Construction & Heavy Equipment

Many manufacturers apply finishes such as black oxide, metal plating, adhesives and sealants to their parts. One key question is whether to apply those finishes in-house or outsource the operation. For many shops, the decision is based on part volume, cost of capital and practical considerations.

Very deep, complex holes are becoming increasingly challenging to machine as hole tolerances become tighter and surface finish requirements get finer.

A shop grinding tungsten carbide with a resin-bonded diamond wheel asked the Grinding Doc about the difference between two conditioning sticks purchased from two differrent suppliers. With one stick the shop can do a lot more parts between stickings. Why is this? Dr.

Part manufacturers are examining every aspect of the production process, from cutting tool parameters to workholding methods, to find ways to reduce costs and improve quality. Conversations with metalworking professionals have revealed a heightened awareness of the role that nonmachining changeover time plays in manufacturing costs.

Machine Technology column by Dr. Scott Smith.

A growing number of machine shops are switching from gundrills to solid-carbide drills for deep-hole applications.

Quality Industries Inc. has always been quick to react to new trends by reinventing itself.

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By fostering creativity and teamwork among its equipment suppliers, an auto parts maker creates cost-effective automation technology.

In the past, tool resharpening got a bit of a bum rap: It was better, perhaps, than throwing the tools away, but the resharpened tools weren't likely to achieve the same longevity as new ones. Today, resharpened tools can often achieve the same lifespan as new ones, and resharpeners can improve their customers' tool usage in other ways as well.

New equipment allows deposition of hard and tough nanocomposite tool coatings.

Application-specific PCBN grades enhance metalcutting operations.