Peter Zelinski Editor-in-Chief

17 Jun 2004

Last Domain Of Manuals: Occasional Use

A machine tool supplier contrasts manual machine tools with the basic CNC machines that continue to grow more popular.

Horizontal Machining Centers 17 Jun 2004

Provide A Service, Then Make The Part

The way this shop serves its customers brings in machining work by design.

15 Jun 2004

Interpolating Axes On Manual Machines

A DRO makes it possible to follow circular arcs on a manual machine.

15 Jun 2004

Expanding Capabilities For Existing Controls

When the user of this capability specifies a target spindle load, the system adjusts the machine's feed rate on the fly in order to maintain that load. Even if a CNC already has some sort of adaptive load monitoring, this Black Box might do the job better.

Workforce Development 15 Jun 2004

Humility, Inc.

This shop has capabilities similar to others. It hires employees who have no experience. What sets the shop apart and accounts for its success is an unusual attitude of service toward customers.

1 Jun 2004

Manufacturing In A Service Economy

The notion that the United States is moving toward a "service economy" in which services carry more economic weight than manufactured goods is seen as an ominous shift by some. There is an idea that "service" and "manufacturing" are opposites.

Horizontal Machining Centers 29 May 2004

The Technology Of Lean Machining

This plant makes different choices for its machining cells depending on whether the parts to be machined there are known or unknown.

Basics 13 May 2004

When 30K Is Not "High Speed"

With small tools, the speed that can be achieved with an add-on air-powered spindle may be needed just to use the tools effectively.

2 May 2004

Sources Of Resistance

There is a time to plan and a time to do. For shops that are contemplating the kind of fundamental process and procedural changes that touch on many employees’ jobs, this much is safe to say.

21 Apr 2004

The Toolroom Lathe As An Alternative To CAM

The basic CNC lathe is not just for those who are new to NC. The ability to quickly program a job at the control can provide a quick alternative to programming off line.

2 Apr 2004

Doing More With Fewer

We may at last be entering a different period. The previous period was one of shrinking payrolls, as manufacturers made cut after cut to their staffs in an attempt to strike a truce with declining revenues.

Automation 2 Apr 2004

The Process Before The Program

CAM automation can change the very focus of the programmer’s attention. Reduced programming time is only one of the benefits.