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413 Terms from the Metal Industry



  • Abrasion resistance: The ability of a metal surface to resist wear and damage caused by rubbing or scraping.

  • Abrasive blasting: A process of cleaning or roughening a metal surface using an abrasive material such as sand or glass beads.

  • Acetylene: A gas used as a fuel in welding and cutting torches.

  • Adhesive bonding: A process of joining metal parts using an adhesive material such as glue or epoxy.

  • Aging: A process of heating and cooling metal to improve its strength and hardness.

  • Alloy steel: A type of steel that contains one or more alloying elements to improve its properties.

  • Alloy: A mixture of two or more metals.

  • Annealing: A process of heating and cooling metal to relieve stress, improve ductility, and reduce hardness.

  • Anodizing: A process of applying a protective or decorative coating to aluminum or other metals by electrolytic oxidation.

  • Arc blow: The bending or deflection of the welding arc caused by magnetic fields in the metal being welded.

  • Arc length: The distance between the tip of the electrode and the workpiece in arc welding.

  • Arc length: The distance between the welding electrode and the metal being welded.

  • Arc welding: A group of welding processes that use an electric arc to melt metal and join parts together.

  • Arc welding: A welding process that uses an electric arc to melt and join metals.

  • Austempering: A process of heat-treating steel to improve its strength and ductility.

  • Austenite: A type of crystal structure in steel that is stable at high temperatures.

  • Austenitic stainless steel: A type of stainless steel that contains high levels of nickel and chromium for improved corrosion resistance.

  • Auto darkening welding helmet: A type of welding helmet that automatically darkens when the arc is struck.

  • Babbitt metal: A soft metal alloy used for bearings and other applications where low friction is required.

  • Babbitt metal: A soft metal used as a bearing surface in machinery.

  • Back gauge: A device used to position metal parts or sheets during cutting or bending.

  • Back gouging: A process of removing excess weld material from the opposite side of a joint to improve penetration and fusion.

  • Backing gas: A gas used to protect the backside of the weld from oxidation and contamination during welding.

  • Backing strip: A piece of metal placed behind a weld to help support and fill the weld.

  • Bainite: A type of crystal structure in steel that is formed during the cooling process and provides increased strength and toughness.

  • Ball bearing: A rolling element bearing that uses balls to reduce friction between metal parts.

  • Ball milling: A process of milling metal using a ball mill and a liquid medium.

  • Ball peen hammer: A hammer with a rounded end used for shaping and forming metal.

  • Bar stock: A length of metal stock used in machining operations.

  • Bar stock: Metal bars of various sizes and shapes used as raw material for machining and other operations.

  • Bead blasting: A process of cleaning or roughening a metal surface using glass beads or other abrasive particles.

  • Bead: The metal deposit left by a weld.

  • Bearing: A component that supports and reduces friction between moving parts.

  • Bench grinder: A grinding machine used for sharpening or shaping metal parts.

  • Bend allowance: The amount of material needed to compensate for the deformation of a metal part during bending.

  • Beryllium: A metal element commonly used in alloys for its strength, stiffness, and heat resistance.

  • Beryllium: A metal element used in alloys for its strength and conductivity, but also known for its toxicity.

  • Bevel: An angled cut made on the edge of a piece of metal.

  • Billet: A length of metal that has been hot-rolled or forged into a specific shape.

  • Black oxide: A coating applied to steel to improve its corrosion resistance and appearance.

  • Blacksmith: A person who shapes metal by hand using heat and tools.

  • Blanchard grinding: A machining process that uses a rotary table to grind large metal parts.

  • Blanchard grinding: A process of grinding metal parts with a rotary table and a vertical grinding wheel.

  • Blowtorch: A tool used to heat metal for bending, soldering, or welding.

  • Bolt cutter: A tool used to cut metal bolts, wires, or other objects.

  • Bore: The diameter of a hole or tube in a metal part.

  • Boron: A metalloid element commonly used in alloys for its strength and heat resistance.

  • Brazed joint: A joint formed by brazing.

  • Brazing rod: A filler metal used in brazing.

  • Brazing: A process of joining metal parts by heating them and adding a filler metal that melts at a lower temperature than the parts being joined.

  • Bridge crane: A type of overhead crane used to move heavy metal objects in a factory or workshop.

