General Shop Equipment & Supplies

With the latest version of its standard measuring software Calypso, Carl Zeiss IMT offers additional functions for users of measuring technology.

Carl Zeiss IMT Corp. presents Caligo, the new measuring software specially developed for car body parts and freeform surfaces.

The new F-Series vertical machining center from Makino Inc. integrates 8mm fine-pitch ballscrews and 0.05μm as standard equipment to provide enhanced precision. The series consists of two models: F3 and F5.

Guyson Corp. has introduced a robotic blasting system that incorporates a component-manipulating 6-axis robot and a shuttle transfer cart to automate processing of tray-loads of components.

Shop Operations column for April 2010 Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Ask the Grinding Doc column by Dr. Jeffrey Badger for April 2010 Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Manager's Desk column by Keith Jennings for April 2010 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

Swiss-style turning can be complicated, so it helps to have an operator's 'tool kit' with multiple solutions.

Can robots improve your deburring operation?

Every segment of manufacturing faces unique challenges. Tool and die makers, however, seem to endure an outsized number of challenges.

Part manufacturers are examining every aspect of the production process, from cutting tool parameters to workholding methods, to find ways to reduce costs and improve quality. Conversations with metalworking professionals have revealed a heightened awareness of the role that nonmachining changeover time plays in manufacturing costs. Shops know that speeding changeovers can save them money every time they switch a setup or move a part.

Machining molds typically involves creating complex contours and fine surface finishes. Molds are high-value items usually produced in single-digit volumes, making gradual process development and scrapping parts a costly exercise. Moldmakers' customers generally want to get their products to market as fast as possible, so lead times can be short and inflexible. Finally, overseas competition puts added pressure on U.S. shops. Moldmakers are facing the challenges with a combination of technology and teamwork, and CAD/CAM software is a key competitive tool.