Articles

Articles • April 1, 1996 • Christopher Wilkens

EDM Wire Covers All the Angles

With wire EDM, the properties of the wire will have a large impact on the performance of the operation as well as the ease of rethreading. This article discusses the properties that ensure a good spark and reliable performance even when cutting at an angle. Real-world examples are given of users who have improved their operations by changing the type of wire they were using.

Articles • April 1, 1996 • Mike Castner

Modular Moneymakers

Modular toolholding systems save shops money in several ways, according to this article. By making it possible to use the same tools on several machines, for example, a modular toolholding system can allow a shop to reduce its tool inventory. This article explains many other savings in addition to tool inventory reduction.

Articles • March 1, 1996 • Ronald Biagiotti

The Time is Right for Cermets

Cermet inserts have evolved into cutting tools capable of finish-turning steel reliably at high speeds. This article traces the developments that have led to modern cermets and describes the properties that enhance the performance of these tools. The development of coatings for cermets is also covered.

Articles • March 1, 1996 • Brent Lindsey

Turn with the Right Tool

New plunge-and-turn tools make it possible to perform several tasks, such as grooving, turning, back turning and face grooving, with the same tool. This article discusses the design and use of these tools as well as the types of cutoff tools currently on the market. Recommendations for tool selection, speeds and feeds are given for various work materials.

Articles • March 1, 1996 • Thomas Benjamin

Indexed for Success

Indexable-insert drills offer several advantages for producing short holes. This article describes the drills' features, uses and benefits. Tips are provided to help select the optimal tool, insert and machine settings. A trouble-shooting chart is included.

Articles • March 1, 1996 • Louis Caldarera Jr.

Stress Management

High-performance aluminum-alloy workpieces are prone to residual stresses that can lead to part distortion. This article reviews the milling tools and practices that affect these stresses. Some tools and practices alleviate the stress, while others allow the machinist to mill the part without adding more stress.

Articles • March 1, 1996 • Ann Marie Rooke

Saw Change

Blades for contour bandsawing vary in their materials, their tooth set and selection, their width and the way they are welded. This article discusses how each of these variables contributes to the blades' ability to cut intricate shapes without seizing or wearing prematurely. Blade lubrication is also covered.

Articles • February 1, 1996 • Christina Dunlap

Drills Inch Toward Metric

U.S. manufacturers are in a transition period, moving from inch to metric specifications. This article looks at the impact this change is having on the manufacturing and use of drills. The discussion also covers the advantages and disadvantages of going metric and the availability of metric drill sizes in the United States.

Articles • February 1, 1996 • Andrew Johnson

CVD Diamond Inserts Stick

The development of the CVD thick-film diamond process has made it possible to produce tools that can machine abrasive work materials without losing their cutting edge. In this article, the technology for producing the diamond film and the brazing of these thick-film chips onto inserts is described.

Articles • February 1, 1996 • Wolfried Mielert

Coating for Speed

To meet their customers' demands, mold and die shops are milling hardened steels at high speeds. This article discusses the use of coated carbide inserts to handle the heat generated by these operations. Specifically, the article talks about recently developed aluminum-titanium-nitride coatings, which reportedly are much more stable at elevated temperatures than other coatings.

Articles • February 1, 1996 • Kevin Harding

Measuring with Moire

Casting a pattern of light on a part and viewing that pattern at a different angle through a grating with the same pattern creates a moire pattern that can reveal small changes in the part's shape. This article tells how this phenomenon can be used by machine vision systems to measure part dimensions or pinpoint variations from a specified contour.

Articles • February 1, 1996 • John Olsen

A Bend in the Stream

Programming a cut with an abrasive waterjet is complicated by the fact that the stream of water deflects as it passes through the workpiece. This article describes newer controller technology that can adjust the traverse speed to minimize deflection at corners and curves.