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.
Browse 51 more topics
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.
Do more with CTE
Browse
Keep exploring
Latest articles, videos, products, and news from across CTE that fit the same machining-learning path.
Browse results
A clean finish: General Industry Coverage
END USER: RDC Control Ltd., (800) 363-2264, www.rdccontrol.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Rösler Metal Finishing USA LLC, (269) 441-3000, www.rosler.us. CHALLENGE: Reduce the cost and time to finish end plates for hydraulic cylinders. SOLUTION: A shot-blasting machine to perform the process in-house.
Customer-centric cutting: Turning Performance
END USER: Kluba Machine LLC, (636) 390-4088. SOLUTION PROVIDER: CNC Software Inc., (800) 228-2877, www.mastercam.com. CHALLENGE: Improve cycle times and spindle uptime while maintaining part quality. SOLUTION: CAD/CAM software.
Remembering a teacher: Workforce Development & Training
I was saddened to hear about the passing of David A. Dornfeld, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, who died of a heart attack on March 27 at age 66. Although I never met him, I considered him to have a brilliant mind and be a great editorial source—someone who returned my phone calls and had something intelligent to say.
ITAMCO pushes the innovation envelope
It's fitting that "Technology" is part of Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Cos.'s name. In addition to providing a full slate of machining and assembly services, ITAMCO created what it says is the first industrial Bluetooth transmitter (called iBlue) and continues to develop a broad range of manufacturing apps for mobile devices and Google Glass.
Providing help for engineers: People & Companies
The majority of engineers I've worked with are solution seekers who usually go out of their way to make things easier for people working on their projects. However, as a result of the physical separation of engineering departments from machine shops, communication and feedback often suffer.
Smarter by design: General Industry Coverage
I'm not a huge fan of machinist's vises. Even with a speed handle and a couple cups of coffee in your belly, it seems like it takes forever to crank them open wide enough to change a pair of jaws.
Drilling stack materials
The aircraft industry now has the means to precisely machine multilayer material combinations. These combinations, called stack materials, include several thin layers of different materials. Aircraft skin, for example, could consist of titanium, aluminum and composite layers, according to Lee Coleman, automation division manager for Suhner Manufacturing Inc., Rome, Ga.
Transactional or strategic?: People & Companies
We're getting lots of random requests for machined parts, and that segment of our business remains busy. One recent example was a business acquaintance of mine who contacted our shop requesting machining work. I had not seen him in a while and wasn't up to date with his professional activities, but his parts request made it clear he was still freelancing some adventurous projects.
Cam-grinding options
Ask the Grinding Doc Columnist Jeffrey Badger, Ph.D., responds to a question about the difference between "constant rpm" and "constant metal-removal rate" when it comes to grinding cams.
Above and beyond: Inspection Efficiency
Value-added services shorten lead times and increase sales opportunities for parts manufacturers. The decision to bring traditionally outsourced services in-house can be an expensive and scary proposition—one with the potential to either transform a company or send it into bankruptcy. Yet that's exactly what many manufacturing companies do, and often they are pleased with the results.
Airing differences
Around for more than 100 years, air gaging is a mature technology that still has a place in modern shops.
Flying-machine machining
As aerospace materials have evolved, machine shops have had to use new tools and technologies in order to process them. The June 2016 CTE cover story delves into delamination of composites and other workpiece problems that challenge aerospace parts makers.
