Fundamentals of Machining Processes, 3rd Edition

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Machining Processes

1.1   INTRODUCTION

Many manufactured products require machining at some stage of their production sequence. Machining is the removal of unwanted materials (machining allowance) from the workpiece so as to obtain a finished product of the desired size, shape, and surface quality. Generally, machining ranges from relatively rough cleaning of castings to high-precision micromachining of mechanical components that require narrow tolerances.

The removal of the machining allowance through cutting techniques was first adopted using simple handheld tools made from bone, stick, or stone that were replaced by bronze or iron. Water, steam, and, later, electricity were used to drive such tools in the power-driven metal-cutting machines ...