Derek Korn Editor-in-Chief

Holemaking 14 Dec 2009

Use The Tools That Are Available

Typically, creating holes isn’t a daunting task. However, programming, machine set up and cycle times can be prolonged when a part has numerous hole diameters. A new feature-based CAM strategy automatically determines how best to combine drilling and milling to create the holes using only the tools already loaded in a machine.

Cutting Tools 30 Nov 2009

Get The Feed Rate Right When Thread Milling

Does your machine control specify radial feed rate from the edge of a tool or its center? Not knowing can cause much longer cycle times or greatly reduced tool life during thread milling operations.

16 Nov 2009

Misperceptions, Challenges, Hope

While U.S. manufacturing hasn’t disappeared as some might presume, it does face special challenges. However, industry-performance data and individual encounters offer me hope for long-lived manufacturing in America.

6 Nov 2009

Mind The Mechanicals Before Upgrading Your CNC

Don’t plan a control retrofit project too narrowly. Proper mechanical alignment is a key part of a comprehensive approach to upgrading a machine’s CNC.

Composites Machining 28 Oct 2009

Cutters Compress To Effectively Machine Composites

The combined up-cut and down-cut spiral flutes on these cutters compress layered composites to prevent delamination during machining.

Inspection and Measurement 22 Oct 2009

How Stylus Choice Affects CMM Accuracy

Measurement uncertainty and inconsistency can result when an improper CMM stylus is chosen. A metrology products manufacturer details four aspects of stylus choice that can impact overall CMM accuracy.

Turning Machines 13 Oct 2009

Aluminum Molds In Three Weeks Or Less

While aluminum molds are commonly used to create prototypes or to serve as stopgap bridge tooling, they are starting to receive greater attention for production work. This shop’s approach to creating aluminum molds in one day to three weeks is the same for each of these situations.

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Shop Management Software 13 Oct 2009

Automating Machine Monitoring And Data Collection

This automated machine data collection software automatically collects a wealth of information specific to machining processes and presents it in an intuitive format so users can quickly analyze the data and implement changes.

Die/Mold 13 Oct 2009

The Momentum Behind Aluminum Tooling

A growing number of OEMs are looking to aluminum production molds in order to reduce tooling costs and speed new product time to market. Opportunities exist for shops poised to manufacture such nonferrous tooling.

Vertical Machining Centers 14 Sep 2009

Looking At 30-Tapers In A New Light

The six 30-taper machine tools in one Northeastern shop are used for more than just drilling holes and performing secondary operations. The small-footprint equipment is also used to machine parts complete from titanium and other challenging materials.