General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Myths and debates swirl around the questions of using robots to automate CNC operations. From "Should we automate?" and "Can we automate?" to "How should we automate?" Are they true or not? Let's look at a few of the most-discussed topics regarding robotic CNC automation.

On April 10, 2018, CNC Software Inc. hosted local Girl Scout troop #65023 for a tour of its corporate offices. Area Girl Scouts in 5th and 6th grades were able to see where Mastercam CAD/CAM software is developed and learn how it is used by thousands of companies worldwide to manufacture products they see and use every day.

State sales tax bases are both too narrow and too broad.

Avantech recently added two new, large bridge-style CNC machines, significantly enhancing its capability to provide large-scale tooling for customers.

For those new to the world of AutoCAD, as well as those honing longtime skills, an effective resource is the "Beginning AutoCAD 2019 Exercise Workbook" by Cheryl R. Shrock and Steve Heather from Industrial Press Inc. Two new features are included in the 2019 edition, "Drawing Compare" and "Shared Views," both of which make it easier for colleagues and clients to share and comment upon changes to drawings in real-time.

The new reference-class linear stages family, L-417 and V-417, from PI (Physik Instrumente), are available in ballscrew and linear motor configurations, both cost effective designs, offering high resolution with improved tracking performance, smaller tracking error and improved settling time. Applications for both include high demands on dynamics, precision, smooth scan motion, short settling times and low tracking error, such as laser cutting, scanning, digital printing, electronics assembly and inspection, AOI (Automatic Optical Inspection), automation, and flat panel manufacturing.

I admit to some bias against school. From about fifth grade on, our educational system and I were rarely on speaking terms. Think oil and water rather than peas and carrots. Needless to say, I left at my earliest opportunity. Aside from that thing with my daughter pulling the fire alarm, my kids were far better students. So when it came time for them to make the big decisions, I kept my opinion to myself and did what most parents do these days: Encourage them to get their college degrees.

March U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $207.08 million, according to the United States Cutting Tool Institute, Cleveland, and The Association for Manufacturing Technology, McLean, Va. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was up 8.8 percent from February's $190.32 million and up 3.5 percent when compared with the $200.05 million reported for March 2017. With a year-to-date total of $581.02 million, 2018 is up 6 percent when compared with 2017.

The SCHUNK ELP can be adjusted in two simple steps, making it a very user-friendly electric linear module. The end positions can be mechanically adjusted with a screw, and the speed of extension and retraction is adjusted using rotary switches on the side of the unit.

By integrating laser-based cutting and, in some cases, welding heads onto their already-capable equipment, Swiss-style lathe builders are taking these machines into bold new territory.

Though machining medical microparts presents many challenges, shops that tackle the task are meeting these challenges thanks to a combination of ingenuity and technology, along with a dose of effective machining practices.