What is machined metal?

MACHINED METAL: UNDERSTANDING ITS SCOPES AND APPLICATIONS

Machined metal, also known as machining, refers to a process that deploys mechanical tools to create components for a large variety of machines, tools, automotive, and other devices with metal-based components.

The metal is cut in specific shapes, sizes, and dimensions so it can be used in various applications in industries such as shipping, aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics.

It transforms raw metal into usable parts making it an essential part in many applications ranging from domestic use to industrial or commercial applications. The metal parts in a vehicle or machines in manufacturing plants are the best examples to describe these machined components.

Professionals engaged in this work, also called machinists, cut various metals such as iron, aluminium, steel. And copper so that can be used in various applications according to the needs of the users. Each of these metal vary in strength, durability, ductility, and other relevant properties, making them suitable for specific requirement. To elaborate this further, aluminium is usually used in almost all modes of transportation since it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and very flexible. In case of steel or iron, they are remarkably strong and durable, which makes it perfect for building structures and heavy machinery.

THE PROCESS

Production of these machined components usually consists of the following steps.

• Turning: This process rotates the metal piece as the primary means to move metal against the cutting tool. This operation is usually performed by a tool called a lathe.
•  Milling: This operation is performed in a milling machine and a multi-point cutting tool is used. Here, the depth of the cut is provided by moving the workpiece in the required direction.
•  Facing: This process is undertaken to create a flat surface which is also considerably smooth. It can be performed by using a lathe or milling machine.
•  Grinding: A grinding wheel is used to remove material from a workpiece in order to give it a smooth finish and remove impurities from the surface.
•  Drilling: It creates a hole or smoothens the existing hole by using a rotating cutter.
• Boring: The main use of boring is to enlarge existing holes. It is one of the most common techniques of machining services.
•  Knurling: This step makes the surface rough so that the chances of slippage are minimal. This can be achieved by the use of a tool called knurl.  

The process used will depend on the final product required by the user. The type of metal being used is also a big factor in determining the process and tools that undergo this operation. For example, turning is used to create cylindrical shapes, while milling is used to create flat surfaces.

ADVANTAGES

• Precision: Machining allows the production of highly accurate parts with complex builds to suit every required application
• Versatile: It can be used with various materials which include metals, plastic engineering, and ceramics.
• Customisation: Machining enables the production of parts to meet specific design requirements with ease.
• Repeatable: One of its key advantages is to be able to replicate the task down to the dot making it ideal for the high-production scenario.
• High-quality finish: Machined metal offers high-quality products which are important in aerospace technologies and medical devices.
• Stability: These products are incredibly stable and do not warp or shrink like cast or moulded parts.
• Cost-effective: Although it has a high up-front cost, machined metal offers higher stability compared to cast or moulded products, which will be beneficial in the long run.

To put this straight, machined metal offers high precision, versatility, and customizability which makes it a top choice for various manufacturing applications.

APPLICATION

Although the scope of machined metal sounds very limited since it’s a fairly uncommon term, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The scope of machining is all-encompassing and is part of our lives in some manner or the other without us even knowing about it. Ranging from simple geometric shapes to highly complex and intricate shapes, machined components play a crucial role in our lives far beyond our expectations and comprehension.

• Aerospace: The metal parts of an aeroplane which includes the engine, landing gear, wings, and all other components are a result of machining.
• Medical: The instruments used in any health industry such as surgery tools, implantable devices, and electronic equipment are all made by machining.
• Automotive: Similar to aerospace, its engine, suspension, braking, and handle systems are all made of metal components, which again are manufactured through machining.
• Energy: The energy industry uses various metal devices for drilling and construction purposes. Its production facilities also comprise various metal components to perform its designated tasks.
• Military: The defence industry relies on metal components for its weapons systems, vehicle, and communication systems among others. Without these items, the military is quite obsolete.
• Industrial equipment: Machined metal is used in all kinds of facilities across the globe to perform various functions whether it's production, transportation, or material handling.
• Consumer goods: Machined metal also finds application in consumer goods such as toys, electronics, and other household items.

PREVAILING CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA

With much of the world opening its doors again since the slowdown due to the pandemic, Australia has also pulled up its socks and has been working its way towards reviving the economy back to pre-pandemic days. The GDP is estimated to have suffered a loss of 158 Billion Dollars compared to its pre-pandemic trajectory . As a response to the pandemic, the 2021-2022 budget committed an additional 41 Billion Dollars in direct economic support, bringing the total amount to 291 Billion Dollars as of May 2021. The government are also working with the states and territories to provide additional financial assistance to small businesses and workers affected by the pandemic.

Quite naturally, this means that for the last 2-3 years, demand for services in every industry took a hit, including machined components manufacturers in Sydney and the rest of the country. While a return to normalcy is still measured and closely watched by businesses and the government alike, the machined component service providers are expected to make a big comeback considering the fact that their services are extremely important in keeping its factories and other services up and running even if it is on a minimal scale.

Conclusion

To conclude, machining/machined metal is an incredibly expansive and constantly evolving line of work owing to the ever-changing business dynamics and development of new technologies. With increasing demand for precision, accuracy, and customisation, machining is expected to remain as the key to industrial development for the foreseeable future.