Metal fabricating and welding glossary - M

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Machining

This is the group of processes in which a shape is generated by removing unwanted material. Machining can be used to make a component from stock material but more often it is used as a secondary process to impart a shape or a level of precision to a manufactured component that cannot be achieved otherwise. Shape restrictions exist for some machining processes. See Drilling, Grooving, Milling, Tapping, and Turning.

Machining photo.

Mechanical press

A forging press with an inertia flywheel, a crank and clutch, or other mechanical device to operate the ram.

Mechanical press brake

A press brake using a mechanical drive consisting of a motor, flywheel, crankshaft, clutch, and eccentric to generate vertical motion.

Metal

The material subjected to an operation of a forming class type. An elemental metal or alloy of metal mixture in a self-shape-sustaining state (this excludes molten, gaseous, or powdered).

Metal arc weld

Metal melting and fusing process using a continuous metal consumable electrode with an inert gas around the electrode to shield against oxidation.

MIG or MIG weld

MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas welding and is often referred to as wire-feed welding. MIG welding is a commonly used high deposition rate welding process. During the welding process, wire is continuously fed from a spool. MIG welding is sometimes referred to as a semi-automatic welding process.

MIG Weld (Metal Inert Gas) or GMAW Gas Male Tool

A mold duplicating the interior dimensions of the part. See Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).

Milling

A metal fabricating reduction process of cutting away material by feeding a workpiece past a rotating multiple tooth cutter. The cutting action of the many teeth around the milling cutter provides a fast method of machining. The machined surface may be flat, angular, or curved. The surface may also be milled to any combination of shapes. See Drilling, Grooving, Tapping, and Turning.

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