Glossary Terms

Structure of a metal as revealed by microscopic examination of the etched surface of a polished specimen.

Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor.

Shaft or toolholder that inserts in the machine spindle and holds a peripheral-milling or facemilling cutter.

Loosely, any milling tool. Horizontal cutters take the form of plain milling cutters, plain spiral-tooth cutters, helical cutters, side-milling cutters, staggered-tooth side-milling cutters, facemilling cutters, angular cutters, double-angle cutters, convex and concave form-milling cutters, straddle-sprocket cutters, spur-gear cutters, corner-rounding cutters and slitting saws.

Runs endmills and arbor-mounted milling cutters. Features include a head with a spindle that drives the cutters; a column, knee and table that provide motion in the three Cartesian axes; and a base that supports the components and houses the cutting-fluid pump and reservoir.

Use of cutting fluids of only a minute amount—typically at a flow rate of 50 to 500 ml/hr.—which is about three to four orders of magnitude lower than the amount commonly used in flood cooling. The concept addresses the issues of environmental intrusiveness and occupational hazards associated with the airborne cutting fluid particles on factory shop floors.

Ability of a liquid to mix with another liquid. See emulsion.

Atomized fluid generally applied when a clear view of the cut point is needed, as in contour bandsawing or manual milling. The airborne mist can be directed precisely to the point of cut, sometimes reaching areas flood-applied coolant cannot penetrate. The water evaporates on contact, providing further cooling, and leaves oils and additives on the work.

Ratio of water to concentrate in certain cutting fluids. See semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.

Manufacturing of a product in subassemblies that permits fast and simple replacement of defective assemblies and tailoring of the product for different purposes. See interchangeable parts.

System in which fixtures are constructed from standardized, reusable components. Fixtures are assembled and disassembled quickly. Basic styles are subplate, dowel-pin and T-slot. See fixture; modular tooling.

Robot with interchangeable components, such as gripping hands, that permit quick modification to suit a specific purpose.