MMS Blog

CAD/CAM 10 Jan 2005

Turning Ideas Into Parts

To get maximum leverage from its manufacturing know-how, Krieger Machine, a CNC shop in Stuart, Florida, draws on all of its software resources - CAD, CAM and shopfloor programming. The shop relies on KeyCreator from Kubotek as its main CAD resource. Mastercam from CNC Software is its main CAM resource. On the shop floor, conversational programming on the Hurco vertical machining centers proves to be another vital resource. All three systems help the shop succeed as a reliable producer of precision parts for a variety of industries.

14 Dec 2004

Italian Offerings In Unattended Machining

From BI-MU 2004, here are a few examples of Italian companies addressing the need for unattended production and single-setup machining.

13 Dec 2004

JIMTOF Puts Nanotechnology Under Magnification

The big theme at the Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF) was nanotechnology—the ability to produce parts to submicron accuracy.

Milling Tools 13 Dec 2004

Machining Under The Microscope

Sandia National Laboratories experiments with turning and milling tools just 10 and 20 microns in size.

13 Dec 2004

End Mill Designed For Ramping

Features of the tool facilitate ramping and other aspects of milling holes and pockets.

13 Dec 2004

Service Phone Saves Productive Time

One machine supplier adds a cell phone to the CNC as a way to provide immediate access to service support.

Horizontal Machining Centers 13 Dec 2004

Understanding MQL

Minimum quantity lubricant can save money, improve tool life and improve the part finish. But it may involve changes to both the equipment and the processing strategy.

Micromachining 13 Dec 2004

Getting To Submicron Accuracy

Machie tools designed for submicron accuracy and subminiature workpieces are following design strategies that depart from conventional practice. The Hyper2J from Makino is described as a case in point.

Milling Tools 13 Dec 2004

Handle With Care

Micro-size drills and end mills don’t have to be difficult to use.

Milling Tools 6 Dec 2004

Developing A Safer Way To Machine Magnesium

Machining magnesium is risky business, as the chips and dust generated are flammable. A research consortium has developed a novel way to extract magnesium particles out of the machine by vacuuming them through a hollow tool and spindle during machining.

Turn/Mill 6 Dec 2004

Machining More Than Meets The Eye

Manufacturing parts that may be smaller than the chips generated during machining requires more than just the right cutting tool and machine. It requires a micro-mindset that focuses on all aspects of tiny parts processing--handling, inspection, finishing and assembly.

Automotive 29 Nov 2004

Vertical Machining Centers For Volume Production

At this model plant for lean manufacturing, Parker Hannifin personnel became convinced that the simple approach was the strongest choice for the application. Part of the lesson learned at this plant is that the most difficult part of going lean may lie in the discussion.