Machining

Reduce cycle times and time spent loading and unloading parts into a machine. Use clamps to create custom fixture plates and gang more parts per machining cycle.

The Machine Technology column in the December 2014 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering discusses the essentials of tapered spindle connections.

It goes without saying that the heart of manufacturing is innovation. From the cotton gin to the steam engine to the assembly line to the CNC, the manufacturing process is always being reinvented, refined and reimagined. Today, a lot of the talk is about additive manufacturing, and justifiably so.

While many machine shops have an EDM, they still have to decide when it makes sense to outsource certain jobs.

The pros and cons of turning with the "perfect" insert.

The cover story for the December 2014 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering examines the unique requirements of machine tools used for cutting composite materials.

Dr. Jeffrey Badger, Cutting Tool Engineering's Ask the Grinding Doc columnist, cautions readers not to be timid when slowing the workpiece speed to induce burn.

A Diversified Machine Systems 5-Axis Enclosed Large Format Overhead Gantry CNC Router with continuous C-Axis rotation demonstrates its ability to cut out a composite component. Diversified Machine Systems arranged the test cut to demonstrate the machine's accuracy and efficiency for a customer who recently visited the company's headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Cutting Tool Engineering magazine hosted a Webinar Dec. 10, 2014, featuring Mike MacArthur, vice president of engineering at the RobbJack Corp. Following the main presentation, titled "Technologies & Strategies for Composite Drilling, Routing and Trimming," CTE Publisher Don Nelson held a brief Q&A session with questions submitted by the audience.

Machine tool builder Okuma America Corp. hosted more than 500 customers, partners and distributors at its 2014 Technology Showcase event December 9-10 at its Charlotte, N.C., headquarters. The event featured learning opportunities for attendees, including hands-on demonstrations, a facility tour highlighting titanium machining at the new Aerospace Center for Excellence, and a look at Okuma's electrical and mechanical repair operations.

Mikron Corp. Monroe, based in Monroe, Conn., has added a new product family to its line of cutting tools. Tapping and threading tools from the DC Swiss company are now available directly from inventory at Mikron Corp. DC Swiss has been selected due to its specialized knowledge and decades-long experience in threading technology, according to Mikron.

Mikron Corp. Monroe, which specializes in high-precision cutting tools in small and medium-sized diameter ranges, expands its offer by adding a new product family. Another Swiss quality product, tapping and threading tools from the DC Swiss, is now available directly from inventory at Mikron Corp. Monroe in Connecticut.