  • Brittle: A property of a metal that makes it prone to cracking or breaking under stress or load.

  • Broaching: A process of cutting a non-circular shape into a metal part using a broach or cutting tool.

  • Burnback: A welding defect that occurs when the welding wire fuses to the contact tip and is pulled back into the welding gun.

  • Burnishing tool: A tool used to smooth and polish metal surfaces by pressing and rubbing them.

  • Burnishing: A polishing process that smooths metal surfaces by rubbing them with a hard, smooth object.

  • Burr: A rough edge or ridge on a piece of metal caused by machining or cutting.

  • Butt joint: A joint where two pieces of metal are joined by welding the ends together.

  • Butt weld: A type of weld used to join two metal parts that are aligned end-to-end.

  • Cadmium: A metallic element commonly used as a coating to protect steel from corrosion.

  • Carbide: A compound of carbon and a metallic element, often used as a cutting tool material for its hardness and wear resistance.

  • Carbon steel: A type of steel that contains carbon as its main alloying element.

  • Carburizing: A process of adding carbon to the surface of steel to improve its hardness and wear resistance.

  • Cast iron: A type of iron that is brittle but has good compression strength, and is commonly used for casting and other applications.

  • Casting: A process of forming metal parts by pouring molten metal into a mold.

  • Cathodic protection: A method of protecting metal from corrosion by applying an electric current or coating it with a sacrificial metal.

  • C-clamp: A type of clamp used to hold metal parts together during welding or machining.

  • Centerless grinding: A process of grinding metal parts using a centerless grinding wheel and a regulating wheel.

  • Ceramic coating: A thin layer of ceramic material applied to a metal surface for improved corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

  • Chamfer: An angled cut made on the edge of a piece of metal to make it easier to weld or join.

  • Chamfering tool: A tool used to cut a chamfer on the edge of a metal part.

  • Chipping hammer: A hammer used to remove slag and weld spatter from a weld.

  • Chisel: A hand tool used for cutting or shaping metal by striking it with a hammer.

  • Chisel: A tool used to cut or shape metal by striking it with a hammer or mallet.

  • Chromate conversion coating: A coating applied to aluminum or other metals to improve their corrosion resistance and adhesion.

  • Chrome plating: A process of applying a layer of chrome to a metal surface for corrosion resistance and improved appearance.

  • Chromium: A metal element commonly used in alloys for its corrosion resistance and durability.

  • CNC: Computer numerical control; a technology used in machining that uses computer-controlled machines to perform precise cuts and operations.

  • Cold forging: A process of shaping metal by applying pressure to it at room temperature.

  • Cold forming: The process of shaping metal at room temperature

  • Cold rolled steel: Steel that has been rolled at room temperature to improve its strength and dimensional accuracy.

  • Cold saw: A saw used to cut metal at low speeds to avoid overheating and damaging the blade.

  • Cold working: The process of deforming metal at room temperature to improve its properties.

  • Collet: A clamp used to hold a metal part or tool in a machine tool.

  • Concentricity: The property of a metal part or component that describes its center axis being in the same location as the center axis of another part or component.

  • Contact tip: The part of the welding gun that makes contact with the welding wire and conducts the welding current.

  • Contour cutting: A process of cutting metal parts into a specific shape or contour using a CNC machine.

  • Corrosion inhibitor: A substance added to metal to prevent corrosion.

  • Corrosion: The deterioration of metal due to chemical reactions with its environment.

  • Corrosion: The process of metal deteriorating due to exposure to environmental factors such as water, air, and chemicals.

  • Crater: A depression at the end of a weld bead caused by the sudden termination of the welding arc.

  • Creep: The gradual deformation of a metal part over time under constant stress or load.

  • Crimping: A process of compressing metal to create a secure joint.

  • Cross rolling: A process of rolling metal in two directions to reduce its thickness and improve its properties.

  • Cross-sectional area: The total area of a metal part or component that is perpendicular to the direction of stress or load.

  • Cupola furnace: A type of furnace used to melt iron and steel.

  • Cupping: A process of forming metal into a cup shape using a punch and a die.

  • Cutter: A tool used to cut or shape metal in a machine tool.

  • Cutting fluid: A lubricant used during machining to reduce heat and friction and improve tool life.

