What is mechanical processing? What is the role of mechanical processing in the infrastructure industry?

In the current era, infrastructure development is a key step towards the comprehensive development of a country, including Vietnam. Facing that situation, mechanical processing plays an equally important role in building and maintaining infrastructure, contributing to the sustainable development of the economy and society. In the article below, RX Tradex will go into more detail about what is mechanical processing and  the role of mechanical outsourcing in the infrastructure industry today, thereby promoting development and progress in this field.

1. What is mechanical processing?

Mechanical processing is the process of fabricating and manufacturing parts from metal materials through the removal of excess material or transforming the shape of materials according to specific technical requirements.

Mechanical processing methods are applied to create metal parts that are high-precision and meet the requirements of size, shape and technical properties. With the development of technology, mechanical processing processes are becoming more and more automated and efficient, which enhances productivity and product quality.

2. Common applications of mechanical processing in the infrastructure industry

Currently, mechanical processing is widely applied in the production and installation of necessary metal parts and structures of products for the infrastructure industry, such as:

• Manufacture and installation of bridges: Mechanical processing is used to manufacture bridge parts such as railings, struts, and other load-bearing structural parts. These parts need to have high precision and good load capacity to ensure the safety and stability of the bridge.
• Design and manufacture of pipes and plumbing systems: Mechanical processing is applied in the manufacture of pipes and plumbing systems for infrastructure works such as water supply systems, drainage systems, and wastewater treatment systems. These pipes need to be built with high precision and resistance to harsh pressures and environments.
• Manufacturing and installation of machinery and equipment for works: Mechanical processing is also used to manufacture and install machinery necessary for infrastructure works such as pumps, compressors, and water treatment equipment. The construction of these devices requires high precision and durability to ensure stable and efficient operation of the system.

3. The role of mechanical outsourcing in the infrastructure industry

For infrastructure construction, mechanical processing plays a key role contributing to the development of a strong economy. From the manufacture of bridges and pipelines, to the installation of machinery and equipment, mechanical processing is also involved in the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, water supply and wastewater treatment systems, as well as other industrial and civil works, helping to enhance the efficiency and safety of construction projects. Here are some of the roles that mechanical outsourcing plays in the construction of today’s infrastructure:

• Enhance the strength and robustness of infrastructure structures: Mechanical processing provides metal parts and structures of high quality and good durability, which increases load carrying capacity and ensures the stability of buildings. Thanks to precision machining processes and the use of quality materials, mechanical processing products are able to withstand environmental factors and large loads, thereby improving the durability and robustness of the infrastructure.
• Ensure the safety and performance of the building: Products from mechanical processing are not only designed and manufactured to meet technical requirements but also comply with safety standards. The use of high-quality metal parts ensures the safety and performance of buildings, avoids unexpected incidents and minimizes risks to workers and communities.
• Save construction costs and time: Mechanical processing is often done on modern and automatic equipment, which saves time and effort compared to manual production. The automation in the machining process also helps to minimize production errors and increase labor productivity. In addition, customization and design according to the specific requirements of each project helps optimize production processes, save costs and maximize construction efficiency.
• Ability to customize and design according to the specific requirements of each project: Provide the ability to customize and design flexibly, thereby meeting the specific requirements of each construction project. Being able to adjust the size, shape and specifications of metal products helps to meet the diverse requirements of infrastructure projects, from large projects to smaller ones.

4. Mechanical processing methods in the current infrastructure industry

With the strong development of the current infrastructure industry, mechanical processing methods have become more diverse and advanced to meet the increasingly stringent technical and design requirements of construction projects. Here are some common mechanical processing methods applied in the infrastructure industry:

4.1. Method using plasma and oxy-gas cutting technology

The method using plasma and oxy-gas cutting technologies is widely used in the cutting of metal materials of various thicknesses, from thin metal sheets to thick and rigid structures. When using plasma cutting technology, a high-frequency current is used to ionize plasma gas, creating a precise and clean cutting on the metal surface, allowing the cutting of metal materials from thin to thick efficiently, with fast speed and high precision.

Meanwhile, oxy-gas cutting technology uses a high thermal flame to oxidize the metal, then uses an oxygen stream to blow the molten metal out of the cutting site. This technology is suitable for cutting thick and hard metal materials.

Both methods allow for fast and precise cutting, meeting the rigorous requirements of infrastructure projects. At the same time, they also help optimize the production process and minimize material waste, contributing to the efficiency and sustainability of construction projects.

4.2. Methods of using CNC machines in mechanical processing

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is a type of machine tool  designed to perform machining processes with high precision and automation. Instead of using manual commands, CNC machines are programmed through specialized software to control motors and tools such as cutting, grinding, or drilling.

Thanks to automation, CNC machines are capable of performing complex machining processes accurately and repeating operations uniformly, which enhances production efficiency and ensures product quality.

CNC machines can be applied in many mechanical machining processes such as cutting, grinding, turning, drilling, and bending, which enhances diversification and flexibility in the production of metal parts and finished products for infrastructure projects.

4.3. Welding and metal bonding methods

Metal welding method

Metal welding is a method of connecting metal parts by fusing the connection area and then allowing them to cool down to create a strong bond. Modern welding techniques such as electric welding, MIG/MAG welding, TIG welding, and plasma cutting welding are all widely applied in the infrastructure industry. Thanks to advances in technology and materials, today’s welding process ensures the accuracy, durability and uniformity of metal connections.

Metal bonding method

In addition to welding methods, other metal bonding techniques are also used to create strong connections between metal parts. These techniques may include the use of glue, bolts and screws, rivets, or other bonding methods depending on the specific requirements of the product.

5. Summary

Through the above article, hopefully RX Tradex has brought useful information for businesses to better understand what mechanical processing is and the role of mechanical outsourcing in the infrastructure industry today. You can register to participate in Metalex Vietnam 2024 exhibition organized by RX Tradex, taking place from 02-04/10/2024 at S.E.C.C, 799 Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City to discover more production solutions as well as advanced machinery technologies in the mechanical processing industry.