Small shop wins big award
February 2009 Talking Shop column
Topic
Safety, Standards & Compliance
All Together Now: Step-NC
STEP-NC: A more advanced, data-rich language designed to overcome the current standard for defining the movement of machine tool axes.
STEPin’ Out
STEP-NC is almost an official ISO standard, but when will it become part of everyday use?
Mist Collection: The Pressure is On
Lower-cost, more-compact mist-collection systems target atomized pArticles from high-speed cutting operations.
Keeping OSHA at Bay
Metalcutting shops must focus primarily on four OSHA regulations to avoid penalties.
Setting Standards
A look at the industry's need for metalworking-fluid standards.
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.
Silver Lining
GE Superabrasives' silver-coated diamond crystal is designed for grinding tungsten carbide. Discussed are the benefits--reduced friction, greater crystal retention and a cooler grinding environment--and how to apply wheels made from the crystal.
Software Solutions
Tool management software is designed to help users of cutting tools get more control of their toolcribs. The article describes the types of tool management software available, the savings possible by utilizing software and includes comments from shop owners who've installed these systems.
Dry Out
As the government publishes ever-stricter regulations for metalworking fluids, more shops try dry machining. The author examines the cost benefits of machining dry and looks at the various types of tool materials designed to enhance dry-machining applications.
Standard Issues
The article looks at concerns being raised over ISO's plans to revise quality standards. An accompanying article discusses a Web site that strongly opposes the announced changes.
Are Metalworking Fluids a Threat to Health?
Representatives of management, labor and the government are working together to arrive at a workable regulation to reduce shop-floor exposure to metalworking fluid mist. This article reviews the debate and looks at ways shops can reduce their own workers' exposure.