Manufacturing
Glossary of Key Terms
Skip to letter: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
1075 Blue temper steel - 1075 spring steel is an essential material for spring, coil, and shim manufacturing. Our laser cut 1075 Blue Tempered Spring Steel (also known as Scaleless Blue Tempered Steel) is perfect for spring applications or where stiffness is required with minimal thickness.
5052 Aluminum - 5052 series laser cut aluminum is one of our most popular metals. Used in a wide variety of applications including aerospace, automotive and robotics, our 5052 aluminum is an excellent mix of high performance and affordability.
2024 Aluminum - Laser cutting 2024 Aluminum is a great option for making detailed parts while offering unmatched tensile strength. Aluminum is the best alloy for projects that require the highest structural integrity and robustness. Forming operations are limited. Used for high strength structural and aircraft applications.
6061 Aluminum - Corrosion resistant, strong, and durable, laser cut 6061 aluminum is ideal for a wide variety of applications across automotive, aerospace and robotics. 6061 aluminum is also known for its weldability while maintaining strong impact loading performance. So whatever your next custom laser cut project is, 6061 could work for you.
7075 Aluminum - With nearly double the tensile strength and almost double the shear strength of 6061, our 7075 aluminum is laser cut or and is one of the best options available when high-strength and low-weight are important.
360 Brass - Alloy 360 or Brass 360 is an alloy mixture of copper and zinc. Brass 360 is known both for it's strength and resistance to corrosion. It also contains a small amount of lead, which is what makes this alloy very machinable. In the half-hard condition, Brass 360 (Alloy 360) properties are very close to steel. Brass 360 is one of the highest consumed copper alloys.
Abrasive - Used in abrasive waterjet cutting, but also used for grinding, polishing, super-finishing and more. The most common type of abrasive used in waterjet cutting is garnet. Other options include emery, cubic boron nitride, silicon carbide, and more.
ABS Plastic - The low melting point of ABS lends itself to injection molding and 3D printing, and ABS is also a great candidate for CNC Waterjet cutting. Custom cut ABS plastic parts are heat resistant, durable, and BPA free, making it a multi-purpose material with dozens of applications ranging from the food industry to aerospace engineering.
Abrasive Flow Rate - The rate at which abrasive is delivered through the waterjet cutting head and nozzle to the material. This flow rate is varied depending on the material type and the thickness.
Acrylic Adhesive - Adhesive made from acrylic monomers that have been polymerized. Good resistance to UV radiation, plasticizer and extreme temperatures are a attribute.
Additive Manufacturing - Additive Manufacturing is another term for 3D printing. A CAD model or scan is reproduced as a three-dimensional object, layer by layer. It dramatically cuts down on material waste.
ACM Panel - Aluminum Composite Material (sometimes called e-panel or DiBond®) is a low-cost, lightweight cousin to aluminum. This material should be on your mind if you need something both lightweight and inexpensive.
Acrylic - Commonly known as plexiglass, Fedtech's Waterjets cut acrylic plastic and will meet the expanding needs of your projects. Our cast acrylic laser cutting service includes several colors and thicknesses. Parts are often used for display panels, equipment enclosures, templates and prototypes.
Age - Hardening A process of increasing the hardness and strength by the precipitation of particles of a phase from a supersaturated solid solution alloy. The hardening cycle usually consists of heating or annealing at a temperature sufficiently high to maintain solid solution, rapid cooling, or quenching to retain the supersaturated solid solution, and subsequent heating at a temperature lower than the solution anneal to effect the precipitation.
Alloy Steels - These steels are composed of certain amounts of alloying elements that are added to change the physical and/or mechanical properties of the metal. Most of these elements added include: nickel, chromium, molybdenum and silicon.
Alpha - The name of a phase or of a certain range of copper alloys which contains one or more alloying elements dissolved in copper, the phase being a homogeneous solid solution.
Aluminized - Aluminized steel sheets and coils have been coated with an aluminum-silicon alloy, making it great for use in heat exchangers in residential furnaces and commercial HVAC units.
Aluminum Alloys - Aluminum is lightweight and offers moderate strength, as well as good corrosion resistance, formability, and machinability. This is especially the case when compared to steel. Aluminum typically melts at a lower temperature than steel; it's capacity for conducting heat and electricity is about two-thirds that of copper.
Annealing - A process of heating and cooling to permit stress relaxation without distortion of shape
Angularity - The deviation in degrees at any point of the cut surface from the specified angle.
Anodized - As in aluminum, the sheet is coated with aluminum oxide which has a low reflective chance with laser cutting. This layer of coating makes the material harder and less prone to scratch or corrode.
