metal machine

Types of Metal Machines

The widespread use of metal machines has transformed manufacturing and construction industries. The following types of machines show how versatile and crucial metal machines are.

• Metal Shear Machine:

A metal machine shear cuts various types of metal sheets and plates into smaller pieces. It can create straight or curved lines according to its design. No physical force affects the metal when it is sheared, which makes it a non-controversial form of cutting. The machine operates using a guillotine to receive a blow from a hydraulic, mechanical, or pneumatic system. Then, the metal sheets receive a clean and accurate cut.

Metal shear machines are popular tools due to their ease of use, cutting precision, and limited need for maintenance. When operated by an expert, the machine causes no physical deformation of the metal piece. Operators use this machine in industries to create metal parts or do preparatory work before further processing.

• Metal Rolling Machine:

The metal rolling machine forms metal sheets into round tubes and other shapes like arcs and cylinders. It is also referred to as a roll-forming machine. The device can work with metals of various thicknesses, from thin sheets to heavy plates. Usually, three rolls are used to bend and shape the metal sheets through a combination of pressure and rotation.

There are many types of metal rolling machines with different applications. The most common ones are the symmetric machines for roll-bending cylindrical shapes. The unbalanced machines can make more complex shapes. Other specialized machines can create U-shaped or V-shaped parts.

• Metal Cutting Machine:

The metal cutting machine divides metal blocks, sheets, and pipes into smaller pieces based on precise requirements. It can be used as a preparatory work tool before welding, assembling, or machining. Metal cutting machines can operate manually or automatically. An important feature about the devices is that they produce minimal wastage of raw material during the cutting process.

Despite the name, metal cutting machines do not actually "cut" the metal in a physical sense. It uses lasers, plasma, flame, water jets, or oxygen to separate the metal pieces.

• Metal Welding Machine:

The metal welding machine combines multiple metal parts through heat generation and dissipation. An important aspect of the welding machine is that no additional metal is needed to join the individual pieces. Metal welding machines are often used to join pieces in the construction of buildings, bridges, automobiles, pipelines, and aircraft. These machines make strong and durable joins, ensuring the structural integrity of the aforementioned construction projects.

Metal welding machines are diverse and plentiful. There are pressure welding, spot welding, submerged arc welding, laser welding, and resistance welding machines, to name a few.

Specifications and Maintenance of Metal Machines

Metal machines have unique specifications based on the type and models used for various applications. The following table summarizes the general specifications of most of the types of metal machines used in different industries.

• Capacity: This refers to the total amounts that the metal-forming machines manufacture with an easy and effective flow per time. For example, the capacity of a metal-pressing machine can be 1200 pieces per 8-hour shift.
• Forming Pressure: This is the mounting or force acting on the materials during the machining process. For example, a metal-stamping press can have a forming pressure of about 800 KN.
• Cutting Thickness: This is the measuring range of thickness of the material that a metal cutting machine can comfortably cut through. For example, a metal-cutting saw machine has a cutting thickness range of 1~20mm.
• The diameter of the Rod: This is the diameter range of rods that a particular metal machine can work with. For instance, a CNC machine can work with a rod diameter range of 5~50 mm.
• Motor Power: This is the power rating in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP) driving the machine's operating. For example, a metal milling machine has a motor power of about 25 kW.
• Machine Dimension: The dimensions of a machine can impact the movement and installation space. The length of an automatic CNC metal machine could be up to 8000mm.
• Machine Weight: The weight of a machine can affect the stability and handling during the setup process. A laser metal-cutting machine can weigh up to 2800 kgs (2.8 tons).

The primary maintenance practices for metal machines depend on the types and models. Nevertheless, here are some general maintenance tips for several kinds of metal work machines to prolong their lifespan and ensure they function effectively:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the surfaces of the machine, including the moving parts and work benches, to prevent dust and scrap buildup that can damage the machine parts.
• Lubrication: Apply the required oil or grease to the moving parts of the metal that require lubrication to prevent mechanical wear and tear, minimize power loss, and extend longevity.
• Refurbishing parts: Replace parts of the machines, such as cutting blades, that are worn out and clean up the burrs and deposits that accumulate on the blades during operation.

