How to select materials for structural parts processing based on processing performance

In the field of structural parts processing, material selection is not only related to the final performance of the product, but also directly affects the efficiency, cost and overall quality of the product. Processing performance is one of the key considerations in material selection, involving many aspects such as the material's machinability, weldability, and heat treatment sensitivity.

1. Understand the meaning of processing performance
Structural parts processing performance refers to the characteristics of materials during processing, including cutting force, cutting temperature, tool wear, surface roughness, processing deformation and other aspects. Good processing performance means that the material is easy to control during processing and can maintain high processing accuracy and surface quality while reducing processing costs and cycles.

2. Evaluate the machinability of materials
Machinability is one of the core indicators of material structural parts processing performance. The machinability of different materials varies significantly, which mainly depends on the hardness, toughness, thermal conductivity and other physical properties of the material. For example, aluminum alloys perform well in cutting processes due to their low hardness and good thermal conductivity, enabling high processing efficiency and surface quality. On the contrary, some materials with high hardness and high toughness, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys, are more difficult to process, and more appropriate cutting parameters and tool materials need to be selected.

When selecting materials, priority should be given to those materials with good machinability to reduce the difficulty and cost of structural parts processing. At the same time, the cutting performance of difficult-to-machine materials can also be improved by optimizing cutting parameters and selecting appropriate tool materials.

3. Consider the weldability of materials
For structural parts that require welding, the weldability of the material is also an important consideration. Materials with good weldability are less likely to produce defects such as cracks and pores during the welding process, ensuring the quality and strength of the welded joints.

When selecting materials, attention should be paid to their welding properties, and understanding of the material's welding process and welding joint performance. For some materials with poor welding performance, their welding performance can be improved through preheating, post-weld heat treatment and other methods.

4. Pay attention to the heat treatment sensitivity of materials
Heat treatment is one of the important means to improve material properties. However, not all materials are suitable for heat treatment. Some materials are prone to deformation, cracking and other problems during heat treatment, thus affecting the final quality of the product.

When selecting materials, attention should be paid to their heat treatment sensitivity and understanding of the material's heat treatment process and performance changes after heat treatment. For materials that are sensitive to heat treatment, heat treatment process parameters should be carefully selected to avoid adverse consequences.

5. Comprehensive consideration of other processing properties
In addition to machinability, weldability and heat treatment sensitivity, there are some other structural parts processing properties that need to be considered. The material's wear resistance, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, etc. will affect the service life and reliability of the product. When selecting materials, these performance factors should be comprehensively considered based on specific application scenarios and needs.

Selecting materials in structural parts processing based on processing performance is a complex and meticulous process. The machinability, weldability, heat treatment sensitivity and other relevant performance factors of the material need to be considered comprehensively. Through scientific and reasonable material selection, it is possible to ensure that structural parts show good processing performance during processing, improve processing efficiency and product quality, and reduce production costs and cycles. Therefore, in the field of structural parts processing, the importance of material selection cannot be ignored.