AR400 Steel - One of two abrasion-resistant grade steels offered here at Fedtech, AR400 steel is formulated to take a massive amount of punishment and abuse. Used in snow plows or range targets, armor plating, and quarry machinery, this material is ready to provide your projects with toughness and durability.
Assembly - The process of putting together two or more pieces of material to construct a product.
As - Hot - Rolled A condition of a metal mill product resulting from hot rolling; soft, not cleaned nor drawn or rolled to size.
ASTM - Abbreviation for “American Society for Testing and Materials.”
Automation - A method under which manufacturing processes can operate given technology is available. This may be mechanical, electrical, or electronic. Whichever one it is, automation is the act of performing a task without human assistance.
Axis - In our case, the number of axis decides how free a cutting head is to move while cutting. This number can range from two to five, all relative to the degrees of freedom.
Barrel Finishing - This process of finishing is done in a barrel structure and involves the tumbling of work pieces with the parts that need finishing. The work piece shapes slowly work off the rough edges and eventually put a finish on the parts.
Bar - A solid rectangular section, or one with two plane parallel surfaces and round or other simple regularly shaped edges, up to and including 12" in width and over 0.188" in thickness. 1) Bar, Cast - Flat castings for rolling into sheet and strip. 2) Bar, Bus Stock - High conductivity copper bar stock of any dimension intended for use as an electrical conductor. Normally drawn to cross section.
Blank - A piece from any wrought product intended for subsequent fabrication by such operations as forming, bending, cupping, drawing, and hot pressing.
Blanking - The process of cutting metal blanks by a die and punch set in a press, or by sawing or shearing.
Blister - A void in, or raised spot on the surface of a metal, caused by expansion of entrapped gas in the metal.
Bonderized Steel / Phosphated Steel - Bonderized steel undergoes an electrochemical phosphate conversion coating application in order to protect its surface.
Brass - Any copper alloy with zinc as the principal alloying element, with or without small quantities of some other element.
Bridge/bridging - Sometimes a piece of metal is attached to a part when it is being waterjet cut so that when the cut is made, the part doesn't fall into the catch tank.
Bronze - Originally a term for copper alloys having tin as the only or principal alloying element. In modern usage the term "Bronze" is seldom used alone, and in the terms "Phosphor Bronze" or "Tin Bronze" is used for indicating copper-tin alloys. In fact, the term "Bronze", together with a suitable modifying adjective has in recent years been extended to apply to any of a great variety of copper alloys.
Burr - An edge on a part or rough edge that is often produced from machining or waterjet cutting, and less likely, laser cutting. (See also: Deburring )
Burnishing - A fabrication method of securing a smooth finished surface by slight deformation with highly polished tools.
C11000 - Copper ETP characteristics - Electrolytic tough pitch copper is pure copper with a maximum of .0355% of impurities refined by electrolytic refining process and it is the most widely used grade of copper all over the world. ETP has a min conductivity level of 100% IACS
CAD - Full term is Computer-aided Design, is software used to help design and/or engineer a part or project with the use of computers. CAD/CAM - Much like CAD, this is software designed to assist in designing parts and projects except this time in 3-D instead of lines, arcs, etc.
Calibration - The method of examining measuring instruments and devices against a tool used to ensure accuracy and stability within those measuring tools. (See also, Inspection )
Carbon Steels - Also considered ‘unalloyed steels' and also ‘plain carbon steels', these metals include iron, carbon, manganese, phosphorus and sulfur.
Cast Alloys - These alloys are cast out of a softened form.
Carbon Fiber - A type of fiber made from carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline formation. It is lightweight and incredibly strong.
Cellular Rubber - Rubber products that contain cells or small hollow receptacles. The cells may either be open or interconnecting or closed and not interconnecting.
CI - The abbreviation for cloth-inserted, including a sheet of rubber containing one or more plies of fabric covered with rubber.
Closed Cell - A cell totally enclosed by its walls and hence not interconnecting with other cells.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) – A type of manufacturing process where machines are programmed to produce parts accurately and efficiently with the help of computers.
Coil - A length of flat rolled product wound into a cylindrical spiral.
Coil Tail - Effective straight section of metal at coil O.D
Cold Working - The method of using cold temperatures and forces to shape metals instead of heating them
Concentricity - 1) Concentricity - Concentricity implies coincidence of the centers of the OD and ID. However, since a relative displacement (eccentricity) of the centers is difficult to measure directly, while the resulting variation in wall thickness is relatively easy to measure, concentricity and eccentricity are preferably expressed in terms of the latter.
