High-silicon aluminum--aluminum that consists of at least 11.8 percent silicon--has qualities such as lightness and strength that appeal to automakers. The abrasives nature of the material, however, makes it difficult to machine.…
A look at the different types of inserts used for single-point threading and how to figure feed rates for cutting threads on a CNC lathe. Also offers programming tips and recommendations for…
The author discusses the disadvantages of using a finishing endmill for roughing applications. He also presents a quick, systematic, step-by-step series of calculations that allows machinists to optimize metalcutting when applying coarse-pitch,…
Gundrilling: going deep Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2000-05-01 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/back-basics/ Legacy path: /articles/back-basics
A conversation with Lee Iacocca, chief spokesman and a member of the board of directors of The Online Asset Exchange (onlineassetexchange.com), a service for buyers and sellers of machine tools. Iacocca also…
Establishing a good relationship with your cutting tool salesperson can benefit your operation. A good salesperson can help solve problems you don't have time to tackle and offer recommendations for machining difficult…
Round-up of five recently introduced indexable tools: stub drill, universal nmilling cutter, center-cutting endmill, dovetail cutter and insert clamp.n Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on…
Switching from a brazed-tip trepanning tool to an indexable-insert tool nreduced downtime for a manufacturer of cast iron cylinder heads by 45 nminutes. And, incredibly, the price-per-piece dropped so much that the…
Ninety-nine percent of indexable tools that break can be repaired, according to companies that repair tools. And, they say, a broken indexable tool can nbe repaired so it performs as well as…
People in the aerospace industry expect a lot from reamers. The author, an nengineer who works for a manufacturer of aerospace components, discusses nstrategies for job shops interested in developing a precision…
A rotary table allows a 3-axis vertical machining center to machine in the n4th and 5th axes. The author explains the different types of rotary tables nthat are available and discusses the…
Tool chatter is one of the biggest obstacles to effective machining that job nshops face. The author discusses the sources of chatter and offers nsuggestions for minimizing it. Imported from the CTE…
As the government publishes ever-stricter regulations for metalworking fluids, more shops try dry machining. The author examines the cost benefits of machining dry and looks at the various types of tool materials…
Tool management software is designed to help users of cutting tools get more control of their toolcribs. The article describes the types of tool management software available, the savings possible by utilizing…
Creep-feed grinding is not as popular a process as it was predicted to become in the late 1980s. But a machine shop that specializes in CF grinding has found great success by…
The author, an expert on cutting tool edge preparation, explains the importance of applying the proper edge hone to a tool. He also discusses a brush-type honing machine designed to apply a…
The CNCs on many lathes don't have drill-pecking cycles. The author ndescribes several ways to program CNCs to peck, including shortcuts such as nsubprogramming and parametric programming.n Imported from the CTE archive…
Dry milling and turning grow in popularity day by day, but dry drilling is nanother matter. Because of the nature of drilling, it's more difficult to nperform this operation without coolant. Still,…
A detailed description of a combination drill that machines six different nhole diameters. Used on a dedicated drilling machine that drills cast iron ncylinder heads, it was developed over a number of…
Most people know that using the right grade of insert can improve nproductivity dramatically. Few know that the proper grade is also important nwhen utilizing round tools. The author examines the different…
The author looks at some recent advancements in tool coatings: multilayer, nmultielement, diamond, nanocomposite.n Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2000-02-01 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/coating-edge/…
Three companies that tap millions of holes annually offer advice for improving the tapping of steel and aluminum. Discussed is coolant application, equipment for tapping and determining speeds. There's also a sidebar…
Author describes what he's learned about turning hardened steel. Discussed are the machine tools needed as well as PCBN and ceramic inserts. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis.…
Article defines what constitutes a high-pressure coolant-delivery system and offers advice for selecting such a system. Discussed are pumps, system prices and advantages of these systems when cutting metal. Imported from the…
Article discusses the disadvantages of carrying too many grades of carbide inserts. Often, using a less-than-optimal grade can save a machine shop money. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on…
