Editing Cutting (section)

==Metal cutting==
{{more|Cutting (metalworking)}}
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.
* [[Chip formation|Chip forming]] (material removal processes) – [[sawing]], [[drilling]], [[Milling (machining)|milling]], [[turning]] etc.
* [[Shearing (manufacturing)|Shearing]] – [[punching]], [[Stamping press|stamping]], scissoring, blanking
* [[Abrasion (mechanical)|Abrasive material removal]] – [[Grinding (abrasive cutting)|grinding]], [[lapping]], [[Polishing (metalworking)|polishing]], [[Water jet cutter|water-jet]]
* Heat – [[flame cutting]], [[plasma cutting]], [[laser cutting]]
* Electrochemical – [[etching]], [[electrical discharge machining]] (EDM), [[electrochemical machining]] (ECM)

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.<ref>{{cite web|title = FAQ: What are the problems with laser cutting of aluminium and how do I overcome them?|url = http://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/material-faqs/faq-what-are-the-problems-with-laser-cutting-of-aluminium-and-how-do-i-overcome-them/|website = www.twi-global.com|access-date = 2016-02-05|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160121042508/http://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/material-faqs/faq-what-are-the-problems-with-laser-cutting-of-aluminium-and-how-do-i-overcome-them/|archive-date = 2016-01-21}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Laser Etching & Cutting Services |url = http://www.hplstampings.com/laser-cutting-etching/|website = HPL Stampings|access-date = 2016-02-05|language = en-US|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160325235509/http://www.hplstampings.com/laser-cutting-etching/|archive-date = 2016-03-25}}</ref>