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Types of Machines Used in Metal Working Industries

Apr 7th 2022

Blog header - types of machines used in metal working industries by Empire Abrasives

Metalworking industries use metal to create products. There are many different types of metalworking industries, and each has its own unique set of processes and products. Some of the most common products made by metalworking industries include automobile parts, tools, appliances, and construction materials.

Metalworking and metal fabrication industries are an important part of the economy. They provide jobs for millions of people, and they produce products that are used by consumers all over the world. So, you see how this industry has been contributing to various sectors.

Some Common Types of Machines Used In MetalWorking Industries

There are a number of different types of machines that can be used in metal fabrication. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Lathes
  • Milling Machines
  • Drilling Machines
  • Grinding Machines
  • Welding Machines

1: Lathes

Lathes are one of the most commonly used machines in the metal working industry. These are one of the oldest and most versatile machine tools used in metalworking. They are also called engine lathes because they were originally used to turn engine cylinders. Lathes can be used to produce a variety of parts such as bolts, screws, nuts, and gears. They can also create more sophisticated shapes such as bearings, bushings, and shafts.

Lathes work by rotating the object to be machined against a tool that cuts away the material. The tool is fixed in place, and the object is turned around it. This process is repeated until the desired shape or size is achieved. There are many different types of lathes that vary in size, speed, and complexity.

2: Milling Machines

Milling machines are tools that can be used to process a wide variety of materials. They are often used in manufacturing and industrial applications but can also be used in a hobby or home shop. Milling machines use rotating cutting tools to remove material from a work piece. This can be done via a number of different methods, including drilling, reaming, milling, and broaching.

Milling machines are classified according to the direction in which their spindles rotate. Vertical milling machines have their spindles oriented in a vertical orientation. Horizontal milling machines have their spindles oriented in a horizontal orientation. Universal milling machines can be either vertical or horizontal, depending on the specific application.

Milling machines can be operated manually or can be equipped with computer numerical control (CNC) for more precise operation. CNC-equipped milling machines are often used in high-volume production environments where consistency and accuracy is paramount.

3: Drilling Machines

Drilling machines are one of the most versatile machine tools used in this industry. They can be used to drill holes in a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and concrete.

There are two main types of drilling machines: radial drilling machines and gang drilling machines. Radial drilling machines have a spindle that is mounted on a rotating arm. The arm can be moved up and down, as well as side to side, to drill holes at different depths and angles. Gang drilling machines have multiple spindles that are mounted on a fixed table. This type of machine is typically used for mass production drilling.

Drilling machines can be powered manually or by electricity. Electric-powered machines are more common in industry today because they are more precise and can be used for more delicate work. However, manual machines are still used in some applications, such as when working with very soft materials or when portability is required.

4: Grinding Machine

Grinding machines are used in the metalworking industry to shape and finish metals. The grinding process removes material from the workpiece by abrasion. This can generate a lot of heat, so most grinding machines use water-cooled systems to keep the work piece cool. Some also use air-cooling or oil-based coolants.

The type of grinding machine you need depends on the type of material you are working with and the results you want. For example, if you are working with softer metals like aluminum, you will need a different machine than if you are working with harder metals like stainless steel.

In advanced grinding processes, the grinding wheel is used as a cutting tool to produce shapes that are difficult to produce with other machine tools.

Grinding machines are usually designed to hold a specific shape of the workpiece, and the many shapes that can be ground lead to the many types of grinding machines. There are various types of grinders, all suited for different purposes. All of them are used quite widely in various industries.

5: Welding Machines

Welding machines are devices that use an electric arc to weld metal together. They are often used in manufacturing and construction. There are a variety of welding machines available, each with its own set of features.

Some common types include MIG welders, TIG welders, and stick welders. Welding machines use an electric arc to weld metal together. The arc is created by passing an electric current through a gas that is between the two pieces of metal. The gas acts as a conductor and creates a plasma arc.

The plasma arc is extremely hot and melts the metal, which allows the two pieces to be joined together. There are a variety of welding machines available, each with its own set of features. Some common types include MIG welders, TIG welders, and stick welders.

MIG welders are the most common type of welding machine. This is because they are easy to use and can be used on a variety of materials. The other two types can be a bit difficult to operate. But they are also used quite commonly.

CNC Technology

We may have just glossed over CNC machines when discussing milling machines, but this technology is becoming a game changer for many metal workers. You can use CNC to control some of the above mentioned machines like turning mills, grinders, and lathes, and even newer technology like what is found in a CNC water jet machine.

CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) is a computerized process used in the manufacturing industry to code control production and equipment movement. Once the operator configures the programming, CNC operated machines are capable of automating the process of cutting and shaping metal at amazing speeds and with incredible precision.