February 2001 Issue
February 2001
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Modern Machine Shop
Automating Multiple Face Machining
Although multiple face machining in a single setup is possible with four-axis machines, these machines only meet the positioning requirements for a small range of parts. To have the capability for programming multi-plane machining-and to machine this type of part in a single setup-a five-axis machine is necessary.
Read MoreWhat Good Is A Parallelogram?
Do you remember learning the names of weird shapes in elementary school and then later in geometry? There were isosceles triangles, parallelograms and dodecahedrons. What good would come of all this bizarre knowledge in “real life?” Well, it turns out that at least one of these shapes is very important to those of us who lay out gaging setups or select precision measurement tools.
Read MoreCryogenic Treatment Enhances Stability For Wire EDM Operation
In the world of Wire EDM professionals, the mission is very similar to NASA's, in minimizing scrap rate and in maximizing quality (i.e. meeting customer specifications). That is the challenge to each Wire EDM operator and tool designer.
Read MoreSmall Shop, Mighty Machines
Multitasking machines capable of completely machining complex, milled and turned parts in a single setup are powering this Chicago-area job shop's growth.
Read MoreTools For Milling In Z
The fastest way to mill away a lot of material may be to attack it head on with a move in the Z direction.
Read MoreLinear Motors Shorten Production Time
Linear motors account for part of the reason why DaimlerChrysler's Stuttgart, Germany, manufacturing facility has been able to nearly double the productivity of machining centers producing automotive cylinder heads.
Read MoreReaching New Depths And Greater Accuracy
Just when you thought high speed machining or hard milling would steal the best applications from ram-type electrical discharge machines, linear motor technology is taking "sinker EDM" to levels unattainable with any other metal removal process.
Read MoreSparking Better Designs
By automating repetitive splitting and electrode-design work, an Ohio mold and die shop spurs creativity and expands EDM applications.
Read MoreGetting A Read On 3D Bar Codes
Bar coding of manufactured parts holds the promise of improved process control and inventory control. However, the familiar gummed paper label (with black bars on a white background) simply could not withstand the coolant spray, cleaning solutions, heat treating and other harsh processes that metal parts routinely undergo.
Read MoreMaking Motors With Non-Sync Lines
Many shops use cellular manufacturing as the basis for their production capability and capacity. Briggs&Stratton used cells to make its small engines until the plant hit a production efficiency wall. The company then turned to non-synchronous transfer lines. Here's how this technology has impacted the plant.
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