Catch Tank - The basin below a waterjet that catches the water from the cutting head and softens the blow so that no holes are made through the floor. The catch tank also holds abrasive that is passed through the parts.
Cellular Manufacturing - When equipment and workstations are situated to accommodate small-lot production. This set-up allows for fast communication and feedback between operators and also allow multiple tasks to be performed quickly.
CNC - Or, computer numerical control, is used in programming and carrying out a process using previously designed instructions. The programmed numerical control manages the process of action in a specific case and carries out specific commands.
Composites - These materials are composed from different elements with one typically implanted in another.
Computerized SPC - Stands for Statistical Process Control, which is a method of process monitoring through using control charts.
Copper Alloys - This form of copper includes certain alloying elements. The most common copper alloys can be seen in the following groups of: brasses, phosphor bronzes, aluminum bronzes, silicon bronzes, copper-nickels and nickel-silvers.
Countersinking - The act of producing a beveled edge at the top of a hole so that a screw might be enabled to sit flush with the part.
Crazing - This refers to small, hair-like cracks beneath the surface of a plastic part. It often indicates imminent fracture.
Creep - Creep is the tendency of a solid material to move slowly or deform permanently under stress. It’s sometimes called “cold flow.”
Cross-Training - Training workers/employees to be handy at numerous different tasks to enhance the flexibility of your workforce.
Crown - The variation in thickness across the product from edge to center or edge to edge.
Cutting - The procedure of bringing a product to desired dimensions by such operations as slitting, shearing, sawing, milling, cutting and blanking.
Cutting Bed Size - Terms of measurement to describe the cutting table or envelope size of the waterjet or laser.
Cutting Speed - This measure of speed typically gauges the velocity of the method of cutting travels. A common formula for cutting speed is SFM, which stands for surface feet per minute.
Cycle Time - The length of time required to complete a manufacturing process, such as laser cutting or waterjet.
Deburring - The process of eliminating burr from parts, by using methods such as tumbling, sanding, grinding, etc. Deburring acts as a type of finishing as it smoothes edges and helps in machining parts.
Delrin - is the answer to a host of problems in the manufacturing industry. If you need a part that’s abrasion-resistant, strong, stiff, chemical resistant, moisture resistant, has solid dimensional stability, and is still machinable, Delrin® 150 is the material for you. At Any Point - Inside - Inside diameter may be measured at any point around the periphery. Such individual measurements may depart from the nominal due either to the tube being larger than nominal, smaller than nominal, out-of-round, or a possible combination of these.
Diameter - Average Inside - For all practical purposes, the average ID is the average, at only one cross-section, of the maximum and minimum measured diameters. Average Outside - The average OD is the average, at any one cross-section, of the maximum and minimum measured diameters. At Any Point - Outside - Outside diameter may be measured at any point around the periphery. Such individual measurements may depart from the nominal due either to the tube being larger than nominal, smaller than nominal, out-of-round, or a possible combination of these.
Draft Angle - The angle produced by taper when waterjet cutting.
Draglines - Lines which appear on the oxygen cut surface. Their contours and directions do not affect the quality of the cut surface.
Drilling - A process in machining that uses a rotating drill bit to create a round hole in a part. This is usually the first step in machining operations; other additional methods may follow to create a cleaner hole.
Dross - A mass of molten metal that is attached to the edge of a cut piece of steel after being cut with an oxygen cutter.
Dynamic Pierce - This type of pierce is produced by allowing the waterjet to move along the path of the part before piercing.
Economic Value Added (EVA) - A measure of shareholder wealth.
EDM - Short for "Electrical Discharge Machining", which is a slow machining process that removes material from a part in very small sections.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) - Data exchange via computer-to-computer communication. This form of information transfer is efficient and often sent through a third party.
Electropolishing - Stainless steel electropolishing is a "reverse plating" process that utilizes a combination of rectified electrical current and a blended chemical electrolyte bath to remove imperfections from the surface of a stainless steel part, which creates a cleaner, brighter surface. Electropolishing is also referred toas electrochemical polishing, anodic polishing or electrolytic polishing and it can be used to polish, passivate and deburr stainless steel parts.
Enclosed Laser Device - A laser cutting machine in which the bed has been tightly enclosed to prevent the release of radiation fumes that may be present when cutting.
Endmilling - This machining process uses a cutter that is supported on a machine's spindle instead of an arbor.
