Machining

Machining is a manufacturing process where material is removed from a workpiece to shape it into a desired form. It involves tools like lathes, mills, and drills, which cut, grind, or shear away material, usually metal or plastic. Machining is used to create parts with precise dimensions and smooth finishes for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. It can be done manually or through CNC (computer numerical control) machines for high precision and automation.

Turning

- In turning, a cutting tool moves along a rotating workpiece, typically on a lathe, to remove material and shape the part. This process is used to create cylindrical shapes, threads, and holes.

https://youtu.be/Vm5Chb_2JxA?si=Xi1kFVq9Td_6UBeE 

https://youtu.be/onF9RUT7vuI?si=9L7XSeqJPPeddG3J  

https://youtu.be/sG6GCfX7L3c?si=n0DGTMvg87k6t-eV

Milling

- Milling involves a rotating cutting tool that moves across the surface of a stationary workpiece to remove material. It can create complex shapes, slots, and holes. Milling machines can operate in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

https://youtu.be/5ZkP5RW41rg?si=7sU3yaWbq2owsPIM 

Drilling

- Drilling is the process of creating round holes in a material using a rotating drill bit. This process is widely used in manufacturing for creating holes of various sizes and depths in metals, plastics, and wood.

https://youtu.be/8L0UWV6I-Vk?si=QBIBub275v3T2k9_ 

Grinding

- Grinding uses an abrasive wheel to remove small amounts of material from the surface of a workpiece. It’s commonly used for finishing, providing smooth surfaces and high precision, particularly in hard materials like metal.

https://youtu.be/rdbFYOth5hM?si=oeshg_uW_KoP10L6 

Boring

- Boring enlarges an existing hole in a workpiece. It’s used to achieve tight tolerances and improve the accuracy of pre-drilled holes, often employed in precision manufacturing.

https://youtu.be/jM0l3HLChG8?si=0XdTDe0m5JXPDf1Q 

Sawing

- Sawing uses a blade or wire with teeth to cut through a material. Common types include band saws and circular saws. It’s typically used for rough cuts or cutting large pieces of material into smaller, manageable sections.

https://youtu.be/g8EgFT6WiPg?si=hdKSDBOWLgGSYA7e 

Broaching

- Broaching involves pulling or pushing a broach (a toothed tool) through or across a surface to remove material in a precise and controlled manner. It’s used to create keyways, splines, and other complex shapes.

https://youtu.be/lTngKubuYjY?si=qq5yNEXgW4Xa_kQY 

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

- EDM uses electrical discharges (sparks) to erode material from a workpiece. It is particularly effective for hard metals or intricate shapes that are difficult to machine with traditional methods.

https://youtu.be/j1wM6i-goEg?si=0gZ0ineSc6j237bf 

***Apart from Electrical Discharge Machining (which is slightly less common), these are the most common ways of machining, especially in your mechanical engineering apprenticeship. I can not stress enough how much it will help you to watch these videos. I have personally searched the web for the most straightforward guides to each of them and these videos explain them in the simplest of ways. Whether you have just started your apprenticeship or are in the process of trying to get one, these will definitely give you a head start. If you manage to get to a point where you have to promote yourself to several companies and have zero experience (school leaver) then you can discuss the videos you have watched which shows the employer you have a great interest and a willing to learn. Trust me, this is valuable information that will really help you***