Part forming technology can be roughly divided into two categories: one is subtractive molding (that is, forming the desired shape by removing material), and the other is additive molding. Up to now, subtractive molding is still the leading technology in the field of part molding, and its position is unshakable.
Subtractive forming technology includes a variety of methods, and our classification is mainly based on the initial blank shape of the part. Although the final subtractive process relies on machining technology, the sources of the blanks of the parts are very different. Therefore, subtractive forming is mainly divided into three categories: profile subtractive forming, casting subtractive forming, and forging subtractive forming. This article mainly talks about profile subtractive forming.
As shown in the figure below. From the previous figure, we can see that the blanks of parts in many manufacturing processes are derived from subtractive processing of two types of profiles, steel bars and steel plates. The final shape and dimensional accuracy of the parts are achieved through various mechanical processing equipment, such as wire cutting machines, lathes, milling machines, planers, boring machines, drilling machines, and grinders. This forming method has the following significant advantages:
(1) Low processing cost, because they are all standard materials, so the procurement cost is quite controllable;
(2) Short processing cycle, you can directly go to the material market to buy it, and basically there is stock;
(3) Good material quality, because it is a standard profile, it is more reliable in quality control;
(4) Good processing adaptability, as long as you are not afraid of high processing costs, you can process most of the shapes you want.
This molding method is currently the most widely used molding technology. Many mechanical processing plants usually reserve a certain amount of this type of raw materials to ensure cost control and optimization of production cycles. At the same time, it is also the most likely mechanical processing method for mechanical graduates. Perhaps, you will spend your whole life as a mechanical process engineer, focusing on several repetitive processing processes. Although it seems simple on the surface, it actually contains profound knowledge, and many people find it difficult to really get started in their entire lives.(来源：UG学习堂小胥收徒)
