Basics

Workforce Development 5 Jan 2002

How Manufacturers Can Develop Their Workforce When There's Little In The Till

It's a challenging time for manufacturers. Fluctuating sales and changing customer demands require companies to become more flexible than ever.

Basics 1 Dec 2001

Schools And Industry—A Winning Combination

"What can I do?" is a common question asked by representatives from member companies of the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and other metalworking trade associations when they are trying to determine how to successfully work with their local schools to improve the pool and basic skills of potential employees. Member companies have heard the litany that "all education is local" time and again.

Basics 1 Dec 2001

Understanding 3D Coordinate Conversion

Applications for five-axis machining fall into two distinct categories. The first is related to machining very complex shapes, as is required in aerospace and the mold industry.

Basics 1 Dec 2001

The Privilege Of Adding Value Why work in machining?

Shop owners and managers occasionally address this question for young people thinking of entering the metalworking field. And from time to time, those owners and managers may ask themselves the same question.

Basics 15 Sep 2001

Using CAM To Unlock Your Turning Machine's Potential

Armed with multiple spindles, multiple turrets, C-axis control and powered tooling capable of moving in the Y axis, production turning machines today are powerhouses of productivity.

Basics 1 Sep 2001

Timely Investments

When and how to acquire equipment depends on a variety of important factors.

Basics 1 Jul 2001

The Yankee Clipper Got Clipped . . . By The IRS

Joe DiMaggio, unquestionably one of the real baseball legends of all time, has gone to the big ballpark in the sky. He knew how to use his arm and his glove, but mostly his bat, to win countless ballgames.

Basics 1 Jul 2001

Why Work In A Machine Shop?

With all due respect to David Letterman, the following is my attempt to consolidate some of the top reasons why earning one's livelihood cutting metal is a good thing. Family and friends only ask you once what you do for a living.

Basics 1 Jun 2001

Drilling Deep Holes On A VMC

The recipe for best results is simple: Start with a rigid machine, add a high pressure through-the-spindle coolant system, then combine these with the right drill geometry plus the right speeds and feeds.

Holemaking 1 Jun 2001

The Dynamics Of Better Drilling

Vibration is at the heart of a variety of common problems in machining holes. Mathematical analysis is helping to bring about a better understanding of hole-making processes...including how these vibrations behave, and what steps to take to bring them under control.