Articles

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 over and over. If a few weeks or months go by in between runs of the same part, you may forget some nuance, whether it's a specific cutter, a dedicated fixture or a unique method for locating the part.

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 not physically touch the target, capacitance sensors are beneficial in instances where the target surface is moving, such as a rotating spindle, or delicate, such as a silicon wafer.

New hybrid cermet inserts that significantly enhance abrasion and fracture resistance.

An off-the-shelf robotic gripper that conforms to a variety of parts shapes without reprogramming.

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't deliver the experience of programming in the context of the NC machine and instead rely on third-party machine simulation to connect the processes. To visualize a toolpath simulation in the context of the NC machine, the programmer must transfer a machine code (ISO or G code) generated from a post-processor to the simulation software.

Deep holes can be difficult to define, but knowing the right tool for the job makes them easier to drill.

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 quota. These are just a few of the challenges faced by workers on the manufacturing floor, problems that, in many cases, can be solved with collaborative robots.

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's surfaces as you go.

Cutting Tool Engineering Senior Editor Evan Jones Thorne interviews Fauston Tool Corp. Vice President Heidi Hostetter about the company's reputation for innovation.

Tom Lipton offers more tips for part finishing in the December 2014 Cutting Tool Engineering Shop Operations column.

Reduce scrap and tackle challenging jobs. Adjustable finish boring heads.

Reduce costs associated with inventory management. An industrial vending system.