usinage

Usinage is the set of processes used to shape a workpiece by removing material. In industry, it is known as machining. It covers subtractive operations designed to produce specific dimensions, tolerances, and finishes. The term contrasts with forming, casting, or additive manufacturing, which shape or add material rather than remove it.

Common operations include turning, milling, drilling, boring, and grinding. Specialized processes exist for gears, such as hobbing and shaping, as well as sawing and broaching. Most modern parts are produced on machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, many of which are controlled by computer numerical control CNC. Tooling selection, cutting parameters, coolant use, and fixturing strongly influence accuracy and surface quality.

The typical workflow comprises design and process planning, fixture design, setup, and production monitoring. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, aided by CAM software, help plan and optimize operations, while measurement with coordinate measuring machines verifies tolerances. Quality control ensures conformance to drawings, with tolerances often reaching the micrometer range for high-precision parts.

Materials commonly machined include metals such as steel, aluminum, and titanium, as well as plastics and composites. Usinage is widely used across sectors including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and energy. Ongoing advances in automation, multi-axis CNC systems, and advanced tooling continue to expand capability, enable complex geometries, and improve productivity in modern manufacturing.