Light touch
Laser technology allows for precise, noncontact marking of thin, brittle or otherwise delicate parts without compromising part integrity.
Author
Evan Jones Thorne
Evan Jones Thorne, who served as associate editor of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine through February 2017, holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communications from Northern Illinois University. Evan joined Cutting Tool Engineering in October 2013.
Associate Editor
Phone: 847-714-0182
Stabilizing, monitoring air helps ensure part measurement accuracy
As children, we likely all learned the hard way that drastic temperature changes cause objects to change size—whether it was leaving a soda in the freezer too long to get it cold or breaking your turtle's terrarium by cleaning it with hot water after it had been resting on the cold ground (sorry, Mom and Dad!). However, in the realm of precision measurement, even minute differences in atmospheric conditions can have huge impacts—to the point that parts manufactured within spec can fail inspection and be needlessly reworked or even scrapped.
Safe strategies
Machine shops can be dangerous places, but a combination of planning, housekeeping and the proper safety equipment reduces the risk of injuries, audits and lost time.
Light it up
Solid-state LED lighting in machine tools allows for increased visibility, reduced downtime and lower power consumption.
Hold fast
High-speed machining is an amorphous term, but can generally mean anything from 10,000 rpm to, at least theoretically, 500,000 rpm or higher. At high speeds, even the slightest toolholder movement or runout can drastically reduce tool life, spindle life, surface finish and part quality.
A Clean Break
Parting off presents challenges, but paying attention to the basics makes it a lot easier.
Fresh face of manufacturing
The Talking Shop column this month offers a conversation with a fresh "face of manufacturing."
Coolants for challenging cuts
Coolants and lubricants for challenging cuts.
Professional profiles
When grinding complex cutting tool profiles, attention should be paid to the software, the wheel and the tool blank for best results.
Mind your modules
Modular automation increases productivity and flexibility at a lower price point than custom solutions.
Setting the table
Table-type horizontal boring mills add versatility to machine shops.
Right tool makes deep holes easier to drill
Deep holes can be difficult to define, but knowing the right tool for the job makes them easier to drill.