Glossary Terms

Sawing with a special band machine capable of achieving band velocities of 15,000 sfm or more. Metal removal is accomplished in two steps: Frictional heat softens the metal, then the teeth scoop out the molten material. Carbon-steel bands are used for flexibility and to maximize band life.

Imprecise term that denotes an annealing cycle designed to produce minimum strength and hardness. For the term to be meaningful, the composition and starting condition of the material and the time-temperature cycle used must be stated.

Additive to cutting fluids to inhibit fungi. See bactericide.

Programs written to operate NC machines with control systems that comply with the ANSI/EIA RS-274-D-1980 Standard. A program consists of a series of data blocks, each of which is treated as a unit by the controller and contains enough information for a complete command to be carried out by the machine.

Measure of the grinding performance defined as the volume of metal removed divided by the volume of grinding wheel worn away in the operation.

Condition whereby excessive friction between high spots results in localized welding with subsequent spalling and further roughening of the rubbing surface(s) of one or both of two mating parts.

Face-centered cubic form of pure iron. Each of eight atoms of gamma iron are located in the corner of a cube, and each of six atoms are located in the center of the cube’s face. Gamma iron is stable from 1,670º F (910º C) to 2,550º F (1,400º C).

Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.

Robot positioned by means of an overhead supporting structure such as a crane or bridge-type support.

Cutter, such as a mill, broach and hob, designed for machining gears.

Machine that, in contrast to mills and hobbing machines, reciprocates the tool to cut the gear. See hobbing machine.

Deterioration of gray cast iron in which the metallic constituents are selectively leached or converted to corrosion products leaving the graphite intact. The term graphitization is commonly used to identify this form of corrosion but is not recommended because of its use in metallurgy for the decomposition of carbide to graphite.