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Questions tagged [machining]

Questions about shaping material with removing material from raw material, i.e. subtractive manufacturing. Posts may have [mechanical-engineering] and relevant material tag such as [steel] and if needed process tags such as [milling].

Machining is a process of shaping that is done by removing material from raw material. It is also called subtractive manufacturing to distinguish from additive manufacturing.

Types of machining processes

Basic machining processes are

  • Turning, work piece is rotated and cutting tool is used to remove material. Lathe is the name of the machine used in this process.
  • Milling, work piece is stationary a rotating cutting tool is used to remove material. Milling machine is the name of the machine used in this process.
  • Drilling, work piece is stationary and a rotating cutting tool is used to cut holes or shape holes in the part. Drilling presses are used for drill operation but milling machines and lathes can also be used for drilling.

There are also other machining operations such as boring and grinding or operations that use pressured fluid that contains abrasive particles to remove material such as waterjet cutter or electron discharge machining (EDM) that uses electron discharges to shape material.

The preparation of surface finishes and tolerances can also be included in this tag.

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How do I size metal plates to get the correct dimensions after folding?

I am designing a metal plate that will be laser-cut (or machine-cut) and then folded. I want to know how to size the pre-folded plate in order to get the right dimensions after folding. My actual part is not exactly like this (I simplified it for…
jhabbott
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In aluminum machining, what are the most common factors that might cause a machined component to have warping issues?

I am currently having an issue where features of my machined parts are warping. I am using Alloy 7050 Type I and Type III in this particular case. Using a feeler gauge and a certified, calibrated granite slab, I am getting out-of-flatness…
Tim D
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Determining Drill Speed

How are spindle speeds calculated for a drill bit? I've seen dozens of charts that highlight the rpm that should be used for specific drill bit types, bit diameter, and material. However, what if my chart doesn't have the particular type of material…
Justin Trzeciak
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At what temperature do I risk altering the structure of steel?

If I have structural or tool steel that has been treated to some standard (ASTM, SAE, ISO -- e.g., for hardness) but I don't know the details of the treatment, is there a "safe" temperature below which I can work the steel without affecting its…
feetwet
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Why are mass-produced metal parts machined by rotating the part against a stationary tool?

There's a TV programme called "How It's Made" which often shows automation of mass-produced machined parts. Very often, it seems that metal parts are machined (especially drilled) by rotating the part against a stationary tool rather than holding…
Lefty
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Are threads machined from high tensile steel more susceptible to damage?

I have an ASTM A311-04 1.25" diameter round 1050 steel bar that exhibits a tensile strength reading of 155,227 PSI. Normally, we receive material in the 13-133,000 PSI range. The bar is machined to a 5/8-18 UNF thread. We have experienced instances…
Kevin14009
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How do I keep my bit from wandering on a drill press?

I punch metals before I start a bit in them, but with small-diameter bits I am finding that they wander inside the material. E.g., drilling a 1/8" hole in 1/2" of aluminum the (titanium-coated HSS) bit will come out the other end a measurable…
feetwet
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How to make factory machine hard disk drive more durable? How much its estimate life span?

I wonder how can I make hard disk drive more durable? Specifically, I works in a factory environment. And almost every few months, hard disk drive in some of the factory machine are corrupted, and even unrepairable. We already implement several SSD…
adadion
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What is the difference between using separate lathe and mill or a combination machine?

I'm interested in metalworking as a hobby, to make small parts for my numerous other hobbies. I'm looking at those cheap, typically Chinese import mini-lathes and mini-mills. I've read about their limitations as compared to larger machines; this…
Kevin Krumwiede
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What machinery should I invest in for tapping and threading?

I've found myself tapping and threading a lot lately, and doing so with hand taps and dies. What would be the next step up from using a drill-press to cut holes for tapping, and a lathe for turning parts to diameter for threading? What are options…
feetwet
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What is the name of this mechanism for raising and lowering the impression cylinder of a printing press?

It is like a cam that has an off-center hole, and it rotates in its fixture with a knob to lock it in place. The purpose is that you can loosen the knob and rotate the piece to slightly raise and lower the shaft that is connected on the other end.…
winduptoy
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How to drill larger bore in pipe?

I am trying to bore out a red brass pipe from 3/8" to 10mm using my drill press and a standard twist HSS bit. Running the drill at 600rpm I can't get more than half an inch in before the drill starts binding. I tried running first with cutting…
feetwet
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How can I finish a round hole so it has 90 degree corners (flat bottom)?

I have a 10 mm depth x 5 cm length 99% Tungsten rod. How can I machine the described hole so that instead of having a bevel from the tip of the main drill-hole bit, it has a perfect 90 degree corner all around as if the tip of the drill bit were…
D Left Adjoint to U
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Going distant in sourcing machining

My North American facility is looking at a major shut down this fall. In the area, three other large facilities are also doing either shutdowns or expansions in the fall. A last minute project that I have been assigned requires a couple of weeks…
Myles
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How to define Knurl on drawing?

I made this kind of knurl on shaft : but I am not sure how to be define on the drawing. I found some examples but not sure if they are correct. On the examples there type (GV) and depth of knurl and no more information. I will be very thankful if…
Stenly
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