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Hobbing on a Turning Center
This manufacturer’s use of live-tool lathes overcomes labor cost in various ways. One of the latest sources of savings involves bringing another operation—hobbing—into these machines. INCLUDES VIDEO.
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See The Tool's Value Instead Of Its Cost
This company is embracing high-performance tooling on its turning centers. The "sticker shock" is no reason not to do this. In one case, though, the shop found a way to limit the cost of the tool and increase productivity at the same time.
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The Part Is Longer Than The Lathe
Here is one custom machine builder’s system for producing a 40-foot part that has to be passed through the turning center and out the other side. INCLUDES VIDEO.
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The Knob Problem
The retention knob is an unmistakably critical component of the machining process. However, the tightening of the knob itself can lead to the toolholder not seating securely in the machine. You may be losing tool life to knob tightness without even knowing it.
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Video: Retention Knob Tightening And Toolholder Deflection
This footage illustrates how the toolholder taper is measured in a test designed to capture the retention knob’s effect on the shape of the toolholder taper.
WatchEmotional Homecoming
"On-shoring," or work coming back to the U.S., might be a real trend. I want it to be, but that very feeling gets in the way of seeing the matter clearly.
Read MoreRandom Thoughts About This Whole Big Thing We’re Going Through
With regard to the economy, the big picture remains elusive, but here are some details.
Read MoreSecond Thoughts On Foreign Sourcing
Will a returning tide lift U.S. manufacturing? One consulting firm says companies are reevaluating their sourcing strategies with an eye toward more domestic production. A company that serves domestic machining facilities clearly sees the same trend.
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Too Small To Touch
Hummingbird takes on machining work that is too small for most shops to handle. In fact, Hummingbird tries not to handle it either. To accurately machine the tiniest parts, this shop relies on processes that are as hands-off as possible.
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Little Things Mean A Lot
The design of a machining center with the precision to mill tiny features illustrates what is (and is not) required for micromachining.
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How Scalable is Machining?
Tiny tools don’t behave like big tools do. One researcher explains why.
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A Micro Machine Design
This machine has no toolholders and no tombstone—but there is a camera. Here are details of a machining center designed for micromachining.
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