Machining

Cutting Tool Engineering Editorial Director Alan Rooks ponders one of the metalworking industry's biggest challenges of late—filling numerous job vacancies.

Check out the Shop Operations column in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering to learn how a WWII-era Russian spy continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of daydreaming.

Boring is a common hole finishing operation, but boring large-diameter holes is a bit of a niche market. "Depending on the industry, you may only find a handful of shops in some areas capable of doing this type of work," said Ron West, global product manager for Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, Pa.

Kistler has introduced the Type 9129A, a three-component system, designed to offer high-precision measurements of cutting tool machinery forces of up to 8 kN, when turning outside and inside turret lathe diameters, in support of critical manufacturing process monitoring requirements.

Further enhancements to the recently-introduced Waveform Roughing strategy, and Quill Support for advanced milling, are just two of the significant features in the latest release of the CAM software, Edgecam, from the Vero group.

Carmex Precision Tools LLC's new BLU Grade thread turning inserts combine a newly developed sub-micrograin grade with PVD triple layer coating to deliver high strength, longer tool life, more accurate thread and better surface finish, even in the most difficult materials.

ESAB Cutting Systems updates its line of CNC Plasma Bevel Cutting Systems with the new VBA Global PRO bevel head for high accuracy plasma bevel cutting on steel plate.

The new Jenoptik Wavemove automated surface roughness and contour measuring system includes up to seven CNC axes for complete high-accuracy measurement and evaluation of complex shaft or prismatic parts such as automotive crankshaft, cylinder heads, engine blocks, transmission housings, and more on the production floor, close to manufacturing processes.

Emuge Corp. has introduced a line of NPT Taper Pipe Taps that features a newly developed flute form with variable skip tooth geometry.

A shop turned to Dr. Jeffrey Badger, the host of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine's Grinding Doc Video Series, to find out whether rotating the dressing diamond is really necessary. Check out his response in the 29th episode of the video series.

Applying 'green' coolant to maintain machining performance while being friendly to workers and the environment.

For the first time as a combined company, DMG/Mori Seiki hosted the open house held annually at the Deckel Maho Pfronten (Germany) GmbH plant. The event took place Feb. 7 to 11 and reportedly drew more than 5,000 industry professionals from around the world.