Resources
CTE
Resources
Curated machining knowledge, tools, and pathways — organized by purpose.
MFGAxis — Buyer’s Guide
Company listings, capabilities, certifications, and specialties — organized for buyers and engineers.
Machining References
Curated technical references for machinists and engineers.
Machining Calculators
Feeds, speeds, formulas, and shop calculators.
Wire
Search-driven resource hub for wire.
Hypertherm
Search-driven resource hub for hypertherm.
Roll
Search-driven resource hub for roll.
James
Search-driven resource hub for james.
Molybdenum
Search-driven resource hub for molybdenum.
Ai
Search-driven resource hub for ai.
Vericut
Search-driven resource hub for vericut.
Siemens
Search-driven resource hub for siemens.
Fanuc
Search-driven resource hub for fanuc.
Turnkey
Search-driven resource hub for turnkey.
Super
Search-driven resource hub for super.
Robotmaster
Search-driven resource hub for robotmaster.
Pronest
Search-driven resource hub for pronest.
Online
Search-driven resource hub for online.
Tap
Search-driven resource hub for tap.
Optical
Search-driven resource hub for optical.
Machinist
Search-driven resource hub for machinist.
Broaching
Search-driven resource hub for broaching.
Fatigue
Search-driven resource hub for fatigue.
Photo
Search-driven resource hub for photo.
Makino
Search-driven resource hub for makino.
Erp
Search-driven resource hub for erp.
Countersink
Search-driven resource hub for countersink.
Flame
Search-driven resource hub for flame.
Fives
Search-driven resource hub for fives.
Centerless
Search-driven resource hub for centerless.
Garant
Search-driven resource hub for garant.
Filtration
Search-driven resource hub for filtration.
Go
Search-driven resource hub for go.
Dual
Search-driven resource hub for dual.
Okuma
Search-driven resource hub for okuma.
Acme
Search-driven resource hub for acme.
Tapping
Search-driven resource hub for tapping.
Raw
Search-driven resource hub for raw.
Co2
Search-driven resource hub for co2.
Pre
Search-driven resource hub for pre.
Total
Search-driven resource hub for total.
Moving
Search-driven resource hub for moving.
Abb
Search-driven resource hub for abb.
Formula
Search-driven resource hub for formula.
Pick
Search-driven resource hub for pick.
Automating
Search-driven resource hub for automating.
Sic
Search-driven resource hub for sic.
Pipe
Search-driven resource hub for pipe.
Coordinate
Search-driven resource hub for coordinate.
Tramp
Search-driven resource hub for tramp.
Thermal
Search-driven resource hub for thermal.
Cmm
Search-driven resource hub for cmm.
Ceramic
Search-driven resource hub for ceramic.
Case Hardening
Search-driven resource hub for case hardening.
Insert Geometry
Insert identification, lead angle, indexable insert geometry, and selection references.
Boring
Boring heads, U-axis systems, contour boring, and setup references.
Cutting Forces
Cutting-force formulas, machining power, chip load, and speed/feed references.
Workholding
Workholding strategy, zero-point clamping, fixturing, and setup efficiency.
Threading
Threading calculators, tapping guidance, thread milling, and related tooling.
Authors
Browse CTE contributors and subject-matter experts.
Glossary
Definitions of machining and manufacturing terms.
Machining Fundamentals & Tooling References
Core explainers and shop-floor references for speeds, feeds, forces, insert identification, heat treatment, and cutter geometry.
Process Spotlights & Manufacturing Systems
Inspection, automation, digitalization, and application-specific reads that complement the core machining references above.
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Stay in the same scroll flow with fresh CTE articles, videos, products, and news instead of hitting a dead-end landing page.
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Latest articles, videos, products, and news from across CTE that fit the same machining-learning path.
Browse results
Plugging In: Turning Performance
A new turning tool emits an electric signal when its insert reaches a predetermined wear point or breaks. Called Sensor Tool, sections of the coated insert are ablated by a laser, thereby creating an electronic circuit.
CNC Lathe Options: What to Know Before Upgrading from Manual
A look at the various types of CNC lathes available to shops contemplating stepping up from a manual machine. The pros and cons of the following lathes are discussed: combination, cutoff, slant-bed, twin-spindle and turn/mill. The author also touches on available options.
Know Your Capabilities: People & Companies
Capability is determined by how well a process produces parts. Three measures of capability are important to a machinist: gage, machine and process. The author provides a detailed description of capability and suggests ways to quantify if a process is or isn't capable.
Steadying the Bar: General Industry Coverage
Cutting forces cause the boring bar to deflect, which can lead to vibration and damaged workpieces. The author gives an overview of available boring bars and offers guidelines for selecting one for a specific application.
Burn Awareness: General Industry Coverage
Grinding burn is a general term used to describe various types of thermal damage that occur to the workpiece during grinding. The author supplies detailed information about each type of burn and offers advice for preventing it
A Tight Fit: General Industry Coverage
Part I: The author discusses how to maintain and repair machine tool spindles and what causes spindles to run out of round. Common sources of out-of-round spindles include loose bearings and improperly ground spacers. In-machine spindle repair is also discussed. Part II: There are three common ways to repair tapered toolholders: regrinding, replacing damaged material and chrome-plating. The author discusses each, along with its price, and gives advice about choosing an option.
Sparking Innovations: General Industry Coverage
The author discusses three recent advancements in electrical discharge machining: the use of linear motors on EDMs, wire EDMs with an automatic slug-removal capability and dielectric fluid additives that yield finer part finishes.
Can We Talk?: General Industry Coverage
DNC can mean either Direct Numeric Control or Distributed Numeric Control. Either way, a DNC links a shop's computers and machine tools and saves times. A DNC eliminates manual transcription of NC data, the downtime caused by shop personnel having to make programming entries and transporting part programs between engineering and their machines.
Squeeze Play
The use of shrink-fit toolholders continues to grow, mainly because, compared to conventional holders, they secure tools more tightly and extend the life of cutting tools. Article includes an overview of available systems and comments from users of shrink-fit holders.
Sizing Up Nickel: Turning Performance
Due to the exceptional strength of IN 100, INCO 718 and other nickel-based alloys, they're difficult to machine. The author, who spent 40 years endmilling these aerospace materials, discusses their unique characteristics and methods for successfully machining them.
Software Aware: Turning Performance
The author provides guidelines shops can follow when selecting a PC-based CAD/CAM system. Selection guidelines include: CAD functionality, CAM functionality, NC code output, vendor evaluation and hardware selection.
Coolant Stewards
Metalworking companies have a "cradle-to-grave" responsibility for the fluids they use. Improper disposal can lead to costly fines. Article discusses the ramifications of improper disposal and how to develop a plan to constantly improve the condition of a shop's metalworking fluid.
