Mike Lynch Founder and President

1 Apr 2008

Multiple 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.

1 Feb 2008

Multiple 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.

1 Jan 2008

Multiple 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.

Holemaking 1 Dec 2007

Circle 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.

1 Nov 2007

Separating 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.

Holemaking 1 Oct 2007

Minimizing 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.

1 Sep 2007

Never 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.

1 Aug 2007

A Serial Numbering Custom Macro

The custom macro shown below will allow you to mill numbers on your workpieces. Though it has some limitations that can be easily improved upon, the macro shows the logic behind how serializing can be done.

1 Jul 2007

Button-To-Button Time Vs. Total Production Run Time

CNC cycle time is defined as either elapsed time from a given event in one cycle to the same event in the next cycle or a job’s total production run-time divided by the number of good parts machined. With the first definition, the “event” is commonly the pressing of the cycle-start button.