Look out below: Drilling Performance
I don't like bringing this up, but two key metalworking markets -- defense and energy -- are in a bit of trouble.
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Elements for successful endmilling
When an endmill efficiently makes chips, everybody is happy: the end user, the parts buyer, and the cutting tool manufacturer and distributor. Achieving that by having the tool follow the correct toolpaths and run at productivity-boosting parameters, however, requires an endmill with optimized geometry, substrate and coating.
Cryogenic machining systems can extend tool life and reduce cycle times
Efficient removal of heat from the tool/workpiece interface is the main route to high-productivity machining. Several conventional methods are available to accomplish that -- dry machining, minimum-quantity lubrication, flood coolant and high-pressure coolant -- but cryogenic machining can be added to the list.
Setting the table: Drilling Performance
Table-type horizontal boring mills add versatility to machine shops.
Leaning towards lean: Turning Performance
A journey of waste reduction and continuous improvement for machine shops.
Battling grinding burn
Dear Doc: I battle burn and long cycle times when grinding ODs in bearing. The wheel manufacturer has specified a series of wheel changes to solve the problem, but it means buying a lot of new wheels. What's your take?
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 mill small workpieces. Finding the right clamps isn't a problem, but how they're utilized may be. This article examines some of the options and provides tips on how to use them.
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 suitable for large manufacturers. Advances in CMM technology and manufacturing techniques have reduced the cost of ownership, and the machines are now found at all types and sizes of shops.
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 technique with the disc grinder. It takes a little practice, but once you've mastered it, the results look just like a formed corner.
Teaming up to boost productivity
Increase threading productivity while reducing scrap. High-performance, through-coolant thread formers.
Reducing unnecessary parts: General Industry Coverage
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, certification, lean-system implementation and other versions of doing more with less.
