December 2012
Articles in this issue
A flash of ceramic
A fixturing system for enabling ceramic coatings to be efficiently deposited via cathodic arc evaporation.
Armed with automation
Lightweight and easy-to-program robotic arms.
Dialing up precision holemaking
END USER: 1-866-Dial-EDM, (866) DIAL-EDM, 1866dialedm.com. CHALLENGE: Produce a high volume of 0.006"-dia., 1/16"-deep blind-holes in an exotic material. SOLUT…
Faster facemilling
END USER: Continental Motors Inc., (800) 718-3411, www.genuinecontinental.aero. CHALLENGE: Boost productivity when rough and finish milling cast aluminum crank…
Extreme tools for an extreme sport
END USER: David Buchberger, (585) 208-7382, www.hispeedcorp.com. CHALLENGE: Efficiently machine lightweight components for an "extreme" racecar. SOLUTION: High…
Good connections
The combination of rigid machine tool and strong spindle connection is ideal for cutting titanium.
Mixed signals
Manufacturing faces more uncertainty than usual in 2013, but the year ahead could be a good one.
The write stuff
The pros and cons of marking parts with laser, micropercussion and scribing technologies.
Trending to turning
Holding a few tenths tolerance on a piece of 60-HRC steel was once the domain of expensive grinding equipment. Today, it's no big deal.
Inside and out
Similar to a multitask machine, a machine tool that combines ID and OD grinding enables producing a part in one chucking.
Meeting the workholding challenge
In my August column, I described several common applications for workholding when turning, where the cutting tool is static and the workpiece spins. There are …
Apparent mass of moving machine elements
The moving elements of a machine tool have mass. Forces from the actuators cause the masses to move and accelerate. As the speed of the machine tool motion inc…
Achieving reasonable wheel wear
Dear Doc: I grind fine threads into hardened stainless steel with a fine-mesh aluminum-oxide wheel. The threads are 0.8mm deep in a 5mm-dia. ID. There are thre…
Tips for a manual milling machine
In my October column, I explained how the design of manual milling machines could be improved. This month, I share some tips for enhancing the operation of a m…
Achieving flexible workholding
Combustion components from Mitsubishi Power Systems had never been built outside of Japan until Savannah Machinery Works opened its doors in November 2010. We …
Simple activities, amazing benefits
A machine shop can become a messy place if you don't stay on top of it. If you've visited other shops, you've probably observed what I've seen over the years—a…
What manufacturing skills gap?
Many reasons are given, including the bad image of manufacturing, lack of training in high schools and competition from other economic sectors. All of these re…