The essential processes in metal cutting

Have you fully comprehended metal cutting? Well, this is a complex subject that involves various processes and tools. There are two main metal cutting processes that are very crucial. The first term is metal cutting fluids, while the second term is known as metal cutting technologies. With these two terms, you are well able to understand metal cutting.

Metal cutting fluids

Fluids are majorly used in processing metals for two vital functions. One, they are used for cooling, and secondly, for lubrication during metal working processes. Interconnected to these two functions, the metal cutting fluids are also used to protect metals against corrosion and swarf flushing.

In what form do the metal cutting fluids come?

These fluids may come in the form of liquids, pastes, aerosols and carbon dioxide coolants. The choice for any of the forms will be guided by the type of metal you are processing and the kind of ending that you hope to achieve.

Various environmental and health concerns have been raised about the use of the metal cutting fluids. Use of these fluids for a long time could pose serious health problems if proper safety measures are not applied. This will normally mean that the workers have to use protective clothing while working with the fluids. Proper disposal of the fluids is also vital to ensure that the environment is not degraded.

Metal cutting technologies

The second aspect of metal cutting is that of metal cutting technologies. Various technologies have been used to achieve expected ends. The technologies used in metal cutting will normally depend on the type of metal, its thickness and the quality specification needed by the client in question.

Basically, four major technologies are used which include:

  • Oxy fuel,
  • plasma,
  • laser and
  • water jet cutting technologies.

The Oxy fuel metal cutting technologies will normally involve the use of oxygen to form a reaction on the metal that further forms a cut. Plasma technologies involve the use of high temperatures to form an arc that will later cut the metal. Laser cutting will use a well-focused light on a specific part of the metal to cut it. Water jet metal cutting technologies involve the use of pressurized water, which is combined with other abrasives to form a cut on the metal.

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