Abstract
In this handbook, machining processes are seen in the first place as material removal processes. Any surplus material is removed from a solid object (workpiece) either in the form of small pieces (e. g., chips) or by chipless processes based on e. g., evaporation. To achieve this kind of material removal different tools are mandatory, thus generating surfaces by relative motions between the workpiece and tool provided by the respective machine tool. The following chapter is structured in three major subgroups:
Cutting with geometrically well-defined tool edges
These processes are widely used for material removal in any kind of industrial application. The most prominent processes are turning, drilling, and milling, but also less prominent processes like planning and shaping, broaching, and sawing will be discussed.
Cutting with geometrically undefined tool edges
The tools of this group of processes cannot be described with simple geometrical quantities, because they consist of thousands of small abrasive grains in a bonded structure or as loose grains, but they still generate chips during material removal. The most prominent processes are grinding, honing, lapping, and jet-based applications.
Nonconventional machining (chipless) processes
In chipless machining material, particles are removed from a solid object by nonmechanical means, i. e., by electrical discharges, electrochemical machining, or high-energy beams (laser or electron beams).