Introduction to Machining Processes

Machining Process
Machining, by definition, is the process of removing materials from excess and unwanted stock by use of machine tools and converting them into usable parts. Different processes like turning, milling, drilling and grinding are used to remove and modify a metal or a plastic into a machine usable part.Machines have brought a revolution in the industrial world in the last few decades. Earlier, people used to manually extract metals and transform them. But, with the entry of machines in the industry and the invention of first steam engine by James Watt, the whole scenario changed. Today, machines are used in different industries for multiple purposes. The upcoming technology and software have also added to the use of machines. Internet has added to the usefulness especially to machining services and availability of spares via the virtual world.

Machining Process

All the manufacturing industries use variety of machines to meet specific manufacturing requirements and choose the right machining vehicles. Those manufacturing machines comprise of diverse materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, polycarbonate, plastic, fiberglass and acrylic among others. To achieve a perfect and finished piece of material, different methods are applied on the piece depending on its final usage. Most commonly used methods for removing and modifying a raw piece are blending, blanking, boring, drawing, polishing, anodizing, grinding, honing, knurling, laser cutting, milling, plasma cutting, reaming, welding, thermoforming, gear cutting, shearing, sawing and the list goes on.. These methods are responsible for providing dimensional accuracy and perfect surface finish to a particular piece of metal.