Articles

Articles • March 10, 2017 • Evan Jones Thorne

Hybrid machine tools for moldmakers

The advantages of combining additive manufacturing with finish-machining processes in a single setup are plentiful, from shorter cycle times to the ability to create complex, unlikely geometries. Because of the specific needs of their industry, moldmakers might feel left out. However, a few machine builders are filling this niche-within-a-niche.

Articles • March 9, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

EDM focus turns to throughput, ease of use, automation

The major wire EDM builders are still in competition, of course, but on other playing fields. The latest developments in wire electrical discharge machining focus on throughput, ease of use and automation.

Articles • March 8, 2017 • Kip Hanson

Proper fluid management, filtration keep sumps cleaner

According to those interviewed for this article, most shops wait far longer than they should to clean sumps because the job is such a hassle. Waiting too long, however, creates a host of problems.

Articles • March 7, 2017 • Michael Deren

Machinist’s Corner: Talking safety

When was the last time someone sat your team down and talked about safety? Where I work, we sit down once or twice a year for safety sessions, according to Michael Deren, who writes the Machinist's Corner column for Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Articles • March 6, 2017 • James Harvey

Shop Operations: Odds and ends

James Harvey, Cutting Tool Engineering's Shop Operations columnist, offers some miscellaneous tips and and unusual methods of machining that worked for him—and may help other metalworkers.

Articles • March 3, 2017 • William Leventon

Machine Technology: To extend or not to extend?

When purchasing consumer products, most of us quickly decide to pass on extended warranties. But extended machine tool warranties may merit more careful consideration, according to the Machine Technology column in the March 2017 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Articles • March 2, 2017 • Jim Walsh and Marc Holthuizen

Get With The Program: Maximizing spindle time

CNC machine tools only generate revenue when they are producing good parts. The more good parts they make, the quicker the return on investment for machine tools. To maximize output, the total per-part machining time, including preparation, must be minimized.

Articles • March 1, 2017 • Keith Jennings

Manager’s Desk: Cheap marketing can have an impact

Having worked in manufacturing since 1992, I've learned many things about machine shop marketing and branding from fellow shop owners. Some spend, literally, no money on marketing while others spend a lot. I've also learned what works and what doesn't.

Articles • February 28, 2017 • Kip Hanson

OSHA’s SHARP program for small businesses

OSHA officials have extended an olive branch to small businesses with its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), a partnership with those businesses that take safety seriously and respect the health and well-being of their employees. The program is administered through OSHA Consultation.

Articles • February 27, 2017 • Alan Richter

Culture-changing tools

One of the activities I enjoy most in connection with my job is visiting production facilities, because I get a chance to see how parts and products are made and have face-to-face interactions with talented metalworking professionals—not to mention that it gets me out of the office now and then.

Articles • February 24, 2017 • Holly B. Martin

Reaping the benefits of lights-out machining

At the National Tooling and Machining Association Plant Managers Roundtable, held Feb. 8 in Phoenix, Jeff Estes, director of Partners in THINC at Okuma America Corp., Charlotte, N.C., discussed the advantages and challenges of shop-floor automation.

Articles • February 23, 2017 • Alan Richter

Kennametal CEO’s take on simplifying production

In an interview conducted by CTE Editor Alan Richter, Kennametal Inc. President and CEO Ronald De Feo discusses the past year, the business outlook for Kennametal, Pittsburgh, the cutting tool industry and the company's modernization efforts.