Machining

With the GrindSmartNano5, Swiss grinding machine manufacturer Rollomatic has developed a high-performance grinding machine for the series production of dental and medical tools that not only grinds an impressive range of tools, but does so fully automatically, without any operator intervention.

ISCAR is introducing the SD-SP15, a new family of narrow slotting and groove milling cutters, featuring 1.25" diameter milling heads with 8 teeth in a width range of .125" — .250" for maximum depth of cut up to .315".

A line of Type 27 cotton-fiber abrasive grinding and blending wheels that provide smooth controlled grinding action, run cool, and are non-loading on aluminum is available from Rex-Cut Abrasives.

Eriez HydroFlow permanent magnetic and rare earth coolant cleaners are for use with surface grinders, gear grinders, honing and lapping machines, broaches, milling and drilling machines, face grinders, oil reclaiming machines and essentially anywhere else clean coolant is needed.

Christopher Tate, Cutting Tool Engineering's Shop Technology columnist, said he is surprised by the number of engineers and machinists who are not familiar with traditional machining tools and techniques. Many metalworking professionals seem to default to using only sophisticated technology for all aspects of machining without understanding or being able to use more traditional options.

Like many in the industry, when I started in the machining world it was on a manual lathe. I have a special place in my heart for lathes. That includes CNC lathes, the next step up for aspiring machinists.

Increase throughput and reduce scrap when machining thrust bearing races for down-hole mud motors. An automated gaging system integrated into a turning cell.

Achieve a higher accuracy and resolution when measuring cutting tools and components. An optical 3-D measurement system.

Achieve a 24-hour-maximum turnaround time on aluminum prototypes for tablet computers. Endmills designed for maximum metal-removal rate when cutting aluminum.

Like many in the machining world, I've dealt with more than enough serious issues in 2013, so it's cool to have been part of a fun experience.

Many machine tools are equipped with touch-trigger probes to measure parts while they are still on the machine. The probe is often stored in the tool magazine and can be installed in the spindle like any other tool.