Mike Lynch Founder and President

3 Jan 1998

Simplify Your Tolerancing Methods

Consistency in tolerancing methods is every bit as important as consistency in dimensioning. Seeing tolerances specified the same way among all drawings will make it easier for the operator to interpret blueprints.

1 Dec 1997

Eliminating Program Zero Assignment Tasks With Qualified Setups

A qualified setup is one that can be accurately repeated over and over again. When it comes to machining centers, a qualified setup can ensure that the workpiece location (and, specifically, the program zero point location) will be in exactly the same place every time the setup is made.

1 Oct 1997

Applying Value-Added Principles

Value-added principles are quite simple and can be applied to all forms of manufacturing. Though this may be oversimplifying to some extent, there are only three basic task types in value-added terms.

Basics 1 Oct 1997

Why Machine Tool Probes Are Becoming More Popular

Probing technology has come a long way in the last five years. Today's probing systems are highly accurate, very fast, and almost fail-safe.

1 Sep 1997

Can You Take Advantage Of Non-Production Time?

Non-production time is any time your CNC machines are scheduled not to be running. Non-production time for each shift includes breaks and lunch (if your machines cannot run unattended).

1 Aug 1997

Right-Hand Or Left-Hand Tools For Turning?

Though this discussion is quite basic, many of the attendees in my CNC seminars are so surprised at this presentation, I assume that many people have not considered the implications of this question. Almost all current model slant bed turning centers allow machinists to use either right- or left-hand tooling.

1 Jul 1997

What To Look For In A Tool Life Management System

Tool life management systems have come a long way in the past few years. The best systems can handle just about any tool life problems you can think of.

1 Jun 1997

Can You Move Tool Maintenance Off-Line?

completely, it must be replaced. Any tasks related to replacing tools (including tool tear-down, insert replacement, new tool measurement, offset entry and tool replacement in the machine) are tasks performed for tool maintenance purposes.

1 May 1997

Tracking Offset Changes During Tool Maintenance

For companies that have long production runs on their turning centers, tool maintenance (changing inserts and replacing dull tools) must be performed several times during the production run. And during a given tool's life, it is likely that tool wear will cause workpiece attributes to vary, requiring offset changes to be made at several points during the tool's life.