Feature Article

Articles • April 1, 1997 • John Pfeiffer

Consider the Source

This article discusses the various sources of machining information available, and the body of knowledge on which each type of source bases its recommendations. Emerging sources that make use of such innovative media as the Internet also are discussed.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • Martin Eastman

Shrink-Fit Toolholding

A toolholder that uses metal's natural thermal expansion and contraction to hold tools does not suffer from many of the drawbacks of other toolholding mechanisms, according to this article. In addition to outlining the benefits of this "shrink-fit" toolholding system, the article also explains the technology and describes how shops have benefited from it.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • Patrick Manthey

HSK Leads the Way

HSK toolholders were designed with high-speed machining in mind. This article explains the features of the toolholder that make it perform well in modern machining centers at high spindle rpm. It also discusses the toolholder's handling and maintenance requirements.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • Jimmy Sherman

Grading Graphite

This report details the results of a test of graphite electrodes. The test compared the performance and machinability of three graphite grades, ranging from an inexpensive coarse grade to a relatively costly ultrafine grade.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • Charlie Carland

2 Spindles Are Better Than 1

Dual-spindle turning centers allow shops to combine several processes into one setup. This article describes a typical dual-spindle turning center's configuration and capabilities. A common scenario is given showing how such a machine might be used to reduce cycle times.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • Martin Eastman

Will Work for Sales

Machine tool builders and distributors are trying to distinguish themselves by selling customers complete turnkey packages that are ready to make good parts from the day they are installed. This article discribes the services being offered and the process that puts a turnkey system on a shop's floor.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • John Whalen

Grinding Your Teeth

CNC bandsaws are designed to run for long periods unattended. This is only possible if the blades used are reliable and long lasting. According to this article, bimetal blades with ground teeth fit the bill. The article describes how these blades are made and what makes them different from conventional blades with milled teeth.

Articles • March 1, 1997 • Mike Castner

Turning Stainless Made Painless

Stainless steel is one of the more difficult materials to cut. This article discusses the problems that can occur when turning various types of stainless steels, the reasons for these problems and ways to avoid them. Advice is given on diagnosing problems based on tool-wear patterns. The article also suggests ways to correct problems once they are discovered.

Articles • February 1, 1997 • Richard Ward

AWJ Options

There are many good reasons a shop might choose to purchase an abrasive waterjet machine. However, as this article explains, many factors must be considered to determine if the investment makes economic sense. The article discusses how and when a shop can adopt AWJ profitably and it explores the possibility of achieving the same results more cost effectively by subcontracting the work to an AWJ specialty house.

Articles • February 1, 1997 • Brent Lindsey

The Performance Edge

This article makes the case that a core drill is the best tool for opening existing holes. Being designed for the operation, the two-flute indexable drill can produce more accurate holes with less tool wear and breakage than alternatives such as boring bars, drills or endmills. The article describes the design of a typical core drill and explains how it is used.

Articles • February 1, 1997 • Tom Lingafelter

The Need for Feed Units

There are several types of feed units for drilling and tapping on the market, varying in capability and the type of drive. This article discusses the difference between units and suggests questions users should ask themselves before selecting a unit. Factors to be considered include the volume of production, cost engineering and tool requirements.

Articles • February 1, 1997 • Don Graham

New Coatings Meet New Challenges

As the use of hard-to-machine work materials grows, the need for high-performance tool coatings increases. This article discusses developments in coatings that have increased their usability. Among the coatings discussed are medium-temperature CVD coatings and multilayer PVD coatings.