Software & Digital Solutions

What does CAM software have to do with mowing your lawn? More than you might think. Consider this imaginary story in which a machine shop owner tackles that bane of suburban life.

There's more than one way to machine a part. The trick is to match the part's complexity and volume requirements with an optimal production process.

Understanding tool wear is the first step to extending tool life—which can be further enhanced with new coating technology.

Machining large compacted graphite iron castings for diesel engine components is challenging, but applying the proper tools and techniques can help.

The creation of a part program for a CNC machine tool usually starts with a part drawing or model that contains the part material, geometry and tolerances.

Who should perform spindle maintenance in machine shops?

In today's market, a machine shop often has millions of dollars invested in machines. Typically, a hefty amount is also committed to payroll. For a shop to be profitable, these two assets must work together efficiently.

Cutting tool tests performed by vendors are an excellent resource, and I've used them many times.

Because of the array of precision functions grinding machines perform, it's vital to properly maintain them to keep them operating at their peak in terms of accuracy and reliability. You can start by devising a maintenance program and sticking with it. This article provides tips on how to set up key parts of that program.

Get with the Program column for May 2009 Cutting Tool Engineering

March 2009 Get With The Program column

Computer-aided error detection and prevention routines for CAM programs not only help prevent disaster—they improve machine efficiency too.