General Shop Equipment & Supplies

The ability to "see through" a solid object was once thought to be a tool of the future, or a power belonging to Superman–but the technology is here today, and more widespread and accessible than you may have thought. Until recently, the technology of CT imaging was only available for use in medical settings. Over the last several years, it has found a new home in the world of manufacturing, and is opening up myriad opportunities never before available.

High-speed machining — in excess of 20,000 rpm — often is used in aerospace when machining exotic alloys and hard metals, such as titanium. At these speeds, precise, secure seating of tapered toolholders in the spindle becomes even more critical. Failing to pay attention to this single detail can lead to decreased productivity, less precise machining, reduced tool life and damaged workpieces.

All machining operations have inherent variation caused by machine positioning errors, material variances, fixturing, tooling load and thermal changes. Many companies employ metrology at the end of machining to ensure that good parts go out the door, but it does little to improve manufacturing efficiency. Applying metrology before and during machining processes keeps operations in tight control, significantly improving process yield and final part quality at a much lower cost of production.

McPond, a peer-to-peer platform based in Chicago, lets manufacturers list their idle machines for rent.

Let's look back. Could it be that the world's first presentation of a dia-compact monoblock milling cutter for aluminium machining at FAMETA in 1980 already laid the foundation for large-scale use within the automobile industry in the 80s? Actually yes, if the aforementioned "stumbling blocks" were not there.

Wohlers Report 2019, an annual report on the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, includes detailed input from 127 providers of AM services worldwide. Companies with both metal and polymer AM services reported that more than 26% of a part's cost is from post-processing, as shown in the accompanying chart.

DataProphet announced the launch of its comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Suite to improve production quality and reduce defects for Industry 4.0. Through a combination of DataProphet TRANSFORM, DataProphet PRESCRIBE and DataProphet INSPECT, customers can expect to see a significant, practical, impact on the factory floor.

The new Kurt Pyramid workholding platform is designed to attach three Kurt vises for 5-axis machining multiple parts in one load. The 45-degree vise mounting surface is positioned so each vise provides maximum access to all machined surfaces and allows for enhanced spindle and cutting tool clearance.

The German software manufacturer CADENAS GmbH presents the latest version of its 3D CAD download portal PARTcommunity. Version 9 simplifies once again the locating of desired components as well as the download of CAD engineering data for engineers and purchasers and takes user-friendliness to the next level. In addition, over 500 component manufacturers, who provide the CAD models of their products on the download portal, benefit from the advanced statistics tool for an efficient market analysis.

Dressing/conditioning diamond and CBN Borazon grinding wheels, resin- and metal-bond only, is one of the most overlooked processes. And most dressing is done insufficiently.

SyncFab, a Manufacturing Blockchain solution for parts suppliers and buyers, has announced a strategic partnership with the National Tooling and Machining Assocation. The new relationship will grant access to SyncFab's advanced manufacturing blockchain platform for over 1,300 NTMA members across the U.S.

Almost everyone has become accustomed to smart phones, smart televisions, and even the concept of smart cars. And technology has advanced far enough that people understand generally what expectations of functionality are associated with the use of the word "smart" in front of a word. But outside of the consumer product sphere, the companies that produce those goods, and all the "non-smart" goods as well, are beginning to benefit from the same technologies.