drop-hammer

drop-hammer

A worker operates a drop-hammer to shape a piece of hot metal.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A machine for shaping materials: "drop-hammer" refers to a heavy, vertically moving weight (often a hammer or ram) that is lifted and then allowed to fall freely onto a workpiece, typically used in forging, stamping, or shaping metal. It operates by gravitational force rather than mechanical impact from a spring or piston.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The blacksmith used a drop-hammer to forge the iron bar into a flat sheet. (A heavy tool that falls to shape metal.)
    • In the factory, the drop-hammer was employed for stamping car parts with precision. (A machine that uses a falling weight to imprint or form materials.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to operate a drop-hammer": to control or use this machine in industrial processes.

    • The technician must wear ear protection when operating the drop-hammer, as it produces loud noises. (To manage the heavy falling weight during production.)

  • "drop-hammer forging": a specific manufacturing process where metal is shaped by repeated blows from a drop-hammer.

    • Drop-hammer forging is ideal for creating durable tools like hammers and wrenches. (A technique involving the machine to deform metal.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Drop hammer (n): an alternative spelling, meaning the same machine.

    • The drop hammer was invented in the 19th century for industrial metalworking. (Same as drop-hammer, but written as two words.)

  • Hammer (n): a tool for striking, but not specifically a drop-hammer.

    • He used a hand hammer, not a drop-hammer, for the small repair. (A general striking tool vs. the heavy industrial machine.)
Synonyms
  • Power hammer: a machine that uses mechanical force (like steam or air) to strike, though a drop-hammer relies solely on gravity.
  • Stamping press: a machine that presses shapes into metal, sometimes using a falling weight.
Related Idioms
  • "Drop the hammer": an idiom meaning to take decisive or forceful action, though not directly related to the machine.
    • The manager decided to drop the hammer on the late project. (To act firmly or punish severely.)