Articles

Articles • June 1, 1997 • Michael Hitchiner

CBN Wheels in Peak Condition

CBN grinding wheels offer the promise of higher productivity and longer wheel life, but they must be carefully maintained with dressing routines that differ from routines for standard wheels. This article details the techniques and tools needed to perform CBN wheel dressing effectively and economically.

Articles • June 1, 1997 • Alan Carius

Super Coatings for Superabrasives

While superabrasives in grinding wheels generally perform better than conventional abrasives, the grains also possess characteristics that can lead to unwanted chemical reactions during the wheel manufacturing process or premature pullout during use. This article discusses the ways a coating applied to the grains can reduce or prevent these undesirable side effects. .

Articles • June 1, 1997 • Christina Dunlap

Help Wanted

This article describes the apprenticeship program and other activities that toolmaker Komet of America is pursuing to bring new people into the metalworking industry as machinists. The company has met with some success working with the Tooling & Manufacturing Association and a local high school.

Articles • June 1, 1997 • Werner Morach

Unattended Tool Grinding

A CNC tool grinder connected to an automated loading unit can be programmed to grind tools during a shop's off hours. This article discusses the planning and preparation that are necessary to set up an unattended run.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • Jimmy Sherman

Grading Graphite

This report details the results of a test of graphite electrodes. The test compared the performance and machinability of three graphite grades, ranging from an inexpensive coarse grade to a relatively costly ultrafine grade.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • Patrick Manthey

HSK Leads the Way

HSK toolholders were designed with high-speed machining in mind. This article explains the features of the toolholder that make it perform well in modern machining centers at high spindle rpm. It also discusses the toolholder's handling and maintenance requirements.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • Martin Eastman

Shrink-Fit Toolholding

A toolholder that uses metal's natural thermal expansion and contraction to hold tools does not suffer from many of the drawbacks of other toolholding mechanisms, according to this article. In addition to outlining the benefits of this "shrink-fit" toolholding system, the article also explains the technology and describes how shops have benefited from it.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • John Pfeiffer

Consider the Source

This article discusses the various sources of machining information available, and the body of knowledge on which each type of source bases its recommendations. Emerging sources that make use of such innovative media as the Internet also are discussed.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • Mike Castner

Turning Stainless Made Painless

Stainless steel is one of the more difficult materials to cut. This article discusses the problems that can occur when turning various types of stainless steels, the reasons for these problems and ways to avoid them. Advice is given on diagnosing problems based on tool-wear patterns. The article also suggests ways to correct problems once they are discovered.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • John Whalen

Grinding Your Teeth

CNC bandsaws are designed to run for long periods unattended. This is only possible if the blades used are reliable and long lasting. According to this article, bimetal blades with ground teeth fit the bill. The article describes how these blades are made and what makes them different from conventional blades with milled teeth.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • Martin Eastman

Will Work for Sales

Machine tool builders and distributors are trying to distinguish themselves by selling customers complete turnkey packages that are ready to make good parts from the day they are installed. This article discribes the services being offered and the process that puts a turnkey system on a shop's floor.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • Charlie Carland

2 Spindles Are Better Than 1

Dual-spindle turning centers allow shops to combine several processes into one setup. This article describes a typical dual-spindle turning center's configuration and capabilities. A common scenario is given showing how such a machine might be used to reduce cycle times.