The Different Forms and Processes of Metal Cutting

Turning
Turning is a process via which the
sharp point of a cutting tool is
applied to the metals surface as it is
rapidly spun by a device such as a
lathe, thus removing the top layer of
metal to a pre-determined size.

Drilling
Drilling, on the other hand, consist
of a drill bit which is applied to the
metal using a combination of force
and rotation, and which therefore
cuts through it. Thus, a hole of the
required size will be cut right
through the metal in question.

Grinding
When the surface of the metal has
to be smooth and of a very high
quality a grinding machine may be
used. A grinding machine consists
of an abrasive wheel which turns
while in contact with the metal,
thus wearing the surface down.

Welding or Burning Technologies

Welding or burning technologies
work by the application of heat to
the surface of the metal, bringing
it up to a temperature at which it
will soften and then break along a
carefully delineated line.

Laser
The first such technology to be
considered is the form oflaser cutting
. A laser is an intensely concentrated
beam of light which can be reduced
to a tiny point of very high
temperature and controlled in a way
which means that complex and very
exact shapes can be cut out of the
metal. Often, the laser will be
controlled by a computer which has
the pattern required programmed into
it. The accuracy and focus of the

Flame
Another device which operates
along similar lines, using a gas
flame which reaches a temperature
of some 3,500 degrees centigrade,
is an oxy acetylene cutter. This
heats the metal up to melting point
and then directs a stream of
oxygen onto the spot, thus causing
the metal to burn and melt along
the required line.

Plasma
A technique which is more
contemporary than either of these is
plasma cutting. A plasma torch pumps
either oxygen or an inert gas out of the
nozzle at high speed whilst
simultaneously sending an electrical
arc through the gas, thus creating
plasma which is hot enough to melt the
metal whilst also moving quickly
enough to blow any molten metal
away, thus creating a clean cut. The
most up to date and lightweight plasma

Water Jet
The remaining type of technology
used to cut metal accurately is erosion
technology. This is technology which
mimics the effect of water upon metal
in the natural environment, but does
so at a highly accelerated rate.
Water jet cuttingis particularly useful
since it doesnt rely on the creation of
heat to cut through the metal, and can
therefore be used on metal which may
be sensitive to the effects of heat. A
water jet cutter slices through the