Articles

Articles • January 1, 2012

Simulating and optimizing multitasking

The Get With The Program column in the January 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering addresses how software can simulate and optimize multitask machines.

Articles • January 1, 2012 • Alan Richter

Steely holemaking

Alan Richter takes a Look Ahead at a new solid-carbide drill dedicated for steel applications.

Articles • January 1, 2012 • Alan Richter

Speedy Comparison

Alan Richter takes a Look Ahead at an automated part-to-CAD verification system for a digital optical comparator.

Articles • January 1, 2012

From stringy to sandy

END USER: Acumed LLC, (888) 627-9957, www.acumed.net. CHALLENGE: Accurately direct high-pressure coolant on Swiss-style machines to control chips when turning. SOLUTION: A Swiss-style insert holder with high-pressure, through-coolant capability. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Streamliner & Associates Inc., (814) 440-1548, www.streamlinertools.com

Articles • January 1, 2012

Get a (new) life

END USER: A large aerospace manufacturer. CHALLENGE: Avoid buying a new machine by retaining use of a 25-year-old lathe. SOLUTION: Rebuild the lathe and retrofit it with a new control. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Infinity Rebuild Inc., (704) 588-4995, www.infinityrebuild.com

Articles • December 1, 2011

Set, Ready, Go

The price range for a new presetter is wide—units supplied by sources for this article range from $8,000 to $85,000 or more. But even a lower price model might be difficult for a shop to justify. "It is hard for a shop to see the dollar savings because the presetter doesn't make any parts," said Joe Halik, engineering manager for Koma Precision Inc., East Windsor, Conn., the North American importer of Elbo Controlli presetters. "But you have to look at how much time you are wasting by measuring tools on the machine tool and from scrapped parts and operator error."

Articles • December 1, 2011

A Pitch for Thread Grinding

When accuracy counts, thread grinding shines. It may not be a new twist, but thread grinding is still one of the most accurate ways to produce internal and external threads.

Articles • December 1, 2011

Flight Path

Triumph Actuation Systems makes systems that keep aircraft flying straight. Read more about the making of the systems that keep "big birds" in line.

Articles • December 1, 2011

Are the Stars Aligned?

Manufacturing was a star in 2011 and looks to shine brightly in 2012.

Articles • December 1, 2011 • Kip Hanson

Doing it the Hard Way

Thinking about taking the leap into milling hardened steels? Why would you? After all, if your shop has been successfully grinding, jig boring and EDMing hardened materials, why change?

Articles • December 1, 2011 • Keith Jennings

Manufacturing: The comeback kid

The Manager's Desk column in the December 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering addresses the importance of developing interest in manufacturing careers.

Articles • December 1, 2011 • Jeffrey A. Badger, Ph.D.

Determining actual wheel costs

Determining actual wheel costs and answers to other grinding questions can be found in this month's Grinding Doc column.