  • Cutting speed: The speed at which a cutting tool moves across a metal surface during machining.

  • Dapping: A process of forming metal into a curved shape using a dapping block and punches.

  • Deburring: A process of removing burrs or sharp edges from metal parts.

  • Deformation: A change in the shape or size of a metal part due to stress or load.

  • Density: The mass per unit volume of a metal.

  • Die casting: A process of forming metal parts by injecting molten metal into a mold under high pressure.

  • Die holder: A device used to hold a metal die in a machine tool.

  • Die sinking: A process of forming metal parts by pressing them into a metal die.

  • Die: A tool used for cutting, shaping, or forming metal parts.

  • Dielectric fluid: A liquid used to cool and lubricate metal parts during EDM (electrical discharge machining).

  • Dielectric strength tester: A device used to test the dielectric strength of a metal part or component.

  • Dielectric strength: The ability of a material to withstand electrical stress without breaking down.

  • Differential hardness: A measure of the difference in hardness between the surface and interior of a metal part.

  • Differential hardness: The difference in hardness between two different areas or regions of a metal part.

  • Dimpling: A process of creating small indentations or dimples on a metal surface for aesthetic or functional purposes.

  • Drawing: A process of forming metal parts by pulling them through a series of dies.

  • Drill bit: A tool used to drill holes in metal.

  • Dross: A layer of impurities that forms on the surface of molten metal during smelting or casting.

  • Ductile: A term used to describe metals that can be easily stretched or bent without breaking.

  • Ductile: The property of a metal that allows it to deform without breaking or cracking.

  • Ductility: The ability of a metal to be stretched or bent without breaking.

  • Duplex stainless steel: A type of stainless steel that contains both austenitic and ferritic structures for improved strength and corrosion resistance.

  • Edge preparation: The process of beveling or chamfering the edge of a metal part for welding or other purposes.

  • EDM (electrical discharge machining): A process of machining metal parts by using an electric spark to erode material from the surface.

  • Elastic modulus: The ratio of stress to strain in a metal part or component.

  • Elasticity: The property of a metal that allows it to deform under stress or load and then return to its original shape.

  • Electrical discharge machining (EDM): A process of cutting metal parts using a series of electrical sparks.

  • Electrode holder: The part of the welding machine that holds the welding electrode and conducts the welding current.

  • Electrode: A metal rod or wire used in welding or other operations that conduct an electric current.

  • Electrogalvanizing: A process of applying a layer of zinc to a metal surface using electrolysis.

  • Electromagnetic forming: A process of shaping metal using a magnetic field.

  • Electropolishing: A process of smoothing and polishing metal surfaces by electrochemical means.

  • End mill: A cutting tool used in milling operations.

  • Etching: A process of removing material from a metal surface using an acid or other chemical.

  • Expansion joint: A joint used in metal structures to allow for thermal expansion and contraction.

  • Extruder: A machine used to extrude metal into a specific shape or profile.

  • Extrusion: A process of forming metal parts by forcing molten metal through a die.

  • Fabrication: The process of creating metal parts or structures by cutting, shaping, and assembling metal components.

  • Facing: A process of removing material from the end of a metal part to make it flat and perpendicular to the axis.

  • Fatigue: The weakening or failure of a metal part due to repeated stress or load.

  • Ferrite: A crystal structure of iron that is magnetic and is found in some types of steel.

  • Ferritic stainless steel: A type of stainless steel that contains a high amount of ferrite for improved strength and corrosion resistance.

  • Ferrous: A term used to describe metals that contain iron, such as steel and cast iron.

  • Filler metal: Metal used to fill the gap between two metal parts being welded together.

  • Fillet weld: A type of weld used to join two metal parts that are perpendicular to each other.

  • Fillet: A rounded or triangular-shaped weld used to join two pieces of metal at right angles.

  • Finishing: The process of improving the appearance and quality of a metal surface after machining or other operations.

  • Flame cutting: A process of cutting metal using a torch with a flame of oxygen and a fuel gas such as acetylene.

  • Flame straightening: A process of straightening bent or warped metal parts using a torch and controlled heating.

  • Flange: A flat, raised rim or collar on a metal part used for strength or to attach to another part.

