July 1999 Issue

July 1999

Linear Motor Brings Accuracy to EDMing of Deep Ribs

A ram electrical discharge machine may not be the place most observers would expect to see a high-speed linear motor. Linear motors seem more appropriate for the axis drives of milling machines, where high feed rates complement high spindle speeds in high performance machining. But high performance is a goal for EDM builders as well.

Features

Featured articles from the July 1999 issue of Modern Machine Shop

15 Jul 1999

Doing More With More

From its founding 50 years ago, this Portland, Oregon, screw machine job shop has held fast to a philosophy of diversification. The theme carries across its equipment selections, processing decisions, personnel selection and customer base. It's an interesting example of successful application of multi-processing equipment by a multi-dimensional company.

CAD/CAM 15 Jul 1999

Transferring CAD/CAM Files

Importing and exporting CAD files is a fundamental function of CAM software. An understanding of this process can help you know what to expect and will aid you when making a CAM purchase.

CAD/CAM 1 Jul 1999

Understanding NURBS Interpolation

The right way to program curves? A solution to yesterday's problems? The truth is probably somewhere in between.

15 Jul 1999

New Coolant Concept Distinguishes Machine Tool Line

Coolant systems rarely get top billing as the key feature of a machine tool, but that is the case with the lathes and machining centers being introduced to this country by Hakusui USA Inc. (Schaumburg, Illinois). The line of machine tools includes four lathe models and two vertical machining centers.

Turning Machines 15 Jul 1999

CNC Multispindles: Are They For You

Multispindle machines are highly complex and highly productive machine tools. Justification for their use in shops is well known. Lately, however, successful integration of multispindle CNC is changing the justification equation for shops currently using CNC single spindles.

CAD/CAM 15 Jul 1999

Extending CAD/CAM Associativity To Suppliers

Many product manufacturers today are asking for suppliers' help in cutting costs and shortening the product development cycle. These companies know that someone intricately familiar with the machining process can evaluate a product design to minimize manufacturing costs in ways that a designer may not. In return, the supplier benefits from more business, greater profits and a competitive edge.