Exotic Metals - This category consists of any metal(s) that are not commonly used in fabrication. Examples of this might be Hastelloy, Molybdenum, Tantalum, Waspaloy, Inconel, Cobalt and more. Exotic metals are special kinds of metals that are harder to find and have better quality than common metals. They take more skill to cut and shape when used in manufacturing. Common metals are easier to get, but not as strong or good quality as exotic metals. This makes exotic metals a great choice for projects that require the highest quality and precision. The extra effort taken in cutting, shaping, and manufacturing these metals results in a product that is superior in both quality and strength. Exotic metals are perfect for industries requiring the highest levels of durability, efficiency, and performance. From aerospace engineering to medical equipment, exotic metals are the go-to choice for those who want the best of the best. When working with exotic metals, it is important to hire experienced professionals who understand the complexity of these materials and how best to use them.
Extrusions - Extrusion is processing plastic by forcing softened plastic through an opening of desired shape of the cross-sections of a finished product.
Feed Rate - The speed at which the cutting head moves.
Finishing - Generally speaking, finishing is used to buff or polish the surface, edge, and/or corner of a part by using one or more of the many different forms.
Flatness - The distance between the two closest parellel planes between which all points of the cut surface lie.
Flexible Machining Centers - Machining equipment that can be easily reprogrammed to fluctuate with the project at hand.
Free Machining - The quality of an alloy which enables it to be cut in automatic machines at relatively high speeds yielding a short brittle chip.
Forming - One of the most commonly used methods of forming is air bending, which is using 3 points of contact to form the angle. This is done by using a hydraulic CNC press brake. The press brake is generally used for bending sheet material into angles that are desired. The machine uses a punch and die set to press downward with force to form the piece of material, ranging from thin sheet metal to thick plating. Often times the metal is overbent to overcompensate for the anticipated spring-back. Here at FedTech, we have precision CNC controlled presses that allow constant and precise control of your flange lengths and angles.
Another common method of forming is called bottoming. This process does not use the three points of contact; instead the sheet is pressed against the sides of the die leaving just a small amount of air beneath the valley of the die.
One other process of forming is coining. In coining, the material is crushed all the way to fill the depth of the die. This method usually requires five to ten times more tonnage to reach the shape, however at the same time, coining achieves a very high level of precision.
A different type of forming is rolling. In this process, the material passes through a pair of rollers in which the final product produced is concave sheet, plate, or in some cases a cylinder. Rolling can be either hot rolled or cold rolled; hot rolling is when the temperature of the metal is above its recrystallization point whereas in cold rolling, the metal temperature is below its recrystallization temperature. Cold rolling has the benefits of producing smooth, finished surfaces, and also has great accuracy with dimensions.
Galvonized Steel - Galvanized steel is the result of applying a protective zinc coating to steel to prevent it from rusting. The coating is used to prevent corrosive substances from reaching the metal underneath and stop the formation of rust. Galvanization is important because it provides long-lasting protection for steel. You can tell when metal is galvanized because the zinc makes a distinctive pattern on the metal called “spangle." Galvanized steel sheet and coils are often used by customers in HVAC and construction.
Garnet - The most commonly used abrasive for waterjet cutting, garnet has the ability to cut a wide range of materials but is still easy on the mixing chamber of cutting head as to not wear it out as quickly as other abrasives might.
Gauge - 1) The instrument used to measure thickness or diameter. 2) Term sometimes used to designate thickness.
Gear Cutting - Often performed by using numerous different methods including milling, broaching, hobbing, and/or abrasive waterjet cutting.
Grinding - A machining process that is used to shape materials that are too hard to be worked with conventional tools.
Grain - A solid polyhedral (or many sided) crystal consisting of groups of atoms bound together in a regular geometric pattern. In mill practice grains are usually studied only as they appear in one plane.
Hardness - The resistance of metal to plastic deformation by indentation. The most common method of measurement is Rockwell. Other methods are Brinell, Scleroscope, Tukon, and Vickers.
Hardness Number - The number used to designate the hardness of metal. The number is related to the scale of values of a particular hardness test, as Rockwell B 80 or Brinell 150.
Heat-Affected Zone - A section of a part whose microstructure and mechanical properties were altered during processing because of heat. Not seen in waterjet cutting, but can occur in laser cutting. ( See the two methods compared )
Heat Cracking - Spontaneous failure of some metals by cracking under combined action of elevated temperature and stress (residual or applied). Fire cracking is a form of heat cracking resulting from residual stress and externally applied heat.
Heat Treatment - A combination of heating and cooling operations applied to a metal or alloy in the solid state to produce changes in physical and mechanical properties. Also see Age Hardening, Annealing and Quenching.
High Speed Machining (HSM) - A means of using technology to process materials using higher feed rates and higher RPM to provide a more efficient method of tooling.
