Articles

Money as a motivational tool can take the form of an employee's pay rate, commissions, bonuses and, perhaps once a certain level of seniority is reached, paid health insurance premiums. Not only do employees like it, but it's often a simpler solution. Adding a few bucks to a paycheck is a lot faster and easier than establishing many other incentives.

A hydraulic expansion toolholder that can be adjusted to have zero runout accuracy.

A wirelessly powered machining sensor system.

Nickel-base superalloys can withstand hot and tough conditions, but are difficult to machine. With the right approach, machinists can keep their cool when cutting them.

Swiss Automation's success is based on machining complex parts quickly, accurately and consistently.

Manufacturers are using unattended horizontal machining cells to improve productivity and quality.

Multiple-operation cylindrical grinding machines enable shops to complete parts in a single setup.

END USER: Southwest Greene International Inc., (760) 639-4960, www.greenegroup.com. CHALLENGE: Effectively measure small, complex medical parts.SOLUTION: A measurement system that combines vision and touch-probe inspection. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Hexagon Metrology Inc., (800) 274-9433, www.hexagonmetrology.us.

END USER: Thortex Inc., (503) 654-5726, www.thortexinc.com. CHALLENGE: Maximize tool life and reliability when threading cobalt chrome. SOLUTION: Replace solid-carbide taps with high-performance thread mills. SOLUTION PROVIDER: OSG Tap & Die Inc., (800) 837-2223, www.osgtool.com.

END USER: Kline Oilfield Equipment Inc., (918) 445-0588, www.klinetools.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce cycle time and extend tool life when machining 718 Inconel. SOLUTION: An AlTiN-coated, general-purpose endmill and CAM software that generates efficient toolpaths. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: IMCO Carbide Tool Inc., (800) 765-4626, www.imcousa.com; SolidCAM Inc., (866) 975-1115, www.solidcam.com.

From simple bushings to critical engine components, producing replacement aircraft parts requires unwavering commitment.

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