Industrial machinery dealers carry equipment to provide efficient and precise operations for various industries. With so many options available, it’s good to research and understand which types of industrial machinery are best for your metalworking needs.
Here are the types of industrial machinery in metalworking:
Cutting Machines:
Cutting machines’ primary purpose is to cut metal sheets into specific sizes and shapes accurately. There are several types of cutting machines, such as plasma cutters, laser cutters, and waterjet cutters.
Plasma cutters use ionized gas to cut through metal sheets, while laser cutters use a laser beam. Waterjet cutters use a high-pressure waterjet to cut through metal sheets.
Grinding Machines
Grinding machines refine metal sheets to a precise thickness and smoothness. There are two types of grinding machines: surface grinders and cylindrical grinders. Surface grinders work on metal sheets with a flat surface, giving a uniform thickness and smooth finish.
Cylindrical grinders focus on metal pieces with a cylindrical shape. They provide precision in shaping and smoothing curved surfaces. Grinding machines can be helpful in metalworking when a high degree of precision is required, such as in manufacturing automotive parts, aerospace components, and precision instruments.
Drilling Machines
Drilling machines create precise holes in various workpieces, such as metal sheets, components, and assemblies. They consist of a drill bit and a drilling machine, often called a drill press, which rotates the bit to bore holes. Drilling machines come in several variations, each suited for specific metalworking applications:
Bench Drilling Machines
These compact drill presses are designed to be mounted on a workbench. This makes them ideal for smaller workshops and intricate metalworking tasks that require precision.
Floor Drilling Machines
These machines have a larger, freestanding design. It provides more power and stability for heavy-duty drilling tasks in thicker or denser metal materials.
Radial Arm Drilling Machines
These versatile machines feature an adjustable radial arm. It allows the drill head to move horizontally and vertically, offering flexibility in positioning the workpiece. This design is useful for large or irregularly shaped metal pieces that require multiple drilling operations at different angles and positions.
Bending Machines
Bending machines form metal sheets into specific angles or shapes, catering to various fabrication and manufacturing needs. These machines come in different sizes and configurations, depending on the type of metal and the desired bend. Commonly used metals include steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. The most common bending machines sold by industrial machinery dealers are press brakes and roll benders:
Press Brakes
These machines bend large and thick metal sheets. They apply significant force through a punch-and-die mechanism. Press brakes can be used in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. They can also be used in heavy machinery manufacturing, where precision-formed metal components are required.
Roll Benders
Roll benders bend thin metal sheets. They use a series of rollers to apply pressure to the metal sheet, gradually forming it into the desired curve or radius. This bending machine can be used in sheet metal fabrication to create ductwork, pipes, and metal enclosures. It can also be used in decorative metalworking for creating curved panels and architectural elements.
CNC Machines
Computer numerical control (CNC) machines use a computer program to control their movements. This enables precise and complex machining processes for various metalworking applications. These versatile machines accurately cut, bend, and shape metal components. Specific processes include milling, turning, drilling, and grinding.
CNC machines can operate for extended periods without human intervention. This makes them highly efficient for large-scale production runs, intricate metal parts manufacturing, and projects that require high precision and consistency. Industries that benefit from this technology may include automotive, aerospace, medical equipment, consumer electronics, and heavy machinery manufacturing.
Visit Industrial Machinery Dealers Today
Whether you’re working with metal stamping, metal bending, or welding, many different machines are available from industrial machinery dealers to make the job easier and more efficient.
By considering all the various types of machinery, you can select the equipment suitable for your metalworking business and help you take your craft to the next level.