Metal-Forming Machines Key Terms

Learn metal-forming machines key terms to choose the best equipment for your shop

By Denise Brown

Metal-forming machines are an important component of the manufacturing industry. If you have any of these machines in your shop or factory, it’s important that you learn metal-forming machines key terms such as: CNC, deburring, benders, mills and drill presses. Once you know these metal-forming machines key terms, you'll have a better understanding of the work these pieces of equipment can do in your business.

Computer numerical control, or CNC

CNC is a term that relates to computer operated metal-forming machines. CNC machines are precise and can perform repeating functions in a way that makes it easier to produce more goods. Lathes and mills are common machines with CNC capabilities. It takes special training to run a CNC machine, and it takes even more advanced training to set one up.
Try: You can find out more about CNC job opportunities training at CNC Concepts.

Lathe

A lathe takes a piece of metal and spins it rapidly on its axis. A sharp tool bit held against the metal as it spins shaves off layers to shape it into the desired form. Common types of lathes include bench, engine and center style models.
Try: Summit Machine Tool Manufacturing has both CNC lathes and manual models.

Mill

A mill is a metal-forming machine that shapes metals by moving it into the cutting tool. Mills typically form metal horizontally or vertically.
Try: See the mill at Bixby Machine Tool Supply.

Drill press

Where a mill moves the metal into the cutting tool, a drill press holds the metal steady and moves the cutting piece or drill into it. The primary function of a drill press is to create holes in the metal.
Try: You can see an example of a drill press at Baileigh Industrial.

Pipe and tube bender

A pipe and tube bender does just what its name implies. It can take a straight piece of pipe or tubing and bend it to your exact specifications. Whether you need a curved piece of pipe or one that's at an exact angle, the pipe and tube bender is the piece of equipment for the job. It is important that a pipe and tube bender maintain the integrity of the circular tube during the bending process.
Try: Find out more about pipe and tube benders at CML USA.

Deburring machine

A deburring machine takes the rough edges off of metal after a machine works on it. You can compare it to sandpaper on a finished wood product. Some deburring machines also polish the metal and put a grain on it.
Try: AM Machinery Sales offers a deburring machine for sale.