Design & Engineering

Articles • April 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Added Dimensions

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.

Articles • April 1, 2000 • Derek Phillips

Company Saves Big with Custom Indexable Tool

Switching from a brazed-tip trepanning tool to an indexable-insert tool nreduced downtime for a manufacturer of cast iron cylinder heads by 45 nminutes. And, incredibly, the price-per-piece dropped so much that the ncompany could save $690,000 annually.

Articles • April 1, 2000

Expanding Possibilities and Self-Improvement

Round-up of five recently introduced indexable tools: stub drill, universal nmilling cutter, center-cutting endmill, dovetail cutter and insert clamp.n

Articles • March 1, 2000 • William Shaffer

Getting a Better Edge

The author, an expert on cutting tool edge preparation, explains the importance of applying the proper edge hone to a tool. He also discusses a brush-type honing machine designed to apply a variable edge--a capability not available with other machines on the market.

Articles • March 1, 2000 • Dennis Esford

Creeping Up

Creep-feed grinding is not as popular a process as it was predicted to become in the late 1980s. But a machine shop that specializes in CF grinding has found great success by using the process. The shop's owner and other CF-grinding experts contend that as workpiece tolerances become tighter and manufacturers begin using more exotic workpiece materials, CF grinding will grow in popularity.

Articles • April 1, 1997 • John Pfeiffer

Consider the Source

This article discusses the various sources of machining information available, and the body of knowledge on which each type of source bases its recommendations. Emerging sources that make use of such innovative media as the Internet also are discussed.

Articles • February 1, 1996 • John Olsen

A Bend in the Stream

Programming a cut with an abrasive waterjet is complicated by the fact that the stream of water deflects as it passes through the workpiece. This article describes newer controller technology that can adjust the traverse speed to minimize deflection at corners and curves.

Articles • March 1, 1995 • Roy Leverenz

A Simple Groove

This article discusses the trend among insert makers to consolidate chipbreaker designs and carbide grades. The result is the three-chipbreaker/three-grade matrix many insert makers have adopted in some form. The evolution of the chip-forming groove is also traced, and an ANSI proposal for a grade identification system is described.

Articles • February 1, 1995 • George Taylor

Bushings Get It Straight

Guide bushings are used in difficult holemaking applications to ensure that the drill produces round straight holes. This article discusses the types of bushings commonly used and the materials they are made from. Guidelines for sizing bushings for a given operation are also supplied.