The profile of locksmiths is constantly expanding and segmenting, which is associated with the emergence of new tasks. At the same time, the basic list of operations performed by specialists in this direction is also preserved. The most common types of processing of this kind include cutting, chopping, dressing and bending of metals for various purposes. Such operations are performed by plumbers, and locksmiths, and car craftsmen.
Material cutting
One of the most common processing operations that allows you to divide the workpiece into separate parts. Cutting can be done either manually or mechanically. In the case of the manual approach, hacksaws , scissors, gas-burners and pipe cutters can be used. But this tool is not able to cope with thick and high-strength workpieces. At least the process will be time-consuming and will not allow to obtain a high-quality product. For this reason, dressing, bending, metal cutting and other metalwork operations are more often performed on machines. In particular, turning models of equipment are used for cutting. The most high-quality cutting is provided by plasma and waterjet machines. The direction of the sandblast flow to the material provides high-precision cutting of thick workpieces regardless of the quality of the alloy.
Cutting
In a way, this is a kind of cutting, but of a different nature of execution. Also, the working tool in this case differs from standard cutting. For cutting, chisels, grooves and crossheads are used. For example, using a chisel, you can separate the layer of a metal surface, cut the workpiece in parts, make grooves or make a hole. However, the possibilities for implementing complex forms of harvesting through cutting are limited. In this sense, dressing and bending of metals are more productive operations. Cutting is addressed in situations where, for various reasons, it is impossible to use machine tools and high demands are not placed on the workpiece in terms of parameter accuracy. For example, if you want to remove excess weight for subsequent processing by files, the grinding tool will, if necessary, correct the shape formed by the same chisel.
Edit operation
With the help of editing, the master changes the shape of the metal workpiece, restoring its previous appearance after damage. For example, the whole range of leveling works in auto repair shops can be attributed to metal dressing and bending operations, during which curvatures, dents, swelling, warping and other defects are eliminated. Carrying out such work is possible both under the condition of thermal effects on the workpiece, and in its cold state. However, heating softens the metal, which gives the performer an advantage. As for the tool, in the manual format of work, hammers, anvils, pliers, mallet, hydraulic presses and clamping mechanisms are used.
The mechanized method is implemented using machine presses and straightening rollers. Separately, it is worth noting the leveling stand (slipway), which due to the great effort allows the correction of massive structures. Also on the stocks can be made manual dressing and bending of metal. Tools in the form of a vice and clamping mechanisms allow you to eliminate complex deformations when interacting with the complete rig of the stand. Such complex operations are usually performed at the sites of the same auto repair shops.
Metal bending
This operation allows you to give the product a curved shape in accordance with a given contour. During the working procedure, the workpiece is subjected to compressive and tensile stresses, which are provided by a special tool. In particular, bending is realized by means of a vice, pliers, presses and the above-mentioned clamps. As you can see, dressing and bending of metals are similar in that they involve simultaneously engaging in a whole group of tools, some of which provide fixation of the workpiece. But in this case, there are also some nuances in terms of the technique of bending. For example, it is not recommended to allow a bend radius that will be less than the thickness of the product. Ignoring this rule can lead to the formation of cracks in the structure of the material.
Other operations
Of course, the range of processing procedures is much larger. So, for example, there is a whole layer of corrective methods that allow accurate modeling of the shape of the product. Similar operations are performed by files, files and rasps. An even more responsible segment of work is the assembly operations, which are already carried out after cutting, straightening and bending of metal. Plumbing in this area is associated with operations of joining, twisting, installation manipulations, etc. In the installation work, they use a joint-pliers tool, ratchets, screwdrivers, the same hammers with pliers, as well as small fixing and consumables. After all, do not forget that the listed processing operations are carried out with specific goals for the further use of the product - these can be production areas, auto repair shops, and domestic use. For example, at home, a restored section of a deformed plumbing pipe or trimming a profile for a roof can be applied.
Conclusion
In choosing the appropriate method for processing metal billets, one should focus on the conditions of work and the capabilities of the tool. The characteristics of the workpiece itself deserve special attention. Editing and bending of metals with a soft structure is one thing, and cutting of tool steel with a thickness of more than 20 mm is another. In each case, the appropriate technical and operational parameters should be used. It will also be useful to take into account auxiliary methods of supporting a processing operation. These include the same thermal effects, smelting, the use of slipways, compressor units and other equipment that facilitates the work performed.