Basics

Basics 1 Nov 2018

Everyone Should Be a Waste Hunter

Documenting and recording the eight types of waste in any process is essential for any manufacturing operation. Here are a few tips on how to identify each type.

Basics 30 Oct 2018

Buying a Coordinate Measuring Machine: CMMs Past and Future

While there has been much speculation that CMMs are becoming obsolete, the opposite is true.

Additive Manufacturing 28 Oct 2018

Why Is My Surface So Rough?

Be aware of the inherent manufacturing and design challenges that impact the dimensions and tolerances that you can (or cannot) achieve on an “as built” part.

Turning Tools 25 Oct 2018

Video: PVD vs. CVD—How to Choose the Right Tool Coating

Machining footage of different coatings in both roughing and finishing passes reveals how choosing the right coating can have a dramatic effect on the performance of the process.

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Basics 24 Oct 2018

How to Calculate Wheel Life in a Creep-Feed Grinding Process

For non-continuous-dress creep-feed grinding, the calculation is straightforward. For continuous dressing, the calculation has more steps, but in either case, it is possible to manage the cost of grinding by predicting the life of the wheel.

Basics 23 Oct 2018

Buying a Wire EDM, Part 4: Dielectric Fluid & Maintenance

Removing the microscopic particles made during the wire EDM cutting process becomes a key factor in maximizing cutting speed as well as attaining part accuracy and surface finish. Dielectric fluid is the mechanism for flushing these “chips” away.

Upcoming Webinar: Understanding Smart Manufacturing to Gain Productivity and Profitability in a Global Manufacturing Environment

Industry veteran Michael Buchli, Senior SolidWorks Product & Portfolio Manager, says one way to improve process efficiency (and profitability) is to integrate design and manufacturing to promote concurrent product development.