Shop Technology

Diminishing numbers of skilled tradesmen in the workforce and the need to reduce production costs have caused machine tool automation to proliferate during the past decade.

Since the May issue, I have been writing about our combustion shop's migration from batch processing to single-piece flow, or machining one part at a time. Single-piece flow eliminates work in process. This is desirable because WIP hides part defects and increases lead times and inventory levels.

The Shop Technology column in the July 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine continues to explore one shop's move from batch processing of machining jobs to a single-piece flow.

The Shop Technology column in the June 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine explains how a shop transitions from batch processing to machining parts one at a time.

Single-piece flow keeps production moving, according to the Shop Technology column in the May 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

In last month's column, the Shop Technology column observed that chip thinning is one of the key concepts programmers and machinists should understand. Presented in this month's column is further discussion about how chip thinning can enhance productivity.

Dynamic and aggressive cutting tool demonstrations are common at trade shows. Toolmakers present phenomenal displays, where chips spark and fly and machines move at feed rates that seem impossible. In other words, they demonstrate high-speed machining.

High-performance cutting tools can provide increased efficiency and productivity, but they can also be a drain on tooling budgets. Cost-justifying these tools often requires regrinding and reconditioning them when they are worn or damaged. A successful reconditioning program reduces tooling costs by extending life as long as possible.

Combustion components from Mitsubishi Power Systems had never been built outside of Japan until Savannah Machinery Works opened its doors in November 2010. We were in the unique and challenging position of having to develop every manufacturing process from scratch while maintaining a tight production schedule.

The debut Shop Technology column focuses on limiting toolcrib items and vendors to boost productivity.

Software developed by auto-parts maker optimizes metalcutting operations.