Machining is the process of manufacturing that involves removing some materials from a workpiece with specialized tools to convert it into the desired shape or finished product. Although the process is mainly used with reference to metalworking, it can also be used in the production of ceramics, wood, stone, and other materials. Some of the common machined products include drill bits, plaques, flanges, auto-mobile parts, nuts, and bolts.

Common Machining Tools for Industrial Operations

There are hundreds of machining tools, and they range from small and simple to complex models designed for advanced industrial production. Below are some of the common ones that you will probably need in your manufacturing facility.

Turning Tools

Turning machines, commonly referred to as lathe machines, are designed to remove unwanted materials in a workpiece by rotating it while a single-point cutting tool shaves it to produce the desired shape. The lathe machine is considered the father of most machining tools because it can be traced back to ancient civilization. Using a lathe machine, you can do a number of actions, including sanding, threading, deforming, and drilling.

Milling Tools

Unlike a lathe machine, milling machines remove the material from the selected workpiece by feeding it to a milling cutter. The cutter moves around at high speed, stripping off material on the targeted areas, from shoulders to grooves and inclined surfaces. However, it is considered less accurate compared to the turning process with a lathe machine.

Broaching Tools

A broaching works by removing materials from a workpiece with a toothed cutting tool known as a broach. As the cutting tool moves against the workpiece, it makes shallow cuts on the entire length. In many instances, a single pass is ample to complete machining the targeted surface. However, additional passes might be necessary depending on a number of parameters, such as the quantity of stock to be removed and rise per tooth.

Grinding Tools

Grinding tools work like turning machines, but they are more of cleaning than shaping tools. In industrial production, grinding tools are mainly used to improve the finish of surfaces or tighten tolerances by clearing unwanted materials. Most manufacturers with lathe machines also buy the grinding tools to give their finished products the perfect outlook.

Drilling Machines

Drilling machines are mainly used for creating holes in workpieces through cylinders and bits. Today, 75% of metal cutting tasks involve removing materials via drilling operations. As the drill runs through the workpiece, it creates holes that are equal to the bits being used. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the holes correspond to the targeted fasteners or nuts that will be used.

These are some of the common machining tools that you might need in your facility. Other equally crucial models that you might need to include in your tools arsenal are shapers, planers, and chip forming machines. Remember that, like other industrial equipment, the machining tools require good maintenance to remain in top condition for longer life and better performance.