Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to refine your knowledge, this glossary of terms will help you better understand the materials, techniques, and processes we use to deliver precision-crafted metal components. From laser cutting terminology to fabrication methods, our glossary is designed to provide clear, concise explanations to guide you through the world of metal manufacturing.
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Ablation
The process by which material is removed from a solid surface by vaporization, chipping, or other erosive processes, typically caused by the laser beam.
Air Assist
A stream of gas (commonly compressed air) directed at the cutting area to remove debris, cool the material, and improve cutting quality.
Alloy
An alloy is a substance composed of an elemental metal and other elements
Annealing
Annealing is a process used to soften and modify the material by subjecting it to controlled heating and cooling.
Anodizing
Anodizing is a surface treatment process applied to aluminum
Assist Gas
Gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, or compressed air used during the laser cutting process to enhance cutting efficiency and quality.
Automatic Press
An automatic press is a press with electrical controls that is mechanically fed the material to be pressed.
Beam Delivery
The system of mirrors, lenses, and other optical components that direct the laser beam from the laser source to the cutting head.
Beam Path
The route taken by the laser beam from its source through the optical system to the point of material interaction.
Beam Quality
A measure of how well a laser beam can be focused, often determined by parameters like beam divergence and mode structure.
Bending
Bending refers to applying strain to metallic material in a way that the deformation becomes permanent.
Blank
A blank is a pre-cut metal piece intended for future press operations.
Blanking
Blanking involves shaping the raw material into a general shape that can be used for several operations.
Burr
A burr is a raised and sharp edge of metal caused by cutting
Burr Height
Burr height refers to the distance the raised edge or burr protrudes above the surface.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
Software used to create precise drawings or models of parts to be cut by CNC laser machines.
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)
Software that translates CAD designs into instructions (such as G-code) that CNC machines can execute.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
A computerized system that controls machine tools, including laser cutters, by following programmed instructions.
CNC LASER Cutting
CNC LASER Cutting is a technology that uses a computer-controlled LASER to cut materials precisely.
CO2 Laser
A type of gas laser commonly used in laser cutting, particularly effective for non-metal materials like wood, acrylic, and fabric.
Coining
Coining is a process that uses a closed-die to confine a piece and produce detailed imprints.
Compound Die
A compound die is designed to perform multiple different processes on a part within one press stroke.
Coordinate Measuring Machine
A CMM is a machine used to measure in the third dimension
Corner Radius
The corner radius refers to the outer radius of a part.
Counterboring
Counterboring is a process used to generate a cylindrical-shaped hole with a machining or coining operation.
Countersinking
Countersinking involves machining a part to create a conical hole
Crimping
Crimping is the process used to complete a seam or arc using corrugations.
Cutting Speed
The rate at which the laser cutter moves across the material, affecting the quality and efficiency of the cut.
Deburr
Deburring refers to the removal of sharp protrusions from finished parts.
Dedicated Tooling
Dedicated tooling is a type of tooling specified for a particular part
Deep Drawing
Deep drawing is a process where a punch draws out sheet metal into a die cavity to form a specific shape.
Depth of Cut
The thickness of material that can be effectively cut in a single pass by the laser.
Die
A die is a tool with a cavity specifically designed for shaping a certain shape with a matching punch.
Die Clearance
Die clearance refers to the approximate area located between the punch and die opening.
Die Marks
Die marks are marks created by tooling on the sheet metal
Die Stamping
Die stamping refers to a piece that is formed
Draw Die
A draw die is a special die used to “draw” sheet metal out by using a punch to push into the die cavity.
Drawing
Drawing is the process of stretching out a flat piece of sheet metal to fit a specific 3-dimensional shape. It also refers to the documents an engineer uses to describe a part.
Ductility
Ductility refers to a material’s ability to undergo bending or forming without fracturing.
Edging
Edging is a process used to reduce a part’s flange radius by retracting the punch slightly after the initial stroke without relieving the pressure. It can also refer to rolling the metal where the axis of the roll is parallel to the area considered the “thickness.”
