Articles

31 Mar 2009

Machine Tool Installations Grew Last Year

Survey: Once Again, China Dominates World Consumption

Holemaking 30 Mar 2009

Micromachining: Drilling Is Doable

This shop drills 0.020-inch holes as part of a machining cycle that also includes full-size tools cutting full-size features.

Aerospace 27 Mar 2009

What Is The Most Productive End Mill In Titanium?

Boeing experts recently responded to this question when it was submitted through our Aerospace Machining Zone

Aerospace 27 Mar 2009

Where Does Diamond Make Sense In Machining Titanium?

Boeing machining experts say one application is drilling Ti-Composite stacks. PCD does well here. The group recently addressed this question submitted through our Aerospace Machining Zone.

Aerospace 27 Mar 2009

How Do You Maximize Tool Life In Aluminum?

Boeing experts say climb vs. conventional is not the key. They recently answered a question submitted through our Aerospace Machining Zone, saying the key to tool life is actually chatter control.

Workholding 26 Mar 2009

A Vise Designed With CNC Machines In Mind

A sliding, locking mechanism allows users to quickly push this vise’s moveable jaw close to the workpiece before tightening the wrench. This minimizes the number of wrench turns to secure the part and allows users to quickly clamp parts of various sizes.

Workholding 26 Mar 2009

The High-Pressure Vise: An Alternative To Cheating

High-pressure vises are able to safely generate a significant amount of clamping force without machine operators resorting to using hammers or “cheater bars.”

Measurement 16 Mar 2009

Probing Beyond Prismatic

This manufacturer has used on-machine probing to help automate setups and maintain process control for prismatic parts produced on VMCs for years. The metrology products maker recently implemented probing strategies that let it achieve similar results on its turn-mills and Swiss-types. The smaller, more economical batch sizes these machines now produce are better aligned with true production requirements.

Workforce Development 13 Mar 2009

Getting Credit Where Credit Is Due

Although current economic climate is by no means conducive to securing a lease or loan for a new machine or other equipment, shops with the right plan in place can still obtain the financing they need. One expert offers some advice for manufacturers seeking to obtain equipment financing amid the downturn.