Large Part Machining

Workholding 29 May 2008

Attracted To A Better Way

Modular, magnetic workholding blocks have changed the way this shop approaches the machining of both large and small workpieces. The blocks’ portability allows them to be used on a variety of different machines. Their flexibility often eliminates the need to create custom fixtures.

Five-Axis 20 Mar 2008

Applying A High Speed Machining Discipline Without The 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 came. Acoording to a co-owner of this shop, high speed machining has no need for speed.

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EDM 1 Feb 2008

Large Wire EDM Unit Gives Shop Room to Grow

This wire EDM job shop in Wisconsin acquired a submerged cutting wire machine that lets it handle larger, taller workpieces than just about any other job shop in the country. The new machine has a “column-up” option that adds a riser block between the X-axis saddle and the Z-axis column casting to give it exceptionally tall cutting capacity. The machine was installed in November 2007.

Large Part Machining 1 May 2007

Vacuum Workholding Method Fits New Machining Strategy

Increased demand for armor plating components led this shop to completely revamp its machining technique. Rather than machining individual workpieces, the shop produces multiple components nested in an aluminum plate. A custom vacuum workholding system plays a significant role in this new strategy.

Aerospace 1 Mar 2007

Big Inspection With Little Difficulty

A portable laser tracker let this shop increase not only its machining range, but also the range of its services to customers.

Large Part Machining 24 Jan 2007

Under Pressure

Using an integrated, single-window solution can alleviate programming bottlenecks, making the transition from design to manufacturing smooth.

Milling Tools 21 Dec 2006

Realizing Large-Scale Savings On Large-Scale Parts

Converting big square bars to largely round tie bars used to require 24 hours per piece at Oak Products. The Sturgis, Michigan, company can now complete the same job in 8 hours. How did the company slash its machining times and realize substantial cost savings? Oak attributes the turnaround to process re-engineering involving aggressive mill-turning and tooling geared to stand up to the challenge.