February 2005 Issue
February 2005
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Modern Machine Shop
CAD Input For EDM
This software runs on the wire and ram (die sinking) versions of the company's "LQ" Windows XP-based control unit. The software provides a special interface that allows the user to input 3D solid model geometry directly from the CAD system to use as input to the EDM control unit. Using CAD data as direct machine tool input has long been a dream that developers of other types of machine tools are now closing in on.
Read MoreSame Problem, Different Resolution
In shopfloor measurements, don’t count partial increments, but do keep a finer-resolution instrument handy.
Read MoreRunning EDM Economically
Many shops are taking a closer look at the cost of operating a machine tool. How much energy does it consume? Does it create excessive heat, making the shop air conditioning work harder? Does it stretch the life of cutting tools and consumables?
Read MoreOptimize Cutting Efficiency, Optimize Throughput
A machining process based on maximizing cutting efficiency, rather than speeds and feeds, offers aerospace component manufacturers an option to high speed machining when high material removal rates are required. The best strategy may be to apply both machining concepts.
Read MoreAdapting And Advancing
Assistive technologies for machinery and shop equipment allow blind workers at this machine shop to assume more advanced, independent roles in the production of aerospace components for Boeing.
Read MoreHigh Speed Wire Cutting Needs High Efficiency Filtration
High speed cutting with wire electrical discharge machining produces debris in the dielectric at a high rate. Without effective filtration, a wire machine quickly loses its ability to maintain high cutting speed, achieve the desired surface finish and obtain expected dimensional accuracy. Charmilles' approach to solving this problem has been to develop a filtration system that doubles the number of filter cartridges, from two to four.
Read MoreKeeping Accuracy Within Reach
Part quality is at risk if a machining center cannot hold tolerances at the farthest reaches of its work envelope. This makes volumetric accuracy a key indicator of a machine's performance. One machine tool builder discusses the implications.
Read More“Too Hard” Is Just Right
A user of ultrasonic machining looks for parts that are too hard to cut on other machine tools.
Read MoreManufacturing's Challenges And Opportunities
Makers of manufactured goods face many challenges, including increased competition in worldwide markets; a demand for more complex products; shortened delivery times; lower production costs; higher quality and longer life products; and increased pressure from consumers for variety and options in the goods being produced. The "one style/color fits all" mentality behind the mass assembly line is no longer an accepted approach for large-scale production.
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