March 1998 Issue

March 1998

Scanning For Process Improvements

A coordinate measuring machine with a constant-contact scanning probe makes it possible to get better, more complete information about workpiece features, especially contours. Two shops talk about how this information helps streamline their production processes.

Features

Featured articles from the March 1998 issue of Modern Machine Shop

CNC & Machine Controls 1 Mar 1998

Low-Cost Machines Meet High-End Controls

Mold and die makers have been less than enthusiastic about low-cost VMCs in a large part because their controls typically aren't designed to deliver the high performance 3D contouring capabilities so necessary to cutting cores and cavities. But two companies are out to change all that by bringing together low-cost machining capabilities and high-end contouring control on a single platform.

Measurement 15 Mar 1998

Do-It-Yourself Machine Tool Calibration

The trend toward higher accuracy parts continues largely because manufacturers are finding that higher accuracy parts reduce assembly time and lower warranty costs. The machine tools have to be kept within tolerance, which means calibration at regular intervals.

CAD/CAM 1 Mar 1998

Find The Time

This mold shop shows where to look. Faced with tighter lead times, it achieved faster workflow by using existing machinery and manpower in more efficient ways.

Inspection and Measurement 1 Mar 1998

Winning A Place For The First CMM

Automated inspection plays a key role in this historically non-CNC shop, thanks in large part to the shop's system for efficient CMM setup.

Inspection and Measurement 1 Mar 1998

How Accurate Is Your Machining Center?

Virtually every machine tool builder lists, as part of a machine's specification, accuracy and repeatability figures. What's generally not given is the method used to arrive at the figures. Though these methods are defined in linear positioning standards, not all builders use the same standards.