Basics

Basics 22 Aug 2020

The Harsh Realities of Additive Manufacturing

Now is the time to start talking about what is really holding additive manufacturing back.

Basics 18 Aug 2020

Sometimes No-Quoting RFQs is Essential for Efficiency

Accepting only RFQs that work toward a company’s goals and learning how to manage those efficiently can build better businesses and customer relationships.

Basics 10 Aug 2020

Portable Surface Gaging in a Production Environment

Handheld portable surface gages are easy to use. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges when scanning hundreds or even thousands of parts.

CNC & Machine Controls 7 Aug 2020

How To Reference Custom Macro Variables by Name

FANUC now enables CNC users to reference custom macro system variables by names in addition to hard-to-remember numbers. Here’s how.

Basics 3 Aug 2020

Machine Monitoring Circles Back to Basics

Deeper insights from more varied data are no replacement for manufacturing fundamentals.

Basics 22 Jul 2020

How to Reduce and Avoid Emissions from Polymer 3D Printing

Desktop 3D printers are immensely useful in a machine shop, but can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) that are harmful to humans. Here are some guidelines to install and operate them safely.

Additive Manufacturing 20 Jul 2020

Choosing the Best Abrasive Finishing Process for 3D Printed Parts

Studies have shown that abrasive finishing is flexible enough to finish 3D printed parts with complex geometries and difficult-to-machine materials, although the best process depends on a number of factors.

Deburring 24 Mar 2021

The Case for Abrasive Finishing Tools in CNC Applications

According to Brush Research Manufacturing, abrasive finishing tools do not release large amounts of grit into a machine’s coolant. Hear from three shops using these tools.

How to Slash 5-Axis Finishing Time

Finally there is an alternative to ballnose endmills for finishing 3D parts. The combination of finishing tools shaped to provide more cutting surface and a CAM system with the ability to apply them on a five-axis machining center can dramatically reduce finishing cycle times while delivering better surface finishes.

Metalworking Fluids 15 Jul 2020