March 2008 Issue

March 2008

Precision Hole Making At High Cpk

Many shops and plants are moving from manual honing machines to CNC honing machines, as well as to robotically automated cells capable of controlling holes size to accuracies of 0.25µm (0.00001 inch). The inherent accuracy and process stability of honing have promoted this changeover because precision parts produced today must meet high Cpk requirements.Honing can produce a specified finish and a desirable crosshatch pattern on the bore surface, which helps retain a lubricating film for sliding components. Makers of outdoor power equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, hydraulics, pneumatics, gears, and valves are some of the users who have "discovered" automated honing in their drive to make parts with tolerances as tight as ±0.0002 inch (±5 µm) at high Cpk levels.

Features

Featured articles from the March 2008 issue of Modern Machine Shop

CAD/CAM 1 Mar 2008

Another Step Toward CAM Automation

A CAD/CAM software provider has taken an important step that will enable CNC machine tool users to benefit from emerging data-communications standards designed to promote a truly “paperless” manufacturing environment. The key is a STEP AP224 interface.

Automation 2 Mar 2008

The Returns On Automation

Machine tool automation, particularly grinding machine automation, offers various returns on investment. Different shops notice different advantages, and sometimes shops overlook important benefits when they are deciding whether to automate.

Inspection and Measurement 2 Mar 2008

Direct Edge Finding Via Laser

A laser edge finder offers a direct method for locating workpiece edges that can save setup time.

Grinding 2 Mar 2008

Applying Magnetism To Smooth Cutting Tools On A Grinding Machine

An alternate surface finishing device available on a tool grinding machine uses magnetism to swirl abrasive powder across the surface of a cutting tool. This creates a smooth surface finish and precisely rounded cutting edges.

Aerospace 20 Mar 2008

Applying A High Speed Machining Discipline Without The Speed

In this shop, high speed machining makes sense at 4,000 rpm. While the disciplines the shop put in place made a new 15,000-rpm profiler dramatically more productive, high speed machining would have remained valuable even if the new machine never came. Acoording to a co-owner of this shop, high speed machining has no need for speed.