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
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Hypertherm
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Vericut
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Siemens
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Fanuc
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Turnkey
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Robotmaster
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Pronest
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Tap
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Optical
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Machinist
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Broaching
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Fatigue
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Photo
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Makino
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Erp
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Okuma
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Acme
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Tapping
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Raw
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Case Hardening
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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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Latest articles, videos, products, and news from across CTE that fit the same machining-learning path.
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Rotary table speeds production: General Industry Coverage
END USER: Precise Machining & Manufacturing LLC, (918) 438-3121, www.accurusaero.com/locations/precise-machining-manufacturing-llc. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Koma Precision Inc., (800) 951-3152, www.komaprecision.com. CHALLENGE: Add 5-axis capabilities to a horizontal machining center and decrease part setup time. SOLUTION: A rotary table.
One PVD coating technique with certain advantages
Most PVD coaters use cathodic-arc evaporation, in which an electric arc vaporizes the coating material from a cathode. The vaporized material condenses on the tool, resulting in a wear-resistant coating imbued with whatever qualities the coater is looking to impart to the tool.
Which is better: dry or wet machining?
Throughout the sometimes-contentious world of machining, the debate rages about whether to apply flood coolant or cut dry. As in many areas of machining, the choice is not easy and requires careful and informed consideration. To further complicate the decision, minimum-quantity lubrication (MQL) can be a successful compromise that provides an efficient and effective answer to the troublesome question.
Multiple methods are available for deburring holes
Burrs present a hazard to those who handle parts during and after the manufacturing process. The deburring method can have a major impact on cycle time, cost, quality and customer satisfaction.
Single-point thread programming can be fun and easy
Before CNC lathes, single-point threading was a pain in the neck. Fast reflexes were needed to engage an engine lathe's lead-screw dial at precisely the right time and disengage it before crashing into the shoulder. Around the time of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, tape-operated lathes made all of this headache obsolete.
PCD reamers offer long tool life and productivity gains while reducing secondary operations
It is widely acknowledged within the manufacturing industry that PCD tools deliver excellent results when reaming nonferrous metals and abrasive plastics. Reaming with a PCD tool allows the user to ream holes faster, to tighter tolerances and produce cleaner-edge holes than is possible with carbide or HSS tooling.
Deflated earnings: Industry Trends & Analysis
Cutting Tool Engineering magazine's 2016 Salary Survey reveals the paychecks metalworking professionals receive are not packing as much punch.
Maximum-performance milling outperforms traditional milling by a long shot
Within the last decade, multiple endmilling developments have occurred. These include bold, new cutter designs, extremely tough but wear-resistant carbide grades and toolpaths that reduce mechanical shock to machine tool and cutter alike while reducing cycle times by 50 percent or more and extending tool life.
A strong, but light-load-bearing metal nano-composite
Talk about composites in most machine shops usually refers to carbon-fiber material, though "composites" may refer to a variety of mixed materials going back to the mud-and-straw structures made in ancient times. The latest example: A new metal nanocomposite composed of magnesium infused with a dense and even dispersal of ceramic-silicon-carbide nanoparticles.
A new tooling, software combination to speed blisk production
Autodesk CAM software developer Delcam Ltd., working with toolmaker Technicut Ltd., has created a software and cutting tool combination for machining blisks that reportedly reduces machining time and costs about 50 percent compared to traditional methods.
Becoming familiar with CAD: General Industry Coverage
CNC machining takes a blend of computer skills and machining skills. Some competent machinists, especially old-timers, lack the computer skills needed to go from print to part using CNC machines. I previously lacked the computer skills, but couldn't tolerate not having complete control of the jobs I was running.
We are going to the show
This issue of CTE includes our IMTS 2016 Show Preview, featuring show highlights, information about the various pavilions, a guide to Chicago attractions and an extensive array of announcements about what exhibitors plan to showcase. The latter includes machine tools, software, workholders, automation equipment and cutting tools.
