Articles

Articles • April 1, 2008 • Alan Richter

Top Tools

There are five tool tips for moldmakers for speeding up production and aiding in highly repeatable, precision machining. Included are deep-hole drills to avoid pecking, high-feed cutters, tools for reducing EDMing, high-precision cutters and PCBN cutting tools.

Articles • April 1, 2008

Now Hear This

Grinding machine operators are able to listen to the processes via acoustic emission (AE) monitoring systems and use the information to shorten cycle times and minimize wheel loss from dressing. But, AE sensors need to be positioned to deal with interfering background noise.

Articles • April 1, 2008 • Dave Nelson

Small Bars, Big Results

Using mini and micro boring bars effectively in Swiss-style machines requires machine shops to know the types of available bars and the ways to strengthen their cutting edges, reduce pressures on the tools and position them for the most efficient cutting.

Articles • April 1, 2008

Staying Sharp

Staying Sharp, Manager's Desk, Back to Basics, Machine Technology, Shop Operations, Part Time, Ask the Grinding Doc

Articles • March 1, 2008 • Bill Kennedy

Keeping It Together

Machine shops and other companies discuss the workpiece materials, machine tools and metalcutting processes needed to make the fasteners that keep aircraft and spacecraft together.

Articles • March 1, 2008 • Edmund Isakov, Ph.D.

Hard Tools for a Fine Finish

Superhard finishing tools may benefit machined parts via finer surface finishes, greater wear resistance and harder, stronger microstructures. Also, some of the tools can last longer than their conventional counterparts.

Articles • March 1, 2008 • Alan Richter

Tool Spray

With through-tool minimum-quantity lubrication, machine shops may be able to decrease coolant costs and increase productivity and part quality. But, they have to invest in equipment and tooling to achieve those results.

Articles • March 1, 2008

Chuck Checkout

Gripping power, friction and hysteresis are important factors in selecting a 3-jaw chuck to maximize a CNC lathe's accuracy and horsepower.

Articles • March 1, 2008 • Joseph Hazelton

Safeguarding Spindles

Parts manufacturers can keep chips flying and maintain part accuracy by protecting their spindles against misuse, thermal expansion, collisions and penetration by coolant and metallic dust.

Articles • March 1, 2008 • Bill Kennedy

Youth Must Be Served

Companies work to interest youths in manufacturing through outreach efforts and partnerships with schools to offer courses that lead to college degrees in manufacturing.

Articles • March 1, 2008 • Markus Heuwinkel

High-Flying Parts

To increase productivity, the aerospace industry should consider different tool materials for faster cutting speeds, tool coatings for reduced wear, and machine tools for quicker cycle times.

Articles • February 1, 2008 • Joseph Hazelton

Working Software Hard

Features in CAM software that save programming time.