Feature Article

Articles • April 1, 1999 • R. Dean Brink

Continual Improvement

With innovations in technology, EDM has found its place as a reasonable alternative to other precision machining operations. This article reviews five recent developments: the introduction of a new electrode material, operations that replace dielectric fluid with gas, the development of electro-conductive powders, the EDMing of nonconductive materials and a method for producing complex part geometries with simple electrodes.

Articles • April 1, 1999 • Lisa Mitoraj

Standard Issues

The article looks at concerns being raised over ISO's plans to revise quality standards. An accompanying article discusses a Web site that strongly opposes the announced changes.

Articles • March 1, 1999 • Jerry Arpaio

Through-Coolant Tools Raise Throughput

Routing coolant out through the tip of the tool can provide greater control of temperatures and chips. This article describes the benefits of through-coolant tools and describes the methods of retrofitting machines to accept through-coolant tools.

Articles • March 1, 1999 • Sumanth Kumar

How Simulation Improves Machining Tool Design and Performance

Computer simulations of the cutting process can help tool designers predict the effects of tool-geometry changes. This article describes how one manufacturer is using the most recent advances in computer modeling to reduce the need for producing and testing prototype inserts. An accompanying article describes a commercially available simulation program.

Articles • March 1, 1999 • Lisa Mitoraj

Sawing In-House vs. Outsourcing: What Shops Should Consider

An increasing number of shops are purchasing saws and bringing their cutoff operations in-house. This article discusses the benefits of such a move and explains the factors that must be considered before selecting a saw. Blade selection is also discussed.

Articles • March 1, 1999 • Martin Eastman

Frenzied Feeding

By changing the nose radius of their finish-turning inserts, toolmakers are producing wiper inserts that allow machinists to turn workpieces at increased feed rates. This article explains the theory behind this innovation and describes the specific wiper-style geometries employed by three manufacturers.

Articles • March 1, 1999 • Lisa Mitoraj

Pain-Free SPC

Experts offer advice for implementing an SPC program in shops. They emphasize that developing an SPC program isn't as difficult as many people think, and that a program can be implemented with few hassles.

Articles • February 1, 1999 • Gregory S. Antoun

The Pressure’s on to Improve Drilling

The author explains how high-pressure, high-volume coolant can provide better control of chips and temperature during drilling operations. He also describes the tools, equipment and shop procedures that can ensure top performance from a high-pressure coolant system.

Articles • February 1, 1999 • E. Gorzkowski

Machinability of Sintered Steel

Researchers from Lehigh University report the results of drilling tests conducted using sintered steel samples. The samples were prepared using different machinability-improving additives. The results showed that sintered steel with low-alloy steel and resulferized sintered steel are nearly as machinable as wrought steel.

Articles • February 1, 1999 • P.C. Jindal

PVD Coatings for Turning

Researchers report on their study of coating performance. Their tests of TiN, TiCN and TiAlN coatings involved turning Inconel 718, medium-carbon steel and ductile cast iron. The wear rates and failure mechanisms of the coated tools are compared.

Articles • February 1, 1999 • Brian Wilshire

Getting Peak Performance from Indexable Drills

This article details the jobs and applications where indexable drills can and can't offer increased performance and economy. He also explains how to diagnose and correct common indexable-insert drill problems.

Articles • February 1, 1999 • Michael Weiner

Coatings Move Forward

The PVD and CVD processes produce coatings with specific strengths and weaknesses. This article compares the processes and attempts to correct some common misconceptions about CVD coatings. The findings of a survey on tool coaters' use of coating materials and methods are also reported.