December 2007 Issue
December 2007
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Modern Machine Shop
USB Reader Inputs CNC Programs From A Flash Drive
USB flash memory devices (also called flash drives or data sticks) are a convenient way to move files from a laptop to a desktop PC, from a camera to a PC and so on. They can also be handy for storing and moving part programs for CNC machines on the shop floor.
Read MoreGetting Centered With Centerless
A job shop that specializes in cylindrical grinding is shifting more of its work from ID/OD grinders to centerless grinders. In understanding the rationale behind this move, other shops can determine where centerless makes the most sense.
Read MoreSimulation Software Enables "Lights-Out" Five-Axis Machining
Hall & Stavert has been manufacturing marine hardware for more than 65 years. The company incorporated Vericut machine-simulation software to verify NC programs and shorten turnaround time. Developed by CGTech, the solids-based software system interactively simulates the material-removal process of an NC program. The software depicts three- to five-axis milling/drilling and wire EDM operations as well as multi-axis turning and mill/turn machining.
Read MoreConsider L:D When Choosing A Lathe For Small Parts
Should shops always defer to Swiss-type lathes to process small, long and often complex parts? Not necessarily. As a general rule, a Swiss-type is most appropriate for machining workpieces with L:D ratios of 4 to 1 or greater. Parts with lower L:D ratios may be machined economically on turn-mills.
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