Embossing
Embossing is a process used to produce indented designs in a piece of metal
Engraving
A laser cutting process that removes material from the surface of a workpiece to create designs or text without cutting through the entire material.
Exhaust System
The setup that removes fumes, smoke, and particulates generated during the laser cutting process to maintain a safe and clean environment.
Extruding
Extruding is a drawing-out process that uses a previously punched hole.
Fiber Laser
A type of solid-state laser that uses optical fibers doped with rare-earth elements as the gain medium, known for high efficiency and beam quality.
Finite Element Analysis
Finite Element Analysis is a method used to analyze deforming metal
Flange
A flange is a rim or projection from a part formed for stiffness or to aid in assembly.
Focal Point
The precise point where the laser beam is concentrated to its smallest spot, maximizing energy density for effective cutting.
Forging
Forging is a process that uses extreme temperatures (hot or cold) and a punch to deform a piece of metal to the shape of a die cavity.
Forming
Forming refers to the process of shaping a 3-dimensional part from a flat sheet of metal.
G-code
A programming language used to instruct CNC machines, including laser cutters, on movement paths, speeds, and other actions.
Gage
Gage is a measurement given to the thickness of sheet metal or wire.
Gauge
A gauge is a tool used for measuring or testing.
Grain Direction
Grain direction refers to the general orientation of the finish on the surface of a part
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
The area of material that experiences thermal changes due to the laser cutting process, which can affect material properties and finish.
Hydraulic Press
A hydraulic press is a mechanism that uses fluid pressure-controlled ram.
Insert
An insert is a separate piece of steel used to assist in repair or to extend wearability.
Kerf
The width of the material removed by the laser beam during the cutting process, influencing the precision and fit of the cut parts.
Laser Cutting
A manufacturing process that uses a high-powered laser beam to cut materials with high precision and minimal thermal distortion.
Laser Head
The component of a CNC laser cutter that houses the focusing lens and directs the laser beam onto the material.
Lead Time
Lead time refers to the total amount of time from when a customer places an order to the time when the product is available for immediate use.
Master Die
A master die is the main tool that has the ability to house different tool systems.
Material Thickness
The dimension of a workpiece perpendicular to its surface, influencing the settings and capabilities of the laser cutter.
Mechanical Press
A mechanical press is a forging mechanism that uses mechanical means to operate a ram
Metal Fabrication
Metal fabrication is the process of taking multiple sheet metal parts or blanks and welding them together.
Metal Stamping
Metal stamping is an economical manufacturing process ideal for customers with short lead times and repetitive low to medium volumes.
Metal Thinning
Metal thinning is a process in which the thickness of metal is reduced during a forming operation.
Mirror Image
A reversed duplication of a design, often used in laser cutting to ensure correct orientation of the final product.
Motion Control
The system that governs the movement of the CNC laser cutter’s axes, ensuring accurate positioning and cutting.
Multiple-slide Press
A multiple-slide press consists of individuals often connected into a main slide or main shaft that can be adjusted based on the timing and length of stroke required for the current operation.
Nesting
The arrangement of multiple parts within a single sheet of material to maximize efficiency and minimize waste during the cutting process.
Normalizing
Normalizing is a metal forming process in which the steel is heated above its critical temperature and then air cooled.
Notching
Notching is an operation in which a part or sheet of material is cut
Orange Peel
Orange peel refers to a type of texture of steel that gives the outward appearance of an orange peel
Oxygen Laser Cutting
A process that uses oxygen as the assist gas, particularly effective for cutting mild steel by promoting an exothermic reaction.
Perforating
Perforating is a process in which a sheet of metal or part is uniformly punched numerous times with identical holes
Piercing
Piercing is an operation in which a part or sheet of material is cut
Plasma Cutting
A cutting process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) to melt and remove material, often compared with laser cutting.
Power Density
The amount of laser power concentrated over a specific area, crucial for determining cutting effectiveness and quality.
Press
A press is a mechanism comprising a stationary bed and a slide used to shape and form metal.
