Machining Centers

Automation 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.

Basics 15 Jul 1998

One Way To Select A Vertical Machining Center

The 'perfect' machine is one that best matches your needs. Knowing what you need is the key.

Machining Centers 15 Apr 1998

Turning Three Days Of Work Into Three Hours Of Work

Read how the Arbor Department of this major manufacturer greatly reduced set-up time to deal with increased capacity.

CNC & Machine Controls 1 Mar 1998

Low-Cost Machines Meet High-End Controls

Mold and die makers have been less than enthusiastic about low-cost VMCs in a large part because their controls typically aren't designed to deliver the high performance 3D contouring capabilities so necessary to cutting cores and cavities. But two companies are out to change all that by bringing together low-cost machining capabilities and high-end contouring control on a single platform.

CAD/CAM 1 Mar 1998

Find The Time

This mold shop shows where to look. Faced with tighter lead times, it achieved faster workflow by using existing machinery and manpower in more efficient ways.

Workholding 1 Mar 1998

Dispelling Small Machine Shop Myths

Many job shops start in a garage with a used mill and a manual lathe. The owners of this Utah job shop took a different tack. Along the way to a very successful business, they've debunked a bunch of myths commonly held about job shops.

Five-Axis 15 Feb 1998

The Flow Through CAM

The route from CAD to CAM to CNC can meet blockage both upstream and downstream from the programmer. However, this shop cleared away most of the obstacles to efficient electronic transfer just by updating its CAM system. The results include a new level of efficiency and new capabilities for a 10-year-old machine.

Horizontal Machining Centers 1 Feb 1998

Minimizing Parts And Designing Components Solves Several Needs

Milltronics Manufacturing Company, a CNC (computerized numerical controls) machine tool builder located in Waconia, Minnesota, is a major manufacturer and marketer of high quality, cost effective machining centers, toolroom and bridge mills and toolroom lathes sold both in the United States and abroad.

Horizontal Machining Centers 1 Jan 1998

Let There Be Lights

Austin, Texas is home to High End Systems, Inc. They design, manufacture and distribute lighting systems used worldwide in the entertainment industry and for architectural applications.

High-Speed Machining 1 Nov 1997

Mapping Your Way To Five-Axis Machining

The right route starts with the workpiece, but there are many other considerations.