CNC & Machine Controls

Horizontal Machining Centers 15 Dec 2002

High Speed Machining, Italian Style

One of the highlights of BI-MU, Italy's recent biennial machine tool show, was the number of innovative machine tools (and related technology) focusing on high speed machining.

CNC & Machine Controls 15 Dec 2002

Scales And DROs Customize Lathe To Keep Power Companies Running

When a multimillion-dollar turbine generator at a power plant needs to be repaired, time is of the essence. This company rehabilitates and rebuilds existing generators.

Vertical Machining Centers 15 Oct 2002

System Simplifies Probing Operations On VMCs

Few machinists will dispute the merits of probing for speeding part setup, setting tool offsets and performing in-process inspection . . . at least in theory. In practice, however, probe systems often have been viewed as difficult to use and expensive to buy.

Aerospace 15 Sep 2002

Stringer Solution

To reduce cost while improving quality and reproducibility, Airbus UK decided to implement a fully automated process able to machine a stringer complete. The existing production facility was stripped to its steel framework and adapted for the new process.

Cutting Tools 15 Sep 2002

New Borders For Swiss-Type Turning

The traditional niche may be too narrow. This shop uses sliding-headstock lathes for jobs that wouldn't normally be run on this type of machine.

CNC & Machine Controls 15 Jul 2002

DNC With A Direction

A small shopfloor network lays the groundwork for large-scale, low-cost DNC throughout a major manufacturing facility.

CNC & Machine Controls 15 Jun 2002

On The Way To Wireless DNC

Any shop with CNC machine tools has probably wondered how a DNC system could be configured to operate with wireless network connections. Wireless systems are being installed in offices, and even in homes, so that laptops, desktop PCs, and handheld devices can communicate via e-mail, share access to the Web, and exchange data.

CNC & Machine Controls 1 Apr 2002

Is Manual Programming Really Important?

I am often questioned about the scope of this column. The most common question is: "Why do you continue to discuss manual programming techniques when almost all companies are using CAM systems?" Aside from the fact that other columnists are addressing issues related to computer integrated manufacturing, I believe that a firm understanding of manual programming is of paramount importance to all CNC people.

CNC & Machine Controls 15 Mar 2002

Networked Machine Shop Learns The Value Of Proper Grounding

In business for more than 22 years, McAfee Tool&Die Inc., uses conventional machine tools, stamping presses and injection molding machines, as well as more than a dozen computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, including three 3-axis machining centers, six wire electrical discharge machines (EDM), three laser-cutting machines and a CNC turning center.