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Metal processing is the foundational stage in metal production, incorporating diverse fabrication methods like stamping, pressing, bending, cutting, and roll forming. Each metal production method integrates some form of metal processing to transform flat metal into configurations suited to specific applications.
Crucial to creating durable products, metal processing plays a vital role in engineering and manufacturing parts and components for easy fabrication and use. The wide range of metal processes encompasses techniques that both harden metal for prolonged use and soften it for increased pliability. Each process undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it achieves the precise dimensions needed for the final product.
An exemplary hardening process is aluminum anodizing, aimed at thickening the oxidized layer of aluminum. The natural oxidization of aluminum when exposed to air contributes to its popularity, forming a protective oxide layer that guards the metal surface against corrosion, rust, and wear. Anodization enhances the surface by boosting resistance and strength while offering the option for colorization. This electrolytic surface treatment not only hardens the metal but also improves its non-conductivity and establishes a porous surface for color application.
A significant advancement in metal processing is electrical discharge machining (EDM), which utilizes electrical energy to cut, drill, etch, and machine metals with exceptional precision. Utilized by CNC machines, EDM provides flexibility and is capable of intricate detailing on both hard and soft surfaces.
Various methods are employed to shield metals from environmental factors and stress that may lead to wear and damage. Protective processes include painting, coating, and the application of specific powdered materials. Electroless nickel plating represents a unique method of metal protection, depositing a layer of nickel alloy on metal substrates through a chemical process without requiring electricity.
In the realm of electronic equipment and systems, safeguarding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) is critical. EMI shielding involves crafting mechanical devices from metals tailored to fit electronic equipment housings. The choice of metal varies depending on the application’s needs and the desired level of protection.
Heat treatment is a common method for processing metals, altering their atomic structure to modify physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. This transformative process entails subjecting the metal to a series of heating and cooling stages. To enhance the longevity and performance of metals, various coatings, including powders, paints, and metals, are applied as thin layers to the substrate. Apart from providing additional protection, these coatings can contribute to aesthetic value by introducing tinting and texture.
