Articles

Articles • March 1, 1998 • Karl Katbi

Top-Form Geometry

This article makes the argument that an insert is really a system made up of a combination of factors. The focus of the article is on one of these factors: the top-form geometry, which has evolved from the chipbreaker designs used primarily on turning inserts. The roles these geometries play and the selection process for choosing the right geometry are explained.

Articles • March 1, 1998 • Tim Malone

Harder, Faster

The growing use of difficult-to-machine materials has driven the metalcutting industry to high-performance tools. This article reviews the trends that are behind most cutting tool research today, and it looks at the state-of-the art results of that research.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • Michael Weiner

Good News About Eta Phase

The presence of an eta phase between a coating and the substrate is generally considered harmful to coating adhesion. However, this article argues that when the formation of the eta phase is carefully controlled, it can actually enhance adhesion. The conditions that promote the formation of beneficial eta phase are explained.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • Christer Larsson

Optimizing Deep-Hole Drilling

Drilling with a single- or double-tube system might be the most efficient way to drill deep holes in some applications. This article, which describes the tools and the process, says tubular drilling can pay for itself in higher productivity, thriftier manufacturing and tighter tolerances.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • S. Chatterjee

What Makes Diamond Coatings Work?

Researchers studying the performance of diamond coatings have found a number of factors of the coating process that determine the ultimate success of the coating. This article looks at factors such as substrate preparation, stresses in the coating and substrate and the diamond coating's formation patterns.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • John Earnhardt

Hot Properties

The benefits of TiN and TiCN coatings are list in high-temperature applications such as the machining of exotic metals. TiAlN coatings, on the other hand, perform better at higher temperatures. This article describes the properties of TiAlN that make it the coating to use with high-temperature work. The article also reviews specific applications where shops have used TiAlN to increase tool life and productivity.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • Jeff Fox

Stop Drill Breakage

Several factors influence the effectiveness of a drilling operation. This article looks at a number of them, including coolant delivery, speeds and feeds, and tool selection.

Articles • December 1, 1997 • Nancy Narbut

Grinding With Segments

For applications that call for heavy stock removal and large areas of contact between the part and wheel, shops mount segmented grinding wheels in their vertical-spindle surface grinders. This article discusses the difference between grinding with segmented abrasives and grinding with standard wheels. Among the topics it covers are abrasive selection and performance testing.

Articles • December 1, 1997 • William Sluhan

Itching for a Solution

This article reviews the causes of skin irritation suffered by some shop workers, with special attention paid to skin conditions that result from poorly maintained metalcutting fluids. The article also discusses the factors that can aggravate skin problems and suggests ways that workers can protect themselves from skin irritants.

Articles • December 1, 1997 • Steve Pike

Absolute Zero

When digital calipers that did not have to be zeroed before each measurement were introduced, they represented a significant advancement in electronic gaging. This article explains the technology behind these absolute-reading instruments and how they are used to make typical shop-floor measurements.

Articles • December 1, 1997 • Dennis Myers

Buyer Beware

This article warns against the dangers in recent manufacturing supply trends. According to the author, both outsourcing and integrated-supply programs can have seriously detrimental effects on productivity and innovation. In this article, he explains the reasoning behind his views.

Articles • October 1, 1997 • Dann Rypka

Getting a Grip on Productivity

This article guides the reader through the many decisions that must be made when selecting and installing a hydraulic workholding system. Basic hydraulic system design principles and maintenance also are discussed.