January 2015
Articles in this issue
Shops have plenty of choices when gripping small parts
Wedge, cam, square and pull-down clamps, micro vises and chucks, hexagons and rounds. These are just some of the workholding options available to shops that mi…
A CMM can benefit any shop
Introduced in 1959, coordinate measuring machines have become increasingly common over the last 2 decades. The complexity and cost once meant CMMs were only su…
Roll grinding to finish corners
A technique I call roll grinding is used to finish corners to match bend radii. Long weld seams that need to be rounded can be handled using a rolling techniqu…
Teaming up to boost productivity
Increase threading productivity while reducing scrap. High-performance, through-coolant thread formers.
Reducing unnecessary parts
Streamline the digital parts library used to produce workholders. Strategic parts management software.
Adapting to today’s customer
Welcome to the start of another year, where machine shops will be pushed to adhere to even stricter standards as customers deal with consolidation, relocation,…
Can you follow instructions?
Do you process existing jobs the same way every time? If not, you may be throwing money away every time those jobs are run by having to reinvent the process ov…
Measuring with capacitance sensors
Capacitance sensors are noncontact sensors used in machine tools to measure the distance between a noncontact probe and a target sensor. Because the probe does…
Turning to hybrid
New hybrid cermet inserts that significantly enhance abrasion and fracture resistance.
A firm, flexible grip
An off-the-shelf robotic gripper that conforms to a variety of parts shapes without reprogramming.
Integrating simulation
It's quite common for CAM software to come with built-in simulation to identify potential collisions and optimize virtual machining. However, most versions don…
Right tool makes deep holes easier to drill
Deep holes can be difficult to define, but knowing the right tool for the job makes them easier to drill.
Collaborative robots lend a helping hand
Joe's struggling to package a truckload of parts before noon. Mary can't keep up on the painting line. Jimmy's in trouble with the boss because he can't make q…
Hybrid machining expands a part designer’s pallet
Imagine building a ship in a bottle, but instead of using a preexisting bottle, you build the ship along with the bottle while machining the ship's and bottle'…