Articles

Basics 5 Mar 2019

Checking Cutting Tool Offset Values

A setup program can be used to test for overtravel issues before a workpiece is run, eliminating program verification delays.

Basics 4 Mar 2019

Buying a Grinder: Latest Technological and Process Developments

Grinders have advanced in recent years with both technological and process improvements. Here is a rundown of some of those improvements.

Automation 1 Mar 2019

Understanding the Internet of Things

Part of the strangeness is this: There is not much to understand! Cheap sensors, fast connectivity, and data storage and applications in the cloud all come together to simplify certain kinds of automation needs. A band saw in the lab at Georgia Tech illustrates how manufacturers might put this to use.

30 Oct 2019

Not Every RFQ Needs Your Attention

This shop discovered the most profitable thing it could do with certain RFQs is to prevent them from ever reaching the quoting team.

Automation 28 Feb 2019

Eyeing Automotive Machining Applications in Taiwan

I took time to check out machining equipment geared toward components for automobiles—electric vehicles in particular—at the recent TMTS show in Taichung.

Basics 26 Feb 2019

How to Mitigate Risk in Your Manufacturing Process or Design

Use a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) form as a proactive way to evaluate a manufacturing process or design.

Measurement 25 Feb 2019

Why QC Inspectors Should Consider Gaging Fixture Spring Rates

All fixtures for part gaging will have some amount of deflection or spring rate that can affect measurement accuracy. A better understanding of spring rate can enable quality control inspectors to detect and eliminate this possible error source.

Basics 22 Feb 2019

When Machining Long Parts, Machine Shop Climate Matters

Machining long titanium tufting needle bars required a milling machine with a super-long X-axis travel. But the real challenge was thermal compensation in the Georgia heat.

Workforce Development 22 Feb 2019

How Manufacturers Beyond Machining Are Addressing the Skills Challenge

The need for talent in manufacturing is a challenge extending beyond just machining, and manufacturers in other sectors are finding solutions that machine shops might be able to learn from.

Additive Manufacturing 21 Feb 2019

Three Cool Uses for Directed Energy Deposition

Most machining professionals don’t like to admit that they ever make mistakes, but every now and then wouldn’t it be nice to have an “eraser” to go back and repair a gouge or fix a nicked edge? Or maybe you took off a bit too much material on that last machining pass and you’d like to add it back? Well, directed energy deposition (DED) enables you to do that and more.