Turning

The author offers tips about making interrupted cuts while turning. He also discusses the differences between interrupted cuts in turning and milling and various types of materials.

Author describes applications for the two basic types of ceramic turning inserts–alumina and silicon nitride–as well as the types of parts and materials users have turned with them. Specifics about speeds, feeds and DOCs are given.

A shop supervisor and education manager recount the evolution of a job that didn't proceed exactly as planned. Because the powder-metal part was harder and its as-pressed dimensions were not as accurate as originally expected, adjustments and improvisations were needed to produce the finished parts as quickly and as cheaply as quoted.

This article compares hard turning to grinding for finishing hardened steel parts and discusses which operation would be more appropriate for various situations. The article also looks at the machine tool, insert and cutting parameters required during hard turning.

New plunge-and-turn tools make it possible to perform several tasks, such as grooving, turning, back turning and face grooving, with the same tool. This article discusses the design and use of these tools as well as the types of cutoff tools currently on the market. Recommendations for tool selection, speeds and feeds are given for various work materials.

Stainless steel is one of the more difficult materials to cut. This article discusses the problems that can occur when turning various types of stainless steels, the reasons for these problems and ways to avoid them. Advice is given on diagnosing problems based on tool-wear patterns. The article also suggests ways to correct problems once they are discovered.

Author describes what he's learned about turning hardened steel. Discussed are the machine tools needed as well as PCBN and ceramic inserts.

Mill/turn lathes and multitask machines continue to cut a broad swath across the manufacturing landscape.