Feature Article

Recycling coolant pays big dividends for job shops.

Strategic approaches maximize utilization when multitask machining.

Thinking about taking the leap into milling hardened steels? Why would you? After all, if your shop has been successfully grinding, jig boring and EDMing hardened materials, why change?

Manufacturing was a star in 2011 and looks to shine brightly in 2012.

Courtesy of Lockheed MartinThe Lockheed Martin Hercules transport, one of many aircraft to use actuator systems manufactured by Triumph Activation Systems.Making the systems that keep 'big birds' flying straight.Boeing's 787 Dreamliner generated positive news in October when its first commercial flight, by All Nippon Airlines, landed in Hong Kong.

When accuracy counts, thread grinding shines. It may not be a new twist, but thread grinding is still one of the most accurate ways to produce internal and external threads.

The price range for a new presetter is wide—units supplied by sources for this article range from $8,000 to $85,000 or more. But even a lower price model might be difficult for a shop to justify.

Part Time column for the October 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine visits with an Indianapolis shop that machines robotic mower components.

Statistical analysis of metalcutting data can help shops select the right indexable insert geometry.

How microscopes and vision systems are used in machine shops for noncontact inspection and measurement.

Fine finishing with a wire EDM eliminates need for secondary operations.

Tools and techniques for engraving 2-D data matrix bar codes on machined metal parts.