Feature Article

Articles • February 1, 1998 • S. Chatterjee

What Makes Diamond Coatings Work?

Researchers studying the performance of diamond coatings have found a number of factors of the coating process that determine the ultimate success of the coating. This article looks at factors such as substrate preparation, stresses in the coating and substrate and the diamond coating's formation patterns.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • Christer Larsson

Optimizing Deep-Hole Drilling

Drilling with a single- or double-tube system might be the most efficient way to drill deep holes in some applications. This article, which describes the tools and the process, says tubular drilling can pay for itself in higher productivity, thriftier manufacturing and tighter tolerances.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • Michael Weiner

Good News About Eta Phase

The presence of an eta phase between a coating and the substrate is generally considered harmful to coating adhesion. However, this article argues that when the formation of the eta phase is carefully controlled, it can actually enhance adhesion. The conditions that promote the formation of beneficial eta phase are explained.

Articles • December 1, 1997 • Dennis Myers

Buyer Beware

This article warns against the dangers in recent manufacturing supply trends. According to the author, both outsourcing and integrated-supply programs can have seriously detrimental effects on productivity and innovation. In this article, he explains the reasoning behind his views.

Articles • December 1, 1997 • Steve Pike

Absolute Zero

When digital calipers that did not have to be zeroed before each measurement were introduced, they represented a significant advancement in electronic gaging. This article explains the technology behind these absolute-reading instruments and how they are used to make typical shop-floor measurements.

Articles • December 1, 1997 • William Sluhan

Itching for a Solution

This article reviews the causes of skin irritation suffered by some shop workers, with special attention paid to skin conditions that result from poorly maintained metalcutting fluids. The article also discusses the factors that can aggravate skin problems and suggests ways that workers can protect themselves from skin irritants.

Articles • December 1, 1997 • Nancy Narbut

Grinding With Segments

For applications that call for heavy stock removal and large areas of contact between the part and wheel, shops mount segmented grinding wheels in their vertical-spindle surface grinders. This article discusses the difference between grinding with segmented abrasives and grinding with standard wheels. Among the topics it covers are abrasive selection and performance testing.

Articles • October 1, 1997 • Brent Lindsey

On Boring’s Cutting Edge

Although machinists are using cermet and ceramic cutting tools for an increasing number of applications, they have been slow to adopt them for boring. This is beginning to change, however. This article describes some of the ways a boring operation can benefit from the use of these tools.

Articles • October 1, 1997 • William Cleveland

Countersinking Aircraft Materials

This article traces the changes in countersink design and materials that have been made to satisfy the demands of the aerospace industry. The advantages and disadvantages of different types of modern countersinks are discussed.

Articles • October 1, 1997 • Alan Baker

Workholding Goes to Great Lengths

When shouldered parts are held for turning with a draw-in collet, length-control problems can result. This article provides directions for making collet add-ons that allow the machinist to locate the part against the spindle face, providing a consistent length from part to part.

Articles • October 1, 1997 • Dann Rypka

Getting a Grip on Productivity

This article guides the reader through the many decisions that must be made when selecting and installing a hydraulic workholding system. Basic hydraulic system design principles and maintenance also are discussed.

Articles • September 1, 1997 • David Miskinis

Know What You’re Tapping

Traditional tap/drill charts recommend drill diameters for each size of tapped hole. But, according to this article, these recommendations are based on the size holes that were typically produced by less-accurate tools and processes used in the past. This article suggests guidelines for producing holes that will, in turn, produce correctly sized tapped holes.