Derek Korn Editor-in-Chief

Basics 5 Dec 2006

Bar Puller Basics

Bar pullers are cost-effective alternatives to enable automated turning on CNC lathes. This article explains how they work and how shops can benefit from using them.

Holemaking 9 Nov 2006

Re-Designing The Reamer

This reaming system uses a multiple-cutting-edge, solid carbide cutting disc that can be changed as easily as an end mill's insert.

Medical 2 Nov 2006

Under One Roof

In bringing multiple manufacturing processes in-house, this medical shop parallels its customers' efforts to be one-stop sources for hospital equipment.

20 Oct 2006

CNC Machining Fuels Guitar Innovations

Could Ron Thorn produce a gorgeous electric guitar completely by hand? Sure. Would he now that he has a “metalworking” CNC machine tool? Probably not.

Workholding 12 Oct 2006

Cam Drive Allows Quick, Accurate 90-Degree Indexing

A design that combines a roller gear cam and Hirth mechanical-locking coupling allows this indexer to accurately position parts in 90-degree increments.

12 Oct 2006

Toolholder Change Helps HMC Realize Full Machining Potential

An alternate toolholding technology has allowed a shop to achieve much higher spindle speeds on an HMC used to machine short runs of aluminum billet workpieces.

Turning Machines 20 Sep 2006

Turning The Long And Difficult

This shop has made large turning work its specialty. In proving to its customers that it can perform this difficult work, it has started to win more "standard" machining jobs.

Workforce Development 7 Sep 2006

Making Strides To Maximize Worker Efficiency

This 40-year-old shop combines original best practices with new technologies and manufacturing approaches to make the most of its home-grown skilled labor.

Workforce Development 30 Aug 2006

Finishing Process Extends Life Of Cutting Tools And Components

By applying compressive forces and abrasive media to cutting tools or workpieces, this surface finishing process improves component wear resistance and lubricity.

Measurement 16 Aug 2006

The Value Of Daily CMM Capability Checks

Coordinate measuring machines are not infallible. A variety of factors can adversely affect their measuring accuracy, including a crash, large temperature fluctuations, a malfunctioning probe head, use of an uncalibrated probe - even a person leaning on the machine gantry might be enough to take it out of square. If the CMM's true capability is verified only once a year via laser or another calibration method, then it's possible that the CMM might be inaccurately measuring parts for an extended period of time, unbeknownst to the operator. The question remains - did a workpiece fail inspection because of an imprecise manufacturing process or an inaccurate CMM?

1 Aug 2006

The Time Is Right For IMTS

Investing in the latest manufacturing technologies is one of the keys to succeeding in a global manufacturing marketplace. The time to do this is now.