Business / Machine Shop Glossary

Magnesium: A lightweight, ductile metal similar to but lighter than aluminum.

Magnetic Chuck: A flat smooth-surfaced work holding device which operates by magnetism to hold ferrous metal workpieces for grinding.

Malleable: Capable of being extended or shaped by hammering or rolling.

Mandrel: A precision-made tapered shaft to support work for machining between centers.

Manganese: A gray-white nonmagnetic metallic element resembling iron, except it is harder and more brittle. Manganese can be alloyed with iron, copper and nickel, for commercial alloys. In steel it inc . . . View Full Definition

Martensite: A very hard, brittle microstructure of steel produced when steel is rapidly quenched after being transformed into austenite.

Medium Steel: Refer to carbon steel.

Mesh: To engage, as the teeth between two gears.

Metal: A class of chemical elements that are good conductors of heat and electricity, usually malleable, ductile, lustrous and more dense than other elemental substances.

Metallic Bond: The principal atomic bond that holds metals together.

Metallurgy: The science explaining the properties, behavior and internal structure of metals.

Methylacetylene Propadiene: A family of alternative fuel gases that are mixtures of two or more gases (propane, butane, butadiene, methylacetylene and propadiene). Methylacetylene propadiene is used for oxyfuel cutting . . . View Full Definition

Microstructure: A term use to describe the structure of metals. Visual examination of etched metal surfaces and fractures reveal some configurations in etched patterns that relate to structure, but magnific . . . View Full Definition

Mike: A term used for micrometer, or to measure with a micrometer.

Mild Steel: Refer to carbon steel.

Mill: A milling machine: also, the act of performing an operation on the milling machine.

Milling Cutter: A cutting tool, generally cylindrical in shape used on a milling machine and operated essentially like a circular saw.

Minor Diameter: The smallest diameter of a screw thread. Also known as the root diameter.

Modulus Of Elasticity: The ratio of stress to strain in material: also referred to as Young’s modulus.

Molybdenum: A hard, silver-white metal, a significant alloying element in producing engineering steels, corrosion resistant steels, tool steels and cast irons. Small amounts alloyed in steel promote uni . . . View Full Definition

Monel: A high tensile strength Ni-Cu alloy that exhibits high fatigue resistance in salt water, corrosive atmospheres and various acid and alkaline solutions. It is non-magnetic and spark-resistant.

Morse Taper: A self-holding standard taper largely used on small cutting tools such as drills, end mills and reamers and, on some machines, spindles in which these tools are used.

Multiple-Thread Screw: A screw made of two or more threads to provide an increased lead with a specified pitch.

Music Wire: A high-quality steel wire used for making springs. Also called piano wire.

Necking: Machining a groove or undercut in a shaft to permit mating parts to be screwed tightly against a shoulder or to provide clearance for the edge of a grinding wheel.

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16