Articles
Solving a Sticky Workholding Issue
Workholding on a CNC router can be a challenge because vacuum plates or tables have limitations.
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Holding Small Parts for Effective Machining on a CNC Router
A non-woven porous material with a special coating enables vacuum chucks and tables to hold sheets of metal and other materials more effectively on CNC routing machines. The material, called Vilmill, is used as a substrate between the sheet or plate material to be machined and a suitable vacuum table or vacuum chuck where it is held securely in place by the vacuum.
Read MoreWhat's the Best Process for Machining a Precise Hole in Aluminum?
This small hole is actually large enough that any of three different processes might be used.
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How to Overcome an Acc/Dec Limitation in High Speed Machining
A small pocket in a graphite workpiece limits productivity. Part of the expert’s response is to consider how a lower feed rate might actually be more productive—because the machine will spend more time at the programmed rate.
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Why Do Cutting Tool Charts Give Recommended Parameters in a Broad Range?
The answer has to do with the differences from cut to cut, as well as the differences that make some shops more capable than others.
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Basic Questions on High Speed Machining
Can HSM apply to turning? Does the “speed” refer to cutting speed or spindle speed? What is the explanation behind lower forces and lower heat generation?
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No, These Aren’t Birthday Candles
They’re actually rubber impressions of tiny drilled holes.
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How 3+2 Saves Tools
A machining center capable of reorienting the part enables the shop to machine compound-angle features more efficiently.
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“I Was the Village Idiot”
I once heard someone say, “Yes, they laughed at Christopher Columbus, but they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.” When people are laughing at you, you don’t necessarily know which one you are.Mike Eden says they laughed at him once.
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Machining for Fun
Dan Carney machines custom aluminum components for his 1948 Pontiac project car.
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Better Accuracy from Big Machines
Holding tight tolerances across travels such as these can be challenging.
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