Metal processing technologies — cutting, bending, engraving
Short answer
Metal processing includes cutting, forming, surface treatment and machining. Laser, plasma, waterjet and guillotine cutting suit different tasks; bending, engraving and milling are separate operations. When discussing an order with Craftarea, confirm the availability, method and responsible operator for each stage in advance.
A part can require several technologies. A bracket may first be cut to an outline, then bent, with a hole finished or a coating applied afterward. A process name alone does not establish a particular tolerance, thickness capacity or service availability. This guide helps describe the job in stages; before accepting a quote, clarify which operations are included and under what conditions.
Key facts
- Cutting
- Separating material along an outline
- Bending
- Angle, radius and final form
- Engraving
- Surface text or imagery
- Machining
- Holes, threads and three-dimensional features
- Material
- Grade, thickness and surface
- Tolerance
- Drawing requirements and feasibility confirmation
- Scope
- Agree each operation and its operator
- Order
- Quantity, price and timing after project review
What technologies fall under metal processing?
Cutting separates a part along a contour; bending changes its form; engraving marks a surface; milling and turning create three-dimensional features. These stages are not interchangeable. A laser-cut hole, for example, may require further work for a thread or precision fit.
- Cutting: laser, plasma, waterjet, guillotine
- Bending: press forming, press brake
- Surface work: engraving, marking, polishing
- Machining: milling, drilling, turning
- Inox / nerzhaveika — common local names for stainless steel
How should cutting and engraving be specified?
Distinguish outer contours, through-holes and surface text. One file can contain several operations, but they should not be assumed to run on the same machine. Specify alloy, thickness, visible face and required marking durability. Review should establish the cutting and engraving methods, suitable equipment and acceptable result.
- Cut outlines — closed paths and finished dimensions
- Holes — diameter, datum and tolerance
- Marking — position, contrast and wear requirements
- Surface — coating, grain direction and protection
How should a job involving several technologies be agreed?
List cutting, bending, welding, machining and coating separately. For each, clarify availability, operator, transfer of parts and responsibility for inspection. Describing a method here does not confirm Craftarea equipment or partner capacity. A complete price and schedule depend on agreement for every required stage.
What information does a bent part need?
A drawing for a bent bracket or box needs final dimensions, bend angle, internal radius and material grade. The flat pattern depends on the bending method and tooling. Holes close to a bend or short flanges may complicate forming. Agree the bending approach and developed shape before finalizing the cutting file and operation sequence.
How is a method selected for a particular part?
Selection considers material, thickness, geometry, tolerance, edge condition and quantity. Laser may suit fine contours; plasma can be compared for some plate work; heat-sensitive applications may warrant waterjet assessment. There is no universal thickness cutoff or consistently cheapest method. Tube work also needs a review of three-dimensional geometry.
- Precision fit or thread — assess secondary machining
- Bent part — flat pattern, angle, radius and operation order
- Decorative surface — visible edge, contrast and coating
- Pipe or profile — section, access and workholding
Technology selection questions — confirm availability before ordering
| Technology | Purpose | Information to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Laser cutting | Outlines and through-features | Grade, thickness, small features and edge |
| Engraving / marking | Surface text or imagery | Contrast, depth, coating and durability |
| Plasma cutting | Contours in conductive metal | Geometry, tolerance and later finishing |
| Guillotine shearing | Straight sheet cuts | Length, thickness and distortion requirements |
| Press-brake bending | Angled and box-shaped parts | Flat pattern, angle, radius and tooling |
| Milling / turning | Three-dimensional surfaces and interfaces | Datums, threads, finish and tolerance |
| Waterjet cutting | Contours without thermal cutting | Material, edge taper and acceptance criteria |
How It Works
- 1
Send the part requirements
State intended use, grade, thickness and quantity. Send DXF, DWG, AI, PDF or a dimensioned sketch.
- 2
Separate the operations
List cutting, engraving, bending, joining and finishing individually.
- 3
Confirm execution
Agree method, operator, stage sequence and technical requirements.
- 4
Review the quotation
Confirm quantity, any sample requirement, inspection, price and timing.
- 5
Plan handover
Clarify transfers between stages, final packaging and collection or delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What technologies fall under metal processing?
Can I request plasma cutting?
Can metal bending be arranged?
What is the difference between laser and plasma cutting?
How should milling or turning be discussed?
Which method suits pipe and profile?
How can I tell what the order includes?
When can a price be confirmed?
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