Most Frequently Used Metals in Precision Mechanics
A metal can be processed in precision mechanics in order to be transformed into the desired final product. But which metals are most commonly used in precision mechanics? Let's find out together.
Which factors should be considered before choosing metals?
The selection of materials for a given application requires a careful evaluation
of their ability to be cut,
engraved, and finished in the most appropriate way.
When assessing the machinability of a metal, it is also necessary to consider
factors such as hardness, thermal and
electrical conductivity, and malleability.
Although many types of metal are compatible with precision processing, each
offers specific advantages depending on
the product to be made.
Companies specialized in precision mechanics create a wide variety of parts and
finished products using metal
alloys.
Among the most commonly used metals for machining are:
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Brass
• Stainless steel
Each metal brings specific benefits to the machining process. Let's discover the
characteristics of the most
commonly used metals in precision mechanics.
Characteristics of metals used in precision mechanics
Below are the distinctive features of the metals most commonly used in precision
mechanics.
Aluminum
Aluminum performs excellently during cutting, drilling, punching, and milling
operations.
It is also very durable and aesthetically pleasing. Its machining requires less
effort compared to other metals. It
requires special tools that differ from those used for other materials.
Due to its high machinability, aluminum is used in the production of:
• Tube stems
• Machine parts
• Mobile phones
• Filters
Brass
Brass is an alloy made of zinc and copper, known for its golden appearance and
good workability. It is used to
manufacture products such as:
• Bushings
• Handles
• Lamp parts
• Marine components
• Electrical devices
• Valves
• Bearings
The following properties make brass an excellent material for use in various
fields:
• Low melting point
• Low magnetism
• Corrosion and oxidation resistance
• Excellent malleability
• No need for surface finishing
• Low friction
Copper
Copper is a natural metal known for its excellent conductive properties. It is
used to manufacture products such
as:
• Hand tools
• Radiators
• Generators
• Connectors
• Cookware
• Heat exchangers
• Motors
It offers the best electrical conductivity among all machinable metals. It also
conducts heat well, resists rust,
and is easily formable.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an ideal metal for many applications due to its higher
resistance to rust and corrosion compared
to other types of steel.
It consists of an alloy of iron and chromium, which bonds with oxygen particles
to form a solid layer of chromium
oxide on the surface of the steel. However, this means that stainless steel has
a limited ability to resist
scratches and abrasions.
Stainless steel is used to produce a wide range of objects, including:
• Industrial equipment
• Medical devices
• Aerospace and automotive components
• Military hardware
Stainless steel owes many of its valuable properties to passivation, a chemical
process in which acids remove excess
iron from the surface of the material, creating a protective and anti-corrosive
layer of inert oxide. This layer
protects the steel from rust.
Basics of metalworking
The first and most important step in metalworking is identifying the type of
material to be processed. The more
accurately the metal type is evaluated, the more effective the work will be.
Some metals are considered "soft." Examples include aluminum, brass, and copper,
often referred to as non-ferrous
metals or alloys. They are easily machinable and can be cut at high speeds
without significant tool wear. Softer
metals can therefore be milled using higher feed rates and speeds. Under the
right conditions, soft metals provide a
high-quality surface finish and can be machined to extremely tight tolerances.
Due to their malleable nature, they
can be prone to scratches. For this reason, it is essential to take care during
machining to minimize surface
abrasions.
There are different types of harder metals. Steel falls into this category and
includes various types, such as
carbon steel, special steels, tool steel, and stainless steel.
Other hard metals may include materials like chromium, iron, manganese, and
titanium. These metals each react
differently during production and can be difficult to machine, so it is
important to adjust tooling and feed rates.
Harder metals must be cut with slower feed rates and will significantly impact
tool life.
When working with an unfamiliar metal, it's always best to start cautiously with
lower speeds and feed rates. This
will help reduce scrap material and tool wear, allowing greater flexibility when
fine-tuning cutting speeds.
Heat and metal in precision mechanics
Heat can play a significant role when machining metals in precision mechanics.
Excessive heat can cause deformation
or expansion of the raw material. Softer metals can begin to melt if high
temperatures are reached.
Harder metals can undergo work hardening, where the heated area becomes harder
as the temperature increases.
While some metals boast greater heat resistance than others, it is best to limit
excessive heat wherever possible to
avoid problems during machining.
