General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Pressure and flow are two common terms when it comes to air compressor systems, but the relationship between the two is often misunderstood. Choosing the wrong compressor for your facility can lead to the inability to produce products or wasted energy that increases costs. In this article, we'll get back to the basics of compressed air and examine the relationship between pressure and flow.

Carlo Lonardi, president and CEO of Kito Americas Inc., Manheim, Pa., and executive officer of Kito Corp., Yamanashi, Japan, announced the promotions of key personnel as the company continues to build <img src="/sites/www.ctemag.com/files/people_and_companies/kito%20americas%20small.jpg" width="300" height="147" alt="Kito Americas Inc." title="Kito Americas Inc." />its Kito Americas corporate structure.<img src="/sites/www.ctemag.com/files/people_and_companies/kito%20americas%20small.jpg" width="300" height="147" alt="Kito Americas Inc." title="Kito Americas Inc." /><img src="/sites/www.ctemag.com/files/people_and_companies/kito%20americas%20small.jpg" width="300" height="147" alt="Kito Americas Inc." title="Kito Americas Inc." /><img src="/sites/www.ctemag.com/files/people_and_companies/kito%20americas%20small.jpg" width="300" height="147" alt="Kito Americas Inc." title="Kito Americas Inc." /><img src="/sites/www.ctemag.com/files/people_and_companies/kito%20americas%20small.jpg" width="300" height="147" alt="Kito Americas Inc." title="Kito Americas Inc." />

Adoption of production-monitoring software is growing as manufacturers search for new ways to optimize machine efficiency and maximize shop productivity, writes Makino Inc. "From large manufacturing plants to small job shops, these software technologies are enabling manufacturers to accomplish more with less." A white paper from Makino provides a detailed overview of the capabilities of prominent production-monitoring software, including both common and advanced features. A free login is required to download the paper.

Aerotech says its new product feature, ThermoComp, is a complete mechatronic solution to thermal errors. Through the employment of integrated hardware and sensors, and a proprietary compensation algorithm implemented via Aerotech's A3200 controller software, ThermoComp minimizes stage inaccuracy due to thermal effects even over extreme temperature ranges.

Bob Warfield from CNCCookbook discusses some toolpath tips to help you get the most from your CAM software in the sixth episode of The CNC Chef, a video series produced in collaboration with Cutting Tool Engineering.

From the Napa Valley Register: "I ended up taking Machine Tool Technology by accident – I didn't know what it was. When the professor started by talking about the danger of getting scalped by machines, I thought 'What am I getting myself into?' But once we got started working I fell in love with the trade and knew what I wanted to do with my life."

Fast growth in South Carolina's automotive industry is a driving force behind a new Clemson University program that gives workers an opportunity to stay on the job while learning the skills they need to advance their careers and earn higher pay. Students will have a chance to work in state-of-the art laboratories, participate in large design projects with auto industry clients and learn from top Clemson faculty members.

When preparing a used machine for auction, there is always important information you should include, writes digital marketplace Machine Tool Bids. "By informing potential buyers about your machine, you will help make the sales process go more smoothly." Machine Tool Bids lists a number of things a seller should provide: machine hours; materials worked; current photos and videos; included options or accessories; machine specifications; and the seller's ability to load the machine.

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in July, and the overall economy grew for the 98th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. At 56.3 percent, the July PMI shows a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the June reading of 57.8 percent.

Jasper, Ind.-based NAP Gladu, a Techniks Industries, Indianapolis, company, has acquired Ace Saw and Supply Co., Los Alamitos, Calif.

With the success of the Twister XD series of high-performance drills, M.A. Ford is expanding the offering to include micro sizes down to 0.50mm in diameter. The MXDSR (Micro Xtreme Drill Solid Regular) 5X drills are designed for high-performance microdrilling in a broad range of materials. n

Weiler Abrasives Group has announced the expansion of its Tiger BobCat mini flap disc offering, along with design improvements to enhance performance and extend product life. The enhanced design of the Tiger BobCat mini flap discs offers one and a half times greater life compared to the original BobCat flap discs, lowering the total cost of use.