Contact
Cutting, Welding and Writing—Three Important Skills
Students who can demonstrate their welding and cutting skills in a team fabrication project are invited to enter a contest sponsored by Esab. The theme of the contest is “A Cut Above.” Students are also invited to submit a 500-word essay that conveys the contest theme. Prizes include cash and equipment. Deadline is December 31, 2015.
Read More
Cyber Security for Machine Shops and Manufacturers
Cyber security is now a major issue for manufacturers. Here's a handy list of guides, software and training centers offered by key U.S. government agencies to help companies lower the risk of cyber threats.
Read More
7 Things to Know about the IIoT and Industry 4.0
An introduction to the standards, decision-making, training, cybersecurity, sensors, machine monitoring and cloud computing that make up the IIoT.
Read MoreSpace and Time Warp
As the Industrial Internet of Things takes shape, it will fundamentally alter how we perceive the importance of location and the pace of production.
Read More
Important MTConnect Deadlines Announced
Students have a new date to submit ideas for applications using the MTConnect interoperability standard as part of the MTConnect Student Challenge. It’s now December 15, 2015. Speakers interested in presenting at next year’s [MC]2 Conference on MTConnect in Dallas should submit proposals by October 16, 2015, for the first round of consideration. The conference dates are April 19-21, 2016.
Read More
What’s It Like to Work in a Machine Shop Underground?
A machine shop housed a mile below the surface is a very unusual workplace, especially when it has to operate in a cleanroom environment. It’s the only way to make parts that are not affected by cosmic rays. Conditions in another shop underground are rather normal, but being in a cave has advantages for this shop, too.
Read More
Adaptive Machining Makes a Robot More Productive
This system for machining and polishing turbine blades shows the value of software for inspection, toolpath calculations and adaptive machining working together.
Read MoreReaders of Print Are Still Here
The version of this column that appears in print reaches an audience that obviously likes a paper-and-ink experience. Why would they, when they can read it online, just like you’re doing right now? There are some significant reasons why not all traditional media have gone away.
Read More
Surprises Uncovered at a Groundbreaking
Companies customarily mark new construction with a groundbreaking ceremony. Such an event to celebrate Hydrotech Inc.’s expansion of its suburban Cincinnati headquarters, however, revealed some unexpected facets to this diverse fluid power and automation solutions provider.
Read More
Tips on Breaking Chips When Turning Transmission Parts
Components for automotive transmissions are typically made of ductile steels such as SAE 1018, 1020 and 8620. Turning these parts is often plagued by problems with long, stringy chips. This article from Sandvik Coromant addresses the complex variables and strategic trade-offs that must be considered in designing the most effective insert for this application. The insights into the problem and its solution will help anyone think more clearly about vexing chip control issues.
Read More
A Really, Really Big Boring Bar
The developers are calling it the world’s largest anti-vibration boring bar—one that is capable of machining a bore 12 inches in diameter and as long as 165 inches. Sandvik Coromant designed and manufactured this boring bar in cooperation with lathe builder Gurutzpe Turning Solutions.
Read More
A CNC Machine with Nine Controls
One obstacle to training the next generation of machine operators and engineers is exposing them to the variety of machine types and controls they are likely to encounter when they are hired. A community college in Illinois has the answer—training machines from Emco Maier with exchangeable control panels. Find out how students and their potential employers benefit.
Read More
