1. Cutting
Plasma/Laser Cutting: Preferred for clean edges; minimal heat distortion.
Oxyfuel Cutting: Requires preheating (100–150°C) for thick sections (>20mm) to avoid cracking.
Shearing: Suitable for thin plates (<12mm); expect higher tool wear than with mild steel.
2. Drilling & Machining
Tool Material: Use carbide or cobalt drill bits (HSS tools wear faster).
Coolant: Essential to reduce heat and extend tool life.
Speed/Feed: Reduce by 20% vs. mild steel to prevent work hardening.
3. Bending & Forming
Cold Bending: Possible for radii ≥5x material thickness; thicker plates may need local preheating (150–200°C).
Springback: Higher than mild steel; compensate with overbending.
4. Key Considerations
Deburring: Remove sharp edges to prevent stress concentrations.
Post-Processing: Clean surfaces before welding/weathering to avoid contamination.
Note: A423's abrasiveness accelerates tool wear-plan for frequent tool inspection/replacement. For critical tolerances, consult the manufacturer's guidelines.
