Articles

Turn/Mill 1 Jan 2017

Turn-Mill Machining Tech Improves Industrial Motor Performance

By replacing a welding process to create rotor cooling channels with multitasking machining from a solid forging, Siemens Norwood has realized improved induction motor vibration qualities and much faster overall rotor production times.

30 Dec 2016

The 10 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2016

Here is our traditional look back at the posts that intrigued you the most throughout the year, and a look ahead at what we’re planning in 2017.

Workholding 29 Dec 2016

One-Hand Quick-Change Vise Maximizes Freedom for Soft Jaws

A “four-leaf clover” device enables machining of deep profiles into four different directions of the jaw. Developed in a Pennsylvania job shop, the vise system is now marketed to other shops.

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Holemaking 27 Dec 2016

Video: Thread Mill Without a Pilot Hole

This tool can drill a hole and mill threads simultaneously.

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Additive Manufacturing 26 Dec 2016

Reducing the Weight of a Robot Actuator

A metal additive manufacturing process reduced the weight of a hydraulic actuator, leading to a better performing component.

Workforce Development 23 Dec 2016

Not Every Successful Career Starts with a College Degree

“It’s time to redefine the definition of success.” That was a key point made by CNC Software President Meghan West, who was the keynote speaker at University of South Florida College of Education’s luncheon in Tampa. She explained why specialized training in manufacturing skills may be better career preparation for smart students with a talent for making things.

Toolholders 22 Dec 2016

Improving Tool Life by Turning off Coolant

In this case study, learn how retooling with the Di-Pos Hexa high-performance face mill from Ingersoll Cutting Tools and turning off the coolant helped McGill Machine Works achieve eight times the tool life of its previous inserts plus an 80 percent boost in throughput.

Oil & Gas 21 Dec 2016

Are Increasing Oil Prices Good for U.S. Industry?

The positive impact of oil prices on modern U.S. manufacturing offers an argument for questioning our habitual response to oil price increases.

Additive Manufacturing 20 Dec 2016

Hybrid Additive Manufacturing Machine Steps up in Size

The bigger size of this combination milling/laser-metal-sintering machine could enable it to enter new markets.

Basics 19 Dec 2016

Looseness — An Enemy of Precision

When a gage isn’t coming up with accurate measurements, the culprit could be a connection that simply isn’t tight enough.

Cutting Tools 16 Dec 2016

Ceramic Insert Grade Has Broad Range of Applications

When Greenleaf’s staff of researchers started exploring what they could do with a new manufacturing method to induce internal crystal growth within a silicon-nitride-based ceramic for forming ceramic composite cutting tool inserts, they "got pretty excited," as the story goes. They even named the new grade Xsytin—as in “excitin’.”