Look Ahead

Articles • February 1, 2016 • William Leventon

A machine for dry grinding gears

Italy-based Samputensili S.p.A. unveiled a machine that eliminates the need for cutting oils when manufacturing gears, thereby reducing grinding costs. During grinding, oil-based lubricants cool the workpiece, as well as reduce friction and help evacuate chips. On the downside, however, oil use accounts for a significant amount of a grinding operation's total cost. Expensive equipment is required to supply, chill, catch and wash away oil in grinding processes. In addition, Samputensili estimates that oil-treatment equipment accounts for 75 percent of the energy consumed by a grinding machine.

Articles • February 1, 2016 • William Leventon

Form of solid carbide harder than diamond

Researchers at North Carolina State University reported the discovery of a distinct form of solid carbon they estimate is about 10 percent harder than diamond and could play an important role in machining. They also claim to have developed a relatively inexpensive technique for producing the substance, called Q-carbon, at room temperature and ambient atmospheric pressure.

Articles • January 1, 2016 • Matthew Jaster

A new bonded superabrasive material

PCD oxidizes when cutting materials such as iron, cobalt, nickel, chromium and vanadium because of the high temperatures generated while cutting. Although not as hard, PCBN possesses superior chemical inertness compared to PCD.

Articles • January 1, 2016 • Matthew Jaster

A 5-axis wireless, indexing tombstone

KME CNC developed a 5-axis tombstone 8 years ago for horizontal machining centers that allows milling on five or more sides of a workpiece and on four different platters in a single setup. Recently, the company unveiled a version that requires no wires, cables or any type of connection, making it easier to move parts in and out of a machine.

Articles • December 1, 2015 • Matthew Jaster

A clamping system to eliminate blade vibration on blisks

Turbine blades are typically mounted on compressor disks and milled from a single piece of material rather than constructed blade by blade. These are known as blade-integrated disks, or blisks, and their main function is to compress air in the turbine.

Articles • December 1, 2015 • Matthew Jaster

Advanced technologies for sinker and other EDMs

To improve performance, reduce cycle times and enhance machine operation, Makino Inc. has released Hyper technologies for its full line of wire, sinker and holemaking EDMs.n

Articles • October 1, 2015 • Matthew Jaster

Printing chucks

The October issue of Cutting Tool Engineering includes a Look Ahead item about an additively manufactured hydraulic chuck.

Articles • October 1, 2015 • Matthew Jaster

GMN Introduces High-Speed Spindles for Improved Machining

The Look Ahead department in the October issue of Cutting Tool Engineering features a high-speed spindle that reduces natural vibrations.

Articles • September 1, 2015 • Matthew Jaster

Green lantern

A Look-Ahead item on a green laser-line metrology scanner.

Articles • September 1, 2015 • Matthew Jaster

Simplified drill geometry

A Look-Ahead item on a deep-hole drill with a continuously thinned web.

Articles • August 1, 2015 • Matthew Jaster

Pulling Chips

This month Cutting Tool Engineering covers a chip-pulling system developed for more efficient turning.

Articles • August 1, 2015 • Matthew Jaster

Preplanned Maintenance

This month Cutting Tool Engineering covers preventive maintenance system for a rotary table.