General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

The use of simulation software allows GE Aviation to try out creative approaches to machining—without the risk of costly failures.

There are several ways EDM builders and machine shops can make micro-electrodes for sinker EDMs. One popular way is discharge dressing.

Cutting Tool Engineering Editor Alan Richter's September cover story, titled "Smart Weighting," takes a close look at the practice of "lightweighting." In short, automakers are switching from mild steel and iron to components made of lower weight materials. The article focuses on incorporating parts machined from aluminum and advanced high-strength steels, specifically microalloy steels, including those cut from solid workpieces and near-net shapes.

As the Northeast U.S. representative for SARIX microEDM equipment, Leer Technologies Inc., Claverack, N.Y., spent the better part of EASTEC 2008 showing off the newest features of the SARIX-200 3D MicroEDM Milling machine. Cutting Tool Engineering spent a few minutes with Graham Ruck, sales/applications manager for Leer, at EASTEC this past spring to get a brief overview and demonstration of the microEDM milling machine.

Experts weigh in on how to buy smart—for today and tomorrow.

A multitasking lathe, coupled with robotic loading or bar loading, is a simple but effective form of automation.

Auto manufacturers are 'lightweighting' vehicles by incorporating more aluminum and microalloy steel components.

Don Nelson, publisher of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine, recently sat down with two Sandvik Coromant representatives to learn more about the company's outlook and strategy for the aerospace market, its new CoroMill products and why the company puts such an emphasis on its partnership with end users. Interviewed are Brian Norris, vice president of marketing, and Chris Mills, aerospace development-North America and the company's national portfolio manager.

New cutting tool materials are required for new generation airframes.

Generation Y workers are a different bunch, and many may be reluctant to work in manufacturing. To recruit them, companies first must understand what makes Gen-Yers tick.

Read CTE's Fifth Biennial Salary Survey to learn which positions are earning more and how much more since the 2006 survey, which positions are earning less and how much less, and how benefit packages have changed.

Learn when to apply motorized, hand-held drills; fine-toothed, diamond-cut routers; compression routers and veined PCD tools to machine composite materials.