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The MBI And You
In this issue, we introduce a new monthly column called “By The Numbers. ” The column, written by Steven R.
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Another Step Toward CAM Automation
A CAD/CAM software provider has taken an important step that will enable CNC machine tool users to benefit from emerging data-communications standards designed to promote a truly “paperless” manufacturing environment. The key is a STEP AP224 interface.
Read MoreMultitasking With A Small Footprint
The Integrex i-150 shows how a multitasking machine for small precision parts can combine done-in-one process with a compact structure to reduce floor space requirements. Most multitasking machines for parts of this size use a second spindle for endworking of parts after cutoff. This machine uses a swing-away workholding device instead.
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Large Wire EDM Unit Gives Shop Room to Grow
This wire EDM job shop in Wisconsin acquired a submerged cutting wire machine that lets it handle larger, taller workpieces than just about any other job shop in the country. The new machine has a “column-up” option that adds a riser block between the X-axis saddle and the Z-axis column casting to give it exceptionally tall cutting capacity. The machine was installed in November 2007.
Read MoreDon’t Skip The Training
Not every buyer of a new machine tool takes advantage of the training that goes with it. “We’re too busy.
Read MoreWhat, Me Worry?
Yeah, I worry—about a lot of things. Worry may be inevitable, but it is not inevitably bad.
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A Productivity Double-Take
As revealed at EMO 2007, DMG’s line of machine tools has a new look which strengthens the corporate identity of the product line while giving each brand distinctive design elements that differentiate it. The look is part of a “New Design” concept that the company says is based on the interaction among functionality, ergonomics and form. Significantly, a number of elements in the new design reflect attention to the role of the operator, thus indicating that the operator’s role is very important in overall machine tool productivity.
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The Case For Synthetic Diamonds In Wheel Dressing Tools
Synthetic-diamond dressing tools are often a superior alternative to natural-diamond dressing tools for conditioning a grinding wheel. The reason is the consistency that the synthetic-diamond tools bring to the process. That is a key point in the case for synthetic diamond dressing tools made by William D. Ja
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USB Reader Inputs CNC Programs From A Flash Drive
USB flash memory devices (also called flash drives or data sticks) are a convenient way to move files from a laptop to a desktop PC, from a camera to a PC and so on. They can also be handy for storing and moving part programs for CNC machines on the shop floor.
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EMO 2007--A Bright Reflection Of The Times
EMO 2007, a major machine tool show held in Hannover, Germany, in September, will not be remembered for the new technology introduced at this show, although it was not without its noticeable highlights. Rather, it will be remembered as the show with a record number of attendees generating record numbers of sales leads and purchase agreements. This surely reflects the strong economic growth in the major industrial markets around the globe.
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Thinking About Shopfloor Interoperability-And Making It Happen
The significance of “plug-and-produce” integration for machine shops and manufacturing plants becomes clear from the perspective of an ERP software developer.
Read MoreMTConnect Is A Big Step Forward
MTConnect is a set of specs and standards designed to make it easier for information to be exchanged among shopfloor equipment such as machine tool CNC units, data analysis software and factory monitoring systems (see Thinking About Shopfloor Interoperability—And Making It Happen). MTConnect is a welcome development and AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology (
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