  • Flaring: A process of expanding the end of a metal tube or pipe to form a flange or lip.

  • Flexural strength: The resistance of a metal to bending or flexing without breaking.

  • Flow forming: A process of forming metal parts by applying pressure to a spinning metal blank.

  • Flux: A material used in welding to protect the molten metal from oxidation and contamination.

  • Forge welding: A process of joining metal parts by heating them and hammering them together.

  • Forge: A furnace or hearth used for heating metal to a high temperature to shape it by hammering or pressing.

  • Forging: A process of forming metal parts by heating them and shaping them with a hammer or press.

  • Forming: The process of shaping metal into a specific shape or profile.

  • Foundry: A facility where metal is melted and cast into specific shapes or parts.

  • Fracture toughness: The ability of a metal to resist cracking or fracturing under stress or load.

  • Fracture: A break or separation in a metal part caused by stress or load.

  • Friction welding: A welding process that uses friction to generate heat and join metals.

  • Galling: A form of wear that occurs when two metal surfaces rub together and seize up.

  • Galvanized steel: Steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc for increased corrosion resistance.

  • Galvanizing: A process of applying a protective coating of zinc to a metal surface to prevent corrosion.

  • Galvanneal: A coating applied to steel to improve its corrosion resistance and adhesion.

  • Gas lens: A device used in gas tungsten arc welding to distribute shielding gas evenly around the welding electrode.

  • Gas metal arc welding (GMAW): A welding process that uses a continuous wire feed and a shielding gas to join metals.

  • Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW): Another name for TIG welding.

  • Gas welding: A welding process that uses a flame from burning fuel gas to melt metal and join parts together.

  • Gauge: A measurement of the thickness of a metal part or sheet.

  • Gold plating: A process of applying a thin layer of gold to a metal surface for decorative or functional purposes.

  • Gouging: A process of removing excess weld material or other metal from a joint or surface.

  • Grindability: The ease with which a metal can be ground or machined.

  • Grinding: A process of removing material from a metal surface using an abrasive wheel or belt.

  • Grit blasting: A process of cleaning or roughening a metal surface using abrasive particles such as sand or grit.

  • Groove weld: A weld made in the groove between two metal parts.

  • Gun drilling: A process of drilling deep, straight holes in metal parts using a specialized gun drill bit.

  • Hardenability: The ability of a metal to be hardened by heat treatment.

  • Hardening: A process of increasing the hardness of a metal part through heating, cooling, or other methods.

  • Hardness: The resistance of a metal to indentation, scratching, or other forms of deformation.

  • HAZ cracking: Cracking that occurs in the heat affected zone of a weld due to residual stresses.

  • Heat affected zone (HAZ): The area of a metal part that has been affected by heat during welding or other operations.

  • Heat exchanger: A device used to transfer heat between fluids or gases in a metal system or machine.

  • Heat input: The amount of heat applied to a metal part during welding or other heat-related processes.

  • Heat sink: A material used to absorb or dissipate heat from a metal part or component.

  • Heat treating: A process of heating and cooling metal to change its properties such as hardness, ductility, and strength.

  • Heat treatment: A process of heating and cooling metal to alter its properties, such as hardness or ductility.

  • Hemming: A process of folding the edge of a metal part over itself to form a hem.

  • High carbon steel: A type of steel that contains a high percentage of carbon for increased hardness and wear resistance.

  • High speed steel: A type of tool steel used for cutting tools and other metal parts that require high speed and wear resistance.

  • Hot dip galvanizing: A process of applying a layer of zinc to a metal surface by dipping it into molten zinc.

  • Hot rolled steel: Steel that has been heated and rolled to improve its strength and dimensional accuracy.

  • Hot working: The process of shaping metal at high temperatures by forging, rolling, or extruding.

  • HVOF (high-velocity oxygen fuel) coating: A process of applying a dense, wear-resistant coating to metal surfaces using a high-velocity jet of gas and powdered metal.

  • Hydraulic press: A machine used to shape metal by applying pressure with a hydraulic cylinder.

  • Hydrogen embrittlement: A type of metal degradation that occurs when hydrogen atoms penetrate the metal and make it brittle.

  • Impact strength: The ability of a metal part to resist fracture or deformation under sudden impact or shock.

