Shop Technology columnist Christopher Tate employs equations to enhance cutting efficiency.

The Shop Technology column in the July 2014 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine covers the importance of understanding cutting equations to gain production efficiency.

The foundation of robust and successful CNC milling and drilling processes consists of numerous elements, including high-quality machine tools, sturdy work holders and high-performance cutting tools. Toolholders are another of the basic elements.

Determining the appropriate time to implement new technology.

The pressure to decrease costs and drive up profitability means getting every ounce of efficiency from machine tools and cutting tools. To this end, shops constantly strive to reduce cycle times and extend tool life. However, while pursuing these goals, it is easy to push tools past their useful life, allowing excessive wear and its corresponding problems to occur.

When possible, manufacturers should avoid applying custom cutting tools because they typically cost more than standard catalog items and can be used only for a single purpose. In addition, it is difficult to substitute other tools in place of a special when it is out of stock, and lead times for new custom tools can be long.

Shop Technology Columnist Christopher Tate discusses capability studies of the manufacturing process in the February 2014 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Anyone who works in or around a machine shop knows that high-performance cutting tools are expensive. If the process of acquiring and using these tools is not managed properly, tool expenses can quickly and negatively impact the bottom line, whether you are operating a mom-and-pop shop or a major OEM.

Christopher Tate, Cutting Tool Engineering's Shop Technology columnist, said he is surprised by the number of engineers and machinists who are not familiar with traditional machining tools and techniques. Many metalworking professionals seem to default to using only sophisticated technology for all aspects of machining without understanding or being able to use more traditional options.

I consider several factors when purchasing a drill and try to find the balance between price and performance that gives the best cost advantage while maintaining part quality and productivity, reports the Shop Technology columnist in the October 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

Diminishing numbers of skilled tradesmen in the workforce and the need to reduce production costs have caused machine tool automation to proliferate during the past decade.

Since the May issue, I have been writing about our combustion shop's migration from batch processing to single-piece flow, or machining one part at a time. Single-piece flow eliminates work in process. This is desirable because WIP hides part defects and increases lead times and inventory levels.

The Shop Technology column in the July 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine continues to explore one shop's move from batch processing of machining jobs to a single-piece flow.

The Shop Technology column in the June 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine explains how a shop transitions from batch processing to machining parts one at a time.

Single-piece flow keeps production moving, according to the Shop Technology column in the May 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

In last month's column, the Shop Technology column observed that chip thinning is one of the key concepts programmers and machinists should understand. Presented in this month's column is further discussion about how chip thinning can enhance productivity.

Dynamic and aggressive cutting tool demonstrations are common at trade shows. Toolmakers present phenomenal displays, where chips spark and fly and machines move at feed rates that seem impossible. In other words, they demonstrate high-speed machining.

High-performance cutting tools can provide increased efficiency and productivity, but they can also be a drain on tooling budgets. Cost-justifying these tools often requires regrinding and reconditioning them when they are worn or damaged. A successful reconditioning program reduces tooling costs by extending life as long as possible.

Combustion components from Mitsubishi Power Systems had never been built outside of Japan until Savannah Machinery Works opened its doors in November 2010. We were in the unique and challenging position of having to develop every manufacturing process from scratch while maintaining a tight production schedule.

The debut Shop Technology column focuses on limiting toolcrib items and vendors to boost productivity.