Take a Bigger Bite
Manufacturers raise turning productivity by boosting feed rates.
Operation / Process
Turning
Confidence Game
Grades, geometries and a broader knowledge base make machinists less neurotic about turning exotics.
Select Group
How one shop sifts through the ever-growing array of turning inserts.
A Creative Turn
Suggestions for turning long, thin parts.
Taking the Plunge
A look at the advantages of plunge turning hardened parts.
Complicating Matters
Factors that complicate--and fixes that simplify--turning operations.
Power Equations
Turning-test results yield equations designed to maximize productivity.
Plugging In
A new turning tool emits an electric signal when its insert reaches a predetermined wear point or breaks. Called Sensor Tool, sections of the coated insert are ablated by a laser, thereby creating an electronic circuit.
CNC Lathe Options: What to Know Before Upgrading from Manual
A look at the various types of CNC lathes available to shops contemplating stepping up from a manual machine. The pros and cons of the following lathes are discussed: combination, cutoff, slant-bed, twin-spindle and turn/mill. The author also touches on available options.
Software Aware
The author provides guidelines shops can follow when selecting a PC-based CAD/CAM system. Selection guidelines include: CAD functionality, CAM functionality, NC code output, vendor evaluation and hardware selection.
The Three R’s: Retrofit, Rebuild and Remanufacture
Author explains the different ways to upgrade a used machine tool. He also discusses what users should expect from the company that performs the retrofit, rebuild or remanufacturing job and how long the job should take.
Raising the CNC Technology Bar
Overview of the new machine tool technologies introduced at IMTS 2000. Among them are linear motors for axes travels, ballscrew chillers, a new way to lubricate linear guideways and controlling machining processes via the Internet.