Applications of Metal Machines

Metalworking machines play a pivotal role across various industries. In the construction industry, metalworking machines create structural frameworks, reinforcements, cladding, roofing, and other components using materials like steel, aluminum, and copper. The automotive industry relies heavily on metalworking machines for manufacturing vehicles, engines, transmissions, chassis, and other automotive components. Metalworking machines such as the CNC machine and laser cutting machine are widely used in the aerospace industry to manufacture aircraft structures, engines, and components with precision and accuracy. Similarly, electronics relies on metalworking machines to produce electronic enclosures, connectors, and other precise components used in telecommunication devices, mobile phones, and consumer electronic products.

Furniture production involves creating various types of furniture pieces, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and shelves, using different materials like metal, wood, and glass. Signage and display manufacturing entails fabricating signage boards, billboards, and display stands using metal, plastic, and other materials. Medical equipment refers to specialized devices and instruments used in healthcare facilities, hospitals, and clinics for diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring purposes. This includes items like imaging machines, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and laboratory equipment.

Both small-scale craft industries and large-scale mass production require specific types of metalworking machines that facilitate automated production processes. Automation allows for higher production rates, improved efficiency, and greater precision in manufacturing operations.

These are just a few examples of the many applications of metalworking machines across industries. These machines customize, cut, shape, and join metal parts and materials for various manufacturing and production needs.

How to choose metal machines

There are many types of machines used for processing metal, and they are all helpful in industry. Select the kind of machine based on what is needed to be done with the machine and what is needed to be made. For example, if it is required to make small and precise cuts in metal, a laser-cutting machine would be appropriate. On the other hand, if the job requires making cuts of large lengths or cutting through thick metal, a band saw would be more appropriate.

Secondly, find out the level of automation that is needed. Are the simple controls, manual operation, and learning requirements, or do the advanced automation functions, remote operation, and faster production, be required? Thirdly, learn the features and specifications of the metal machines. Compare the area dimensions and capacities, cutting power and force, precision level, operating systems, and safety features of each machine to get an idea of its capability.

Fourthly, consider how easy or difficult it is to install, use, and maintain the machines. Determine whether the machine will come with installation support and training or away. Check whether the functions, controls, and parts of the machine are straightforward so that even the staff with little experience can easily use them without accidents happening. And also, see if the machine will come with any special maintenance requirements and determine whether the spare parts and cleaning tools will be easy to get.

Finally, think about the safety and environmental requirements of the machine. Look for safety certifications from the local regulatory authorities. Check the emission levels and energy consumption to meet the environmental standards.Loading and unloading are often automated with conveyor belts so that the production line does not break. This is also better for the staff because there is less heavy lifting required.

Q&A

Q: How has the metal machine-making industry changed recently?

A: Many industries now use AI and automation. These new technologies help machines make metal parts faster and more efficiently. There is also now greater awareness about the importance of cutting down on waste in production processes so as to be environmentally sustainable, which has led many companies into adopting practices like recycling whatever materials were used previously in their manufacturing facilities. These changes have helped improve quality control systems and ensure that machines are still working well even after being used for quite some time.

Q: What are the current trends in metal machine machines?

A: Slim-fit metal machine machining centers are very popular now. Robots and automation technology are also being used more often with metal machines to make production faster and more efficient. Cloud-based machine monitoring is another trend that helps businesses keep track of their machines from anywhere. This can help prevent problems before they happen by monitoring the machine's health. Advanced metal machines are being made with better connectivity and intelligence, like IoT integration, which allows for remote control and data analytics capabilities.

Q: What is the future of the metal machining machine market?

The future looks good for this type of machine because many industries use metal parts made by these machines. The machine that makes metal will continue to grow strongly, driven mostly by demand coming from various sectors like automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing. Machines that make metals will also get better because new technologies, such as automation and cloud-based machine monitoring, will be used more commonly together with them.