June 2018
Articles in this issue
Gaining control of a blanchard grinder
Adding a CNC to a Blanchard grinder makes the machine easier to operate and maintain.
Natural disaster plan a must
While everyone hopes for the best, it's smart to plan for the worst. There are five areas of a manufacturing business that should be evaluated to stay prepared…
Grinding ceramic medical parts requires (diamond) grit, patience
Grinding ceramics is unlike most other grinding operations. These superhard, brittle materials need a slow and steady hand.
Technological advances make laser machining more practical
Over the past 30 years, laser machining has evolved into a formidable industrial practice. Gone are the large, expensive, finicky machines. Now fiber lasers, w…
Shop-floor data analysis not negotiable
Like it or not, Industry 4.0 is here. The networked nature of our cars, appliances and, yes, machine tools will only increase. Choosing to ignore that fact won…
Getting a chatter diagnosis
Puzzled by the appearance of a choppy, spiral-shaped set of chatter marks showing up on a workpiece, a shop sought a diagnosis from Jeffrey Badger, Ph.D., who …
Despite its advantages, new technology isn’t always embraced
To ensure success of productivity-enhancing technology, shops and other manufacturers must understand and take into account the four main areas of the acquisit…
Sports R&D company adds VMC
Looking to streamline its process and improve part quality, Automated Design Corp. moved into a facility that enabled it to set up a machine shop.
Avoiding Workholding Woes
Whether a fixture is hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical, or whether it's built internally or subcontracted to others, it's important to understand your true co…
Machine tool controls with AI learn on the job
Advanced machine tool controls infused with artificial intelligence (AI) can learn about your machining processes. With this knowledge, a CNC can automatically…
Working less can boost productivity
With fewer employees handling more duties, workplace stress can take a toll on productivity. Keith Jennings finds a simple solution.