Machining Processes

Milling is the process of machining using rotary cutters to remove material by advancing a cutter into a workpiece. This may be done varying direction on one or several axes, cutter head speed, and pressure. Milling covers a wide variety of different operations and machines, on scales from small individual parts to large, heavy-duty gang milling operations. It is one of the most commonly used processes for machining custom parts to precise tolerances.

Turning is a machining process in which a cutting tool, typically a non-rotary tool bit, describes a helix toolpath by moving more or less linearly while the workpiece rotates.

Broaching is a manufacturing process that uses a broach, a multiple point linear cutting tool that removes material used to create holes, slots and cutouts. It is one of the most reliable and fastest machining processes.

Slotting is the process of removing metal from a surface in horizontal, vertical and inclined position to produce a flat or plane surface, slots and groove.

Drilling is a cutting process that uses a drill bit to cut a hole of circular cross-section in solid materials. The drill bit is usually a rotary cutting tool, often multi-point. The bit is pressed against the work-piece and rotated at rates from hundreds to thousands of revolutions per minute. This forces the cutting edge against the work-piece, cutting off chips from the hole as it is drilled.

Threading is the process of creating a screw thread. There are many methods of generating threads, including subtractive methods (thread cutting), deformative or transformative methods (rolling and forming).

Grinding is a type of abrasive machining process which uses a grinding wheel as cutting tool.

Honing is an abrasive machining process that produces a precision surface on a metal workpiece by scrubbing an abrasive grinding stone or grinding wheel against it along a controlled path. Honing is primarily used to improve the geometric form of a surface, but can also improve the surface finish.

Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or by applying a chemical treatment, leaving a clean surface.