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Mike Lynch Founder and President
Multiple Machine Operation Revisited
Multiple machine operation has been the subject of several recent Tech Talk columns (January through May of 2008). I have received many comments, and I want to thank everyone who responded. The series states that successful applications for having one operator run multiple machines do not just happen—a successf
Read MoreCan Parametric Programming And CAM Systems Coexist?
I know most high-level CAM system programmers cringe when the topic of CNC-based parametric programming is discussed. Most programmers need clean output that will run in CNCs without modification—and if misapplied, some of these parametric programming applications can really gum up the works. There are five applic
Read MoreDiagnosing Unusual Machine Behavior
Though problems can still exist with machine electronics and internal software, most of the common problems today are caused by user mistakes.
Read MoreMultiple Machine Operation—Interference
I urge you to proceed with caution when studying the feasibility of having one operator run two machines. Be absolutely sure that doing so will render the desired results—and that it will not cost more than having a separate operator run each machine. One cause of interference that is often overlooked prior to the operator-utilization decision is related to the tasks you expect your operators to perform on each finished part upon its completion.
Read MoreMultiple Machine Operation—Evaluating Specific Applications
To determine whether a given application consistently falls within or exceeds the operator-utilization cutoff point, I’ve developed a spreadsheet that you can download at
Read MoreMultiple Machine Operation—Interference Is The Enemy
Interference is the term I use to describe when one machine sits idle while waiting for the operator to do something on another machine. For example, if both machines finish their cycles at precisely the same time, and if neither machine has an automatic loading device, one machine will sit idle waiting for the (one) operator to load the other machine.
Read MoreMultiple Machine Operation—As Good As It Gets
I've been relating my observations about operator utilization, a rather controversial and complex subject, and I will continue to do so for the next few months. If you would like to comment, please e-mail me and explain how your own experiences compare with what I say. I’ll relate the responses I get in an upcoming column.
Read MoreMultiple Machine Operation: Operator Costs Versus Machine Costs
During the next few months I’m going to be relating my observations about operator utilization, a rather controversial and complex subject. If you would like to comment, please e-mail me and explain how your own experiences compare with what I say. I’ll relate the responses I get in an upcoming column.
Read MoreCircle Milling A Bolt Hole Pattern
There are times when you want to circle mill the holes on a bolt pattern. Possibly you want to rough the holes prior to finish boring.
Read MoreSeparating The Use Of Geometry And Wear Offsets
Many current-model turning centers have two sets of offsets: Geometry offsets are used to assign program zero during setup, and wear offsets are used to make sizing adjustments during the production run. When users view these offsets on the display screen, they look very similar.
Read MoreMinimizing Turning Center Cutting Tool Touch Off
Turning center cutting tools vary from one type to another. When the turret rotates a cutting tool into position, the cutting edge of a turning tool will be in a different position than the cutting edge of a boring bar, a drill or a back-turning tool.
Read MoreNever Change A CNC Program To Size A Workpiece
Has the following ever happened to you? You’re machining a 2. 0-inch diameter on a CNC turning center.
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