Basics

High-Speed Machining 15 May 2002

When Faster Is Better

A German mold maker expands operations from Europe to America on the wings of high speed machining.

Basics 15 Apr 2002

Empowering The Programmer

A project aimed at making military aircraft parts faster shows just how much productivity gain can come from automating the programmer's repetitive tasks.

Turn/Mill 15 Apr 2002

When Does Hard Turn/Grind Make Sense?

Combining different operations on a single machine tool platform is an attractive and increasingly popular idea. It is in practice, however, not always a plug and play substitution. Optimizing distinct metalcutting operations into a single cycle takes planning and a good understanding of the pluses and minuses of each.

CAD/CAM 1 Apr 2002

CAM at a Crossroads

In the world of metalworking, the CAM part of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) generally means software for programming CNC machine tools. Currently, most of the advances and innovations in CAM software are coming from the smaller software companies devoted to this application.

Basics 1 Mar 2002

Roundness Not Required

How would you machine this part? The answer seems obvious. The square part fits nicely in a vise.

Basics 1 Mar 2002

Why And How The Rich Get Richer

Regular readers of this column know my modus operandi: Discover the tax secrets of the wealthy and then adapt those secrets to the family business owner. As a member of a network of professionals, I regularly run across exciting new tax-saving strategies and wealth building techniques.

Toolholders 15 Jan 2002

Why Use Hydraulic Toolholders

The book on hydraulic toolholders is that they are fussy to set, fragile to operate and expensive to buy. So why do many shops choose them over other holders that seem less demanding? This Chicago mold builder has good reasons for its choice.

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.

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.