July 2009
Articles in this issue
Know-as-you-go software
In today's market, a machine shop often has millions of dollars invested in machines. Typically, a hefty amount is also committed to payroll. For a shop to be …
Cranking out power
Eagle Machine Inc., in Abbotsford, B.C., frequently takes on challenging jobs, such as modifying a diving bell for deep-sea submarine rescues or designing and …
Parts of the milling machine
Unlike lathes, which have been around for thousands of years, milling machines are less than 200 years old. Because they require much more power than hand-driv…
Some measurement required
Machine tool users can access the information contained in a stability lobe diagram to greatly increase productivity.
Tool Testing Done Right
Cutting tool tests performed by vendors are an excellent resource, and I've used them many times.
Simplifying Communications
Our shop uses several tools to help us communicate easier and more effectively. These methods are well-tested, readily available, cost-effective and, in my exp…
Spot On
The timing of the IMTS trade show in Chicago last September couldn't have been better for Jason Bromiley. As vice president and co-owner of John R. Bromiley Ma…
Mills Made-to-Order
Applying "off-the-shelf," standard milling tools to get the job done provides several benefits: the tools are readily available and usually from numerous suppl…
Practicing routine grinding machine maintenance produces productivity gains
Because of the array of precision functions grinding machines perform, it's vital to properly maintain them to keep them operating at their peak in terms of ac…
Reducing a machine tool’s energy consumption helps achieve ‘green’ machining
Manufacturing is an energy-intensive activity. The U.S. government estimates that manufacturing consumes about one-third of the energy used in the country, sta…
Fire suppression systems can protect machining centers—and your shop
Because they produce chips at high operating temperatures, often with oil-based coolants present, machine tools can easily catch fire. However, if shops plan a…
Tip-Top Productivity
Drilling, milling, EDMing, laser cutting, trepanning, punching; there are almost as many ways to make holes as there are holes to be made. Drilling, the most c…