A Cut Above: Drilling Performance
Toolmakers are constantly introducing advancements to improve the metalcutting process.
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X-Treme Machinists: Supply Chain & Logistics
The latest generation to enter the workforce comes to the shop floor with a different set of skills and experiences than their predecessors.
Supplier in Demand: CMM Inspection
This article describes how one aerospace manufacturer boosted production capacity by partnering with a supplier, which began machining parts formerly made in-house.
Get it Straight
Spot drilling is a time-consuming process, but sometimes it is necessary to prevent drill walk. This article describes the reasons for spot drilling and the economic impact of adding the operation to a job. It also explains why a spot drill is a better choice for the operation than a center drill.
Internal Decision: General Industry Coverage
Tapping and thread milling can both produce internal threads in a variety of sizes, pitches and materials.
Putting Fluids to the Test
A machining research institute describes the testing method it developed to quantify and compare the performance of metalworking fluids.
Freer Thinking: Medical Manufacturing
This article describes a self-contained micromachining center. The unit uses PC-based controls and a video system to machine small parts with precision, while giving the machinist a magnified view for setup and prototyping.
Ready, Preset, Go
This article reviews the basics of coordinate systems and machine programming as a basis for presetting tools. The process for setting tool offsets is described with an explanation of the G-codes involved. In an accompanying article, the author tells how his company built its own presetter.
Hone Improvement: Inspection Efficiency
This article describes reconditioning tools through hand honing, a process that can help a tool produce 20 percent more parts. In explaining the art of hand honing, the author reviews the hone materials and honing techniques to be used.
Desktop Machining
Machinists can now find machining simulators on the Web that can tell them what the results will be for a given set of conditions as well as what set of conditions will produce the results they are looking for. This article describes these simulators and the research consortium that developed them.
Back Off: Drilling Performance
A tool design supervisor makes a case for cautious machining. This article explains how, by extending tool life, less aggressive speeds and feeds can lead to greater economy than a shortened cycle time will yield. Tips for monitoring and recording tool data are also given.
Standard Issues: Safety, Standards & Compliance
The article looks at concerns being raised over ISO's plans to revise quality standards. An accompanying article discusses a Web site that strongly opposes the announced changes.
