Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing

END USER: Special Quality Alloys Inc., (281) 548-1277, www.sqainc.net. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Industrial Diamond Products Co. Inc., (713) 991-1600, www.idp-tx.com; Simonds Saw, (800) 343-1616, www.simondsint.com. CHALLENGE: Extend bandsaw blade life while reducing cycle times. SOLUTION: Back-edge ramping technology to accelerate the sawing rate.

The array of configurations is vast, but angle heads typically serve a common function: eliminate having to perform a separate operation to access a part feature when thenworkpiece can't be indexed.

The Look Ahead department in the October issue of Cutting Tool Engineering features a high-speed spindle that reduces natural vibrations.

A unique collet-and-cartridge workholding system for machining small parts.

A collection of workholding products compiled by the editors of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Significant progress in metalworking productivity most often results from the combined efforts of toolmakers, machine tool builders and software developers. Plunge, or Z-axis, milling is a good example.

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. Jeffrey Badger, the host of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine's Grinding Doc Video Series, responds in the 20th episode of the video series.

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. Shops know that speeding changeovers can save them money every time they switch a setup or move a part.

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.