MMS Blog

5 Feb 2005

Manufacturing's Challenges And Opportunities

Makers of manufactured goods face many challenges, including increased competition in worldwide markets; a demand for more complex products; shortened delivery times; lower production costs; higher quality and longer life products; and increased pressure from consumers for variety and options in the goods being produced. The "one style/color fits all" mentality behind the mass assembly line is no longer an accepted approach for large-scale production.

Vertical Machining Centers 4 Feb 2005

How To Perfect A Machining Process (Or At Least How To Make It More Trustworthy)

Instead of inspecting machined parts, get to know the process better.

Measurement 4 Feb 2005

Same Problem, Different Resolution

In shopfloor measurements, don’t count partial increments, but do keep a finer-resolution instrument handy.

4 Feb 2005

Two Machines In One Grinding System

A machine design mating two grinders together, with one control for the set, saves cost and floorspace compared to two separate machines.

4 Feb 2005

The Case For A Chromium-Based Coating

A cutting tool coating based on chromium can take even better advantage of the protective value of aluminum.

Vertical Machining Centers 1 Feb 2005

Keeping Accuracy Within Reach

Part quality is at risk if a machining center cannot hold tolerances at the farthest reaches of its work envelope. This makes volumetric accuracy a key indicator of a machine's performance. One machine tool builder discusses the implications.

Vertical Machining Centers 20 Jan 2005

“Too Hard” Is Just Right

A user of ultrasonic machining looks for parts that are too hard to cut on other machine tools.

CAD/CAM 20 Jan 2005

Constant Material Removal: The Key To Hard Milling

Features of the CAM software can keep the cut from exceeding the tool’s limits, without compromising part quality or productivity.

Basics 17 Jan 2005

Running EDM Economically

Many shops are taking a closer look at the cost of operating a machine tool. How much energy does it consume? Does it create excessive heat, making the shop air conditioning work harder? Does it stretch the life of cutting tools and consumables?

Lean Manufacturing 11 Jan 2005

Creating A Machine Shop Franchise Template

This contract shop applies basic franchising concepts to maximize efficiency in all aspects of its business. Its intent is not to sow multiple franchise locations, but rather to make its sole facility perform as predictably and profitably as possible.

10 Jan 2005

CAD Input For EDM

This software runs on the wire and ram (die sinking) versions of the company's "LQ" Windows XP-based control unit. The software provides a special interface that allows the user to input 3D solid model geometry directly from the CAD system to use as input to the EDM control unit. Using CAD data as direct machine tool input has long been a dream that developers of other types of machine tools are now closing in on.

10 Jan 2005

High Speed Wire Cutting Needs High Efficiency Filtration

High speed cutting with wire electrical discharge machining produces debris in the dielectric at a high rate. Without effective filtration, a wire machine quickly loses its ability to maintain high cutting speed, achieve the desired surface finish and obtain expected dimensional accuracy. Charmilles' approach to solving this problem has been to develop a filtration system that doubles the number of filter cartridges, from two to four.

CERATIZIT OptiLine Solid Carbide End Mills