Glossary Terms

Permits a horizontal mill to perform vertical and angled milling.

Hopper/conveyor mechanism utilizing a vibratory motion in conjunction with a spring suspension system designed to deliver parts to an assembly machine at a specified rate and with proper part orientation.

Number related to the applied load and surface area of the permanent impression made by a square-based pyramidal diamond indenter having included face angles of 136º. The Vickers hardness number is a ratio of the applied load in kgf, multiplied by 1.8544, and divided by the length of diagonal squared.

Indentation hardness test employing a 136° diamond pyramid indenter (Vickers) and variable loads enabling the use of one hardness scale for all ranges of hardness from very soft lead to tungsten carbide. The result is expressed as Vickers hardness number. See Brinell hardness test; Knoop hardness test; Rockwell standard hardness test; Rockwell superficial hardness test; Scleroscope hardness test.

Measure of a fluid’s tendency to flow; varies with temperature.

Workholding device that mounts on various machining tables. Designs vary from plain to flanged to swiveling. Multiangle vises, such as the toolmaker’s universal vise, accurately hold work to allow machining at virtually any angle.

System in which information is extracted from visual sensors to allow machines to react to changes in the manufacturing process.

Plastically deforming metal above room temperature but below the temperature at which the material undergoes recrystallization.

Fine, high-pressure (up to 50,000 psi or greater), high-velocity jet of water directed by a small nozzle to cut material. Velocity of the stream can exceed twice the speed of sound. Nozzle opening ranges from between 0.004" to 0.016" (0.l0mm to 0.41mm), producing a very narrow kerf. See AWJ, abrasive waterjet.

The more widely spaced component of the surface texture. Includes all irregularities spaced more widely than the instrument cutoff setting. See flows; lay; roughness.

Frame elements that carry the workpiece table or spindles. There are three main types of ways: box, roller and hydrostatic. A box way is the oldest and simplest. It has high stiffness, good damping characteristics, a large surface contact area, and resistance to high cutting and shock load.

Ability of the tool to withstand stresses that cause it to wear during cutting; an attribute linked to alloy composition, base material, thermal conditions, type of tooling and operation and other variables.