What is the process of using tools to separate metal called?

The process of using tools to separate metal is primarily known as cutting. This term encompasses various operations done to remove material from a workpiece to achieve the desired shape or size. Cutting operations can be performed using different techniques, such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding, all of which involve tools that cut away material.

While machining is a broader category that includes cutting and other processes involving material removal, cutting specifically focuses on the act of shearing or removing material. Shaping and forming refer to processes that alter the workpiece without necessarily removing material. Shaping typically involves creating specific contours or profiles, while forming changes the workpiece’s geometry through deformation rather than separation. Thus, cutting is the most precise term when referring to the separation of metal using tools.