Intro to Millwright Practice Exam

What is the process of reducing and shaping materials using power tools called?

1. Welding

2. Machining

3. Fabricating

4. Assembly

The correct answer is: Machining

The process of reducing and shaping materials using power tools is known as machining. Machining involves the removal of material from a workpiece to achieve desired dimensions and surface finishes, typically performed with various power tools such as lathes, mills, and drills. This process allows for high precision and is essential in manufacturing industries, where components must meet specific tolerances. In contrast, welding refers to the joining of materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by melting the parts together and adding a filler material. Fabricating involves creating products by assembling various components and can include processes such as cutting, bending, or punching, but often embraces more than just material removal. Assembly pertains to the final putting together of manufactured parts into a finished product. Understanding the distinctions between these processes highlights why machining specifically describes the reduction and shaping of materials using power tools.