Peter Zelinski Editorial Director

Aerospace 3 May 2006

A Two-Speed Approach To Plunge Roughing

In plunge roughing, the strategy is in the stepover. Here is a plunge roughing strategy that has worked well for Boeing researchers.

High-Speed Machining 3 May 2006

Thinking Big

This shop specifies large machine tools for the machining possibilities of the future. To prepare for the feed rates the shop expects to use one day, the latest large gantry mills apply linear motors on all three linear axes.

1 May 2006

Doom, Gloom And The Repercussions

For a phrase that just drips with dread and gloominess, try “U. S.

Basics 2 Apr 2006

The College Question

I think about college at about this time every year. Specifically, I think about my daughter’s education, because tax time is when I see how much money is left over that might go to her college account.

Vertical Machining Centers 24 Mar 2006

Don’t Forget The Drawbar

The force that holds the toolholder in the machining center's spindle can weaken over time. If you haven't checked drawbar force in a while, this may be the weak link in your process.

Turn/Mill 24 Mar 2006

Turning Without Rotating The Part

For large or unbalanced parts, this machining center can perform turning or boring operations using its programmable U axis.

CAD/CAM 2 Mar 2006

Making Programming Hands-Free (Almost)

Feature-recognition CAM software helps this technology company's internal mold shop deliver critical molds more quickly. A programmer is still needed, but the software automation saves considerable time.

1 Mar 2006

Manufacturing Competence Is An Innovation Resource

Visiting separate Boeing locations can seem like visiting separate companies. Different projects and different histories have shaped the cultures of this company’s widely separated plants.

Inspection and Measurement 2 Feb 2006

Inspection For Free

Gaging integrated with a robot delivers inspection without any cost in floorspace or cycle time.

Measurement 2 Feb 2006

Dimensional Inspection With A Digital Camera

Using an off-the-shelf digital camera, this system uses photographs to obtain 3D measurement data.

Titanium Machining 2 Feb 2006

Why Boeing Is Big On Right-Size Machine Tools

Simple, dedicated machines save on capital expense, while they also make it possible to realize one-piece flow. These machines are often developed internally. 'Chaku-chaku' is the new ideal.

Aerospace 2 Feb 2006

Tools For Titanium

With all of the titanium that will be required for a new aircraft, any of 1,000 spindles might benefit from the tools and techniques described here.

Let's Tailor a Program Unique to You - Fastenal