November 1998 Issue

November 1998

Cover Story

AGIE And Charmilles To Remain Strong But Separate

The alliance between AGIE and GFAGIECHilles Technologies has been especially closely watched.

Features

Featured articles from the November 1998 issue of Modern Machine Shop

15 Nov 1998

Connecting With Customers

When Danny Hogge installed his first computer-based shop control system several years ago, he hardly imagined he'd soon be giving customers direct access to it via the Internet. As it turned out, it wasn't such a big leap after all, just a few logical steps down the road to where PC-based information technology is taking all businesses, and the metalworking business in particular.

Shop Management Software 15 Nov 1998

More And Better Information

That's what employees of this shop now have. It's also what the shop itself has - improved information about its own needs and capabilities.

Shop Management Software 15 Nov 1998

The ABCs Of Activities Based Costing

A lot of job shops still use a flat shop rate when costing, estimating or quoting. This job shop developed its own software following another approach that is almost as simple but more accurate.

Measurement 15 Nov 1998

Tram Monitoring System For Milling Machines

Typically, knee-type milling machines have heads which rotate about the X and Y axes. This flexibility allows these machines to cut workpieces at various angles when needed. Unfortunately, even though the milling head can be tightened down, it can work its way out of the original position, thus becoming out of tram.

Aerospace 15 Nov 1998

It's A Machine Tool Robot

This machine has a dual identity. It looks like an industrial robot. In some applications, such as assembly, it is. However, put a spindle and cutting tool on the end of this five-axis machine and it becomes a machining and drilling center. The inherent stiffness of the machine's tripod design makes it accurate enough to machine aerospace and automotive applications.

Toolholders 15 Nov 1998

Four Toolholder Quality Factors

Toolholders are a critical link between the machine tool and the workpiece. This article looks at four fundamental toolholder manufacturing parameters that precision metalcutting shops need to consider when tooling for a job.