What is Machining: Definition and 16 Discussions

Machining is a process in which a material (often metal) is cut into a desired final shape and size by a controlled material-removal process. The processes that have this common theme, controlled material removal, are today collectively known as subtractive manufacturing, in distinction from processes of controlled material addition, which are known as additive manufacturing. Exactly what the "controlled" part of the definition implies can vary, but it almost always implies the use of machine tools (in addition to just power tools and hand tools).
Machining is a part of the manufacture of many metal products, but it can also be used on materials such as wood, plastic, ceramic, and composites. A person who specializes in machining is called a machinist. A room, building, or company where machining is done is called a machine shop. Much of modern-day machining is carried out by computer numerical control (CNC), in which computers are used to control the movement and operation of the mills, lathes, and other cutting machines. This increases efficiency, as the CNC machine runs unmanned therefore reducing labour costs for machine shops.

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  1. T

    From South Warrandyte Victoria Australia

    No Idea what I am expected to disclose here????
  2. mesa

    Difficulty with machining bismuth, any suggestions/tips/other ideas?

    Hello all, we are working with some bismuth for a series of upcoming experiments and are trying to initially keep the purity high for better neutron activation measurements. Unfortunately there has been some difficulty with machining steps on the final pieces with chipping due to the material...
  3. P

    Study of effects of temperature on steel drilling performance

    When drilling a thick peace of steel I noticed the drill bit would cut through much faster when it was cool. The difference was minutes versus seconds! Is this a known phenomena in machining or was my drill bit simply contaminated with something or maybe other factors played a role? I've heard...
  4. thegreengineer

    Asking tips from experts: machining

    Good afternoon people. Today I don't want to ask something related to electronics or mathematics, but rather on another subject. In this case is about machining (as well as making my own mechanical pieces). So what's the matter? You may ask. Well let me explain to you. In the last couple of...
  5. S

    What are the Best Methods for Precise Vertical Movement Measurement?

    I want to test the accuracy a linear displacement sensor (Hall effect) that I have, but I'm not sure what to measure it against. The sensors are made to measure with a resolution of 10μm. My initial thought was to use a drill press to move up and down, but I don't think I know of any that are...
  6. Ranger Mike

    Does Aluminum, after machining, continue to dimensionally change over time?

    Does Aluminum , after machining, continue to dimensionally change over time? A large (1000 mm x 500 mm x 300 mm ) aluminum casting is clamped and machined. Various large diameter hole and drilled. Faces are milled. The casting is stress relieved in the normal manner. Next the milled faces are...
  7. R

    Design, Manufacture and Machining of Carbon composites for RC planes

    Hi Guys Recently I have started a new hobby into RC planes. What I have noticed is extensive use of Carbon composites weight yet sturdy structures. Now the problem is that these structures seem to be cut (milling/drilling/laser cutting/water jet cutting) from a sheet (or laminates) of carbon...
  8. S

    How to calculate the force required for machining a circular tube?

    Hi everyone, I need to calculate the force required for machining a circular tube of outer dia 32 and a wall thickness of 2.3, how much ll be the force required for the machining the outer dia to 25?
  9. 2

    Any benefit to a Mech Eng. learning CNC machining?

    I graduated 18 months ago with my BSME degree and currently work full time as a Mech. Engineer. I enrolled in night school at a local community college to take a CNC machining certificate course this spring. The course is 2 semesters long and focuses on opereation of CNC equiptment mostly lathes...
  10. V

    Machining Rifling: How Is It Done?

    how is rifling done? I've read it's done by broaching,but rifling is helical
  11. B

    Cutting 6mm Dia Glassfiber Disks - Tips & Ideas

    Hello, I am working on a project, and I need to cut ~ 6 mm dia disks, and 3~4 mm thickness. The material is a composite made out of layered glassfiber. I am cutting those samples out of a 5 x 5 in composite. My question is what is the best, accurate, and affordable way to cut those samples...
  12. M

    PTFE and ME (or Machining & sealing of Teflon)

    Sorry for the title, I liked the pun. I would like to hear thoughts on anyone who has worked with Teflon either machining or for gasketing. I have never touched teflon aside from it being a coating but will get to machine and work with some this week. Most of the information I find online...
  13. M

    Would practical courses like welding and machining be useful?

    Just a quick question from a potential mech. engineering student. I'm probably going to start soon on my formal MechE classes soon but I know that to be a good engineer, you need to do more than get good grades. I've asked a lot of working MechEs about what you need to know, specifically if...
  14. S

    Assignment on Machining centers

    can anyone tell me what exactly a machining center is? from googling it i find lots of sites that are selling cnc machines.. can anyone give me a link that has detailed info about cncs their uses and purposes working etc..? any help will be appreciated thanks in advance
  15. R

    Calculate Theoratical Machining Cycle Time

    Please help me to calculate theoratical machining cycle time for the below mentioned operations: 1. Hobbing 2. Shaping 3. Shaving I need variious calculations involed in determining the theoratical cycle time. Please refer any website, if it can help me. Thanks, Rishi
  16. D

    What are the capabilities of CNC machines for precision steel machining?

    I am currently investigating ways to make a mold for hot-embossing. Normally this is done by for instance SU8 on a silicon wafer, or DRIE of a silicon wafer. But my design is deeper than a normal wafer, around 5 mm deep. Because the devices are actually fairly large (for microsystems) I...
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