Hot Working - The process of changing the form or cross-section of a piece of metal at a temperature above its recrystallization temperature.
Hydrogen Embrittlement - In oxygen-bearing copper, a condition of low ductility resulting from absorption of hydrogen at high temperature, internal reduction of cuprous oxide and creation of intergranular holes or cracks by the accompanying generation of steam.
Inspection - Process of checking a part to ensure that it meets specific dimensions and quality standards. This procedure is often involved with calipers, radius gauges, micrometers, optical comparators, profilometers, height gauges, vertec measuring systems, tape measurers and other forms of measurement.
Intensifier - The pumps used to create high-pressured waterjet streams. These high pressure intensifier pumps used hydraulics to create and deliver the high pressure water through the cutting head.
ISO Certification - A certification used to implement quality standards.
JIT - Also known as "just-in-time" is a term used to describe means used to shorten turnaround time and cut out things that may slow down production.
Job Shop - A Small company or business that makes specific products for one customer at a time. It is a manufacturing unit that specializes in small to medium quantities of tailor-made or customer-built parts. The unit makes each product according to customer specifications, i.e., it makes bespoke products . It deals in customization. This type of business only produces specific goods when it receives an order for them.
Kerf - The width of a cut after being processed.
Laser Cutting - Laser cutting is a precise and efficient technology used to cut and shape materials such as wood, metal, glass, stone, and plastic. By using highly focused laser beams to direct heat energy onto the material, it can quickly cut through the material with minimal waste and damage. Laser cutting offers several advantages over other cutting methods such as higher precision, faster work speeds, smoother finishes, and less operator fatigue. Laser cutting is also capable of creating intricate shapes and designs in a variety of materials that are not possible with traditional methods. Additionally, because laser cutting produces fewer fumes and sparks than many other cutting methods, it is considered safe for use in hazardous environments. Large-scale projects can benefit from laser cutting due to its ability to make quick work of massive amounts of material quickly and accurately. It is being used increasingly in industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace engineering, medical device production, and jewelry fabrication due to its reliability and precision.
Laser cutting is rapidly becoming the go-to technology for a wide range of metal fabrication needs. By utilizing this versatile and cost-effective cutting method, businesses are able to save time and money while continuing to produce quality products that meet their exact specifications. The potential of laser cutting continues to grow each day as its capabilities continue to advance with new innovations in technology. With its incredible precision and efficiency, laser cutting is the perfect solution for any metal fabrication project. It’s no wonder why so many companies rely on it for their most important projects! Laser cutting is the future of metal fabrication. Let us put its capabilities to work for you!
Laser machining - A process in which a beam of light welds, drills, marks, engraves, or otherwise machines a metal. Another form of laser machining is laser cutting which cuts the material with the beam of light. These are often performed at very high cutting rates and are typically computer numeric controlled (CNC).
Lathe - Turning is a machining process used to shape metal pieces into the desired size and shape. Generally, this process involves using a tool called a lathe to spin the metal piece while a cutting tool is used to shape it. The cutting tool is either moved perpendicularly to the turning axis or fed into the spinning workpiece in order to remove material and form the desired part
The speed at which the metal piece spins can be controlled using either manual or automated means, depending on what type of lathe is being used. Manual lathes are operated by hand, while automated lathes typically use computer-controlled motors and advanced programming operations. Computer numerical control (CNC) technology has enabled rapid programming and precise operation for modern CNC lathes.
The cutting tools used for turning can vary significantly, with some being as simple as a chisel while others may involve more complex carbide inserts. Depending on the complexity of the job and material being worked on, choosing the right cutting tool can drastically improve efficiency and accuracy of results. Furthermore, utilizing different techniques such as threading and knurling can give even greater control over part design and dimensions.
Lean Manufacturing - An act of continuous improvement within a business to be environmentally responsible by reducing the seven wastes often occurring in manufacturing. These include over-production, waiting time, transportation, processing, inventory, motion, and scrap. By eliminating waste; the quality, cost, and production time can all be reduced when manufacturing a part(s).
Machinability - The extent to which a metal can be machined successfully.
Machining CNC - Machining is a type of manufacturing process that uses cutting tools to create high-quality parts. It is used in the production of many types of products, including car and airplane parts. The process involves using computer-controlled tools that move in precise motions to cut material into the desired shape. A CNC machining setup typically consists of a controller, spindle, and cutting tools. The controller is programmed with instructions for each part to be machined. These instructions determine the motion of the cutting tool and its speed. After programming, the cutting tool follows the instructions to create the part. CNC machining is precise and efficient, which makes it one of the most popular manufacturing methods in use today. It also produces parts with Excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish. With its high level of precision, CNC machining is used to produce a wide range of parts for many different industries including automotive, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, consumer products, and more. CNC Machining is a reliable and cost-effective way to produce high-quality parts for any application.
