Derek Korn

Derek Korn Editor-in-Chief

Cutting Tools

Thread Milling On A Tiny Scale

Machining internal threads in difficult materials is challenging, especially when hole diameters are small. Thread milling offers advantages for these applications that are important to consider.

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Workholding

A Vise Designed With CNC Machines In Mind

A sliding, locking mechanism allows users to quickly push this vise’s moveable jaw close to the workpiece before tightening the wrench. This minimizes the number of wrench turns to secure the part and allows users to quickly clamp parts of various sizes.

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Workholding

The High-Pressure Vise: An Alternative To Cheating

High-pressure vises are able to safely generate a significant amount of clamping force without machine operators resorting to using hammers or “cheater bars.”

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Automation

Probing Beyond Prismatic

This manufacturer has used on-machine probing to help automate setups and maintain process control for prismatic parts produced on VMCs for years. The metrology products maker recently implemented probing strategies that let it achieve similar results on its turn-mills and Swiss-types. The smaller, more economical batch sizes these machines now produce are better aligned with true production requirements.

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Basics

Rigidity Required When Grinding Challenging Materials

Effective centerless grinding of hard materials requires a machine that is capable of damping process vibration at high wheel speeds and providing the rigidity to withstand very high cutting forces.

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Spindle Repair Simplified

This machine tool manufacturer's modular spindle design allows spindle repairs due to impact or contamination to be performed quick and easy.

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A Few Eclectic Tips

Shop visits allow us to learn about innovative tricks and creative techniques machinists have developed to meet challenges and solve problems. Here are a few cool ones that stand out in my mind.

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EDM

Vision System Brings On-Machine Measurement To Ram EDM

Vision technology tailored to ram EDM allows shops to measure a part as it remains fixtured on a spark-erosion machine.

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ISO Certification—Is It Worth It?

The ISO-certified shops I recently contacted all say the cost and effort to become certified were well worth it. Consider the feedback and suggestions they provide if you’re thinking about becoming certified.

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Measurement

Compact Gaging System Allows In-Process Inspection On Small Grinding Machines

This new gaging system not only is compact enough to install on small grinding machines, but also can measure a part’s OD, ID and length to sub-micron accuracy.

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EDM

A Role For Rotary Erosion

A cutting tool manufacturer uses multitasking equipment that combines electrical-discharge grinding and conventional grinding to speed the production of diamond tools.

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Cutting Tools

Laser Edge Preparation Improves Diamond Tool Performance

A cutting tool manufacturer uses seven-axis laser machining to create contoured, 3D chipbreaker geometries for its diamond-tipped inserts and tools.

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