Machines

CAD/CAM 15 Feb 1999

Race To The Rocket

Integrated CAD/CAM software helped this custom-car shop bring five-axis machining in-house to create a one-off concept racer.

EDM 15 Feb 1999

Wire, Ram And Small Hole Driller Help Build Specialty Injection Molds

The ram EDM runs unattended day and night, allowing the operators to perform other tasks. The ram has cut graphite costs nearly 50 percent, requiring fewer electrodes than its older equipment.

Grinding 15 Feb 1999

Superabrasive Grinding Reduces Turbocharger Balancing Cycle Time

It used to take too long to balance turbocharger wheels and shafts on a CNC balancing/correction machine. Engineers at American Hofmann set out to develop a one-step, fully automated process to more accurately correct the imbalances in turbochargers.

Automation 15 Feb 1999

Robots Join EDM and Graphite Mill for Fast Mold Production

An EDM plus a robot makes a dynamic duo. A graphite mill plus a robot makes another. Put them all together in one shop and you have a radical new way to speed mold production.

EDM 15 Feb 1999

Why We Couldn't Live Without EDM

A shop discusses some of the ways that EDM solves problems and creates opportunities in parts manufacturing. Wire EDM, ram EDM, and small-hole EDM all play a key role.

Workforce Development 15 Jan 1999

Not Your Typical Job Shop

This family-owned job shop has developed an integrated fabrication and machine shop in order to satisfy customers' changing needs. In doing so it has become an example that other shops might want to imitate.

Grinding 15 Dec 1998

Does Your Grinder Have The Shakes?

Poor results from cylindrical grinding may be traceable to harmful dynamic forces coupled to the wheel/workpiece interface. A new system of sensors/actuators is helping detect the causes—and leading to a cure.

Grinding 15 Dec 1998

Grinders Boost Quality, Productivity At Power Tool Plant

To keep up with consumers' demands of greater quality, ISO 9001-certified Black & Decker U.S. Power Tool Operations knew it needed to seek the best technology.

Grinding 15 Dec 1998

For Superfinishing Excellence, Start With The Right Finish

The key to excellence in superfinishing operations is the incoming grinding finish on the workpieces. With the right start, superfinishing is a very effective and economical process for achieving mirror-like finishes.

CNC & Machine Controls 15 Nov 1998

It's A Machine Tool Robot

This machine has a dual identity. It looks like an industrial robot. In some applications, such as assembly, it is. However, put a spindle and cutting tool on the end of this five-axis machine and it becomes a machining and drilling center. The inherent stiffness of the machine's tripod design makes it accurate enough to machine aerospace and automotive applications.