Mesh - A term used to describe how coarse an abrasive is. In example, a 120 mesh is a very fine abrasive, while an 80 mesh is an average mesh for waterjet cutting.
Metal Clad Fiber Gasket Material - AR 400 uses a high-performance, high-temperature vermiculite/fiber core. The core is then clad-style laminated with carbon steel layers on both sides to create a very durable, mechanically bonded sealing material. Suitable for exhaust applications where scrubbing can destroy typical gasket materials, this product works well for exhaust manifold gaskets. It tolerates scrubbing, vibration and frequent heat cycling. It is also regarded for its reusability upon teardown. This product is also well-suited for heat shielding with the insulative properties it provides. Finished AR 400 has a perforated metal finish.
Metalworking - Metalworking is the process of shaping and forming metals into desired objects. It involves cutting, shaping, drilling, grinding, and hammering metals for various purposes. The craftsmanship of metalworking dates back thousands of years and has been integral to the progression of human societies. Various methods such as forging, casting, machining and welding are used in metal fabrication. Metal fabricators use these methods to produce machines, tools, and other products for a variety of uses. From automotive parts to aerospace components, metal fabrication plays an essential role in many industries. With the help of CAD/CAM design software and advanced CNC equipment, modern metal fabricators can quickly create custom designs with high precision. Fabricators also have access to a wide range of materials, from mild steel and stainless steel to aluminum and titanium. Metal fabrication is an essential part of manufacturing today, providing the platform for creating reliable products with superior durability. It will continue to shape our world as technology continues to evolve.
Metalworking requires expertise, attention-to-detail, and a strong commitment to safety protocols in order to create products that meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Professional fabricators have a deep understanding of metal properties and they employ specialized techniques to ensure that their projects are successful. By combining traditional methods with modern technology, they can produce accurate results while limiting waste and saving time. Through creative problem solving, skilled metalworkers can find solutions for even the most complex fabrication challenges.
Milling - CNC milling is a type of manufacturing process that uses computer numerical controls (CNC) to control the cutting and quality of machined parts. It involves using specialized tools, such as mills, routers, lathes and grinders, to cut and shape the material into desired shapes with high precision. CNC milling can be used for various types of materials including metals like steel, aluminum and brass; wood products like plywood and MDF; plastic materials like ABS or polycarbonate; composites such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP); foams like expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) or extruded polystyrene foam (XEPS); and ceramics like alumina or zirconia. The key benefit of CNC milling is its ability to produce highly accurate parts quickly while achieving excellent surface finishes on both sides of the workpiece. This makes it an ideal choice for producing complex 3D shapes in a variety of materials with tight tolerances.
NAICS 332322 Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing - This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing sheet metal work (except stampings).
NAICS 332710 Machine Shops - This U.S. industry comprises establishments known as machine shops primarily engaged in machining metal and plastic parts and parts of other composite materials on a job or order basis. Generally machine shop jobs are low volume using machine tools, such as lathes, automatic screw machine, and machines for boring, grinding, milling and additive manufacturing.
NAICS 332313 Plate Work Manufacturing - This U.S. industry comprises establishments known as machine shops primarily engaged in manufacturing fabricated metal plate work by cutting, punching, bending, shaping and welding purchased metal plate.
Near-Net Shape - A term used when describing a manufactured part where extra material is left, to provide exact machining at a later time.
Notch - Gouges in an Oxygen cut surface significantly deeper than the overall surface roughness.
Nozzle - Can include the mixing chamber, the orifice and the nozzle body or can simply refer to the tip of the cutting head which produces the waterjet stream.
OD (Outer Diameter) - The dimension from a round part that measures straight through the center.
Pit - A hole or defect remaining when a foreign particle embedded in the metal surface falls out or a cavity resulting from localized corrosion or over-etching.
Plastic Manufacturing - Manufacturing of plastic products by the appropriate methods. This includes but not limited to.molded parts, rods, sheets, tubing, extrusion as well as other forms or methods including cutting, punching, drilling tapping, fastening, welding or other mechanical devises.
Plate - A flat rolled product over 3/16" (0.188") in thickness and over 12" in width.
Polymer - A polymer is a substance with a molecular structure that consists of a large number of similar units bonded together.
