April 1999 Issue
April 1999
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Modern Machine Shop
Slashing Part-To-Part Programming Time On The Shop Floor
How do you improve productivity with the excessive amount of time and effort it takes to program parts before they can be run on the shop floor? As parts have become more complex over the years and demands for accuracy have become more stringent, the challenge has become even greater. Shop owners are faced with the dilemma of being even more productive, while still spending hours programming machinery before cutting their first parts. Now there is an option for shop owners that enables them to go from part to part on the shop floor without involving off-line programmers.
Read MoreWidening Range Of Grooving Tools
Traditionally, a grooving tool grooves, a facing tool faces and, of course, special tools do special cuts. Improved insert manufacturing technology and toolholder design is changing this tradition, allowing specialized tooling to be used more generically in a wider variety of metalcutting applications.
Read MoreUser Interface Helps Solve EDM Skills Crunch
Many shops would like to do more electrical discharge machining (EDMing) but don't have the skilled EDM operators to run the machines. Mitsubishi EDM (MC Machinery Systems, Inc. , Wood Dale, Illinois) recently introduced several new models, and the ones equipped with a new generation of control unit will appeal to shops in this situation.
Read MoreSuccessful Application Of Ceramic Inserts
Applying ceramic inserts is not a simple substitution of one cutting tool material for another. There are significant process considerations that shops should examine carefully in order to realize performance and tool life expectations from ceramic inserts. Here's a look at some of the ways they are used.
Read MoreIf It Ain't Broke...Fix It Anyway
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it. " Unfortunately, this cliche may not work in today's highly competitive environment.
Read MorePut Coordinate Metrology On The Shop Floor
Integrating CMMs with the machining process employs the power of accurate dimensional data to provide true process control.
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