Feature Article

Articles • December 1, 2000 • Jeffrey A. Badger, Ph.D.

Burn Awareness

Grinding burn is a general term used to describe various types of thermal damage that occur to the workpiece during grinding. The author supplies detailed information about each type of burn and offers advice for preventing it

Articles • December 1, 2000 • Walter Ammerman Jr.

A Tight Fit

Part I: The author discusses how to maintain and repair machine tool spindles and what causes spindles to run out of round. Common sources of out-of-round spindles include loose bearings and improperly ground spacers. In-machine spindle repair is also discussed. Part II: There are three common ways to repair tapered toolholders: regrinding, replacing damaged material and chrome-plating. The author discusses each, along with its price, and gives advice about choosing an option.

Articles • October 1, 2000 • Bud Guitrau

Sparking Innovations

The author discusses three recent advancements in electrical discharge machining: the use of linear motors on EDMs, wire EDMs with an automatic slug-removal capability and dielectric fluid additives that yield finer part finishes.

Articles • October 1, 2000 • Jody Romanowski

Can We Talk?

DNC can mean either Direct Numeric Control or Distributed Numeric Control. Either way, a DNC links a shop's computers and machine tools and saves times. A DNC eliminates manual transcription of NC data, the downtime caused by shop personnel having to make programming entries and transporting part programs between engineering and their machines.

Articles • September 1, 2000 • Alan Richter

Squeeze Play

The use of shrink-fit toolholders continues to grow, mainly because, compared to conventional holders, they secure tools more tightly and extend the life of cutting tools. Article includes an overview of available systems and comments from users of shrink-fit holders.

Articles • September 1, 2000 • Frank Mullett

Sizing Up Nickel

Due to the exceptional strength of IN 100, INCO 718 and other nickel-based alloys, they're difficult to machine. The author, who spent 40 years endmilling these aerospace materials, discusses their unique characteristics and methods for successfully machining them.

Articles • September 1, 2000 • Ben Mund

Software Aware

The author provides guidelines shops can follow when selecting a PC-based CAD/CAM system. Selection guidelines include: CAD functionality, CAM functionality, NC code output, vendor evaluation and hardware selection.

Articles • September 1, 2000 • Kimberly R. Pontius

Coolant Stewards

Metalworking companies have a "cradle-to-grave" responsibility for the fluids they use. Improper disposal can lead to costly fines. Article discusses the ramifications of improper disposal and how to develop a plan to constantly improve the condition of a shop's metalworking fluid.

Articles • August 1, 2000 • Scott Ashworth

The Three R’s: Retrofit, Rebuild and Remanufacture

Author explains the different ways to upgrade a used machine tool. He also discusses what users should expect from the company that performs the retrofit, rebuild or remanufacturing job and how long the job should take.

Articles • August 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Raising the CNC Technology Bar

Overview of the new machine tool technologies introduced at IMTS 2000. Among them are linear motors for axes travels, ballscrew chillers, a new way to lubricate linear guideways and controlling machining processes via the Internet.

Articles • August 1, 2000 • Brian Cline

Sparkling Performance

Author discusses the advantages of CVD-diamond tools compared to other types of diamond tools. He also explains how CVD-diamond tools are manufactured and gives case histories involving their usage.

Articles • August 1, 2000 • John Sockman

Clean Sweep

Equipping toolchangers with nylon abrasive-filament brushes can greatly enhance process economics and the flow of parts. Case histories of in-machine deburring operations support these contentions, and the author describes how such systems should work.