Articles & Columns

A tool clamp that permits optimal coolant delivery on Swiss-style machines.

In 2013, the U.S. passed Russia as the world's leading producer of oil and gas and became a net oil exporter for the first time in decades -- all thanks to shale.

Cutting Tool Engineering's Ask the Grinding Doc columnist, Dr. Jeffrey Badger, advises a shop hoping to avoid grinding burn.

Analyzing the options for internal threading allows part makers to efficiently and cost-effectively produce high-quality threaded holes. Read on for the pros and cons of four key methods of machining internal threads in parts.

Laser technology has taken hold in the moldmaking industry, offering new possibilities for fabrication, detailing, maintenance and repair.

Chicago wins bid to host digital manufacturing institute.

Effectively directing high-pressure coolant to the cutting zone enhances machinability and extends tool life when cutting heat-resistant superalloys, such as when making parts for the energy industry.

Shop growth is much easier when your credit is solid, even with slight profitability, suggests Keith Jennings in his Manager's Desk column for the April 2014 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

The steel comes in late, she shop is overloaded, due dates are regularly missed and the last quote was blown because no one has a clue about actual operating costs. These are just a few of the daily problems encountered by shops that manage their businesses through Excel spreadsheets and low-cost accounting software. There is a better way.

If your shop is looking for a low-cost, simple and effective way to reduce setup time, consider zero-point clamping.

Omega Manufacturing specializes in challenging wire EDM work, but also offers one-stop parts manufacturing.

Adaptive control helps CNC machines produce more parts.

A unique collet-and-cartridge workholding system for machining small parts.

When possible, manufacturers should avoid applying custom cutting tools because they typically cost more than standard catalog items and can be used only for a single purpose. In addition, it is difficult to substitute other tools in place of a special when it is out of stock, and lead times for new custom tools can be long.

Spindle designers deal with lubrication and heat problems in three common ways: chilled oil, oil mist and air/oil injection.

Metal-injection molding has arrived as a way to manufacture small, complex parts.

Presented here is the second part of the Manager's Desk column about Web-based marketing. The first part appeared in the February issue.

It's 6 a.m. and the wind chill is -45° F. As I watch you get ready for work, your gait is a little slower these days, and I have to talk a little louder because your hearing is not as good after being around loud machinery for more than 30 years. After you go, I settle down with my tea and peruse your latest CTE column. I always try to read them, because you discuss your career, the places you've gone and the marvels you've seen. I come across the line, “I can't wait to get to work each day.”

The well-established concept of radial chip thinning (RCT) provides compelling productivity-enhancing benefits, but is still not widely applied.

Reduce equipment uptime and improve productivity when friction welding cutting tool shanks to heads. Replacing an old friction welding machine with a refurbished one.