Machining Operations

An unfinished part requiring machining will need to have some material cut away to create a finished product. A finished product would be a part that meets the specifications set out for that part by engineering drawings or blueprints.

There are three principal machining processes: Turning, drilling and milling. Other operations falling into miscellaneous categories include shaping, grinding, boring, broaching and sawing.

• Turning operations are operations that rotate the part as the primary method of moving metal against the cutting tool. Lathes are the principal machine tool used in turning.
• Milling operations are operations in which the cutting tool rotates to bring cutting edges to bear against the part. Milling machines are the principal machine tool used in milling.
• Drilling operations are operations in which holes are produced or refined by bringing a rotating cutter with cutting edges at the lower extremity into contact with the part. Drilling operations are done primarily in drill presses but sometimes on lathes or mills.
• Miscellaneous operations are operations that may not be chip producing operations but these operations are performed at a typical machine tool.

For example, a part may be required to have a specific outside diameter. A lathe is a machine tool that can be used to create that diameter by rotating a metal part, so that a cutting tool can cut metal away, creating a smooth, round surface matching the required diameter and surface finish. A drill can be used to remove metal in the shape of a cylindrical hole. Other tools that may be used for various types of metal removal are milling machines, saws, and grinding machines.

We have several machines here at Metro Machine Works, Inc. to fit all these types of machining needs. We have the capacity to run small parts production runs with our Doosan Lynx 220LMSA Turning Center or much bigger parts on our Doosan Puma 400LC with a 27.5” swing and a 21.65” maximum turning diameter. In addition we have two HAAS Mills (VF5 & VF9) to suit all shapes, sizes and quantities of parts. We also have the capacity to do custom repair work as well as custom machining for the everyday person.