Optimization for hire
CNC programmer looks for ways to produce more parts in less time—and hopefully reduce operating costs for customers long the way.
Operation / Process
Machining
CAD/CAM software improves efficiency, expands capabilities
Sam Roberts has more than two decades of experience in programming and manual and CNC skills, but still remembers the day in 1999 when he was introduced to Mastercam CAD/CAM software (CNC Software Inc., Tolland, Connecticut). As a machinist proficient in G-code, Roberts was impressed with the software.
Tiger and Wolverine Large Diameter Cutting Wheels Line Expanded
The Tiger large diameter wheels for performance cutting and the Wolverine wheels for standard cutting include specialty products. Among those are the Tiger AO wheels for stud cutting, as well as Tiger AO and Wolverine AO wheels with single center reinforcement for increased speeds and burr-free cutting — both designed for use on chop saws. The line of wheels for stationary saws includes Tiger AO wheels for longer life and Wolverine AO for faster cutting. n
Cutting Tools with Diameters in Fractional Inches
The need for such dimensions is increasing that's why Mikron Tool has introduced a fractional inches diameter range for a large assortment of its drilling and milling cutter families. The selection is focused on materials such as stainless steel, titanium and superalloys. The range includes micro drills and micro mills of .016" and extends up to diameter .250". From the high-performance small Crazy Drill Steel up to the cylindrical micro end mill Crazy Mill Cool, Mikron Tool offers a tool range that will satisfy most every need in a multitude of projects.
Hybrid manufacturing essentials
There are cutting tool considerations when machining molds and other complex components using hybrid manufacturing technology.
A 1928 SIP machine comes home
In 1928, a precision optics machine arrived on U.S. shores on a ship from Europe. The SIP MP4 machine, serial number 88, was bound for its new home at the General Electric plant in Lynn, Massachusetts, a town located 14 miles northeast of Boston. Today, it is home at the U.S. offices of Starrag in Hebron, Kentucky.
.jpg)
FORMTRACER Avant Series
The FORMTRACER Avant is a revolutionary hybrid measuring system that measures advanced contour and surface roughness features with high precision, speed, flexibility and efficiency in one machine. "Hot swapping" heads along with an inclining X-axis drive, double-sided conical stylus for continuous measurements of upper/lower surfaces, and a wide variety of optional accessories to measure nearly any type of workpiece makes the Avant Series one of the most versatile machines of its type.
Beyond conventional machining
Hybrid manufacturing technologies require CAD/CAM software.
TungMeister VFM Milling Head
TungMeister is designed to reduce a significant amount of tool changeover time through the ability to replace used heads instead of an entire tool. Since it takes no more than one minute for tool exchange, setup time can significantly be reduced to as short as one tenth of the time it would typically take to replace solid carbide end mills for maximum productivity and cost effectiveness. With over 13,000 possible head-shank combinations available, TungMeister can readily provide tooling flexibility that enables users to find a solution for almost every application.
Tiger Aluminum Flap Discs
Weiler Abrasives is offering the 4-1/2 inch Tiger Aluminum flap discs in Type 27 or Type 29 with either 7/8 or 5/8-11 arbor holes and two grit options. The 36-grit disc is a good choice for chamfering, weld removal and stock removal, while the 60-grit disc is ideal for weld blending, finishing and cosmetic detail work.
Machining centers take jets to new heights
The F-35 Lightning is one of the most complex and lethal combat fighter jets in the world, and this machine is constructed with thousands of precision components. Starrag machinery are used to produce some of the most complex components on these precision jets.
Pick-and-place kit simplifies automation
With Universal Robots' ActiNav kit, shops can automate without major integration and programming efforts.