Fabrication & Cutting

Articles • June 1, 2000 • Alan Richter

Size Matters

The trend toward developing finer and finer carbide grains continues. The author looks at recent developments in the production of nanosized tungsten-carbide grains, which are smaller than 0.2 microns in diameter. Though not used widely at present for the production of cutting tools, some predict that will change as the technology evolves.

Articles • March 1, 2000 • William Shaffer

Getting a Better Edge

The author, an expert on cutting tool edge preparation, explains the importance of applying the proper edge hone to a tool. He also discusses a brush-type honing machine designed to apply a variable edge--a capability not available with other machines on the market.

Articles • February 1, 2000 • Lisa Mitoraj

The Coating Edge

The author looks at some recent advancements in tool coatings: multilayer, nmultielement, diamond, nanocomposite.n

Articles • January 1, 2000 • Kip Hanson

Lowering Your Grades

Article discusses the disadvantages of carrying too many grades of carbide inserts. Often, using a less-than-optimal grade can save a machine shop money.

Articles • January 1, 2000 • Derek Phillips

Under Pressure

Article defines what constitutes a high-pressure coolant-delivery system and offers advice for selecting such a system. Discussed are pumps, system prices and advantages of these systems when cutting metal.

Articles • June 1, 1999 • Tory Gallier

Hone Improvement

This article describes reconditioning tools through hand honing, a process that can help a tool produce 20 percent more parts. In explaining the art of hand honing, the author reviews the hone materials and honing techniques to be used.

Articles • April 1, 1999 • Martin Eastman

Inserts Show Their True Colors

Insert manufacturers have devised color-coding schemes to help users select the right tool for the job. This article explores the thinking behind these schemes and the toolmakers' efforts to design tools for the specific applications defined in their selection systems.

Articles • March 1, 1999 • Lisa Mitoraj

Sawing In-House vs. Outsourcing: What Shops Should Consider

An increasing number of shops are purchasing saws and bringing their cutoff operations in-house. This article discusses the benefits of such a move and explains the factors that must be considered before selecting a saw. Blade selection is also discussed.

Articles • February 1, 1999 • E. Gorzkowski

Machinability of Sintered Steel

Researchers from Lehigh University report the results of drilling tests conducted using sintered steel samples. The samples were prepared using different machinability-improving additives. The results showed that sintered steel with low-alloy steel and resulferized sintered steel are nearly as machinable as wrought steel.

Articles • February 1, 1999 • P.C. Jindal

PVD Coatings for Turning

Researchers report on their study of coating performance. Their tests of TiN, TiCN and TiAlN coatings involved turning Inconel 718, medium-carbon steel and ductile cast iron. The wear rates and failure mechanisms of the coated tools are compared.

Articles • March 1, 1998 • Tim Malone

Harder, Faster

The growing use of difficult-to-machine materials has driven the metalcutting industry to high-performance tools. This article reviews the trends that are behind most cutting tool research today, and it looks at the state-of-the art results of that research.

Articles • March 1, 1998 • Karl Katbi

Top-Form Geometry

This article makes the argument that an insert is really a system made up of a combination of factors. The focus of the article is on one of these factors: the top-form geometry, which has evolved from the chipbreaker designs used primarily on turning inserts. The roles these geometries play and the selection process for choosing the right geometry are explained.