Articles & Columns

Endmilling stainless steel and aluminum reveals that these two materials are surprisingly similiar.

Simplifying tapping operations on low-silicon aluminum.

An effective chuck maintenance program clears the air of flying parts.

Turning-test results yield equations designed to maximize productivity.

A look at the collet--the 'other' workholding device. Even though collets' roots are firmly planted in the past, they remain an integral part of today's tooling designs.

Grinding fundamentals: understanding wheel preparation and grinding fluids.

Debunking seven common CNC-programming myths.

A look at Swiss-style cutting tools and how they are applied.

Proper fixturing is critical when machining aerospace components.

Former job shop finds success manufacturing custom gears with "impossible" lead times.

Understanding the fundamentals and possibilities of grinding, part 1.

Moldmakers represent a challenging niche market for the cutting tool industry.

Understanding parting-off operations

An examination of deburring and the cost of poor quality.

The use of compacted graphite iron is continuing to grow, particularly for automobile castings. The benefits of CG iron vs. gray cast iron are its ability to handle heat better and better machinability. The author gives an overview of the material's characteristics and discusses feed-and-speed considerations when machining CG iron.

A new drill point geometry developed by a tool and cutter grinder. The through-coolant drill is ground in such a way that a hollowed out chamber on the face of the tip retains coolant in the cutting zone while hydraulic forces that are created push fluid to the cutting edge.

Understanding parting-off operations.

Meadville, Pa., and the area surrounding the city are home to approximately 150 precision tooling and machine shops. The article explains why this city of 14,000 is such a hotbed of precision machining and entrepreneurship.

Examined are four recent developments in cutting tool coatings: "smooth" diamond coatings, which incorporates that are nanometer-sized; a process that deposits diamond on carbide substrates via a laser; highly lubricious coatings for dry-machining operations; and a patented system for "locking" conventional coatings together.

A look at the various types of CNC lathes available to shops contemplating stepping up from a manual machine. The pros and cons of the following lathes are discussed: combination, cutoff, slant-bed, twin-spindle and turn/mill. The author also touches on available options.