Dennis Esford

Articles • August 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Raising the CNC Technology Bar

Overview of the new machine tool technologies introduced at IMTS 2000. Among them are linear motors for axes travels, ballscrew chillers, a new way to lubricate linear guideways and controlling machining processes via the Internet.

Articles • July 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Ceramics Take a Turn

Author describes applications for the two basic types of ceramic turning inserts–alumina and silicon nitride–as well as the types of parts and materials users have turned with them. Specifics about speeds, feeds and DOCs are given.

Articles • April 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Added Dimensions

A rotary table allows a 3-axis vertical machining center to machine in the n4th and 5th axes. The author explains the different types of rotary tables nthat are available and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Articles • March 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Software Solutions

Tool management software is designed to help users of cutting tools get more control of their toolcribs. The article describes the types of tool management software available, the savings possible by utilizing software and includes comments from shop owners who've installed these systems.

Articles • March 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Creeping Up

Creep-feed grinding is not as popular a process as it was predicted to become in the late 1980s. But a machine shop that specializes in CF grinding has found great success by using the process. The shop's owner and other CF-grinding experts contend that as workpiece tolerances become tighter and manufacturers begin using more exotic workpiece materials, CF grinding will grow in popularity.

Articles • January 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Thread Heads

Three companies that tap millions of holes annually offer advice for improving the tapping of steel and aluminum. Discussed is coolant application, equipment for tapping and determining speeds. There's also a sidebar on thread milling.

Articles • December 1, 1999 • Dennis Esford

Fired Up

The manufacturer of the most widely used fire-hose nozzle has continually upgraded its processes and equipment to meet its customers' needs. This article outlines the market forces and changes to its nozzle design that have driven the company to maintain a state-of-the-art shop.

Articles • October 1, 1999 • Dennis Esford

Tough Bores

This article relates how three shops used creative ideas to solve difficult boring problems. One shop built a custom tool to bore deep holes. Another used a combination of standard tools to bore an interrupted cut. And a third achieved tight tolerances with an assortment of plastic sleeves and plugs.

Articles • August 1, 1999 • Dennis Esford

Internal Decision

Tapping and thread milling can both produce internal threads in a variety of sizes, pitches and materials. This article discusses the factors that will dictate which process makes the most sense for a given job.nn