March 2017
Articles in this issue
Cutting tool executive cautions manufacturers about ‘Made in USA’ label
U.S. toolmakers should "claim the origin of [their] products," he said during a speech at an industry event hosted by the grinding-machine and EDM builder Voll…
Look Ahead: AI robot finds its way
Omron Adept Technologies Inc.'s LD-series mobile robot can gather information about its surroundings and automatically generate a map with just one run through…
Look Ahead: Remotely interesting monitoring
One roadblock for parts makers to begin implementing Industrial Internet of Things technology is psychological: Implementation sounds like a big, time-consumin…
Productive Times: Capacity relief
END USER: Greenlee Textron Inc., (815) 784-5127, www.greenlee.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Keyence Corp. of America, (888) 539-3623, www.keyence.com. CHALLENGE: Rel…
6 tips for improving turning operations
There's plenty of good application advice available from cutting tool specialists and equipment providers. This article offers six best-practice tips you might…
Honing: What It Is, How It Works, and Key Applications in Precision Machining
Discover the precision and versatility of honing—a machining process ideal for finishing cylinders, correcting bore geometry, and enhancing gear performance. L…
Proper fluid management, filtration keep sumps cleaner
According to those interviewed for this article, most shops wait far longer than they should to clean sumps because the job is such a hassle. Waiting too long,…
Hybrid machine tools for moldmakers
The advantages of combining additive manufacturing with finish-machining processes in a single setup are plentiful, from shorter cycle times to the ability to …
EDM focus turns to throughput, ease of use, automation
The major wire EDM builders are still in competition, of course, but on other playing fields. The latest developments in wire electrical discharge machining fo…
Machinist’s Corner: Talking safety
When was the last time someone sat your team down and talked about safety? Where I work, we sit down once or twice a year for safety sessions, according to Mic…
Shop Operations: Odds and ends
James Harvey, Cutting Tool Engineering's Shop Operations columnist, offers some miscellaneous tips and and unusual methods of machining that worked for him—and…
Get With The Program: Maximizing spindle time
CNC machine tools only generate revenue when they are producing good parts. The more good parts they make, the quicker the return on investment for machine too…
Machine Technology: To extend or not to extend?
When purchasing consumer products, most of us quickly decide to pass on extended warranties. But extended machine tool warranties may merit more careful consid…
Manager’s Desk: Cheap marketing can have an impact
Having worked in manufacturing since 1992, I've learned many things about machine shop marketing and branding from fellow shop owners. Some spend, literally, n…
OSHA’s SHARP program for small businesses
OSHA officials have extended an olive branch to small businesses with its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), a partnership with those b…
Machine tool school days
Jennifer Creamer, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), conducts research into fixing flaw…
Packaging with care
Most aerospace, defense and medical companies have packaging specifications their parts suppliers must follow to help ensure parts arrive undamaged. But should…
Kennametal CEO’s take on simplifying production
In an interview conducted by CTE Editor Alan Richter, Kennametal Inc. President and CEO Ronald De Feo discusses the past year, the business outlook for Kenname…
Reaping the benefits of lights-out machining
At the National Tooling and Machining Association Plant Managers Roundtable, held Feb. 8 in Phoenix, Jeff Estes, director of Partners in THINC at Okuma America…
Culture-changing tools
One of the activities I enjoy most in connection with my job is visiting production facilities, because I get a chance to see how parts and products are made a…