Precision Machining - Precision machining in metal is a process where machines are used to make parts for different objects with exact measurements. It is one of the most advanced methods for metal fabrication, as it requires specialized equipment and highly trained technicians. This process involves cutting, drilling, welding, bending, and shaping metals into the desired shape and size. The machines used in precision machining are capable of producing intricate patterns with accuracy and minimal wastage. There are numerous advantages to using this fabrication method such as enhanced production efficiency, improved product quality and cost savings. With these benefits in mind, it’s clear why precision machining in metal is so popular among manufacturers today. A wide range of industries rely on this form of fabrication to produce parts for everything from automotive components to medical devices. Metal fabricators use their expertise to ensure that every part they create meets or exceeds the customers expectations.
Punching - Process of putting holes into a piece of sheet metal using a die and punch.
Pulse - As seen in laser cutting, is a rapid shot of a laser beam, as opposed to a continuous beam.
Rapid Prototyping - Takes computer aided design (CAD) files and is able to manipulate them to fit accordingly onto a section of material. This allows for tight nesting of parts as seen with waterjet cutting or laser cutting.
Repeatability - The capability of a machine to be able to meet a certain accuracy time and time again.
Rockwell standard hardness test - A test of how hard a material is, labeled using letters A through G, with G being the hardest.
Roughness - Roughness consists of recurring peaks and valleys in the oxygen-cut surface. This can be determined by samples of acceptable quality, or by comparison to the AWS C4.1 surface roughness guide for oxygen cut surface.
Roundness - Roundness implies a truly circular periphery of the inside or the outside surface. The deviation from roundness is measured as the difference between major and minor diameters as determined at any one cross-section of the tube.
Scale - A heavy oxide coating on copper and copper alloys resulting from exposure to high temperatures in an oxidizing atmosphere. A product resulting from the corrosion of metals.
Sheet - A flat rolled product up to and including 0.188" in thickness and over 20" in width.
Slag - Deposits resulting from the oxygen cutting process which adhere to the base metal or cut surface.
Slat - A commonly used item in laser cutting, as a long strip of material to hold the material being laser cut. These can be made from numerous different materials, the most common being copper and steel. Typically a laser bed can consist of 60 to 120 slats.
Stainless Steels - High strength, heat resistant, steel alloys that contain a minimum of 10% chromium content by mass. These steel alloys range from soft Austenitic (SST 201-374) to Ferritic (SST 405 to 446), Martensitic (SST 403 to 440C) and heat resisting (SST 501 to 502).
Stainless Steel Grades - The following items summarize the different series of stainless steel and their specific types. 200 series, 300 series, 301 series, 302 series, 303 series, 304 series, 309 series, 316 series, 321 series, 400 series, 408 series, 409 series, 410 series, 416 series, 420 series, 430 series, 440 series, 500 series, 600 series, 630 series
Subtractive Manufacturing - This is the process of cutting pieces off of a solid block of material.
Superalloys - Strong alloys that are incredibly tough to machine, many are nickel-based metals. The list includes alloys such as Hastelloy, Inconel, and Monel.
Taper - A term used to describe a gradual and narrowing change. This is most commonly seen in waterjet cutting when the stream is cutting thick material, there may be some taper due to the lag of the cutting stream through such thick material.
Tapping - This method of tooling creates threads in materials including metal, plastic, wood, and more.
Temper - The condition produced in a metal by mechanical or thermal treatment and having characteristic structure and mechanical properties. 1) Annealed Tempers - Tempers produced by annealing and usually defined by a nominal grain size or grain size range. The most commonly specified nominal annealed tempers are as follows: 0.015mm 0.050mm 0.025mm 0.070mm 0.035mm 0.100mm Certain alloys not composed entirely of alpha grains do not lend them-selves to classification under the above listed tempers. The terms "Light Anneal" and "Soft Anneal" are also commonly used. Their mechanical properties are defined by applicable specifications. 2) Annealed to Temper - Metal annealed to a tensile strength or Rockwell specification approximately equal to that specification normally met by rolling to temper. This temper provides greater ductility and better finish at same tensile strength. Not available in all alloys and restricted to Half Hard temper or softer. Metal need not be fully recrystallized. 3) Rolled Tempers - a) For flat products, these tempers are designated by the following terms and defined in applicable specifications: Eighth Hard Quarter Hard Half Hard Hard Extra Hard Three Quarter Hard Spring Extra Spring Ultra Spring Super Spring b) For tube, the temper designations commonly used are Light Drawn, Drawn (general purpose) and Hard Drawn, and are defined in applicable specifications. i) Light Drawn Temper - Generally applied to tube where some degree of stiffness is desired without serious impairment of bending qualities. ii) Drawn (General Purpose) Temper - Applicable to tube only, commonly used where there is no real requirement for high strength or hardness on the one hand or for bending qualities on the other. iii) Hard Drawn Temper - Used only where there is need for a tube as hard or as strong as is commercially feasible for the size in question.
