Articles & Columns

Even low-volume operations producing many different parts can benefit from lights-out production.

There’s more than one way to machine a part. The trick is to match the part’s complexity and volume requirements with an optimal production process.

In recent years, monolithic machined aluminum components have been replacing sheet metal assemblies throughout the aerospace industry. The monolithic structures are lighter, less expensive and stronger than their conventional sheet metal counterparts. Machining the components requires fewer special tools, fewer hand operations and less assembly time.

What does CAM software have to do with mowing your lawn? More than you might think. Consider this imaginary story in which a machine shop owner tackles that bane of suburban life.

You can find out that times are tough by reading the newspaper but it really hits home when your company downsizes you. That was recently the case for me and about 30 others at the company I worked for.

Understanding tool wear is the first step to extending tool life—which can be further enhanced with new coating technology.

In addition to handling prototype and production machining, R.E.F. Precision Products LLC, Deer Park, N.Y., provides engineering and productivity consulting services.

Dear Doc: I grind small parts with intricate geometries. I’d like to get a handle on what kind of Ra values I’m generating and if the grinding process changes I’m making are improving or worsening the surface finish. I was told to purchase a profilometer. Is this the best route to go?

Understanding tool geometry and selecting the right tap for different workpiece materials can help take the anxiety out of tapping operations.

When finishing parts, shops may want to hit them with their best shot. Shot peening can produce longer part life.

U.S. companies that adopt electromagnetic workholders heartily endorse the technology.

The creation of a part program for a CNC machine tool usually starts with a part drawing or model that contains the part material, geometry and tolerances.

As an owner or manager of a machining business, you have your hands full dealing with matters from the front office to the shop and everything in-between. Even so, nonproduction issues seem to be an increasing burden.

Combination tooling, custom fixtures and creative solutions help Apex Precision thrive.

Who should perform spindle maintenance in machine shops?

Sanding, or benching, titanium alloy parts is a major cost element of the manufacturing process. Sanding removes burrs and improves surface finish to achieve drawing specifications.

Talking Shop August 2009 column

Eagle Machine Inc., in Abbotsford, B.C., frequently takes on challenging jobs, such as modifying a diving bell for deep-sea submarine rescues or designing and machining a set of solid aluminum wheels for an 800-mph land speed car based on an F-104 jet aircraft. Owner Steve Green said, “People come to us with the craziest things because other people tell them, ‘the only place you can go is Eagle Machine.’ ”

Because they produce chips at high operating temperatures, often with oil-based coolants present, machine tools can easily catch fire. However, if shops plan ahead for this possibility by installing fire suppression systems, they can avoid catastrophic damage to the machine and the shop itself.

In today’s market, a machine shop often has millions of dollars invested in machines. Typically, a hefty amount is also committed to payroll. For a shop to be profitable, these two assets must work together efficiently. But what is the best way to manage and balance machine and manpower efficiency?