Columns
Tips for Designing CNC Programs That Help Operators
The way a G-code program is formatted directly affects the productivity of the CNC people who use them. Design CNC programs that make CNC setup people and operators’ jobs easier.
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The Link Between CNC Process Control and Powertrain Warranties
Ever since inventing the touch-trigger probe in 1972, Sir David McMurtry and his company Renishaw have been focused on achieving process control over its own manufacturing operations. That journey has had sweeping consequences for manufacturing at large.
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How Summer Heat is Affecting Your Parts
All machines have thermal shift. Follow these tips to keep your tolerances tight even as shop temperatures flucatuate in the warmer months.
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5 Big Themes in Additive Manufacturing at Formnext Forum: Austin
Formnext Forum: Austin, a two-day event at the end of August focused on additive manufacturing for production, includes a conference exploring important ideas in AM related to supply chains, bridge production, enterprise transformation and more.
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Zillow for Machine Tools?
The ability to see spec-by-spec comparisons between machine tools made Techspex.com immediately popular. Now, the machine tool search engine boasts a fresh new look and 5 must-see upgrades.
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You Are Not Spending Enough on Gaging
Is there an intuitive ratio shaping shops’ perceptions of how much gaging capacity is appropriate for their machining capacity? Much has changed; that ratio might need to be reconsidered.
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CNC-Related Features of Custom Macro
CNC-related features of custom macro are separated into two topics: system variables and user-defined G and M codes. This column explores both.
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Combining Multiple Probes: A Recipe for Success
Combining measurement techniques enables a wide range of relational characteristics to be measured with just one or two sensors.
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How to Troubleshoot Issues With Tool Life
Diagnosing when a tool is failing is important because it sets an expectation and a benchmark for improvements. Finding out why gives us a clue for how to fix it.
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If the Federal Government Is to Solve the Manufacturing Labor Shortage, it Needs to Start Here
Student-run businesses focused on technical training for the trades are taking root across the U.S. Can we — should we — leverage their regional successes into a nationwide platform?
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Computer Programming-Related Features of Custom Macro
Custom macro is an interpreter-based language, meaning that all CNC G code and custom macro commands are executed as the CNC comes across them.
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For This Machine Shop, Licensing Is the Answer to the Inventor’s Dilemma
Machine shops are natural inventors, but not necessarily suited to supporting and marketing a product. This Minnesota shop with an invention related to micromolding will share it through licensing.
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