Machines/Accessories/Controls

Machinist's Corner column in the October 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine suggests that now is the time to tap into unallocated company funds.

Quantifying machine tool error motions in this month's Machine Technology column by Dr. Scott Smith of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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

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

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

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

Manufacturers are using unattended horizontal machining cells to improve productivity and quality.

END USER: Kline Oilfield Equipment Inc., (918) 445-0588, www.klinetools.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce cycle time and extend tool life when machining 718 Inconel. SOLUTION: An AlTiN-coated, general-purpose endmill and CAM software that generates efficient toolpaths. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: IMCO Carbide Tool Inc., (800) 765-4626, www.imcousa.com; SolidCAM Inc., (866) 975-1115, www.solidcam.com.

Bar feeders, once known as slow and inefficient ‘rattle tubes,' are now high-speed, automated units.

Robust and stiff often come to mind when considering the characteristics that make for a productive milling machine. However, Juanjo Zulaika, a researcher at the applied-research center Tecnalia Research & Innovation, thought otherwise and developed a “softer” milling machine with reduced weight and stiffness. That's achieved while increasing productivity.