Machining is the collective term used to refer to different types of material processing where a desired shape is achieved by means of material removal. Machining tools can process metal, wood, and plastic by means of a rotating tool. During processing, small curls or shavings will result as a byproduct, called residual waste, which is removed from the material. Examples of machining operations are drilling, broaching, turning, milling, boring, stabbing, filing, grinding, honing, tapping and sawing.
Machining requires a great deal of knowledge and craftsmanship. There are countless factors that must be considered; namely, materials, the right tools, the geometric relationship between the tool and material, and the most efficient way of producing it. Additional considerations related to machining include the turning speed, the number of revolutions, and the heat released through the process. Each material has its own machining method depending on the desired end product and the properties of the material. This is customized work and requires a meticulous approach in combination with experience and the right equipment.
Different tools such as drills, lathes, milling machines, and planers (wood only) are employed specific for each type of material. Machining parts are very sharp for drilling, milling and chiseling thus ensuring safety is of great importance.
Metal machining
Machining is most commonly employed in the metalworking industry. Metal machining often involves precision work which requires accuracy to the millimeter. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathes are increasingly used in the metal machining industry for their precision down to the millimeter. These lathes are operated by a computer with the machining operator responsible for programming the computer. This allows multiple product parts to be made in larger runs by the same machine.
Plastic cutting
Plastic can also be machined. Consider the manufacture of PVC pipes, nylon machine parts or Teflon insulation material and cables.
It is increasingly common that plastic is preferred to metal. In the food industry, for example, it is safer and cheaper to work with plastic. Plastics can also have interesting properties such as good conductivity, a low frictional resistance, or lighter in weight than metal.
Machining wood
The oldest form of machining stems from woodworking. Sawing, planing, and cutting all fall under the definition of machining. Just think of furniture processing, fitting of doors, cutting boards to size, and the customization of nautical interior construction.