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Pete Zelinski ,
Senior Editor, Special Projects
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What Is The Right Way To Become An Aerospace Shop?
It’s hard to find a manufacturing sector with a strong outlook for 2009, but the outlook for aerospace machining is stronger than that of most other machining-related industries. In its March issue, Modern Machine Shop will focus on aerospace machining. A preview article is available to read now. It describes how an Atlanta job shop became an aerospace-industry supplier despite initially having no aerospace contacts and no aerospace experience.
Read the commentary here.
Inbox Insights
Good Vibrations
Chatter is self-excited vibration that can keep your machining center from realizing its potential productivity. The solution can be as simple as tuning the process, so that the speed of the spindle synchronizes with the natural vibration of the system. This video provides a clear illustration of the process. The machine can achieve a much greater metal removal rate at a specific speed—14,144 rpm—than it can at its top speed of 16,000 rpm.
Click here (or the image above) to hear the sound of chatter versus the sound of a stable cut.
New on MMS Online
How And Why You Should Consider CNC Tool Grinding
Walter Grinders developed this special MMS InMotion presentation to describe both the economics of CNC tool grinding and how to get started with it. Many shops currently performing manual tool grinding could save money with CNC, and shops currently outsourcing CNC tool grinding could save money by bringing it in-house.
Click here (or the image above) to watch the presentation .
Your Thoughts
Is It Still Possible To Start Really Small?
A reader recently asked this question: “Can someone make money with one Bridgeport mill? I’m thinking about starting small with one mill in my home shop. Is it worth it? Will I be able to grow and buy more machines?”
Many shops got their start this way. Is it still possible? Would your response have been different a year ago?
Please share your thoughts. If we publish your response, you’ll receive your choice of one free book from the metalworking section of the Hanser Gardner bookstore.
To respond, send an e-mail to Pete.
RE: Your Thoughts
Readers Respond
Last month we asked for your New Year’s resolutions. Richard Dolin of Kaydon Ring & Seal Inc., which is based out of Baltimore, Maryland, said, “As leadman for the CNC operation, my New Year’s resolution is to get the operation more organized and the people trained to follow consistent methods.” Carrying out this plan includes:
- Changing tools at scheduled and proven intervals to control the process.
- Cleaning tooling and returning it to its proper storage space so the next person can find it easily.
- Tightening what needs tightened without over tightening.
- Disposing of spent tooling in proper containers.
- Cleaning and picking up the area even if it was a mess when you got to work.
- Taking pride in the work.
- Making sure incoming material and outgoing finished products are properly identified, protected and stored.
- Making others’ jobs easier and more enjoyable.
Our Next Issue
Big Turn-Milling, Machining Ceramics, Rotary Erosion
Modern Machine Shop’s February issue describes the turn-mill machining involved in producing a massive crankshaft for a ship. Online video complements the article in print. Other articles cover machining ceramics, 3D scanning for prototypes and electrical discharge grinding or “rotary erosion.”
Subscribe now or renew your subscription.
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