Articles

Turning Machines 15 Aug 2013

The Unexpected Advantages of Robotic Automation

This shop justified the robot solely through improved use of labor. Other benefits came to light after the automation arrived.

Milling Tools 15 Aug 2013

Average Chip Thickness Dictates Milling Performance

Attaining the correct average chip thickness for a particular insert should be a chief goal in any milling application. Here's an explanation of what that term means and why it's important.

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Measurement 14 Aug 2013

Flexible Fixturing Speeds CMM Inspection

Modular fixturing components enable users to realize fast change-overs on CMMs to open inspection bottlenecks and reduce machine tool downtime waiting for part measurement.

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Metalworking Fluids 14 Aug 2013

Reducing the Cost of Water Recycling

This evaporator system is an affordable, yet effective, alternative for manufacturing water reuse and recycling.

Holemaking 14 Aug 2013

Video: Music by Modulation

M4 Sciences makes a device that uses modulation-assisted machining to prevent chips from binding during deep drilling. Called “TriboMAM,” the system oscillates the drill in and out of the cut 1,000 times per second.

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13 Aug 2013

Recalling My Trip to Brazil

I was one of 68,000 attendees at this year’s Feimafe trade show in Sao Paulo. Here’s some of what I learned.

Workholding 12 Aug 2013

Video: How to Machine Soft Jaws

Haas Automation produced this excellent video on how to cut soft jaws for turning operations. These fundamentals aren’t just for first-timers: Even those who are so experienced that they practice 80 percent of fundamentals can still benefit from a refresher on the remaining 20 percent.

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Economics 12 Aug 2013

June MBI at 48.5 – Contraction Slows Significantly

With a reading of 48.5, Gardner’s metalworking business index showed that the metalworking industry contracted at a much slower rate in July compared to June.