Which term describes the process of manufacturing a part by removing material in the form of chips?

The term that describes the process of manufacturing a part by removing material in the form of chips is machining. This broad category encompasses various specific operations, including milling, turning, and drilling, all of which involve the removal of material from a workpiece to achieve the desired shape and dimensions.

In machining, the material is typically removed from a solid piece of metal or other materials through the use of cutting tools that create chips as they cut through the material. The chip removal process is a defining characteristic of machining operations, distinguishing them from other manufacturing methods such as casting or molding, where material is not removed but rather shaped or formed from a liquid state.

While milling, turning, and drilling are specific types of machining processes, they each refer to different techniques and setups. Milling includes using a rotating cutter to remove material from a stationary workpiece; turning involves rotating the workpiece against a cutting tool; and drilling is focused on creating holes in materials. Thus, while all three are indeed forms of machining, the term "machining" itself encompasses all these methods, making it the most comprehensive and accurate choice in this context.