Mike Lynch Founder and President

3 Jan 2003

Another Look At CNC Web Sites

Every so often, I like to present a few Web sites I’ve come across that are of special interest to CNC users. While some of the Web sites I mention have products to sell, they also have free information about CNC.

1 Dec 2002

Running Multiple Workpieces From A Single Bar

Short workpieces must be machined on turning centers on a regular basis, but lot sizes may not justify the use of a bar feeder or puller. In these cases, it is often helpful to machine more than one workpiece from a single piece of raw material.

1 Nov 2002

Never Let The Bar Hang Out—And Other Safety Issues

Certain machine shop rules must never be broken. If they are, the results can be disastrous.

1 Oct 2002

A Universal Error-Trapping Program

Mistakes made when running CNC machine tools will cause consequences. At best, the machine will not behave as expected.

Workforce Development 1 Sep 2002

Minimizing Work From Job To Job

Setup reduction has been a hot topic for several years. Everyone wants to reduce downtime between production runs, and companies go to great lengths to achieve this goal.

1 Aug 2002

Judging CNC Machine Utilization Levels

It's no secret that CNC machines are highly productive. In fact, this is one of their greatest benefits.

1 Jul 2002

A Pallet Changer Testing Program

Many machining centers, especially horizontal machining centers, come with a two-pallet pallet changing system. The operator loads one pallet while the other is in cycle.

2 Jun 2002

The Art Of Task Simplification

A strong training program is an integral part of a successful company. You must provide training to bring the skill level of your workers to the level required to perform their assigned tasks.

19 May 2002

Implementing A Scrap Reduction Program

Companies vary as to how they handle scrap. Some plan on it as part of the normal manufacturing process.

CNC & Machine Controls 1 Apr 2002

Is Manual Programming Really Important?

I am often questioned about the scope of this column. The most common question is: "Why do you continue to discuss manual programming techniques when almost all companies are using CAM systems?" Aside from the fact that other columnists are addressing issues related to computer integrated manufacturing, I believe that a firm understanding of manual programming is of paramount importance to all CNC people.

Workforce Development 2 Mar 2002

Now Is The Time To Train

Improving the proficiency of your personnel will outperform any other single improvement you can make in your CNC environment. Do you want less scrap? Well-trained CNC operators don't make mistakes that scrap parts.

5 Feb 2002

Two Ways To Use Cutter Radius Compensation

Cutter radius compensation for machining centers (also called cutter diameter compensation) has at least three major benefits. It lets a manual programmer ignore cutter size when calculating coordinates for the program, it allows the setup person to choose from a range of cutter sizes, and it allows for easy trial machining and workpiece sizing during setup and the subsequent production run.

High-precision grinding and hard turning machines

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