Make Maximum Use of the Magazine
This shop streamlined its selection of cutting tools to machine a number of parts on a pallet system. Cutting down on cutters delivered other benefits as well.
When Spindle Speed is a Constraint
Though it won’t replace high speed machining, Boeing sees “low speed machining” as a viable supplement to higher-rpm machines. Using new tools and techniques, a shop’s lower-rpm machining centers can realize much more of their potential productivity...
How Do You Stop A Thin Aluminum Workpiece From Curling?
The material condition is more likely to be the culprit than any particular choice at the machine tool.
How Do You Maximize Tool Life In Aluminum?
Boeing experts say climb vs. conventional is not the key. They recently answered a question submitted through our Aerospace Machining Zone, saying the key to tool life is actually chatter control.
What Is The Right Way To Become An Aerospace Shop?
This Atlanta shop succeeded at becoming an aircraft-industry parts supplier. The lessons of its success have a lot to do with commitment and enthusiasm.
Could The Highest Price Cutter Be The Least Expensive?
An evaluation of different cutting tool technologies for machining carbon fiber reinforced plastics
No Need For Speed
In this shop, high speed machining makes sense at 4,000 rpm. While the disciplines the shop put in place made a new 15,000-rpm profiler dramatically more productive, high speed machining would have remained valuable even if the new machine never cam...
Five-Axis Machining Has Special Workholding Needs
This clamping system allows a workpiece to be rigidly clamped while raised up from the surface of the worktable on a five-axis machining center. Moving the workpiece away from the table creates clearance for the spindle nose and cutting tool when th...
'Lights-Out' With A Lighter Commitment
For this integrated flexible pallet cell, the machines and the pallet system came from different suppliers. The shop is not locked into any supplier for adding machining centers later.
Why Boeing Is Big On Right-Size Machine Tools
Simple, dedicated machines save on capital expense, while they also make it possible to realize one-piece flow. These machines are often developed internally. 'Chaku-chaku' is the new ideal.
