Software simplifies linear drive selection
Get with the Program: CNC systems, metrology equipment and other types of machinery often require a linear motion component. This may be because of a need to move a cutting tool back…
General Manufacturing Discussion
Recent discussions
Solving a one-time problem: Drilling Performance
Part Time: While some shops shy away from difficult projects, others welcome them. According to Bob Perkins, president of PDS (Precision Defense Services) Industries, Irwin, Pa., the company has built its business…
Primer on the King of Machines: Manual Lathe Basics
The manual lathe remains the cornerstone of machining fundamentals. This guide explains why lathe basics still matter in training, setup work, and real shop operations. Imported from the CTE archive to seed…
Machine bed support key to accuracy
Machine Technology column: A machine tool bed serves several important functions. It supports the machine's moving elements and supports them in geometric relation to each other. The relationship between the moving elements…
Zeroing out Swiss: Turning Performance
When turning 2mm-dia. and smaller parts on a Swiss-style machine, it only makes sense that the radius on the tool should be equally tiny. After all, you can't cut a 0.5mm bone…
Better workholding improves machining
Ever since CNC machining became the dominant method to cut and grind metal, a perception has existed that machining can be manipulated and easily simplified. With computers crunching the numbers, how hard…
Rigging and lifting safely: Turning Performance
In the olden days, riggers were the guys on the ground placing slings and chains around the object to be moved while the crane operator waited for their signals to begin lifting.…
Using mode shapes to overcome vibration
Measuring or modeling the natural frequencies and mode shapes is a useful step in avoiding or eliminating vibration problems. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on…
Motivating with money: People & Companies
Money as a motivational tool can take the form of an employee's pay rate, commissions, bonuses and, perhaps once a certain level of seniority is reached, paid health insurance premiums. Not only…
Stirring runout to zero: General Industry Coverage
A hydraulic expansion toolholder that can be adjusted to have zero runout accuracy. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-02-15 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/stirring-runout-zero/ Legacy…
Look, no batteries: General Industry Coverage
A wirelessly powered machining sensor system. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-02-15 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/look-no-batteries/ Legacy path: /articles/look-no-batteries
Heat Handlers: Turning Performance
Nickel-base superalloys can withstand hot and tough conditions, but are difficult to machine. With the right approach, machinists can keep their cool when cutting them. Imported from the CTE archive to seed…
Speed Thrills: Turning Performance
Swiss Automation's success is based on machining complex parts quickly, accurately and consistently. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-02-15 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/speed-thrills/ Legacy…
Horizontal Autopilot: General Industry Coverage
Manufacturers are using unattended horizontal machining cells to improve productivity and quality. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-02-15 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/horizontal-autopilot/ Legacy path:…
Two (or More) for One
Multiple-operation cylindrical grinding machines enable shops to complete parts in a single setup. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-02-15 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/two-or-more-one/ Legacy…
The right option: Medical Manufacturing
END USER: Southwest Greene International Inc., (760) 639-4960, www.greenegroup.com. CHALLENGE: Effectively measure small, complex medical parts.SOLUTION: A measurement system that combines vision and touch-probe inspection. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Hexagon Metrology Inc., (800) 274-9433,…
Thread milling tops tapping
END USER: Thortex Inc., (503) 654-5726, www.thortexinc.com. CHALLENGE: Maximize tool life and reliability when threading cobalt chrome. SOLUTION: Replace solid-carbide taps with high-performance thread mills. SOLUTION PROVIDER: OSG Tap & Die Inc.,…
General-purpose tool shines on tough job
END USER: Kline Oilfield Equipment Inc., (918) 445-0588, www.klinetools.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce cycle time and extend tool life when machining 718 Inconel. SOLUTION: An AlTiN-coated, general-purpose endmill and CAM software that generates efficient…
Exact Replica: Inspection Efficiency
From simple bushings to critical engine components, producing replacement aircraft parts requires unwavering commitment. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-02-15 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/exact-replica/…
Get a (new) life: People & Companies
END USER: A large aerospace manufacturer. CHALLENGE: Avoid buying a new machine by retaining use of a 25-year-old lathe. SOLUTION: Rebuild the lathe and retrofit it with a new control. SOLUTION PROVIDER:…
From stringy to sandy: Medical Manufacturing
END USER: Acumed LLC, (888) 627-9957, www.acumed.net. CHALLENGE: Accurately direct high-pressure coolant on Swiss-style machines to control chips when turning. SOLUTION: A Swiss-style insert holder with high-pressure, through-coolant capability. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Streamliner…
Speedy Comparison: Inspection Efficiency
Alan Richter takes a Look Ahead at an automated part-to-CAD verification system for a digital optical comparator. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-01-15…
Steely holemaking: Drilling Performance
Alan Richter takes a Look Ahead at a new solid-carbide drill dedicated for steel applications. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-01-15 CTE source:…
Simulating and optimizing multitasking: 5-Axis Machining
The Get With The Program column in the January 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering addresses how software can simulate and optimize multitask machines. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion…
Seal the deal: Turning Performance
A shop combines two machines to efficiently produce a gas hose seal. Imported from the CTE archive to seed discussion on MFGAxis. Originally published on CTE: 2012-01-15 CTE source: https://ctemag.com/articles/seal-deal/ Legacy path:…