6.1 State THREE main uses of a bench grinder - NSC Mechanical Technology Welding and Metalwork - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1

MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas.

A plasma cutter operates by sending an electrical channel of ionized gas, known as plasma, through the workpiece being cut. The process involves several key steps:

1. Electrical Circuit Formation: The cutter forms a complete electric circuit connected to a grounding clamp.
2. Ionization of Gas: Compressed air is blown towards the workpiece through a focused nozzle at high speed, which ionizes the gas and creates a conductive path.
3. Cutting Action: An electric arc is formed between the gas nozzle and the workpiece, allowing the plasma to cut through the material with precision and speed.

The three types of taps used for cutting internal screw threads are:

1. Taper tap: This is used for starting threads and has a tapered end.
2. Intermediate tap: This type has a slight taper and can create threads without much resistance.
3. Plug tap: It is used for threading and has no taper at the end, allowing for deeper hole threading.

The primary hand tool used to remove slag from an arc-welded joint is a chipping hammer. Additionally, a wire brush can also be utilized for cleaning.

The vertical rollers on a vertical rolling machine serve the purpose of bending metal sheets. They are specifically designed to assist in the bending and shaping of thick plates.

Coolant serves several critical functions on a horizontal band saw:

1. Ensures clean cut: It helps in producing smoother, cleaner cuts by minimizing material buildup and friction.
2. Cools the blade: The coolant assists in cooling the blade, which prolongs its lifespan and maintains cutting efficiency.

Oxy-acetylene equipment is used in various processes, including:

1. Gas welding: For joining metals together.
2. Brazing: To join metals using a filler material.
3. Cutting: For cutting through metals with precision.