Peter Zelinski Editor-in-Chief

Vertical Machining Centers 1 Jan 2008

High Speed Machining ... Without The Speed

Axial chip thinning is often associated with high speed machining, but this shop uses the same effect to increase metal removal rate with a standard-size end mill run on a moderate-speed machine.

Grinding 1 Jan 2008

The Case For Hydrostatic Ways

Moving on oil can let a grinding machine deliver more power along a smoother pass.

1 Jan 2008

Where do you turn for guidance? Not just for the big decisions, but also for the medium-size ones. Recently, I discovered a shop that chose not to buy a new machine tool in the face of commercial pressures that would have been enough to lead other shops to buy the new machine.

1 Dec 2007

The Observer Effect

Problems often are not all that difficult to solve. The most fundamental requirement is just to know what the problem is.

Turn/Mill 16 Nov 2007

Lean Manufacturing For The Job Shop

Lean practices are not just for predictable production. Here are the common-sense ways this low-volume job shop has implemented a leaner process.

1 Nov 2007

You Are Not Selling Just A Mold

High-end manufacturers know the frustration of watching customers base buying decisions on price. Pursuing low price has sent companies searching the globe for suppliers, and some have been disappointed in the result.

Aerospace 20 Oct 2007

Creep-feed Grinding Is A Milling Process

Because creep-feed grinding is essentially a milling process, why not use a VMC? A grinding machine supplier describes how a VMC platform can make creep-feed grinding more effective.

Workforce Development 5 Oct 2007

Macro Economics

Instead of NC programs that are dedicated to particular parts and machines, this plant now uses macro programs that react to geometric variations across broad part families. The plant wrote these macros itself, and the return on this investment has been dramatically greater productivity.

1 Oct 2007

Even More Than Sculpture

Machining is different from other types of manufacturing. It’s a subtractive process.

High-Speed Machining 4 Sep 2007

High Speed Machining Without The Fast Spindle

Relying on axial chip thinning lets a larger-diameter tool realize some of the benefits of high speed machining even if the machine's spindle speed is low.

Cutting Tools 4 Sep 2007

Atomic-Level Engineering For Greater Tool Life

Manipulating the direction of aluminum oxide crystals produces a cutting tool coating that is harder, and also cuts cooler.

2 Sep 2007

Let Assembly Be The Inspection

This shop realized single-setup machining on a multitasking turning center, but there was still more efficiency to be found. When all of the part's machining had been consolidated, the shop realized that assembly operations could be performed at the same station as well.