Shop Operations

Articles • December 1, 2016 • James Harvey

Become familiar with CNC programming code

Presented here is the second part of a two-part series of columns about the importance of becoming familiar with CNC programming code. The following describes the steps involved in manually writing a program.

Articles • December 1, 2016 • Keith Jennings

Tougher & wiser in times of turmoil

While attending IMTS in September, it was nice to meet fellow machine shop owners and managers, many of whom expressed optimism and reported a robust year for their businesses. That was good to hear, considering our market is in the midst of a downturn and requires aggressive management to persevere.

Articles • October 4, 2016 • Keith Jennings

Navigating customer portals

Internet portals won't transport you into the future—but your company will likely be using them soon if it is not already.

Articles • October 1, 2016 • James Harvey

Becoming Familiar With Code

With the advent of CAM software, generating G code is no longer the big deal it was a few decades ago. A CAM system will generate all the G code you need in a matter of seconds. Presented here is the first part of a multiple-part series of columns on the subject.

Articles • September 1, 2016 • James Harvey

Becoming familiar with CAM

Shop Operations column looks at the benefits of becoming familiar with CAM software.

Articles • August 1, 2016 • James Harvey

Becoming familiar with CAD

CNC machining takes a blend of computer skills and machining skills. Some competent machinists, especially old-timers, lack the computer skills needed to go from print to part using CNC machines. I previously lacked the computer skills, but couldn't tolerate not having complete control of the jobs I was running. Therefore, I taught myself the computer side of CNC machining so I could create my own programs.

Articles • August 1, 2016 • Keith Jennings

An unexpected role

This summer has been hectic, both professionally and personally. The business side has been a roller coaster, requiring intense management. Personally, I had the pleasure of seeing my third of four kids graduate from high school and begin developing an interest in our family business.

Articles • July 1, 2016 • James Harvey

More Help for Engineers

In last month's column, I discussed the value of communication between engineers and shop personnel. Here are some additional tips in that vein for engineers:

Articles • July 1, 2016 • Keith Jennings

A Very Formal Visit

When a good customer requests a meeting at his place, I go. That happened recently, when our shop's account manager accompanied me on a 20-minute trek to a customer's new corporate headquarters for a meeting to review our contract and extend it a few years. The customer happens to be a large corporation, and our shop has a contract to exclusively manufacture certain products.

Articles • June 1, 2016 • Keith Jennings

Transactional or strategic?

We're getting lots of random requests for machined parts, and that segment of our business remains busy. One recent example was a business acquaintance of mine who contacted our shop requesting machining work. I had not seen him in a while and wasn't up to date with his professional activities, but his parts request made it clear he was still freelancing some adventurous projects.

Articles • June 1, 2016 • James Harvey

Providing help for engineers

The majority of engineers I've worked with are solution seekers who usually go out of their way to make things easier for people working on their projects. However, as a result of the physical separation of engineering departments from machine shops, communication and feedback often suffer. Machinists who provide feedback to engineers help both groups work together more productively, and engineers would do well to spend time talking with shop personnel to determine what obstacles they face.

Articles • May 1, 2016 • James Harvey

Shop Operations: Chamfering and edge dressing

The expression "There's more than one way to skin a cat" certainly applies to machining. A young programmer in our shop is constantly being run in circles by the whims of those in authority. Newcomers are in a difficult position; they not only lack experience, they generally want to please everybody.