March 1999 Issue

March 1999

Four Types Of Five-Axis Machining Centers

Different machines offer different approaches to rotary travel, and each design has its own strengths. Here's how they compare.

Features

Featured articles from the March 1999 issue of Modern Machine Shop

Measurement 15 Mar 1999

New Measuring System Performs Continuous Radial Scanning

The typical coordinate measuring machine (CMM) resembles a multi-axis traveling bridge-type vertical machining center. Indeed, the movements of the measuring probe look very much like a cutting tool in motion as it follows a tool path. Of course, the CMM doesn't make any chips. For prismatic workpieces, the conventional configuration of the CMM and the machine tool is logical and effective.

Measurement 15 Mar 1999

Sizing Up The Future

This shop installed a bigger CMM to meet its current needs, but the software that came with it has the shop ready for what lies ahead.

Vertical Machining Centers 15 Mar 1999

Consider Closing The Loop

Looking for a way to reduce process variability, speed setup, simplify your operation? Automatic measurement and machine compensation (Closed Loop Machining) may be something to consider. Here's a shop where it's making a difference.

High-Speed Machining 15 Mar 1999

High-Speed, Five-Axis Machining--Japanese-Style

This Japanese five-axis aerospace shop believes that high speed machining is their future. Here's why, and some of what they've learned so far.

CAD/CAM 15 Mar 1999

Communicating With The Machine Tool

If you continue to operate a bankrupt company in the same manner, you will continue to be bankrupt. This was the primary thought of Steve Brown before he acquired a failed stretch forming company in Gardena, California. Mr. Brown was President of Camarillo Dynamics, an aerospace machining company.

Metalworking Fluids 15 Mar 1999

Ozone Provides Solution To Bacteria In Coolants

Bacterial growth in metalworking fluids eventually leads to machine downtime. Furthermore, shop owners and plant managers see an increased cost of purchasing replacement fluids and the disposal of spent fluids.

Measurement 15 Mar 1999

Surface Finish: A Machinist's Tool. A Design Necessity.

Simple "roughness" measurements remain useful in the increasingly stringent world of surface finish specifications. Here's a look at why surface measurement is important and how to use sophisticated portable gages to perform inspections on the shop floor.