Articles & Columns

Linear motion of machine tool axes is often achieved using screws and nuts.

The CTE editorial staff offers a machine tool product review.

An industry veteran examines the top 10 issues for maintaining and enhancing quality control in parts manufacturing.

My relationship with suppliers as of late can be summed up as, “no news is good news.” Even so, just as we like to receive gratitude and recognition from our customers, it's important to remember that our suppliers should be recognized and their value shouldn't be overlooked.

Ceramic parts help solve problems caused by metal and plastic implants.

END USER: Mainland Machine, (805) 543-7149, www.mainlandmachine.com. CHALLENGE: Increase spindle run times. SOLUTION: CAM system that enables efficient programming when machining with custom fixture plates. SOLUTION PROVIDER: DP Technology Corp., (805) 388-6000, www.dptechnology.com

Some holemaking technologies have eliminated the need for spot drills, but they're still useful when the ‘perfect' hole is required.

As a follow-up to my April column, here are additional tips for enhancing the operation of a manual lathe.

END USER: Fox Valley Metrology Ltd., (920) 426-5894, www.foxvalleymetrology.com. CHALLENGE: Providing faster service when repairing hand-held instruments. SOLUTION: A honing tool that allows repairing measurement instruments at a customer's site. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Brush Research Manufacturing Co. Inc., (323) 261-2193, www.brushresearch.com.

END USER: Mercury Marine, (920) 929-5000, www.mercurymarine.com. CHALLENGE: To increase productivity when machining driveshafts and propeller shafts. SOLUTION: A lathe with a hob assembly. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Okuma America Corp., (704) 588-7000, www.okuma.com

Understanding and controlling wheel truing and dressing forces when rotary plunge dressing.

When it comes to workholding, one size definitely does not fit all. For example, workholding setups for round parts have similarities to setups used for all other prismatic (nonround) parts, but the latter has unique challenges.

The CTE staff offers a workholding product review.

In spite of my good intentions, trying to understand an employee's logic for engaging in certain behaviors can be bewildering, writes Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

A material review board can help determine if you're having vendor problems, suggests the Machinist's Corner column in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

The Look Ahead feature in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering includes a linear cylindrical drive technology for wire EDMs.

More shops and builders are remotely monitoring machine tools, which quickens maintenance and repair.

Boring is a common hole finishing operation, but boring large-diameter holes is a bit of a niche market. “Depending on the industry, you may only find a handful of shops in some areas capable of doing this type of work,” said Ron West, global product manager for Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, Pa. “They have the larger equipment necessary to do this type of work on a regular basis.”

Applying 'green' coolant to maintain machining performance while being friendly to workers and the environment.

END USER: Straitline Components, (250) 655-6603, www.straitlinecomponents.com. CHALLENGE: Avoid wasting workpiece material to keep costs down while increasing productivity. SOLUTION: Low gripping-profile clamps that provide high-density workholding on a tombstone. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Mitee-Bite Products LLC, (800) 543-3580, www.miteebite.com