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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Size Matters
The trend toward developing finer and finer carbide grains continues. The author looks at recent developments in the production of nanosized tungsten-carbide grains, which are smaller than 0.2 microns in diameter. Though not used widely at present for the production of cutting tools, some predict that will change as the technology evolves.
Killing Time: Drilling Performance
One company instituted a comprehensive plan for reducing setup times and saw its average setup time drop from 252 minutes to 39 minutes. The plan involves everything from standardizing tooling to consolidating raw materials to creating families of parts. The author outlines a step-by-step program that readers can apply to their metalworking setup operations.
Double Header
The author discusses the advantages and proper application of twin-cutter boring tools. They're recommended for rough-boring applications on castings, forgings and other jobs requiring a tool that can bore a cored hole. Details are provided on the three basic types of methods for rough boring with a twin cutter: balanced, stepped and full profile.
Tool Men
Establishing a good relationship with your cutting tool salesperson can benefit your operation. A good salesperson can help solve problems you don't have time to tackle and offer recommendations for machining difficult parts. The author also addresses what to do when a relationship sours.
Talking Points: Industry Trends & Analysis
A conversation with Lee Iacocca, chief spokesman and a member of the board of directors of The Online Asset Exchange (onlineassetexchange.com), a service for buyers and sellers of machine tools. Iacocca also is involved with a company that produces electric bicycles. The former president of Ford Motor Co. and of Chrysler Corp. was at WESTEC 2000, where he met with CUTTING TOOL ENGINEERING to discuss manufacturing's role in the economy, his perceptions of the machine tool industry and business-to-business e-commerce.
Back to Basics: Drilling Performance
Gundrilling: going deep
Smoother Roughing
The author discusses the disadvantages of using a finishing endmill for roughing applications. He also presents a quick, systematic, step-by-step series of calculations that allows machinists to optimize metalcutting when applying coarse-pitch, cobalt-HSS roughing endmills.
From Maudsley to CNC: The Evolution of Thread Cutting
A look at the different types of inserts used for single-point threading and how to figure feed rates for cutting threads on a CNC lathe. Also offers programming tips and recommendations for reducing tool wear.
Abrasive Personality: Drilling Performance
High-silicon aluminum--aluminum that consists of at least 11.8 percent silicon--has qualities such as lightness and strength that appeal to automakers. The abrasives nature of the material, however, makes it difficult to machine. The author offers suggestions for milling, tapping, drilling, turning and grinding high-silicon aluminum.
Getting to the Bottom of Chatter
Tool chatter is one of the biggest obstacles to effective machining that job nshops face. The author discusses the sources of chatter and offers nsuggestions for minimizing it.
Added Dimensions: 5-Axis Machining
A rotary table allows a 3-axis vertical machining center to machine in the n4th and 5th axes. The author explains the different types of rotary tables nthat are available and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each.
High Expectations: Drilling Performance
People in the aerospace industry expect a lot from reamers. The author, an nengineer who works for a manufacturer of aerospace components, discusses nstrategies for job shops interested in developing a precision reaming nprogram.
