4.6.2

Modification of Metals

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Modification of Metals

There are several common methods used to modify and shape metals.

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Hammering or forging

  • Hammering or forging involves using a hammer or a forging press to deform the metal.
    • The metal is deformed by applying repeated blows or pressure.
  • Hammering or forging is used to shape metals into desired forms.
    • Flat sheets and three-dimensional objects are desired forms.
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Cutting

  • Various methods can be used to cut metals.
    • For example, sawing and shearing.
  • Cutting methods allow you to remove excess material.
  • Cutting methods allow you to divide the metal into specific shapes.
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Rolling and bending

  • Rolling is a process where a metal is passed through a set of rollers.
    • Rolling reduces the metal's thickness and alters its shape.
    • Rolling is used to produce metal sheets, plates, and foils.
  • Bending involves applying force to a metal object.
    • Bending uses specialised tools like a bending machine or a vice.
    • Simple bends can be made by using pliers or a bending brake.
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Casting

  • Casting involves melting a metal and pouring it into a mould.
    • When the metal solidifies, it takes the shape of the mould.
  • Casting is used to create complex shapes.
    • Casting is used to create objects that are difficult to achieve through other means.
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Welding and machining

  • Welding joins metal pieces together by melting and fusing them.
    • Welding uses heat and often an additional filler metal to create a strong bond.
  • Machining uses cutting tools to remove material from a metal workpiece and shape it into the desired form.
    • Cutting tools include lathes, milling machines, and drills.
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Extrusion

  • Extrusion forces a metal through a shaped opening called a die.
    • Extrusion produces a metal with a continuous profile and specific cross-section.
  • Extrusion is used to create objects with a consistent shape.
    • For example, rods, tubes, and profiles.

Jump to other topics

1Core Technical Principles

2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles

3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles

4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles

5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles

6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles

7Designing & Making Principles

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