metal tools

Question 1

What are the 3 features of a 3 in 1 machine?

Answer 1

Roll/ curve thin metals
Cut thin metals
Fold thin metals

Question 2

How is 3D printing done in metal?

Answer 2

Often used in industry to make intricate parts by being connected to a computer. These machines are usually expensive and take a long time to complete.

Question 3

What are folding bars?

Answer 3

A tool for working with sheet metal allowing to make a perfect 30 degree angle. Material put between bars and place in vice, folded over with hammer.

Question 4

What does a milling machine do?

Answer 4

Made of high speed steel that cuts through softer metals such as mild steel, cast steel or aluminium. Used to engrave detailed lines and designs on metal. Metal held in vice.

Question 5

What is sandcasting?

Answer 5

Metal casted by using layers of sand to make a mould. This is used in batch/one off production as it is very time-consuming.

Question 6

What is die casting?

Answer 6

Molten metal fed into dies with high pressure at high speeds to mould. Allows for intricate designs such as engine bodies. Useful for mass production as it is quicker.

Question 7

What is investment casting? (AKA. lost wax casting)

Answer 7

A mould is made by imprinting a design onto some wax/rubber. This is then injected with metal before taking out of mould. Often used for one off/batch jewellery as it is quite time consuming.

Question 8

What is gravity casting?

Answer 8

Often used in schools. pewter heated up by blowtorch in hearth. Molten metal then poured into a pre-made mould. Uses gravity to allow to fill all areas of mould.

Question 9

What is brazing?

Answer 9

Both metals heated to same temp using blowtorch. Add flux into joint until tight seal made between metals.

Question 10

What is welding?

Answer 10

2 metals made molten on their joining edge. Filler rod added and melted to create joint.

Question 11

What is soldering?

Answer 11

Soldering iron used. Lead solder added to join to create joint. Often used in circuit boards

Question 12

What is a metal lathe?

Answer 12

Used for tuning metal bar or threading of screws.

Metal held between headstock and tailstock and spun around by a chuck. A tool (usually interchangable) then slides into the spinning material to create different shapes.
Includes crosslide to move to differetent depths on the saddle (holds the tool bit).

Question 13

Pros and Cons of metal lathes?

Answer 13

PRO - 
High accuracy
Requires operators
Lead time less
Production flow is high
CON - 
Require extra fittings and attachments to work
Require constant maintenance
Only One tool can be used at a time
Lack of flexibility1