Basics

Automation 11 Mar 2005

Incremental Automation Pays Dividends

While successful mold makers agree that automation is necessary to remain competitive, they often have different opinions about how to integrate automation. This mold maker does it in gradual phases, and in doing so, it drives shopfloor workers to roles of greater responsibility.

Basics 5 Mar 2005

Manufacturer Takes Steps To Be More Customer-Centric

Foremost Manufacturing, located in Union, New Jersey, is one of those companies that recognize that being “good enough” just isn't good enough. With this in mind, Foremost has embarked on a program to transform itself into a manufacturing enterprise with an unwavering focus on customer service.

CNC & Machine Controls 4 Feb 2005

How To Perfect A Machining Process (Or At Least How To Make It More Trustworthy)

Instead of inspecting machined parts, get to know the process better.

Basics 17 Jan 2005

Running EDM Economically

Many shops are taking a closer look at the cost of operating a machine tool. How much energy does it consume? Does it create excessive heat, making the shop air conditioning work harder? Does it stretch the life of cutting tools and consumables?

Basics 7 Jan 2005

Internet Service Leads Shop To Customers In Its Own Backyard

In some job shops, it's a daily preoccupation: how to find new customers to augment a current customer base, which may be declining because of increased competition from domestic and overseas shops. A screw machine shop in Nebraska found a way to address this dilemma by using a somewhat nontraditional approach to locating more markets.

Basics 3 Jan 2005

The Foundation Of Dimensional Measurement

When getting down to the basics with dimensional measurement, nothing is more basic than that big rock on the shop floor. Actually, the use of rock for the foundation of measurement is relatively new.

Basics 3 Jan 2005

Avoid Paying Estate Taxes

This column is about our book, "Tax Secrets of the Wealthy," that shows you how to finesse the estate tax. Jot down what you think you might be worth on the day you go to the big business in the sky.

Automotive 13 Dec 2004

Understanding MQL

Minimum quantity lubricant can save money, improve tool life and improve the part finish. But it may involve changes to both the equipment and the processing strategy.

Turning Tools 16 Nov 2004

Lathe Toolholders For Turning Away

Think 'unattended machining,' and the image in your mind is probably complex - that is, some machining process that relies on automation more than the typical machining process does. But does going unattended have to involve this complexity? Instead of requiring automation, allowing the operator to step away from the machine tool might just be a matter of addressing the sources of worry that keep that operator engaged.

Basics 1 Nov 2004

Create A Charitable Endowment Without Reducing Income Or Wealth

I often ask clients, "What is your charitable intent?" Most respond by saying it's not significant. But when I ask the same clients if they would be interested in learning how to use the tax law to enrich their families while giving to charity and saving taxes at the same time, the reply is usually positive.

New Micro Drills for Titanium at IMTS 2024