softening hardened steel through the heat treating process
boring
a machining process that produces a cylindrical or conical hole using a single point tool
Brinell
a scale for measuring hardness
carburize
the process of impregnating the surface of steel with carbon
computer numerical control (CNC)
the control of a machine tool using coded instructions
die
a device for cutting or forming material to produce a finished product; see production tools
drill press
a machine used to produce holes in workpieces; reaming, tapping, spotfacing and countersinking can also be performed on drill presses
fixture
a work holding device to position a workpiece; see production tools
G code
preparatory command
grinder
a machine that removes material from workpieces using abrasive wheels
heat treatment
the heating and cooling of metals to modify their mechanical properties
jig
a device that holds a piece in position to guide a cutting tool; see production tools
knurling
using a tool to produce a pattern on the diameter of a workpiece in a lathe
lathe
a machine-tool that holds and rotates the workpiece; a cutting tool is moved on slideways to cut cylindrical, tapered or threaded features on a workpiece
M Code
miscellaneous function command for a CNC controller
machine-tool
a stationary, usually heavy and non-portable, power-driven machine used to cut, shape, or form metals
Machinery’s Handbook
a reference book used in manufacturing by professionals such as engineers, toolmakers and machinists
milling machine
a machine that cuts surfaces and contours by holding the workpiece against a rotating cutter with single or multiple cutting edges
mould
device used to form parts by injection or vacuum process; see production tools
normalize
removing internal stress from the metal
production tools
types of custom made specialty devices used in the production of quantities of components by repetitive manufacturing operations. They may perform operations such as cutting, forming or moulding of individual components, they may be tools which align and hold parts for secondary operations and assembly or they may be measuring tools used to qualify final parts during inspection. A few examples are metal stamping dies, plastic injection moulds, assembly fixtures, drill jigs, templates and gauges
prototype
a test product manufactured with non-production tools to assist in the development of an end product
proving out
procedure to test out prototypes, jigs, fixtures and dies for function
quench
cooling heated material at a pre-determined rate to set the material hardness
S Code
spindle speed control for a CNC controller
saw
a machine used to cut materials using a multi-tooth blade
spotface
a flat surface at 90° to a hole
tapping
cutting threads within a hole using a cutting tool called a tap
temper
a method of changing the hardness of steel parts by first heating to a low temperature then cooling; tempering improves toughness
tooling
generally refers to the collection of production tools used within a manufacturing facility for their particular processes; see production tools