  • Inclusions: Non-metallic materials such as dirt, sand, or oxides that are present in a metal part.

  • Inconel: A nickel-based alloy commonly used in high-temperature applications.

  • Induction hardening: A process of hardening steel by heating it with an electric current.

  • Ingot casting: A process of casting metal into ingots for further processing.

  • Ingot: A large block of metal that has been cast from molten metal.

  • Interpass temperature: The temperature of the metal between weld passes during multi-pass welding.

  • Investment casting: A process of forming metal parts by pouring molten metal into a ceramic mold.

  • Iron oxide: A compound that forms on the surface of iron or steel and contributes to corrosion.

  • Iron: A metallic element commonly used for making steel and other alloys.

  • Jig: A device used to hold and position metal parts during machining, welding, or other operations.

  • Jig: A device used to hold metal parts in a specific position during machining or other operations.

  • Joining: The process of connecting two or more metal parts together by welding, soldering, brazing, or other means.

  • Joint preparation: The process of preparing the metal surfaces to be joined by welding.

  • Kinematic viscosity: A measure of a metal fluid's resistance to flow.

  • Kinematics: The study of the motion of objects, including metal parts and machines.

  • Kinetic energy: The energy of motion; in machining, the energy used to cut or shape metal.

  • Knurling: A process of cutting a pattern of small, raised bumps or ridges into a metal surface for improved grip or appearance.

  • Lamination: A process of forming metal into thin sheets by rolling or pressing.

  • Lap joint: A joint between two overlapping metal parts.

  • Laser cutting: A process of cutting metal parts using a laser beam.

  • Laser engraving: A process of engraving a pattern or design onto a metal surface using a laser beam.

  • Lateral strain: The amount of deformation a metal part experiences when subjected to a load.

  • Lathe: A machine used for shaping metal parts by rotating them against a cutting tool.

  • Lead screw: A threaded metal rod used to transmit motion or force in a machine tool.

  • Lead: A metallic element commonly used as an additive in alloys for increased strength and durability.

  • Lean manufacturing: A philosophy of manufacturing that emphasizes efficiency and waste reduction.

  • Limit switch: A device used to limit the motion of a metal part or machine.

  • Linear motion guide: A device used to guide and control the motion of a metal part or machine.

  • Liquid nitrogen: A cryogenic fluid used to cool and freeze metal parts.

  • Machinability: The ease with which a metal can be machined or shaped.

  • Machining: The process of cutting, shaping, and finishing metal to create a specific shape or part.

  • Magnetic particle inspection (MPI): A non-destructive testing method that uses magnetic fields and iron particles to detect defects or flaws in metal parts.

  • Magnetic particle testing: A non-destructive testing method used to inspect metal parts for cracks or other defects using magnetic particles and a magnetic field.

  • Malleability: The property of a metal that allows it to be hammered or pressed into different shapes without breaking.

  • Mandrel: A tool used for shaping or forming metal parts by inserting it into a hollow metal tube or pipe.

  • Manganese: A metal element commonly used in steel alloys for its strength and toughness.

  • Marker pen: A pen used to mark a metal surface for cutting, machining, or other operations.

  • Martensite: A type of crystal structure in steel that is formed during the hardening process.

  • Mechanical properties: The physical properties of a metal, such as strength, ductility, and toughness.

  • Melted zone: The area of metal that has been melted and solidified during welding or other heat-related processes.

  • Metal fatigue: The weakening or failure of a metal part due to repeated stress or load.

  • Metal injection molding (MIM): A process of forming metal parts by injecting a metal powder into a mold and sintering it.

  • Metal spinning: A process of shaping metal parts by rotating them against a cutting tool while applying pressure.

  • Metallurgy: The science of studying and manipulating the properties of metals.

  • Microstructure: The microscopic structure of a metal part or component.

  • Microstructure: The structure and composition of a metal at the microscopic level.

  • MIG welding: Another name for gas metal arc welding.

  • Mild steel: A type of low carbon steel that is soft and easy to shape.

  • Milling: A process of cutting metal with a rotating cutter that removes material from the surface of the metal.

  • Mirror finish: A highly polished and reflective surface finish on a metal part.

  • Molybdenum: A metal element commonly used in alloys for its strength and corrosion resistance.