Productive Times

Articles • October 1, 2010

Racing to ROI with nesting software

END USER: Trek Bicycle Corp., (920) 478-2191, www.trekbikes.com. CHALLENGE: Improve material yields and speed generation of nesting patterns for carbon fiber composite parts. SOLUTION: CAM software that automatically generates nesting patterns to maximize material yields. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: JetCAM International s.a.r.l., +44 870 760 6469, www.jetcam.com

Articles • October 1, 2010

Flexible camshaft deburring

END USER: Honda of America Manufacturing Inc., (937) 498-4545, www.honda.com. CHALLENGE: Deburr camshafts to keep pace with engine production while enhancing workpiece flexibility. SOLUTION: A special deburring machine that's suitable for more than one size of camshaft combined with a magnetic conveyor to remove the fines. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Cinetic Automation Corp., (248) 477-0800, www.cineticusa.com

Articles • September 1, 2010

Air-assisted measuring productivity

END USER: Neenah Foundry Co., (920) 725-7000, www.nfco.com. CHALLENGE: Increase productivity and worker safety when measuring castings on a coordinate measuring machine. SOLUTION: A system that enables a CMM operator to load and unload castings in fixtures with minimal lifting, bending or twisting and easily move parts into the CMM's measurement zone on plates supported by air. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Mod Tech Industries Inc., (715) 524-4510, www.modtechindustries.com

Articles • September 1, 2010

Immediate verification

END USER: Flint Tool & Die, General Motors Co., (313) 556-5000, www.gm.com. CHALLENGE: Verify machine tool accuracy when producing large automotive dies. SOLUTION: A PC-based verification system. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Inora Technologies Inc., (734) 302-7488, www.inora.com

Articles • September 1, 2010

Coolant switch boosts high-end wheel machining

END USER: Cramer Engineering Corp., (951) 549-6557. CHALLENGE: Reduce oil mist and improve machining of aluminum automotive wheels and other components. SOLUTION: A semisynthetic metalworking fluid. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Chemetall, (800) 526-4473, www.chemetallamericas.com

Articles • August 1, 2010

Flowing into new business

END USER: Designers Metalcraft, (508) 378-0404, www.designersmetalcraft.com. CHALLENGE: Generate additional business from existing customers and prospects. SOLUTION: A waterjet cutting machine. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Flow International Corp., (800) 446-FLOW, www.flowwaterjet.com.

Articles • August 1, 2010

Creating the future of manufacturing

END USER: Brinkman Machine Tools and Manufacturing Laboratory, Rochester Institute of Technology, (585) 475-6573, www.rit.edu/kgcoe/ise/brinkman. CHALLENGE: Teach engineering students to use new machining technology. SOLUTION: Integrated machining system, including tool management and tool presetting. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Okuma America Corp., (704) 588-7000, www.okuma.com; Kennametal Inc., (800) 446-7738, www.kennametal.com; Zoller Inc., (734) 332-4851, www.zoller-usa.com

Articles • August 1, 2010

Drilling more for less

END USER: Western Forge & Flange Co., (800) 352-6433, www.western-forge.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce tooling costs when drilling forged materials. SOLUTION: TiAlN-coated drills with two square indexable inserts. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Komet of America Inc., (847) 923-8400, www.komet.com

Articles • July 1, 2010

Concentrated precision

END USER: Delta TechOps, (866) 676-3358, www.deltatechops.com. CHALLENGE: Maximize accuracy and efficiency in inspecting complex turbine engine blades and vanes. SOLUTION: Measurement system utilizing concentrated light. SOLUTION PROVIDER: NVision Inc., (972) 393-8000, www.nvision3d.com

Articles • July 1, 2010

Like a dream come true

END USER: Bear Manufacturing LLC, (832) 272-1245. CHALLENGE: Eliminate insert corner failure when ID turning Inconel 725 parts. SOLUTION: An advanced carbide insert grade and geometry. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Sandvik Coromant Co., (800) SANDVIK, www.sandvik.coromant.com/us

Articles • June 1, 2010

Breath of fresh air

END USER: Cameron International Malaysia, 65-6865-2977, www.c-a-m.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce coolant usage and rancidity. SOLUTION: A coolant recycling system that uses a continuous overflow process and ozone injection to prevent bacteria growth. SOLUTION PROVIDER: PRAB, (800) 968-7722, www.prab.com

Articles • June 1, 2010

Verify and trust

END USER: HydraForce Inc., (847) 793-2300, www.hydraforce.com. CHALLENGE: Maximize reliability and flexibility when machining hydraulic manifolds. SOLUTION: Software that simulates and verifies NC toolpaths. SOLUTION PROVIDER: CGTech, (949) 753-1050, www.cgtech.com