Metalworking is a technique used to forge metals into pieces and components meant for specific applications. Many metal components come from metalworking processes like cutting, joining, forging, and casting. The craft also involves various metalworking equipment, from simple tools like saws and drills to sophisticated machines. Here are five common types of metalworking, including the materials and equipment used and components produced:
1. Metal Forging
Forging is an old metalworking process used to form and shape metal into different shapes. The process involves heating and hammering or pressing the metal into the desired shape. Metalworking equipment used in forging includes presses, hammers, anvils, rolling mills, and material handling tools. Forging aligns the internal grain structure of the metal, increasing its strength. The technique is used to produce high-strength gears, engine parts, and hand tools. Metals used range from steel and iron to titanium and aluminum. Metalworkers also use various techniques, including cold and hot forging or open die forging. All processes involve compression forces that bend, press, and shape the material to its desired shape.
2. Metal Casting
Metal casting involves melting the metal and pouring it into an empty cavity mold. Professionals then cool and extract the molten metal after solidifying it into the desired shape. Post-processing can be done to remove minor defects and improve the finish. Casting requires various equipment, including ovens, die molds and separators, post-casting grinders, and more. Manufacturers use the technique to form complex metal shapes for machinery parts, automotive and aerospace components, computer equipment, and sculptures. Metal casting involves steel and iron, as well as bronze and aluminum. Casting techniques also range from lost wax or investment casting to die and sand casting.
3. Welding and Soldering
Metal welding and soldering are joining techniques used to combine two metals together using a filler material. Metalworkers use welding to fabricate bridges, vehicles, ships, pipelines, bike-making, and other steel-building structures. Welding uses pressure and heat to melt the filler material placed between the two components being joined. Manufacturers use different types of consumable and non-consumable electrodes, flux, and fillers. Welding techniques are also classified into various categories, including gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and stick welding. Equipment used includes welding tables and machines, material handlers, and helmets. Materials involved in welding range from steel and stainless steel to copper and aluminum.
4. Metal Machining
Metalworkers use various machines to cut, drill, or mill pieces of metal. Cutting techniques involve removing material from the metal using mills, routing and turning machines, or computer numerical control (CNC) fabrication equipment. Milling techniques remove precise amounts of unwanted material to provide a better finish. Techniques used include rotating a cutting tool and using a lathe to remove excess material and create precise shapes. Grinding involves abrasive grinders and sanders that remove materials from the workpiece to create fine finishes. Drilling involves drills and punches used to create holes in the metal. Machines are used to create aerospace and automotive parts, electronics, and other fine metallic components.
5. Sheet Forming
Metalworkers use sheet forming to shape flat metal sheets into unique forms using force. The technique involves bending, stretching, stamping, rolling, and drawing the metal sheets into specific shapes. Sheet forming is used to manufacture car bodies, roofing panels, aircraft components, HVAC ductwork components, and panel enclosures. Equipment used includes press brakes, rolling machines, stamping presses, and shearing machines. Metalworkers can work with aluminum, steel, copper, brass, and more.
Find Quality Metalworking Equipment Today
Metalworkers use many other metalworking techniques, including extrusion, soldering, riveting, and brazing, each with unique applications. Fabricating metal components and complex structures involves a combination of techniques and various equipment. Contact an experienced machinery sales company to purchase new or used metalworking equipment for your business.
