Metal Machining 1

[CuriousElectron]

Hi,
When the term "machining" is used, does that typically refer to removing(grinding) a slice of metal?
Thanks,
EE

 

[TugboatEng]

Machining is a general term that can be used to describe a wide range of operations. Most generally it refers to the removal of metal to create certain dimensions on a part. It more commonly refers to cutting operations such as turning, milling, drilling, broaching, and tapping. Grinding can be lumped in there, as well as EDM or electrical discharge machining. They're all processes to remove material to bring the dimensions into tolerances.

 

[EdStainless]

In general Machining refers to cutting operations, either macro- ones like shaping, sawing, milling, drilling, and such; or micro- scale such as grinding.
Things such as laser cutting or EDM are interesting as they can result in net shape results but in some metals there is a thin layer of surface damage that must be addressed.
There are other finishing operations that are not machining but do modify the material, things such as etching, peening, polishing (mechanical and electro-).

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed