Alan Richter

News • November 11, 2019 • Alan Richter

Considerations when implementing a manufacturing software system

When parts manufacturers enter the world of Industry 4.0, in which their operations are data driven, they will need production control software, such as a program for enterprise resource planning or materials requirement planning. In his new book "How to Implement a Manufacturing System," Martin Bailey covers the best practices and pitfalls when implementing an MRP/ERP system.

News • November 5, 2019 • Alan Richter

Book targets oil and gas industry

Although the book doesn't cover machining parts, "Blowout" by Rachel Maddow, host of "The Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC, does examine an industry that's a major consumer of precision machined parts—oil and gas.

News • October 14, 2019 • Alan Richter

Book covers basic benchwork

Although the title of a book I received a digital review copy of is "Basic Benchwork for Home Machinists," it contains information that even metalworking professionals might implement on the shop floor or at least enjoy reading.

News • October 11, 2019 • Alan Richter

Automation and 5-axis machining on display at WIMTS

As manufacturers continue to be challenged by a shortage of skilled workers and the need to boost productivity, automation remains a topic of significant interest. That was certainly the case at the Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show. The biennial trade show took place Oct. 8-10 at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin.

News • October 10, 2019 • Alan Richter

New metalworking book guides the way

After a bit of a hiatus, I received a new book about metalworking, "Essential Guide to Metals and Manufacturing" by Krishan Katyal. The author is a mechanical engineer who has worked for four decades designing and manufacturing machine tools, consumer appliances, diesel-electric locomotives and heavy concrete construction products for Chicago area companies.

Articles • October 2, 2019 • Alan Richter

Heat treating in-house

Buying a furnace or an oven to heat treat parts offers advantages compared with outsourcing.

News • October 2, 2019 • Alan Richter

Hard milling and 5-axis machining at MC Machinery open house

MC Machinery Systems is known as a supplier of Mitsubishi EDMs and laser machines, and Mitsubishi EDM/Laser is prominently displayed on the company's headquarters in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, but several seminars focused on hard milling and 5-axis machining were presented during its EDM National open house. The event took place Sept. 26.

News • October 2, 2019 • Alan Richter

The combination of building and removing material

As additive manufacturing and 3D printing of metal parts continues to make inroads into production environments, the need to efficiently and effectively finish-machine them when typically required gains importance.

Articles • September 5, 2019 • Alan Richter

Easing the grind

Having a tool and cutter grinder in a machine shop provides multiple advantages.

Articles • September 4, 2019 • Alan Richter

Grinding gets smart

A builder of grinding machines is adding digital services to improve product performance.

Articles • August 8, 2019 • Alan Richter

Working hard to avoid workhardening

Thread milling nickel-base superalloys requires minimizing workhardening.

Articles • July 10, 2019 • Alan Richter

Additive approach to machining Ti6Al4V

Tool blanks are printed to make cutters to machine titanium.