Machines

Precision Machining and Processes

The chart below summarizes various machines that can be used to manufacture parts.

Custom Fabrications

Machine	Method	D	Materials	T
Blanking	Custom punch cuts shape in one hit	2D	Sheet metal	Y
Casting, Pressure Die	Molten metal forced into mold	3D	Non-ferrous metals	Y
Extrude	Molten material forced thru die	2.5D	Plastic	Y
Laser Cutting	Laser beam vaporizes cut path	2D	Most	N
Milling	Rotating cutter moves in 3D	3D	Hard	N
Molding, Compression (for rubber)	Heated rubber pressed into mold	3D	Rubber	Y
Molding, Injection	Molten plastic forced into mold	3D	Plastic	Y
Photochemical Milling	Chemical dissolves masked sheet	2D	Metal	N
Plasma Cutting	Spark vaporizes cut path	2D	Most	N
Rapid Prototype (FDM)	Fused plastic deposits in 3D space	3D	ABS	N
Spur gears cutting	Cutting of plain 2D gears	2D	Metal	N
Turret Punch	Successive punching of fixed shapes	2D	Sheet metal	N
Turning (lathe)	Cutter applied to rotating material (concentric shapes)	3D	Hard	N
Waterjet	High pressure water cuts sheet	2D	Hard	N
Wire EDM	Charged wire erodes material	2D	Metal	N
Machine	Method	D	Materials	T

Secondary Processes

Machine	Method	D	Materials	T
Bending	Bends sheet metal to an angle	3D	Metal	N
Counter boring *	Rotating tool enlarges upper portion of hole	NA	Hard	N
Countersinking *	Conical tool adds conical shape to top of hole	NA	Hard	N
Drilling	Rotating cutter moves in one dimension	1D	Hard	N
Finishing	Various methods of treating surface of work piece	NA	Metal	N
Grinding, Surface	Abrasive wheel creates uniform flat surface	2D	Metal	N
Honing *	Tool with rotating abrasive enlarges hole	NA	Metal	N
Knurling *	Textured tool presses coarse textured pattern (cylindrical shapes)	NA	Metal	N
Reaming *	Precision cutting tool creates accurate hole	1D	Metal	N
Band sawing *	Cutting blade cuts material in straight line	NA	Hard	N
Shearing *	Scissors-like action cuts material in straight line	NA	Most	N
Silk Screen	Ink is forced thru a mesh that holds a graphic pattern	2D	Most	Y
Threading & Tapping	Threads holes and protrusions	3D	Hard	N
Welding	Joins metal surfaces	3D	Metal	N
Machine	Method	D	Materials	T

T = Uses tooling (generally beneficial for longer runs). D = 2D or 3D shapes

* Specified using the Comments To Machinist features of the eMachineShop CAD.

Also see common fabrication methods.

The above processes are compatible in various combinations with: Aluminum ... Stainless Steel ... Copper ... Sheet Metal ... Nylon ... Steel ... Acetal ... Polycarbonate ... Polystyrene ... Acrylic ... Plastic ... Fiberglass ... Brass ... Carbon fiber ... Teflon ... Titanium ... ABS ... PVC ... Sterling Silver ... Spring Steel ... Bronze and Rubber.

Video correction: The new Auto selection in the machines dialog is now used in most cases. The Auto choice results in automatic selection of the optimal machine for your design.

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