This process uses pressurized water and, sometimes, an abrasive additive to cut through the material.
Burning Machining Services
Burning machine services use heat to cut away any unwanted material. Typically, they use one of the following:
- Lasers
- Plasma torches
- Oxy-fuel tools
CNC Machining Services
CNC or computer numerical control machining is an automated form of machining. It uses software and programming to produce precision quality at lower costs.
Machining services can be very diverse. They can be manual or automated. Many of the basic services can be offered through a variety of methods, and many of the methods are used in conjunction with others to create the desired end result.
