Articles & Columns

Fine finishing with a wire EDM eliminates need for secondary operations.

Manager's Desk column for October 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine looks at overcoming disruptions caused by information overload.

The Get With The Program column for the October 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine discusses Mastercam's Dynamic Mill, which offers self-aware roughing toolpaths.

How microscopes and vision systems are used in machine shops for noncontact inspection and measurement.

END USER: Milwaukee Machine Works Inc., (414) 476-3285, www.milwaukeemachineworks.com. CHALLENGE: More accurately measure and document extremely large parts. SOLUTION: An ultraprecise coordinate measuring machine with a capacity for large parts. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Hexagon Metrology Inc., (401) 886-2000, www.hexagonmetrology.com

A heat-treat process to anneal and bright age-harden stainless steels without breaking vacuum.

Technology, experience and attitude breeds grinding success—on a very small scale.

END USER: Superior Drilling Products, (435) 789-0594, www.superiordrillingproducts.com. CHALLENGE: Without prior experience, program a multitask machine. SOLUTION: Using CAM software with online training resources and local support. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: CNC Software Inc., (800) 228-2877, www.mastercam.com; Remote Machine, (801) 942-2792, www.remotemachinecnc.com

A high-ionization technology that enables enhanced customization of tool coatings.

Getting a grip on bench work.

Since the dawn of CNC milling, machinists have been trying to squeeze more parts onto the table and position them quicker. That’s because to a machinist, it’s all about reducing setup time and cranking out more parts per hour.

'Lightweighting' vehicles through the use of magnesium parts can improve vehicle mileage and impact resistance, among other benefits.

High-speed machining requires hybrid spindle bearings.

Special glasses are not required, but other considerations apply in 3-D abrasive waterjet machining.

Observations of a retired shop owner can help improve your shop.

END USER: Houston Precision Process LLC, (713) 856-0510. CHALLENGE: Efficiently saw aerospace-grade materials while minimizing material waste. SOLUTION: Oscillating bandsaw technology. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Simonds International Corp., (978) 424-0100, www.simondsinternational.com

New grinding software makes tool design easier.

Pointe Precision creates opportunity with new machines and skilled employees.

Tapping medical parts requires unique considerations not required in general-purpose machining.

Document jobs to reduce setup time when they repeat.