Articles

Articles • September 1, 2009

Can-do coolant strategies

With the cost of high-performance coolants on the rise, coolant management is more important than ever. It starts by getting the basics right.

Articles • September 1, 2009 • Alan Richter

Bending the rules

Because high-speed steel inserts can bend without breaking, they are an effective choice for select applications.

Articles • September 1, 2009

Wear and peace

Understanding tool wear is the first step to extending tool life—which can be further enhanced with new coating technology.

Articles • September 1, 2009 • Keith Jennings

Effective management needed

Machinist's Corner September 2009 column

Articles • September 1, 2009 • Michael Deren

Tough times need not be painful

You can find out that times are tough by reading the newspaper but it really hits home when your company downsizes you. That was recently the case for me and about 30 others at the company I worked for.

Articles • September 1, 2009 • Dr. Scott Smith

Three rules for cutting thin parts

In recent years, monolithic machined aluminum components have been replacing sheet metal assemblies throughout the aerospace industry. The monolithic structures are lighter, less expensive and stronger than their conventional sheet metal counterparts. Machining the components requires fewer special tools, fewer hand operations and less assembly time.

Articles • September 1, 2009 • Frank Marlow, P.E.

A milling tools overview

An array of milling tools is available, including endmills, facemills and plain mills. Typical milling applications include facing, filleting or edge cutting, profiling, slotting, pocketing and blind slotting.

Articles • September 1, 2009 • Bill Kennedy

Match the process to the part

There's more than one way to machine a part. The trick is to match the part's complexity and volume requirements with an optimal production process.

Articles • September 1, 2009 • Ben Mund

Toolpathing your lawn

What does CAM software have to do with mowing your lawn? More than you might think. Consider this imaginary story in which a machine shop owner tackles that bane of suburban life.

Articles • August 1, 2009 • Daniel McCann

Laws of attraction

U.S. companies that adopt electromagnetic workholders heartily endorse the technology.

Articles • August 1, 2009 • Dave Nelson

High anxiety

Understanding tool geometry and selecting the right tap for different workpiece materials can help take the anxiety out of tapping operations.

Articles • August 1, 2009 • Dr. LaRoux K. Gillespie

Hit it again, harder

When finishing parts, shops may want to hit them with their best shot. Shot peening can produce longer part life.