Common processing techniques

Casting

Introduction:
After the metal is heated and melted, it is poured into a pre prepared mold. After the metal cools and solidifies, the desired shape of the casting can be obtained.
Sand mold casting: using sand as the mold material, suitable for small-scale production.
Investment casting/lost wax casting: produces precision parts with good surface quality, suitable for large-scale production.
Die casting method: used for producing parts with thin walls and complex shapes, with high production efficiency.
Technological process:
Design mold ->prepare mold ->melt metal ->pour ->solidify ->demold ->clean and post-treatment.
Application:
Produce automotive parts, machine tool bases, pipe fittings, etc.

Advantage:
It can produce parts with complex shapes and high material utilization.
Disadvantages:
There may be internal holes or inclusions, and the surface roughness is relatively high

Forging
Introduction:
Metal billets are hammered or pressure processed at high temperatures to change their shape and improve their internal structure.
Hot forging: Forging is carried out above the recrystallization temperature of the metal.
Warm forging: Forging is carried out below the recrystallization temperature of the metal.
Cold forging: Forging at room temperature.
Technological process:
Heating raw materials ->pre forging ->precision forging ->cooling ->trimming.
Application:
Produce automobile crankshafts, connecting rods, gears, etc.

Advantage:
Improve the compactness and mechanical properties of metals.
Disadvantages:
The equipment and process are complex, and the cost is high.

Machining
Introduction:
Use cutting tools to perform machining such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding on metals.
Cutting: Removing metal through cutting to form the desired shape.
Grinding processing: Using a grinding wheel to cut metal and obtain high-precision surfaces.
Special processing: such as electrical discharge machining, laser processing, etc.
Technological process:
Choose appropriate machine tools and equipment ->positioning and clamping ->cutting ->inspection.
Application:
Produce precision parts and components.
Advantage:
High processing accuracy, capable of producing complex shapes.
Disadvantages:
High material removal rate and high cost.

Welding
Introduction:
Connect two pieces of metal together through high temperature or pressure to form a permanent connection.
Electric arc welding: using an arc as a heat source to melt metal.
Gas welding: using a flame of combustible gas and oxygen as a heat source.
Laser welding: using a high-energy laser beam to melt metal.
Technological process:
Surface cleaning ->docking ->selecting welding method ->welding ->post-treatment.
Application:
Widely used in fields such as architecture, shipbuilding, and automobile manufacturing.

Advantage:
High connection strength, suitable for various metal materials.
Disadvantages:
Possible heat affected zone, requiring further treatment

Sheet Metal Processing
Introduction:
Cutting, bending, stretching and other processing of metal sheets to form the desired shape.
Cutting: Cutting metal sheet into the desired size.
Bending: Forming an angle or bending of a metal sheet.
Stretching: Stretching a metal sheet into a specific shape.
technological process:
Material preparation ->Select appropriate machine tools and equipment ->Positioning and clamping ->Processing and shaping ->Trimming and post-processing
Application:
Produce sheet metal parts, shells, frames, etc.

Advantage:
High processing efficiency, suitable for large-scale production.
Disadvantages:
The material shape is limited and may require subsequent assembly.

Powder Metallurgy
Introduction:
Press metal powder into shape, and then increase density and strength through sintering.
Pressing: Fill metal powder into a mold and press it into shape.
Sintering: Powder formed by sintering and pressing at high temperatures.
technological process:
Powder preparation ->compression molding ->sintering ->post-treatment.
Application:
Produce high-precision parts, filters, etc.
Advantage:
Can produce porous or high-strength parts.
Disadvantages:
The cost is relatively high and the production cycle is long.

Each metal processing technique has its specific application scenarios and advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the appropriate process depends on the product's design, production batch size, cost budget, and performance requirements. With the development of technology, these processes are constantly evolving to meet higher production efficiency and product quality requirements.