We know the conventional processes in manufacturing like casting, forming, welding, machining, etc. However, these methods are useful only in the common metal part manufacturing. But when there is a need to create impractical parts with specific or unique property requirements, you have to make use of unconventional methods. So, in this article, we will be discussing the different types of unconventional methods used in the manufacturing sector to create metal parts.
Types of Unconventional Manufacturing Techniques
When you want to create unique parts, the following are used in the fabricacion de piezas metalicas. So, understand these techniques to get an idea about where these techniques can be implemented:
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing involves building up metal parts layer by layer using various techniques, such as selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM). It allows for the creation of complex, highly customized, and often lightweight metal components.
Electrochemical Machining (ECM)
ECM uses an electrolyte and an electrically charged electrode to selectively dissolve and remove metal from the workpiece. It's particularly useful for creating complex shapes, such as turbine blades, with high precision.
Water Jet Machining
Water jet machining involves the use of high-velocity water jets to impact the surface of metal parts, inducing compressive stresses. This process is used to enhance the fatigue life and strength of components. Also, this method is used to cut or create contour shapes in metal parts without heating or subjecting the metal surface to mechanical stresses.
Unconventional Forming Methods
There are a bunch of forming methods that use different technologies to create desired metal parts. They are:
Explosive Forming
Explosive charges are strategically placed near a metal workpiece. Detonation of the explosives generates a shock wave that deforms the metal into the desired shape. It's often used for forming large and complex parts like aircraft panels.
Electromagnetic Forming
High-voltage electromagnetic fields are used to shape and form metal parts. This method can be applied to both sheet metal and bulk metal forming processes.
Superplastic Forming
This process takes advantage of the superplasticity of certain metals at elevated temperatures. The metal is stretched or formed into intricate shapes without tearing or cracking.
Hydroforming
Fluid pressure is used to shape metal parts by forcing the material into a mold cavity. It's commonly used for automotive components like exhaust pipes and structural members.
Conclusion
These are the popular unconventional manufacturing methods that are used in the industries today. Not all of these are widely used methods and each industry uses only some methods that are required for their manufacturing process. These methods are highly useful in producing metal parts without losing their mechanical nature.
