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All Together Now

06/01/1998
Author:
Martin Eastman
This article looks at the close partnership forged between a toolmaker and a machine tool manufacturer. The alliance requires the two to share detailed information about proposed products as well as the customers each is working with. Such cooperation has made it possible to develop several new products and processes.
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Manual Mills Get CNC Makeovers

09/01/1998
Author:
Mike Yates
A manual milling machine can be retrofitted with a CNC system for about one-fourth the cost of a brand new CNC machine. This article discusses the pros and cons of retrofitting and provides guidance to determine when retrofitting is the most appropriate solution.
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Opening the Door to Greater Control

09/01/1998
Author:
Robert Eade
This article charts the gradual move by CNC manufacturers from proprietary hardware-based machine controllers to open, software-based systems. The article also reviews recently developed controllers that represent steps in the direction of totally open controls.
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Open Minded

09/01/1999
Author:
Kip Hanson
Open controls allow users to integrate commercially available hardware and software with machine tool CNCs. This article reviews how different CNC makers have designed systems that incorporate or connect with PC-based products to offer this level of flexibility. Accompanying Articles describe one shop’s experience with open architecture and list the skills needed to operate these new systems.
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Lessons Learned

10/01/1999
Author:
Michael Gugger
A project engineer recounts his experiences planning for, installing and setting up a new CNC vertical milling center. Among the issues he explores are the questions that must be answered before the machine arrives, selecting or designing tools and fixtures for the new machine and preparing workers for the change.
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CNC technology takes motion control, production data to cloud to drive digital factory capabilities

Sascha Fischer, machine tool business manager at Siemens Industry Inc., discusses how CNC technology can take motion control and production data to the cloud to drive digital factory capabilities. Connecting production equipment to data networks promises increased uptime, process optimization and predictive maintenance. Most shops already have the key building block to start: the CNC that manages machine tools.