Methods And Classification Of Metal Processing
In order for the metal to be suitable for further use, it is necessary to process it. Metalworking is a process in which the metal changes dimension, shape or some properties so that it can be used later in the process. Metal as such can be processed manually or by machine. The choice of metal processing depends on its subsequent use.
Metal machining is performed on a machine that uses predefined tools for machining. One of the main advantages of metal processing is precision and processing speed. As machines replace people, processing errors are reduced to a minimum.
Metal processing can be divided into:
I. Processing with predefined tool geometry
Rotate
milling
saws
Drill
II. Metalworking without a defined cutting blade
Ribbons
III. Treatment of metal using a free blade
lapping
polishing
pick up
IV. Processing without using the blade
ultrasonic processing
plasma treatment
laser treatment
water jet treatment
Each of the above metalworking techniques has its pros and cons. The choice of metal processing technology depends to a large extent on the future use of the metal to be processed, i.e. precision and processing quality.
In another way, manual metalworking is done with hand tools such as a saw, rasp or sandpaper. Metal processing is a method where the strength of human muscles is needed.
Manual metal processing can be divided by tools
- grating
- saws
- Drill
- Grind
- Scrape
Classification of metal processing
Metal processing can be divided into:
Treatment of formless condition – e.g. waste processing
Metal processing without particle separation - eg forging
Processing by particle removal - e.g. turning
Metal processing by joining: eg welding
Metal protection - e.g. coloring
Metal processing by changing the properties - eg hardening
Heat treatment of metal
Heat treatment of metals involves the action of heat on the metal to change the properties of the metal and thus affect the microstructure.
The most common metals to be heat treated are steels and the main reasons metalworking is treated is primarily to increase strength followed by increases in toughness and/or formability.
Heat treatment of metal takes place:
- Before approaching the deformation
- After molding to remove residual stress
- To increase strength
Metal processing with CNC machine
The CNC lathe is a machine tool for processing metals and sheet metal by separating particles. The application of CNC technology in processing brings numerous advantages, mainly in terms of speed and precision. The main advantages of using CNC technology in metal and sheet metal processing include the ability to carry out demanding projects using CAD-CAM technology, which uses 3D command drawings. However, a major disadvantage of this type of metal processing and fracturing is the large amount of galling that occurs, but this disadvantage is offset by high processing quality and low processing requirements.
Mechanical metal and sheet metal processing offers a high level of precision and quality that needs little further refinement. With CNC technology, more demanding projects are transferred and processed directly on CNC machines using CAD-CAM technology.