Machine Technology

Articles • June 1, 2014 • Dr. Scott Smith

Milling with constant force

There are many reasons for cutting force to vary, even during stable milling. These include tool teeth entering and exiting the cut, instantaneous changes in chip thickness, and tooth orientation changing as the tool rotates. However, it is possible to arrange the cutting conditions in a simple way and keep the cutting force constant.

Articles • May 1, 2014 • Dr. Scott Smith

Importance of using dry compressed air

The importance of using dry compressed air.

Articles • April 1, 2014 • Dr. Scott Smith

Balancing rotating elements in machines

The rotating elements in machine tools often generate unacceptable forces due to unbalance, and manufacturers usually take corrective action to reduce the forces.

Articles • March 1, 2014 • Dr. Scott Smith

Lubricating spindle bearings

Spindle designers deal with lubrication and heat problems in three common ways: chilled oil, oil mist and air/oil injection.

Articles • March 1, 2014 • Alan Richter

‘Last word’ in machining

Omega Manufacturing specializes in challenging wire EDM work, but also offers one-stop parts manufacturing.

Articles • February 1, 2014 • Dr. Scott Smith

Vibrations indicate bearing damage

Many machine tool spindles are supported in the housing by rolling-element bearings. Cutting forces, spindle unbalance and spindle preload impose cyclic loads on the bearing's balls and races. Over time, the cyclic loading produces fatigue failure, damaging the surfaces of races and balls. This kind of damage causes vibration and noise, limits bearing life and eventually requires bearing replacement.

Articles • January 1, 2014 • Dr. Scott Smith

Counteracting gravity

The vertical linear axes on machine tools are fundamentally different than those that operate parallel to the ground. This is because the actuators on the vertical axes have to overcome the effects of gravity.

Articles • December 1, 2013 • Dr. Scott Smith

The basics of on-machine probing

Many machine tools are equipped with touch-trigger probes to measure parts while they are still on the machine. The probe is often stored in the tool magazine and can be installed in the spindle like any other tool.

Articles • October 1, 2013 • Dr. Scott Smith

Seals protect spindles from contamination

The Machine Technology column in the October 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering offers guidance for protecting spindles from contamination.

Articles • September 1, 2013 • Dr. Scott Smith

Shrink-fit toolholder fundamentals

Part manufacturers are always challenged to achieve toolholding connections that are simple, repeatable and stiff, and shrink-fit toolholders provide those requirements.

Articles • August 1, 2013 • Dr. Scott Smith

Spindle bearing preload increases stiffness

Spindle bearings support the spindle in the housing and transmit cutting forces to the machine structure. The bearings are intended to hold the spindle accurately in position.

Articles • July 1, 2013 • Dr. Scott Smith

Minimizing Abbé machine position errors

Two basic strategies exist to minimize the Abbé error in machine tools: eliminate the causes or compensate the result, according to the Machine Technology column in the July 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.