After being offstage for many years, U.S. manufacturing had better be ready for the limelight. Another large research study has found that, not surprisingly, manufacturing is big—and it matters.
END USER: Rohde & Schwarz, (888) 837-8772, www.rohde-schwarz.us. CHALLENGE: Simplify and speed up measurement of micro parts and features. SOLUTION: Optical 3-D measurement system that employs focus-variation technology.
END USER: Straitline Components, (250) 655-6603, www.straitlinecomponents.com. CHALLENGE: Avoid wasting workpiece material to keep costs down while increasing productivity. SOLUTION: Low gripping-profile clamps that provide high-density workholding on a tombstone.
Tangential cutting force helps shops estimate torque, spindle load, and stability in milling. This guide explains what the force means and how to use it in setup decisions.
The NC post-processor is an often overlooked piece of the chain between the CAM system and the machine's CNC, according to the Get With The Program column in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.
Machine Technology columnist Dr. Scott Smith discusses the constraints related to the selection of machining parameters in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.
A material review board can help determine if you're having vendor problems, suggests the Machinist's Corner column in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.