Drag way cutting: 5-Axis Machining

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END USER: Bill Miller Engineering Ltd., (775) 887-1299, www.bmeltd.com. CHALLENGE: Boost production with upgraded tooling. SOLUTION: A high-speed solid-carbide drill and a tool- holding system. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Sandvik Coromant Co., www.sandvik.coromant.com/us, (800) 726-3845

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Drag racing appeals to nearly everyone with an interest in engineering innovations. The dragsters represent a pinnacle in aerodynamic design, powered by engines that propel the vehicles to speeds topping 300 mph. With each race a mere seconds in duration, dragster owners constantly search for new technologies and techniques to provide the slightest edge.

For more than 30 years, Bill Miller Engineering Ltd., Carson City, Nev., has introduced innovations that help racing teams smoke the competition. Founded in 1975, the company’s workspace has grown from a 1,200-sq.-ft. factory to a 20,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art facility where it produces connecting rods, pistons and wrist pins for the world’s top drag racing and NASCAR teams.

Courtesy of Bill Miller Engineering

Craig Whitener, foreman, and Russell Findley, supercharger shop lead, constantly search for innovative techniques and technologies.

In 2006, the firm was running multiple products on Okuma 5-axis machining centers. Larry Schwartz, president of Okuma America Corp., Charlotte, N.C., suggested that the company could get more out of its machining centers with new tooling from Sandvik Coromant Co., Fair Lawn, N. J.