Tensile Strength - The value obtained by dividing the maximum load observed during tensile straining by the specimen cross-sectional area before straining. Also called "Ultimate Strength". It is usually expressed in pounds per square inch.
Thermoplastic - A thermoplastic is any material that can be re-melted and recast repeatedly.
Threading - This process adds a multispindle effect to a material so that it may screw or turn as designed.
Tolerance - A range of dimensions that is given for a certain part labeling how close a part must be made to that specific dimension.
Top Edge Rounding - Melting of the top edge of an oxygen cut surface.
Traverse - Movement of a waterjet cutting machine when it's not cutting material. In example, moving the cutting head to it's position it will start cutting at.
Tumbling - A deburring process that is used to put a finish on parts and pieces by rotating them in a container full of finishing pieces.
Tumbling types - There are different methods of tumbling that can be used in the deburring process, each tailored to the specific needs of different parts and materials. These methods include:
- Rotary Barrel Tumbling: This method involves placing the parts in a rotating barrel along with abrasive media. The barrel rotates, causing the parts and media to tumble, creating a rubbing action that removes burrs and imperfections from the surfaces of the parts.
- Vibratory Tumbling: In this method, parts are placed in a vibratory tumbler that uses vibration and oscillation to create a tumbling action. The parts come into contact with the abrasive media, resulting in the removal of burrs and the smoothing of surfaces.
- Centrifugal Barrel Tumbling: This method utilizes centrifugal force to create a high-energy tumbling action. Parts are placed in a barrel that rotates at high speeds, subjecting them to intense agitation and providing efficient deburring and surface finishing.
Each of these tumbling methods offers unique advantages and is suitable for different types of parts and materials. Manufacturers can select the most appropriate method based on factors such as part size, material composition, desired finish, and production requirements.
Turning - Holding a material between two plates and then rotating the part on a cutting tool to achieve its desired shape. Forms of turning can include taper turning, step turning, chamfering, facing, turning threads, roughing, and finishing.
Value-Added Services - Processes or additional measures taken to add more real value to a part or project. Examples of this include welding, drilling, tapping, deburring, machining, finishing, forming, PEM stud insertion, and more.
Wall Thickness - At Any Point - Wall thickness may be measured at any point around the periphery. Such individual measurements may depart from the nominal due to the wall being either thicker than nominal or thinner than nominal, or to the tube being eccentric, or a possible combination of these. For all practical purposes, the average wall thickness is the average at any one cross-section, of the maximum and minimum wall thickness.
Waterjet Brick - A product made for holding materials that are being waterjet cut, the waterjet bricks are made from a tough, thick plastic-like material. These waterjet bricks also prevent small parts from falling through the slats of a waterjet bed. ( Click here to find waterjet bricks for sale )
Waterjet Cutting - A cutting method in which high-pressured water (ranging up to 60,000 psi or even higher) is combined with fine abrasive to process thin and thick materials with high accuracy.
Weathering steel - Weathering steel, also known as COR-TEN steel, is a high-strength, low-alloy steel that exhibits exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This unique steel alloy forms a protective outer layer called a patina when exposed to the elements, which acts as a natural barrier against further corrosion. The patina forms due to the steel's chemical composition, which includes elements like copper, chromium, and nickel. The weathering process typically takes several months to develop the protective layer fully. Weathering steel is commonly used in outdoor structures, such as bridges, buildings, and sculptures, as it eliminates the need for painting and maintenance while providing a distinctive, rustic appearance. Its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and its longevity make it a popular choice for architectural and structural applications.
Welding - Process of producing localized coalescence of metal by heating to suitable temperatures, with or without the application of pressure, and with or without the use of filler metal. The filler metal either has a melting point approximately the same as the base metals or has a melting point below that of the base metals, but above 800F. Common welding processes are: Oxyacetylene Welding Gas Shielded Arc Welding Resistance Welding (Spot, Seam, Butt) Coated Metal Arc Welding Carbon Arc Welding.
Work Envelope - The area in which material is processed on a piece of machinery. (i.e. waterjet cutting table)
World-Class Manufacturer - A classification denoting a 'best-in-show' status within manufacturers. This title is given to some of the best manufacturers in their industries and used as an honorary entitlement.