July 2008 Issue

July 2008

Laser Cutter Taps Into “Done-in-One” Fabrication

Multitasking machines offer a number of advantages, including reducing multiple setups that require manual material handling and refixturing. However, many fabricators still use multiple operations on separate machines to process tube and pipe components. Secondary operations such as tapping are especially prob

Features

Featured articles from the July 2008 issue of Modern Machine Shop

1 Jul 2008

Friction Stir Welding—It's Not Just For Aluminum

Friction stir welding allows tough steel alloys and other metals to be permanently joined without arc welding. In many cases, this operation can be done on equipment that resembles standard milling machines.

micromachining 26 Jul 2008

Easy Does It

This shop specializing in small-scale parts says successfully machining tiny features into tiny workpieces is less about technology and more about technique.

Holemaking 26 Jul 2008

Precision Boring In Precision ER Collet Holders

In the past 20 years or so, the ER-style collet holder has become a de facto standard for retaining round-shank type tooling in milling and machining center applications. A precision boring system can now be included in the range of tooling compatible with precision ER-style collet systems. The ER collet featu

Composites Machining 26 Jul 2008

Drill Deletes Delamination In CFRP

Composites are becoming increasingly common in aerospace applications, and machining new materials can be a challenge for shops used to cutting metal. One such substance, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), can be difficult to drill because tools often “push” through the material rather than executing a cle

27 Jul 2008

Reaching Out To Horizontal Productivity

Extra long Z-axis travel and other features that lend flexibility on an HBM help this company reach a larger market for its mud pumps.

Inspection and Measurement 26 Jul 2008

Vision System Allows Automated Inspection Of Bore Finish

Bores machined in brake master cylinders, connecting rods, injection systems, valves and similar components must have a quality surface finish to ensure effective performance. Conventional bore inspection techniques, however, typically require an operator to evaluate the finish. Operators may use a bore scope l