Articles

15 Mar 2010

Single Master Air Gaging Systems

Choosing a single master air gaging system can be difficult. Understanding the similarities and differences--in performance, price and philosophy--can help a user make the best choice for their application.

Milling Tools 11 Mar 2010

When Spindle Speed is a Constraint

Though it won’t replace high speed machining, Boeing sees “low speed machining” as a viable supplement to higher-rpm machines. Using new tools and techniques, a shop’s lower-rpm machining centers can realize much more of their potential productivity in milling aluminum aircraft parts.

Large Part Machining 11 Mar 2010

Going To Great Lengths

Heidenhain LB 382C sealed linear scales enabled Ingersoll Machine Tools to meet the customer’s requirements for the largest five-axis gantry machine in North America.

Aerospace 11 Mar 2010

Pinch Milling from Top to Bottom

A multitasking (turnmill) machine that can mill a workpiece top and bottom at the same time has advantages for long, slender workpieces such as turbine blades, propellers and aerospace structural components. Includes video.

Holemaking 11 Mar 2010

Try 110

First, recall this scene in the movie "This is Spinal Tap" where Brit guitarist Nigel Tufnel deftly explains the value of having amps with knobs that go to 11 (versus most blokes’ amps that only go to 10). Now, consider the following machining tip as you replay that “one louder” scene in your mind: Turn the feed rate override to 110 percent.

10 Mar 2010

Citric Acid Safeguards Stainless Steel

This rendering shows a large passivation line.

9 Mar 2010

Jan. 2010 Machine Tool Sales Show Significant Growth

According to the USMTC, January 2010 machine tool sales were up 14% and 38% compared to January 2009 in units and dollars, respectively.

8 Mar 2010

Machines Have Back Stories

Here is a trend I’ve noticed during the last year: Machine tools increasingly have back stories.

5 Mar 2010

One Man’s Insider View of Machine Tool History

Albert Albrecht, who spent most of his career in the machine tool industry, remembers when machine tool sales were most often based on personal relationships developed over time-and often over a fine steak dinner and a few drinks.

4 Mar 2010

Total Capital Goods Orders up 16.6% in January

Nominal total capital goods new orders were up 16.6% in January compared to January 2009. (I always compare to the same time period one year ago because economic data tends to be quite seasonal.) This is the first such increase since February 2008.