Machining

Articles • October 1, 1999 • Michael Gugger

Lessons Learned

A project engineer recounts his experiences planning for, installing and setting up a new CNC vertical milling center. Among the issues he explores are the questions that must be answered before the machine arrives, selecting or designing tools and fixtures for the new machine and preparing workers for the change.

Articles • September 1, 1999 • Mike Principato

A Cut Above

Toolmakers are constantly introducing advancements to improve the metalcutting process. This article examines trends in five key areas where toolmakers are concentrating their research and development efforts.nn

Articles • September 1, 1999 • Brent Chandler

Crib Control

An organized toolcrib is necessary to ensure that tools will be available when needed. This article reviews the techniques and equipment different shops have used to keep track of their tools.

Articles • September 1, 1999 • Kip Hanson

Small Wonders

Small-diameter drills designed for drilling circuit boards can be used as a low-cost alternative for producing holes in other materials as well. Their fragility is the only drawback. This article describes these tools and the special handling they require. n

Articles • September 1, 1999 • Kip Hanson

Open Minded

Open controls allow users to integrate commercially available hardware and software with machine tool CNCs. This article reviews how different CNC makers have designed systems that incorporate or connect with PC-based products to offer this level of flexibility. Accompanying Articles describe one shop's experience with open architecture and list the skills needed to operate these new systems.n

Articles • August 1, 1999 • Michael Gugger

Putting Fluids to the Test

A machining research institute describes the testing method it developed to quantify and compare the performance of metalworking fluids. The test, which compares cutting forces generated when machining with a test fluid to a baseline fluid's performance, is simple enough for any shop to use.nnn

Articles • August 1, 1999 • Dennis Esford

Internal Decision

Tapping and thread milling can both produce internal threads in a variety of sizes, pitches and materials. This article discusses the factors that will dictate which process makes the most sense for a given job.nn

Articles • August 1, 1999 • Kip Hanson

Get it Straight

Spot drilling is a time-consuming process, but sometimes it is necessary to prevent drill walk. This article describes the reasons for spot drilling and the economic impact of adding the operation to a job. It also explains why a spot drill is a better choice for the operation than a center drill.

Articles • August 1, 1999 • Lisa Mitoraj

X-Treme Machinists

The latest generation to enter the workforce comes to the shop floor with a different set of skills and experiences than their predecessors. This article explores how these differences are forcing shop owners and supervisors to rethink their management strategies.nn

Articles • August 1, 1999 • Dennis Myers

Freer Thinking

This article describes a self-contained micromachining center. The unit uses PC-based controls and a video system to machine small parts with precision, while giving the machinist a magnified view for setup and prototyping.

Articles • June 1, 1999 • Brent Chandler

Back Off

A tool design supervisor makes a case for cautious machining. This article explains how, by extending tool life, less aggressive speeds and feeds can lead to greater economy than a shortened cycle time will yield. Tips for monitoring and recording tool data are also given.

Articles • June 1, 1999 • Don Nelson

Desktop Machining

Machinists can now find machining simulators on the Web that can tell them what the results will be for a given set of conditions as well as what set of conditions will produce the results they are looking for. This article describes these simulators and the research consortium that developed them.