Evan Doran Associate Editor

Automation 28 Apr 2023

Translating a Prototyping Mindset to Production

The experimental mindset that benefited BDE Manufacturing Technologies as a prototype job shop has given it an adaptable edge as a production facility.

Holemaking 26 Apr 2023

Form Tapping Improves Tool Life, Costs

Moving from cut tapping to form tapping for a notable application cut tooling costs at Siemens Energy and increased tool life a hundredfold.

Toolholders 21 Apr 2023

Simulation and Tooling Secure High-Value Work

Simulation software and careful attention to tooling parameters have enabled Major Tool to take on ambitious projects with its complex machinery.

Workholding 27 Mar 2023

Fixturing Castings Made Simple Through Adhesive Workholding

When a casting proved too malleable for traditional gripping, Thomas/Euclid Industries adopted — and succeeded with — Blue Photon adhesive workholding.

Horizontal Machining Centers 26 Mar 2023

Four-Axis Horizontal Machining Doubles Shop’s Productivity

Horizontal four-axis machining enabled McKenzie CNC to cut operations and cycle times for its high-mix, high-repeat work — more than doubling its throughput.

Grinding 6 Mar 2023

Rebuilding Machine Centers: Low Cost, Higher Performance

By sending its grinding machines out for rebuilding, a tooling manufacturer achieved higher speeds at roughly three-fourths the cost of a new machine.

Large Part Machining 20 Feb 2023

ESOP Solidifies Culture of Continuous Improvement

Astro Machine Works’ ESOP rewards all employees when the shop does well, inspiring many toward continuous improvement as Astro expands its capabilities.

Metalworking Fluids 27 Jan 2023

Managing Coolant with Skimmers, Refractometers and More

Bacteria-infected coolant harms machines and sickens machinists. Coolant management technologies like skimmers and automated systems counter this tendency.

Automation 7 Dec 2022

Automation and Flexibility Counter Inflation at BI-MU 2022

Automation headlined BI-MU 2022, while flexibility underscored exhibitors’ products. These twin benefits may be shops’ greatest assets against inflation.