Software & Digital Solutions

Understanding high-speed machining, or HSM as it's abbreviated, can be difficult for the simple reason it's defined in so many different ways, according to Bob Warfield of the CNCCookbook. As he explains in the eighth episode of The CNC Chef video series, HSM means a lot of things to different folks, but it's best to think of it as a coordinated set of techniques designed to increase machining productivity.

Understanding high-speed machining, or HSM as it's abbreviated, can be difficult for the simple reason it's defined in so many different ways, according to Bob Warfield of the CNCCookbook. As he explains in the eighth episode of The CNC Chef video series, some people define HSM as being all about high spindle speeds and the feedrates that go with them.

A new report from Kaspersky Lab found that in the first half of the year, the manufacturing industry was the most susceptible to cyberthreats – with the industrial control systems (ICS) computers of manufacturing companies accounting for almost one third of all attacks.

If you are in charge of production on a manufacturing shop floor, there is no doubt that you have likely come across productivity issues. Nothing is perfect, and this includes your employees and your equipment.

Verisurf Software Inc. announced Verisurf 2018, the latest release of its popular measurement software for automated quality inspection, reporting, scanning, reverse engineering, tool building and assembly guidance. The new release includes many new features, all of which are centered around three key user benefits: Universal CMM compatibility, quick programming shortcuts and productivity features, and increased probing speed.

Vero Software Ltd., Cheltenham, England, hired Regional Account Manager Heidi Hays to represent the Edgecam and Surfcam brands in the Rocky Mountain region.

Machine tool manufacturer and Industry 4.0 pioneer TRUMPF has opened a new technology center in Chicago that showcases the interaction between people, machines, storage technology, automation, software and Industry 4.0 solutions. The company calls it "the first smart factory for Industry 4.0 solutions that was designed for digitally connected production processes throughout."

Thinking of purchasing shop floor control software but don't know where to start? You might want to start by brushing up on the relevant jargon.

When CNC milling machines were conceived some in the metalworking industry asked why a computer couldn't also manage tool changes. That question was the impetus behind the development of the automatic toolchanger.

Numerous toolmakers provide free programs that will automatically generate G code for a specific thread milling application. The programs vary in sophistication and in whether they are online-only or downloadable, but all are useful tools. Among the suppliers of these apps are Scientific Cutting Tools Inc., Simi Valley, Calif.; Guhring Inc., Brookfield, Wis.; and Kennametal Inc., Pittsburgh.

Metal laser melting has made possible a number of groundbreaking developments in the medical field. One example is a 3D-printed bone drill that, unlike some traditionally manufactured drills, is designed not to damage tissue during surgery.

The cutting of intricate profiles and odd angles is the domain of wire EDM machining processes, capable of creating ultraprecise shapes and superior finishes that are near-impossible to machine by other means. However, just because a shape is difficult to machine does not mean it should be hard to program.