MMS Blog

Toolholders 24 Mar 2006

Don’t Forget The Drawbar

The force that holds the toolholder in the machining center's spindle can weaken over time. If you haven't checked drawbar force in a while, this may be the weak link in your process.

17 Mar 2006

Two Environmental Directives To Note

Not long ago, directives issued by governmental bodies outside the United States were often safely ignored by manufacturers in this country. Today, U.S. companies have to pay attention to laws and regulations coming from other countries because non-compliance may keep products made here out of key emerging markets.

High-Speed Machining 2 Mar 2006

Practical Tips For High Speed Machining Of Dies And Molds

In die/mold work, the programmer can make the HSM process dramatically more effective. Here are some tips.

2 Mar 2006

American Factories Continue To Increase Equipment Investment

Here is a report on the findings of the 2006 World Machine Tool Output & Consumption Survey.

2 Mar 2006

Part Finishing And The New RoHS And ELV Directives

New environmental directives that have come out of Europe and Asia limit the toxic chemical content in manufactured products in order to protect users and to facilitate the recycling of these components. Restriction of Hazardous Substances legislation limits hazardous metals contained in electrical and electronic components. The ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle) Directive limits polluting metals that can be contained in vehicles in order to minimize hazards caused by recycling their components. In order to comply, manufacturers will have to consider finishing processes such as a low-temperature black-oxiding process that does not use banned substances or leave them in the finished product.

CAD/CAM 2 Mar 2006

Making Programming Hands-Free (Almost)

Feature-recognition CAM software helps this technology company's internal mold shop deliver critical molds more quickly. A programmer is still needed, but the software automation saves considerable time.

Die/Mold 2 Mar 2006

The Hard Milling Imperative

Hard milling allows mold components to be machined in the hardened state, thus skipping several expensive and time-consuming processes such as electrical discharge machining and hand polishing.

1 Mar 2006

Measuring Tool Length For Micron Accuracy

Measuring the length of the cutting tool in the spindle is critical.

Laser & Waterjet 27 Feb 2006

Is It A Mill, A Waterjet Cutter Or Both?

An enclosed waterjet module that installs on a shop's existing knee mill or VMC temporarily transforms that equipment into a waterjet cutter.

CAD/CAM 27 Feb 2006

An Affordable, Secure Way To Exchange 3D CAD Models

Shops no longer need 3D CAD software to view 3D CAD models.

Workforce Development 23 Feb 2006

Teaching With Technology

A North Carolina machining instructor says the industry should give community colleges a second look.

23 Feb 2006

Photogrammetry Collects Precision 3D Data In Unlikely Places

Remember when computing technology was changing so fast that your new computer was almost antiquated in just a few months? Digital photography and imaging technology is following a similar pace, with cutting-edge developments rolling off the assembly line in record time. What does this have to do with industrial measurement, you ask? Plenty.