MMS Blog

1 May 1998

Don't Move That Mold

A portable measuring arm allows 30-ton molds to be measured without having to be moved.

CAD/CAM 15 Apr 1998

In Capable Hands

Putting NC programming and faster machine tools in the hands of machinists has helped this leading mold shop cut weeks out of the tool building cycle.

Turning Machines 15 Apr 1998

Read Your Chips: Understanding Tool Selection for Unattended Turning

Are you sure you have the best insert for that turning operation? Check the chips, especially if you are running unattended. Chip characteristics can tell you a lot.

Basics 15 Apr 1998

For those familiar only with manual lathes, making the jump to CNC can be a scary proposition. But take heart, because more and more control builders are focusing on providing CNCs with operational and programming capabilities that even the complete novice can grasp.

EDM 15 Apr 1998

Mass Producing Quantities Of One

It may sound like a contradiction in terms, but this Windsor, Canada, shop developed a production system for making prototype and limited production quantities of mold and die sets based on assembly line techniques. It's a concept that scales up or down and is applicable in a wide spectrum of shops.

CNC & Machine Controls 1 Apr 1998

Look What's Happened To DNC

Today's DNC systems are doing far more than just moving part programs around. They've evolved into full-blown shop floor information networks.

Cutting Tools 1 Apr 1998

The Case For Cutting Tool Standardization

It's possible to increase overall machining efficiency at the same time you decrease cutting tool inventory. Here's how.

1 Apr 1998

What's Wrong with Postprocessors?

NC postprocessors still plague many CAM users. But newer technology overcomes old limitations and lets shops get more out of their CNC machines.

Inspection and Measurement 15 Mar 1998

Do-It-Yourself Machine Tool Calibration

The trend toward higher accuracy parts continues largely because manufacturers are finding that higher accuracy parts reduce assembly time and lower warranty costs. The machine tools have to be kept within tolerance, which means calibration at regular intervals.

1 Mar 1998

Find The Time

This mold shop shows where to look. Faced with tighter lead times, it achieved faster workflow by using existing machinery and manpower in more efficient ways.

1 Mar 1998

How Accurate Is Your Machining Center?

Virtually every machine tool builder lists, as part of a machine's specification, accuracy and repeatability figures. What's generally not given is the method used to arrive at the figures. Though these methods are defined in linear positioning standards, not all builders use the same standards.

1 Mar 1998

Dispelling Small Machine Shop Myths

Many job shops start in a garage with a used mill and a manual lathe. The owners of this Utah job shop took a different tack. Along the way to a very successful business, they've debunked a bunch of myths commonly held about job shops.