Articles

Shop Operations column for April 2010 Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Machine Technology column for April 2010 Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Ask the Grinding Doc column by Dr. Jeffrey Badger for April 2010 Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Manager's Desk column by Keith Jennings for April 2010 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

END USER: Sunrise Machine & Tool Inc., (800) 725-7761, www.sunrise-smt.com. CHALLENGE: Improve production control. SOLUTION: Enterprise resource planning software. SOLUTION PROVIDER: MIE Solutions Inc., (714) 786-6230, www.mie-solutions.com

END USER: Precision Technologies Inc., (978) 649-8715, www.precision-techno.com. CHALLENGE: Boost feed rate when milling tiny slots. SOLUTION: Variable-helix miniature endmill. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Harvey Tool Co. LLC, (800) 645-5609, www.harveytool.com.

END USER: Specialty Saw Inc., (860) 658-4419, www.specialtysaw.com; CHALLENGE: Increase the size of the saws it manufactures and resharpens while reducing turnaround time. SOLUTION: Two saw grinding machines. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Vollmer of America Corp., (412) 278-0655, www.vollmer-us.com

Swiss-style turning can be complicated, so it helps to have an operator's 'tool kit' with multiple solutions.

The benefits of performing tool breakage detection with a noncontact, laser-mounted monitoring system.

Can robots improve your deburring operation?

Every segment of manufacturing faces unique challenges. Tool and die makers, however, seem to endure an outsized number of challenges.

Part manufacturers are examining every aspect of the production process, from cutting tool parameters to workholding methods, to find ways to reduce costs and improve quality. Conversations with metalworking professionals have revealed a heightened awareness of the role that nonmachining changeover time plays in manufacturing costs. Shops know that speeding changeovers can save them money every time they switch a setup or move a part.