Columns
Choosing the Correct Gage Type for Groove Inspection
Grooves play a critical functional role for seal rings and retainer rings, so good gaging practices are a must.
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The Best Point of Reference for Program Zero Assignment Entries
Correctly specified program zero assignment and coordinate position values enable the CNC to determine how far to move the cutting tool during each positioning motion.
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There's Your Waste, Shaw! An Argument for Shop Reinvestment
The fictional Don Walling had it right: Innovation and long-term success for machine shops requires investments in technology and people. Not just one, but both.
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4 Steps to a Cobot Culture: How Thyssenkrupp Bilstein Has Answered Staffing Shortages With Economical Automation
Safe, economical automation using collaborative robots can transform a manufacturing facility and overcome staffing shortfalls, but it takes additional investment and a systemized approach to automation in order to realize this change.
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How to Optimize Operator Efficiency on Any Shop Floor
Striking the perfect balance of person to machine is unique to each shop and can depend on a number of factors, including the type of work a shop undertakes, the available equipment, staffing levels, scheduling and more.
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A Higbee Thread Milling Custom Macro
Higbee threads provide a full thread form at the very start of the thread. The sharp edge is removed during the machining process.
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Calling Home on a Portable Surface Gage
Today’s surface gages have a user interface that is just like a smartphone, and setting them up to make measurement requirements should be easy for the operator.
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An American Manufacturing Story
For manufacturers that choose to move or keep production in the United States, what are the challenges and opportunities that motivate them?
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Considerations for Properly Implementing Advanced Tool Materials
Many shops incorrectly assume advanced tools are plug and play. The tools may fit into existing tool holders, or even into the same shell mill pockets or turning pocket as carbide inserts, but that’s where the similarities end.
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Can Connecting ERP to Machine Tool Monitoring Address the Workforce Challenge?
It can if RFID tags are added. Here is how this startup sees a local Internet of Things aiding CNC machine shops.
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A Fond Farewell to My Additive Friends
In his final “Additive Insights” column, Tim Simpson reflects on how additive manufacturing has progressed in the last six years. Standards and software are two examples.
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3 Mistakes That Cause CNC Programs to Fail
Despite enhancements to manufacturing technology, there are still issues today that can cause programs to fail. These failures can cause lost time, scrapped parts, damaged machines and even injured operators.
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