Introduction to metal cutting
Metals are cut into pieces of different sizes and shapes depending on the end use. Metal cutting is essentially a process where special tools are used to chip or cut away layers of metal from a larger work piece.
The resulting chip or layer must meet predefined specification criteria such as shape, dimensions and thickness.
Since metals are generally hard and extremely difficult to cut, metal cutting involves multiple processes and different tools. Since the inherent tensile property and strength of each metal is different, each metal requires appropriate devices, processes, and tools to shape it into the desired shape.
Manual cutting tools
Manual cutting tools are still the best option for cutting smaller pieces of metal. Manual cutting tools include smaller instruments that can be operated by hand.
For example, hand cutting tools tend to be particularly useful when cutting smaller pieces of metal to make small-sized holes for inserting bolts, rivets, and screws, etc.
metal cutting hand tools
Hacksaw
This attachment is similar in structure to a wood saw, except it is constructed of hardened steel to help you cut through tough metal surfaces. A hacksaw generally appears to have an inverted ‘U’ shape and is equipped with teeth that run along its outer edge.
Wood, plastic, or metal are attached at one end to help hold the hacksaw in place. The blade is usually removable by means of small pegs that help to tighten or loosen the blade as needed. Hacksaw blades are typically between 10 and 12 inches long, although you can find smaller 6-inch models for cutting smaller metals.
The number of metal teeth can also vary between different types of hacksaws, although the number ranges from 14 to about 32 TPI (teeth per inch).
chisels
Chisels are useful for chipping away extra or unwanted pieces of metal. Chisels are used in the metal cutting industry for both “hot” and “cold” cutting processes. A cold chisel is used to cut off pieces of scrap metal.
Cold chisels are used for a wide range of metal cutting tasks including cutting rivets, thin sheet metal, square corners and keyholes, among many others.
Most models if cold chisels are fired to a hard brown color by using strong steel and flame tempering technology to improve their cutting ability.
Diamond-shaped chisels are used to cut sharp corners and narrow slots in metal, while hot chisels (the chisel is heated to soften it) can be used to help cut metal.
Round head chisels are used to cut notches in metal surfaces. Chisels are especially well suited to chipping metals that are softer than themselves.
The chisels must work in conjunction with the right hammer. An oversized chisel will tend to absorb the blow of a lighter hammer and will not be able to make any useful cuts.
industrial shears
These are specially made from carbonated steel and can be used to cut metals such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Metal shears often resemble a pair of scissors and come in different sizes. They can range from smaller, more portable manual models to huge, floor-mounted, or bench-mounted versions. The larger models of metal shears work pneumatically or electrically.
Despite the use of advanced and automated machinery in the metal cutting industry, manual cutting tools continue to be an integral part of the metal cutting manufacturing process.