Feature Article

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.

With close-tolerance machining, variances in the temperature of the part or gage can lead to out-of-tolerance work. This article describes the compensation systems that have been developed to measure temperatures and make the necessary adjustments to gage readings.

The steep-taper toolholder shank design remains popular, but it needs updating to keep pace with modern machining practices. This report suggests minor design changes that these researchers say might overcome steep tapers' limitations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indexable-drill performance depends on insert selection, toolholding, coolant, and hole-entry conditions. This guide covers the setup details that most affect results.