Feature Article

Machining P/M steels for powertrain parts is tough, but answers abound.

Machine tool accessories can offer economical solutions to many tooling and machine setup issues. Used in combination with a machine that delivers the speed and features a shop needs, accessories can help improve productivity and reduce machine failures. This article examines the benefits of several key accessories, including spindle maintenance tools, toolholder maintenance tools, covers, indicator stands, chip fans, tool assembly devices and specialty workholding devices.

Metalworking fluids can play a signifi cant role in boosting machining productivity when engineered to provide cooling and lubrication.

Multifunction groove/turn tools stretch shops' defi nition of a grooving tool.

Shops have many choices when texturing—rather than smoothing—part surfaces.

Like the parts they thread, taps for oil and gas parts can be complicated.

Vacuum workholding is catching on in new and different applications.

Read CTE's 2010 Salary Survey to learn which metalworking positions are up and which ones are down in earnings since the 2008 survey, and how benefit packages have changed.

Jet-engine manufacturing typically requires through-holes that accommodate fasteners for various components and subassemblies. These through-holes must be chamfered, free of burrs and have radiused edge transitions.

Part Time column for July 2010 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

Advances in machine tool controls and software drive better maintenance.

A new concept of calculating the required machining power when milling.