Articles & Columns

Swiss Automation's success is based on machining complex parts quickly, accurately and consistently.

A hydraulic expansion toolholder that can be adjusted to have zero runout accuracy.

END USER: Southwest Greene International Inc., (760) 639-4960, www.greenegroup.com. CHALLENGE: Effectively measure small, complex medical parts.SOLUTION: A measurement system that combines vision and touch-probe inspection. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Hexagon Metrology Inc., (800) 274-9433, www.hexagonmetrology.us.

END USER: Thortex Inc., (503) 654-5726, www.thortexinc.com. CHALLENGE: Maximize tool life and reliability when threading cobalt chrome. SOLUTION: Replace solid-carbide taps with high-performance thread mills. SOLUTION PROVIDER: OSG Tap & Die Inc., (800) 837-2223, www.osgtool.com.

Multiple-operation cylindrical grinding machines enable shops to complete parts in a single setup.

Measuring or modeling the natural frequencies and mode shapes is a useful step in avoiding or eliminating vibration problems.

Strategic approaches maximize utilization when multitask machining.

Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings offers some guidance for effectively screening new projects in the January 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

END USER: Acumed LLC, (888) 627-9957, www.acumed.net. CHALLENGE: Accurately direct high-pressure coolant on Swiss-style machines to control chips when turning. SOLUTION: A Swiss-style insert holder with high-pressure, through-coolant capability. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Streamliner & Associates Inc., (814) 440-1548, www.streamlinertools.com

END USER: A large aerospace manufacturer. CHALLENGE: Avoid buying a new machine by retaining use of a 25-year-old lathe. SOLUTION: Rebuild the lathe and retrofit it with a new control. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Infinity Rebuild Inc., (704) 588-4995, www.infinityrebuild.com

Shop Operations columnist, Tom Lipton, discusses the issue of safety when workers transport sheet metal in the January 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

A guide to converting from conventional to superabrasives in double-disc grinding.

Michael Deren covers the benefits of attending regional trade shows in his January 2012 Machinist's Corner column for Cutting Tool Engineering.

A shop combines two machines to efficiently produce a gas hose seal.

The Get With The Program column in the January 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering addresses how software can simulate and optimize multitask machines.

Knowledge of the different facets of sawing can make the process more productive.

Alan Richter takes a Look Ahead at an automated part-to-CAD verification system for a digital optical comparator.

Alan Richter takes a Look Ahead at a new solid-carbide drill dedicated for steel applications.

Bridging the gap between academic and shop floor grinding knowledge.

The Machine Technology column for the January 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering focuses on developing an understanding of the role of drawbar force.