Glossary of Metalforming Terms

Anodizing

A process for dipping raw parts in a solution to change the color and protect the finish.

 

CRS - Cold Rolled Steel

Cold Rolled Steel (CRS), traditionally named as "white steel" is a type of steel product which is produced by cold rolling process, and has typical properties which significantly differ from Hot Rolled Steel (HRS) or "black steel".  CRS has better surface quality, thinner and more precise gauges.

 

Deep Drawing

Deep Draw is the method used to create long cylindrical or tubular parts from flat strip stock.  The procedure involves pressing a disk into a die with a punch to form a variety of diameters and lengths over a transition of 8 to 12 stations.  (Also see FAQ's page.)

 

Degreasing

A process of vapor cleansing raw and unfinished parts to remove oils.

 

Lacquering/Painting

Parts pass through a spray booth where they are coated with either a clear or colored lacquer and continue through a series of infrared ovens where they are cured.

 

Mu Metal

Mu-metal is a nickel-iron alloy (77% nickel, 15% iron, plus copper and molybdenum) that is very efficient for screening magnetic fields.  It is used to shield vacuum chambers for experiments with low-energy electrons, to shield magnetic resonance imaging equipment, and to shield the magnetometers used in magnetoencephalography and magnetocardiography.  The name of the material refers to the Greek letter µ, which is the symbol for magnetic permeability.  Mu-metal has a high value of µ. 

 

Polishing/Florentine

Parts are placed on spindles which pass by either a series of cotton buffs (for polishing) or a series of satin buffs which put a brushed (Florentine) finish on the part .

 

Stamping

Metal stamping involves forming a piece of metal with a dedicated piece of tooling and stamping the piece through a mechanical press. During the metal stamping operation, the upper die is attached to the ram and the lower die is attached to the stationary bolster.  As the press is activated, the ram moves vertically towards the bolster to form the piece of metal over the lower die.  Metal stamping presses can perform a diverse range of operations such as blanking, piercing, forming and drawing as well as combinations of these processes.

 

Thread Rolling

Parts are rolled between a male and female mandrel to form either an internal or external thread.