Press Bed
A press bed is a stationary piece of a press to which the lower die assembly is normally mounted in a metal forming operation.
Press Brake
A press brake is a mechanism that uses a single action to deform a piece of sheet metal.
Press Capacity
Press capacity refers to the total rated force a specific press has the ability to exert to a distance above the lowest point of a stroke.
Press Forming
Press forming is a metal forming operation that calls for the use of a mechanical or hydraulic press.
Progressive Die
A progressive die consists of several stations
Prototype
A prototype is the first production of a design used for testing and improving performance.
Pulse Frequency
The rate at which laser pulses are emitted, affecting the precision and speed of the cutting or engraving process.
Punch
A punch is the part that reciprocally matches a die and forces the material into the die cavity.
Punch Press
A punch press is a mechanism that uses compression force to reshape materials.
Punch Side
The punch side refers to the side of the material that the punch enters through.
Quick Change Inserts
Quick change inserts are sections or parts that can be removed or exchanged without removing the whole tool and interrupting the process.
Raster Cutting
A laser cutting mode where the laser moves back and forth across the material in a raster pattern, typically used for engraving.
Raster Engraving
A method of engraving where the laser moves in a pattern of horizontal lines, similar to how a printer works.
Reduction
Reduction measures the decrease in diameter when going from blank to a cup
Reflective Materials
Materials that can reflect the laser beam, such as certain metals, requiring specialized lasers or coatings to be effectively cut.
Restriking
Restriking is a process that uses striking to improve alignment
Reverse Drawing
Reverse drawing involves drawing a part in the opposite direction to which it was originally drawn.
Safety Interlocks
Safety mechanisms that automatically shut down the laser cutter if protective enclosures are opened or if hazardous conditions are detected.
Scrap
Scrap refers to unused pieces leftover from the operation that are recycled.
Screw Press
A screw press operates under high speeds with a ram actuated by a screw assembly connected to a drive mechanism.
Scribing
A technique where the laser makes shallow cuts or marks on the material surface for alignment or folding purposes without cutting through.
Shearing
Shearing is a procedure in which a cutting force is applied perpendicular to the surface of a material
Sheet Forming
Sheet forming is a technique in which a piece of sheet metal is deformed into a 3-dimensional shape without disturbing the sheet thickness.
Shut Height
Shut height refers to the amount of space between a ram at its lowest point and the adjustment at its highest.
Software Interface
The user interface of CNC laser cutting software that allows operators to design, program, and control the cutting process.
Stamp
Stamp refers to all pieces produced by a press. It can also refer to the impression of a design or letters into a material’s surface.
Stress Cracking
Stress cracking occurs when a part reaches its maximum yield point
Stroke
Stroke refers to the vertical motion that the ram makes
Tapping
Tapping is a process of cutting or forming used to generate internal threads in a piece.
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength is a ratio that relates the maximum load of a material to the original cross-sectional area.
Tolerance
The permissible variation in dimensions during the cutting process, ensuring parts fit together as intended.
Transfer Die
A transfer die is a smaller or sub die combined with others and attached to a transfer press
Transfer Press
A transfer press is a complex type of press with several different dies and a transfer mechanism that moves the piece from one die to the next.
V Die
A V die is a die with a cavity in a “V” shape to counter-match the V punch.
V Punch
A V punch is a tool with a “V” shape used to form specific angles.
Vector Engraving
An engraving method where the laser follows vector paths (lines and curves) to create designs, allowing for high precision.
Vector Path
The defined route that the laser follows to cut or engrave, based on vector data from CAD designs.
Vibratory Finishing
Vibratory finishing is a process used to remove burrs from a product
Water Cooling
A cooling method using water to dissipate heat from the laser source and optical components, maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Wear Plates
Wear plates are plates mounted where the piece or product will receive the most wear and usage. They are often made of steel or bronze and are designed for easy replacement.
Yield Strength
Yield strength is the specific stress point at which a material deviates from the original stress-to-strain ratio.
Z-Axis Control
The control of the vertical movement in a CNC machine, allowing for adjustments in focus or cutting depth.
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