MMS Blog
The Case for 3D-Printed Workholding: Collapsing Costs and Lead Times
When Precision Metal Products purchased its first 3D printer last year, the company hoped to collapse both tooling costs and lead times. But the technology’s impact is reaching core business operations, enabling the shop to focus on higher-margin, lower-volume production.
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Automating Small NC Programming Tasks Pays Off Big Over Time
What started as a few Java macros the programmer whipped up to make life easier has grown to a shop-wide file management system integrated into other software, such as Vericut.
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Offline CNC Makes Precision Productive
Relieving the control of its calculation burden helps meet demand for increased volumes, faster deliveries and greater varieties of complex, mirror-finish components machined with diamond tools.
Read MoreUsing Offset Data to Determine Turret Index Position
Determine the optimal index position based on cutting tools’ current geometry offset settings.
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Machining, Disruption and the Years Ahead
Three major technological advancements have changed modern manufacturing. Pay attention or get left behind.
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Additive Manufacturing with Wire
This system has the benefits of cheaper cost and easier handling. But there can be some drawbacks as well.
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From-Scratch CNC Post Processor Lets Dual-Toolhead Mill-Turn Shine
A dual-toolhead multitasking machine made coordination of tool paths difficult, if not impossible. A new post processor for use with Mastercam Mill-Turn resulted in smooth programming of tight-tolerance tool paths using both toolheads.
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Horizontal Machining Plus Automation Prove to Be a Rewarding Investment
After watching a machinist take four hours to set up a part on a VMC, Dan Olsen of Mach Machine knew he had a problem. The solution seemed clear: horizontal machining. The automation system wasn’t expected; but the novelty was well worth it before long.
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Which Five-Axis Machining Center is Right for You?
With so many choices in five-axis machining technology, how do you know which is best for your shop? First, consider the parts. Then, look at existing processes and potential five-axis benefits.
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Measuring Tools Basics: Faster and Better
In a high-volume production environment, the cost of inspection is related to the speed with which measurements can be made and interpreted.
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Machining Demonstration Shows the Digital-Twin Concept in Action
A demonstration at IMTS 2018 showed that all of the pieces to meet the “Grand Challenge” are now in place, making so-called digital-twin manufacturing feasible for shops looking to streamline production of complex workpieces.
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Vision Systems: One Shop's Competitive Edge for Measurement and Inspection
Even for high-volume machine shops like Alpha Grainger, every part is critical. When the bottleneck to inspect a vast number of parts resulted in lost business, the company built, then invested in, digital vision systems to gain a competitive advantage.
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