What is Machining?

In a previous blog,we focused on the future of 3D printing,also known as additive manufacturing.Additive manufacturing requires stacking layers upon layers of material to form a 3D object.Machining is another method of producing the same object.Instead of adding material,removing material achieves the desired form.You could say 3D printing is like laying bricks while machining is like sculpting.

In machining,several operations occur in a planned sequence to achieve the best results.We cover three of the most common operations including turning,drilling,and milling.Machining is a very common and versatile manufacturing process.Thus,it’s possible to machine various types of material using these three methods.Metals,plastics,composites,and wood are all possible workpiece materials.

Machine Tooling Types of Machine Tooling

Single point tools –

Turning Process: This type of tool rotates a workpiece while the cutting tool moves in a linear motion.This process can either be done manually or automatically.

Multi-point tools –

Drilling Process: Tool creates or refines round holes in a workpiece.This is usually done through a rotary tool with two or four helical cutting edges.

Milling Process: This type of tool creates designs by removing material from the working piece by rotating a cutting tool

Single Point vs Multi-point Tools

The desired form of the material will determine what type of tools you’ll need for the job.The two basic types of cutting tools are single point and multi-point tools.Use single point tools for turning,boring,and planing.Use multi-point tools for milling and drilling.It is imperative to properly use and maintain the cutting tools for quality purposes.Unfortunately,proper upkeep of machinery and tooling is where it can get costly.

Tooling is available in a variety of materials.The most common are carbide and high-speed steel.You may choose to use high-speed steel (HSS) for general purpose milling.But,opt for carbide to machine tougher and harder tool steels.

Cutting Speed,Feed Rate,Depth

Cutting speed,feed rate,and depth of cut are all parameters to consider when machining.The workpiece material,tooling material,and dimensions will influence these parameters.Cutting speed refers to how fast the cutting tool cuts into the workpiece material.It’s measured in surface feet per minute.Cutting feed refers to how fast the workpiece moves across its axis toward the cutting tool.It’s measured in inches per minute.

This article is retrieved from https://trimantec.com/blogs/t/machining-processes-overview