April 2000 Issue

April 2000

Silicon Powder Additives Proven Safe And Effective In EDM

As with any new EDM innovation, the effectiveness of various powder finish processes will be debated. Likewise, dual-tank systems will be compared to single-tank systems. Here's a viable answer to that debate.

Features

Featured articles from the April 2000 issue of Modern Machine Shop

Workforce Development 15 Apr 2000

Getting The Job Done

This computer-aided manufacturing software package that generates simultaneous two- through five-axis NC tool paths and provides parametric 3D modeling. All geometric modeling and tool path functions are fully associative.

15 Apr 2000

Increased Machinability And Improved Finish Of Powdered Metal Parts

Powdered metal components, often used in automotive and other applications, are inherently porous. Problems encountered when dealing with powdered metals include machining issues such as chatter, which can diminish tool life; and blowouts or blisters, which can affect surface finishes. But old methods of preventing these problems have traditionally led to inconsistent results.

Vertical Machining Centers 15 Apr 2000

What's Possible At 10,000 RPM

High-value work doesn’t have to demand a high-cost machine tool.

CNC & Machine Controls 1 Apr 2000

Toward A Truly Open Manufacturing Environment

Modular systemization is revolutionizing machine tool control. CNCs are only the beginning.

CAD/CAM 1 Apr 2000

PC CAM Selection In An Evolving Market

In a mature market, choosing the right software for the personal computers you use to create programs for your CNC machine tools can be tricky. Here are some guidelines to help you find the software that best meets your needs.

Vertical Machining Centers 15 Apr 2000

High-Performance Gantry-Style Machining Center Builds In Accuracy

To gain control of the manufacturing process and tighten up production times, this company purchased a novel gantry-type machining center that features an integrated rotary table and a powerful right-angle head.

CNC & Machine Controls 1 Apr 2000

Probing For Process Improvement

Advances in machine accuracy and probing technology make on-machine inspection a powerful tool for automating and speeding part processing.

Die/Mold 15 Apr 2000

Unique's Approach To Mold Making

This Canadian mold making shop, Unique Mould Makers, is aptly named. Virtually every multi-cavity injection mold set made for the manufacture of caps, closures, vials and other packaging applications is indeed unique. One might think that automation and standardization would not be of interest to such a shop. Think again!

High-Speed Machining 1 Apr 2000

For High Speed And High Productivity, Keep Cool And Stay Calm

Machine tool builders have developed methods to cool off spindles and damp machine vibration for stable machining at higher spindle speeds and faster feed rates.

Milling Tools 1 Apr 2000

Trends That Drive Cutting Tool Development

Cutting tools have highly engineered coatings and geometries for all types of manufacturing methods and materials.

15 Apr 2000

Bolt-On Microfinishing

The process of microfinishing or superfinishing, as it's also known, is finding wider application in metalworking. Demands for better performance in rotating components coupled with tighter manufacturing tolerances is leading shops to look at microfinishing as a final process step to achieve low and sub-micron finishes on ground parts.

Workholding 15 Apr 2000

Updated Workholding Improves Turning Performance And Speed

Many shops maintain old workholding on their lathes, and there is a loss of opportunity to increase productivity and repeatability. Workholding tends to be an afterthought. In reality, workholding can increase performance a great deal.

Basics 1 Apr 2000

CNC Robotics And Automation: Knowing When To Say 'When'

In metalworking, a shop's move from one level of automation to the next can be a business-busting decision if badly timed. This article looks at what you should consider when taking the next step toward automating an operation.

Shop Management Software 1 Apr 2000

Real-Time Data Collection For Real-Time Customer Response

Keeping track of orders, materials, machines, tools, processes, employees and costs is an enormous task for any shop. That is why shopfloor management software has become a major factor in manufacturing operations.

CAD/CAM 15 Apr 2000

Automating EDM Electrode Design For Mold Making

Many EDM electrode design steps are being automated, making electrode production faster and easier. Developments promise to streamline situations where EDMing is unavoidable, as well as make EDM attractive as the most efficient machining process in many cases where complex mold shapes are involved.