Turning

A new cryogenic tool treatment subjects tools to minus-320-degree temperatures by immersing them in a bath of liquid nitrogen. This article details the procedure and offers test results from the laboratory and the field that show how the treatment can extend tool life.

Dual-spindle turning centers allow shops to combine several processes into one setup. This article describes a typical dual-spindle turning center's configuration and capabilities. A common scenario is given showing how such a machine might be used to reduce cycle times.

Stainless steel is one of the more difficult materials to cut. This article discusses the problems that can occur when turning various types of stainless steels, the reasons for these problems and ways to avoid them. Advice is given on diagnosing problems based on tool-wear patterns. The article also suggests ways to correct problems once they are discovered.

New plunge-and-turn tools make it possible to perform several tasks, such as grooving, turning, back turning and face grooving, with the same tool. This article discusses the design and use of these tools as well as the types of cutoff tools currently on the market. Recommendations for tool selection, speeds and feeds are given for various work materials.

A shop supervisor and education manager recount the evolution of a job that didn't proceed exactly as planned. Because the powder-metal part was harder and its as-pressed dimensions were not as accurate as originally expected, adjustments and improvisations were needed to produce the finished parts as quickly and as cheaply as quoted.

This article compares hard turning to grinding for finishing hardened steel parts and discusses which operation would be more appropriate for various situations. The article also looks at the machine tool, insert and cutting parameters required during hard turning.

According to this article, the short-bar barfeeders that are on the market today are not plagued by the drawbacks that have become associated with barfeeding. The units load 5-foot bar stock into a lathe rather than the longer stock loaded by earlier units. This article describes how shops can use short-bar barfeeders to keep a lathe busy with a steady flow of work and still change from one bar diameter and part program to another easily and quickly.