Metal processing and manufacturing is a process of transforming metal raw materials into products with specific shapes, properties, and functions through a series of technical means. This field encompasses core processes such as casting, forging, welding, heat treatment, and machining, and is continuously iterating and upgrading towards intelligence and green development. The following analysis is carried out from three aspects: technical characteristics, application scenarios, and development trends.

Metal edge rounding and deburring

I. Technical Characteristics and Applications of Core Processes

1. Casting Technology

Casting involves melting metal and injecting it into a mold for shaping, which is suitable for the large - scale production of components with complex shapes and has significant cost advantages. In recent years, innovative methods such as powder metallurgy rheological manufacturing technology have been introduced into the casting field. For example, the rheological forming technology of cermet composites effectively solves the problem of manufacturing large - sized components. By precisely controlling the composite ratio of metal and ceramic, this type of technology can combine the high hardness and toughness of the materials, and is widely used in aerospace, energy equipment and other fields.

 

2. Forging and Heat Treatment

Forging enhances the mechanical properties of metals through plastic deformation and is suitable for high - load components (such as engine connecting rods). Combined with gradient heat treatment technology, the hardness, corrosion resistance and other properties of metals can be further optimized. For instance, the tungsten - copper divertor components in nuclear fusion reactors achieve stability in high - temperature environments through forging and gradient heat treatment.

 

3. Welding and Machining

Welding technology continues to break through the bottleneck of joining heterogeneous materials. For example, the non - destructive welding technology of tungsten - copper composites provides key support for nuclear energy devices. Machining achieves micron - level precision with the help of precision CNC equipment to meet the high - requirement scenarios of medical devices, optical components, etc.

 

4. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

Metal 3D printing achieves the forming of complex structures by stacking powder layer by layer, with a material utilization rate of over 95%. This technology is used to manufacture lightweight components in the aerospace field and customized battery brackets and other components in new energy vehicles.

 

II. The Convergence Trend of Green Manufacturing and Intelligent Manufacturing

1. Innovation in Green Technology

Green manufacturing focuses on the efficient use of resources and pollution control. For example, the recycling and circular utilization technology of rare - earth permanent magnet materials significantly reduces the dependence on rare - earth resources and contributes to the achievement of the "dual - carbon" goal. In addition, liquid metal technology can reduce carbon emissions in traditional processing through low - energy - consumption forming processes and has become a potential direction in the field of new materials.

 

2. Intelligent Upgrade

Artificial intelligence and big data are reshaping the entire process of metal manufacturing. For example, the process parameter optimization system based on data models can adjust the casting temperature or forging pressure in real - time to improve the yield rate; the intelligent detection system realizes the automatic judgment of weld quality through image recognition technology, reducing human errors.

 

3. Cross - field Collaborative Innovation

Emerging products such as metal porous materials demonstrate the in - depth integration of materials and functional requirements. Such materials have both permeability and high strength and play a key role in scenarios such as hydrogen energy storage and high - temperature filtration, reflecting the high - level collaboration of the "material - process - application" chain.

 

III. Future Development Directions

1. Research and Development of High - performance Materials

The development of new alloys (such as materials for nuclear fusion devices) and composite materials (such as cermets) that can withstand extreme environments is a key focus of the industry. Through composition design and process optimization, the service life and reliability of materials will be significantly improved.

 

2. Integration of the Whole Industry Chain

The integrated model of "design - manufacturing - service" has become a trend. Taking 3D printing as an example, the full - chain coverage from equipment R & D to end - product services accelerates the response speed to customized demands.

 

3. Advancement of Digitalization and Sustainability

The manufacturing industry will deepen the application of technologies such as digital twin and the Internet of Things, and at the same time promote the substitution of clean energy and the recycling of waste to build a technology - driven low - carbon system.