Introduction

Cutting has been at the core of manufacturing throughout history. For metals many methods are used and can be grouped by the physical phenomenon used. It is the process of producing a work piece by removing unwanted material from a block of metal, in the form of chips.

Every method has its limitations in accuracy, cost, and effect on the material. For example, heat may damage the quality of heat treated alloys, and laser cutting is less suitable for highly reflective materials such as aluminum. Laser cutting sheet metal produces flat parts and etches and engraves parts from complex or simple designs. It is used over other cutting options for its quick process and customizable abilities.

   Chip forming (material removal processes): sawing, drilling, milling, turning, machining etc.
   Shearing:  punching, stamping, scissoring, blanking, tearing
   Abrasive material removal: grinding, lapping, polishing, water jet cutting, sharpening
   Heat: flame cutting, plasma cutting, laser cutting
   Electrochemical: etching, electrical discharge machining (EDM), electrochemical machining (ECM)

References

• Wikipedia: Cutting