Machining Centers
An Approach To Boosting Shop Production Capacity
The increased availability of modular manufacturing cells has added another means of increasing a shop’s capacity. This article looks at a practical approach to evaluating when and how much automation is appropriate for a shop.
Read MoreFive-Axis Machining With A Contouring Head
This accessory brought low-cost five-axis machining to two shops. One had never used five-axis machining before. The other was an experienced five-axis contractor.
Read MoreThe Other Angle On Five-Axis Machining
Machine complex prismatic parts efficiently on low-cost machining centers. This shop embraces five-axis machining—the kind that features a five-figure price tag.
Read MoreVMC Increases Productivity For Machining And Forging Shop
Bourdon Forge had been using machining systems that had a number of breakdowns, limiting productivity and machining quality. Both Kerry Nowak, CNC supervisor, and Clark Bourdon, president, would not settle for just any replacement system to machine their forged alloy steel products. The machine they wanted had to be durable, tough, U.S. made, and have an attractive price.
Read MoreFlexible Unattended Machining Helps Improve Part Quality And More
In its desire to use new methods, the shop looked for a product that would increase tool life, improve part quality and decrease changeover time. It found the One-Touch flexible manufacturing system (FMS) from Okuma and became the first to own one.
Read MoreAll-Digital Upgrade Starts At The Low End
An all-digital control package will soon be standard on many machining center models from Cincinnati Machine (Cincinnati, Ohio). For now, the technology is standard on the "Arrow" line of vertical machining centers. Cincinnati didn't begin the upgrade with its high-end machines, but instead with its lowest-cost VMC family.
Read MoreFive-Axis Machining For The Masses
Control technology continues to make five-axis machining easier to use. Many special considerations - particularly qualified tools for pivoting-spindle machines - are no longer essential to the process.
Read MoreHMC Helps Optimize Engine Performance And Reduce Time To Track
The precision craftsmanship that goes into building an engine will usually separate the winners from the also-rans at NASCAR's highest levels. This certainly applies to cylinder head development, because so much power from the engine is produced in and around these chunks of aluminum. Cylinder heads are horsepower, and horsepower delivers speed. When an engine builder gets a new cylinder head in at the shop, there's a lot of work that needs to be done to get it into racing condition.
Read MoreVertical Machining Center Cuts Production Time At Mold Maker
Every good business plan must contain a number of specific goals, not the least of which includes experienced, professional workers with the necessary tools to get their jobs done right. But turning goals that are written on a piece of paper into reality is easier said than done. That's why J M Mold South developed a specific partnership. The company services the needs of plastic and die cast molders, builds new molds and repairs existing molds.
Read MoreHigh Volume, High Flexibility
Does a highly automated process have to be highly customized? Here is a snapshot of one low-manpower process machining thousands of parts per week on standard CNC machines.
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