2023-05-22
Metal part fabrication has become an integral part of the manufacturing process nowadays. From nozzles to airplane parts, it is broadly used to create metal parts for several industries.
Metal parts manufacturing is a broad term for processing metal parts such as bending, cutting, assembling, shaping, or molding metals into the desired shape through CNC machines.
In this post, you’ll explore a crucial process of metal parts manufacturing for a better understanding so you can take decisions accordingly.
Want to Explore the Process of Metal Parts Manufacturing?
Metal parts manufacturing processes vary depending on the metal type. Each metal type has its strengths and weaknesses. To get a better understanding, look at the forming methods.
Casting
Casting is pouring liquid into a casting mold, a prefabricated hollow cavity of the desired shape. Then, after the material cools and solidifies, eject it from the mold to get the cast metal part. Casting techniques are of two types. Die casting, in which liquid metal is forced into a mold with the help of hydraulic pressure, while investment casting uses the wax model.
Forging: Shaping the Metal
Forging involves the application of high pressure to shape metal parts by deforming them under compression. It uses high-impact forging machines to shape metals into desirable structures. Forging produces substantial and durable parts with minimal waste.
Rolling
Rolling is a process in which metal is passed through a pair of rollers to reduce its thickness or change its shape. It is generally used for creating sheet metal, plates, and structural sections.
Extrusion: Pushing Metal into a Die
Extrusion involves pushing a metal billet or slug through a die to fabricate a desired cross-sectional shape. Under high pressure, the metal is forced to flow, resulting in a tube or L-shape. Extrusion-produced metal parts require post-finishing, drilling, cutting, and machining.
In metal parts manufacturing, extrusion includes three operations types, hot extrusion, cold extrusion, and friction. Hot extrusion at a high temperature prevents the material from hardening. Cold extrusion involves using temperature to make the material less oxidized, highly tolerant, and more robust. Lastly, a force is required to push the charge against the die in the friction process.
Stamping: Cutting and Bending Parts
Stamping uses a die and a press to cut or shape metal sheets. The die-casting mold contains a cavity with the desired shape, and the press applies pressure to force the metal into the mold, creating the part. Stamping is often used for high-volume production of parts with consistent shapes, such as automotive body panels.
CNC Machining
In metal parts manufacturing, CNC machining is a computer-controlled process to remove unwanted metal by cutting raw material into the desired shape. Depending on your metal surface texture and the complexity of the geometry, you can choose precise CNC machining from different machining operations. Additionally, it is the optimal option for low to medium metal volume and complexity.
Welding and Surface Finishing
Welding joins metal parts by melting and fusing them. It uses heat and sometimes a filler material to create a strong bond.
Surface finishing is the final step in metal parts manufacturing. It improves the features of fabricated metal parts, such as surface roughness and corrosion resistance.
Final Thought
Metal parts manufacturing is crucial in various industries and has been instrumental in advancing technology, infrastructure, and overall human progress. It involves shaping, cutting, and joining metal materials to create components in countless applications, such as aerospace, agriculture, the auto industry, and consumer goods.
Contact us here if you’re looking for high-quality manufacturing precision with CNC machining for your industrial and consumer needs.
