Machining

END USER: ZPS-Frézovací Nástroje a.s., +420-576-777-510, www.zps-fn.com. CHALLENGE: Increase capacity when producing milling cutters. SOLUTION: A two-spindle, automated, high-speed grinder. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Erwin Junker Machinery Inc., (847) 488-0406, www.junker-usa.com

Shop Operations columnist Tom Lipton shares a few tricks for cutting threads on a manual lathe.

END USER: 80/20 Inc., (260) 248-8030, www.8020.net. CHALLENGE: Overcoming limitations of older machine tools that could each only perform one step when making a part. SOLUTION: New CNC machine tools with more capabilities and flexibility. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Haas Automation Inc., (800) 331-6746, www.haascnc.com

END USER: PDQ Corp., (860) 529-9051, www.pdqcorp.com. CHALLENGE: Find a more efficient method for machining complex, tight-tolerance parts primarily for the aerospace industry. SOLUTION: Two 6-axis mill/turn machine tools. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Eurotech, (352) 799-5223, www.eurotechelite.com

END USER: Evolution Gun Works Inc., (215) 538-1012, www.egwguns.com. CHALLENGE: Boost productivity when machining gun parts. SOLUTION: A high-performance endmill. SOLUTION PROVIDER: SGS Tool Co., (330) 688-6667, www.sgstool.com

Shop Operations columnist Tom Lipton writes about cutting multiple-start threads on a manual lathe in the September 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Machinist's Corner columnist Michael Deren observes the importance of speaking with the people working in the area of the assembly line that has been targeted for improvement.

END USER: Whirlpool Corp., (269) 923-5000, www.whirlpool.com. CHALLENGE: Eliminate damage to toolchanger arms on vertical machining centers when replacing a step tool that exceeded the weight capacity. SOLUTION: A lighter, module-style, combination cutting tool. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Mapal Inc., (810) 364-8020, www.mapal.us.

How many times does a project break down just from trying achieve perfection? Machinist's Corner columnist Michael Deren urges readers not to let perfect trump better.

END USER: David Buchberger, (585) 208-7382, www.hispeedcorp.com. CHALLENGE: Efficiently machine lightweight components for an “extreme” racecar. SOLUTION: High-performance cutting tools, including a drill and endmill. SOLUTION PROVIDER: WIDIA Products Group and Services, (724) 539-5000, www.widia.com