Machining

Apply modern manufacturing methods to grow a custom motorcycle business. Automate production and improve part quality and machining efficiency with a CNC machine tool and CAM software.

Take a Gemba walk. If you're not familiar with what a Gemba walk is, let me fill you in.

Many trends affect the metalworking industry, including customer demands for the best quality, lowest cost and shortest delivery time. Design concepts for modular machine tools can address these expectations through general-function modules that can be combined to meet job requirements while reducing costs and lead times.

What possesses a new job shop to buy a $1 million, twin-spindle machining center when even the smallest purchases are subject to debate? At Jersey Elite Manufacturing (JEM), Rockaway, N.J., the answer is experience and detailed analysis, because sometimes a seemingly extravagant investment is the smartest move.

Increase wire EDM capacity and cutting speed. Replace two old, technologically obsolete wire EDMs with two new ones.

While machine tool CNCs continue to evolve, one development expands that process beyond what a control typically represents. Mazak's Smooth Technology is a complete process-performance technology platform that spans the part production landscape from programming and setup to metal-removal operations to automation to data collection, monitoring and transfer.

Shafts and tubes are straightened using the same flame straightening techniques used for plates. An easy way to straighten a shaft is in V-blocks or, better yet, mounted between centers in a lathe using piped coolant.

Reduce the time to rough bore bearing pockets. Twin roughing heads.

Reduce workload on Swiss-style and mill/turn machines. A machine tool that bridges the gap between Swiss-style and multitask machines.

Quest for cutting tool knowledge leads Machinist's Corner Columnist Michael Deren to attend cutting tool seminars provided by Sumitomo Electric Carbide Manufacturing Inc., New Berlin, Wis.