Articles

Articles • July 1, 2016 • James Harvey

More Help for Engineers

In last month's column, I discussed the value of communication between engineers and shop personnel. Here are some additional tips in that vein for engineers:

Articles • July 1, 2016 • Michael Deren

Industry’s Image Issue

The results from a recent SME survey of parents about their views relating to careers in manufacturing showed there is not enough accurate information about the opportunities a manufacturing career offers.

Articles • July 1, 2016 • Alan Richter

A Dual Personality

Numerous factors determine whether a manufacturer is profitable or not. Lately, one of those factors for a U.S. manufacturer is whether it is is focused on the domestic market or pursuing a global approach.

Articles • July 1, 2016 • Michael C. Anderson

An impact-resistant amorphous steel alloy

A team of engineers from several California colleges has developed and tested a type of steel with a record-breaking ability to withstand impacts without permanent deformation. The new alloy, named SAM2X5-630, could be used in applications from drills to body armor to meteor-resistant casings for satellites. The material is an amorphous steel alloy, a subclass of steel alloys made of arrangements of atoms that deviate from steel's classical crystal-like structure, where iron atoms occupy specific locations.

Articles • July 1, 2016 • Michael C. Anderson

A CNC and automation networking system that delivers analytics

Four major players involved in industrial automation are collaborating on the development of a platform that connects CNC machines, robots, peripheral devices and sensors. The purpose of the system is to deliver analytics that optimize manufacturing production.

Articles • July 1, 2016

5 Ways Better

END USER: Wagner Machine Co., (217) 384-0072, www.wagner-machine.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: 5th Axis Inc., (858) 505-0432, www.fifthaxis.com. CHALLENGE: Reliably and cost-effectively grip parts during 5-axis machining. SOLUTION: A compact, dovetail-style, 5-axis clamping system.

Articles • July 1, 2016

Back-edge ramping tech accelerates sawing rate

END USER: Special Quality Alloys Inc., (281) 548-1277, www.sqainc.net. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Industrial Diamond Products Co. Inc., (713) 991-1600, www.idp-tx.com; Simonds Saw, (800) 343-1616, www.simondsint.com. CHALLENGE: Extend bandsaw blade life while reducing cycle times. SOLUTION: Back-edge ramping technology to accelerate the sawing rate.

Articles • June 1, 2016 • Michael C. Anderson

Flying-machine machining

As aerospace materials have evolved, machine shops have had to use new tools and technologies in order to process them. The June 2016 CTE cover story delves into delamination of composites and other workpiece problems that challenge aerospace parts makers.

Articles • June 1, 2016 • Evan Jones Thorne

Airing differences

Around for more than 100 years, air gaging is a mature technology that still has a place in modern shops.

Articles • June 1, 2016 • Kip Hanson

Above and beyond

Value-added services shorten lead times and increase sales opportunities for parts manufacturers. The decision to bring traditionally outsourced services in-house can be an expensive and scary proposition—one with the potential to either transform a company or send it into bankruptcy. Yet that's exactly what many manufacturing companies do, and often they are pleased with the results. That proved true for the four companies profiled in the following pages.

Articles • June 1, 2016 • Jeffrey A. Badger, Ph.D.

Cam-grinding options

Ask the Grinding Doc Columnist Jeffrey Badger, Ph.D., responds to a question about the difference between "constant rpm" and "constant metal-removal rate" when it comes to grinding cams.

Articles • June 1, 2016 • Keith Jennings

Transactional or strategic?

We're getting lots of random requests for machined parts, and that segment of our business remains busy. One recent example was a business acquaintance of mine who contacted our shop requesting machining work. I had not seen him in a while and wasn't up to date with his professional activities, but his parts request made it clear he was still freelancing some adventurous projects.