Cutting Tool Engineering Magazine

Machine tools for cutting composite materials have unique requirements. PLUS:

• The pros and cons of turning with the ‘perfect’ insert
• While many machine shops have an EDM, they still have to decide when to outsource certain jobs
• Choosing the best marking method for delicate workpieces
• And columns covering the cultivation of machining's future; an interview with an enterprising Colorado manufacturer; when to turn to a turnkey solution; more tips and tricks for parts finishing, and some methods to purposely burn workpieces.

2015 Buyers Guide issue:

• Manufacturers index
• Disributors index
• Machne Shop index.

Cloud-based CAD gains momentum. PLUS:

• Simultaneous machining on multiple spindles enhances efficiency and lowers cost per part for high-volume production
• Thermal and mechanical methods can increase part surface hardness while leaving the inside ductile
• Machine-integrated inspection systems can improve quality and profitability
• Integrating digital tool libraries into CAM software enables process improvement
• And columns covering the benefits of taking shop workers to IMTS; the advantages of preloading ball nuts; how workholder modeling slashes setup time; metrology software benefits; some significant advances in deep-hole drilling, and still more tips for effective finish work.

Heavy-duty multitask machine tools provide numerous benefits for producing large, complex components—when the application is right. PLUS:

• 3D printing is poised to turn prototyping on its head
• When tool presetters are integrated into a shop, a key question is who will take the measurements
• Rotary broaching allows machine shops to bring broaching in-house
• Growing U.S. auto market needs supply flexibility and more lightweight parts.

CTE’s 2014 Salary Survey shows the earnings of metalworking professionals have headed upward. PLUS:

• A tool inventory management system shows who’s using what and for what purpose
• Teach your vertical machining center to ‘dance without a partner’
• Thread milling is an attractive alternative to tapping
• Certification helps machine shops develop consistent QA practices—and new business
• Get a grip on machined parts with face drivers
• Advances in software, sensors and connectivity create more choices and greater accessibility for machine monitoring
• Tapered-pipe tapping calls for interrupted-thread taps
• Gear makers embrace indexable-insert tools.

Toolholder vibration negatively impacts all aspects of machining. PLUS:

• JDA Aqua Cutting and JDA Custom offer both machining services and motorcycle-related products
• Portable coordinate measuring machine arms bring sophisticated inspection to the shop floor
• Solutions for 10 of the most challenging deburring applications
• Bremen Castings celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, but doesn’t look back
• An examination of wheel performance shows the ups and downs of creep-feed grinding
• Ultrasonic machining is a sound but unsung option
• How needles and other medical ‘sharps’ are ground.

Despite setbacks and challenges, orthopedic implant market set to grow; and shop makes one-of-a-kind knee implants with CAM templates. PLUS:

• Ways to keep machines and operators cool, clean and calm
• 10 questions about machining titanium alloys
• Preventive maintenance is an important part of a machine shop’s routine—and every shop handles it differently
• The importance of effectively cooling the cutting zone when grooving.

‘More of everything’ boosts Swiss machining productivity—and complexity. PLUS:

• Hydraulic vises offer accurate workholding for workpieces large and small
• When selecting a boring or reaming tool to finish a hole, the application is everything
• Cutting fluids make it easier to keep your cool when workpieces are difficult to machine
• Despite setbacks, South Carolina shop thrives, develops winning production strategy
• Gage repeatability and reproducibility studies improve measurement systems.

Look, down in the hole, it’s a valve, it’s a vane—it’s a heat-resistant superalloy! PLUS:

• U.S. energy market in overdrive as shale drilling booms
• Shops of all sizes need an enterprise resource planning system
• Various methods are available to thread holes, each offering pros and cons;
• Laser technology has taken hold in the moldmaking industry, offering new possibilities for fabrication, detailing, maintenance and repair.

Adaptive control helps CNC machines output more parts. PLUS:

• Omega Manufacturing specializes in challenging wire EDM work, but offers one-stop parts manufacturing
• Metal-injection molding has arrived as a way to manufacture small, complex parts
• New developments expand the application range of replaceable-tip drills
• Valley Tool invests in high-performance machine tools to effectively compete and grow.

Transforming horizontal machining centers into lean, mean, part-making machines. PLUS:

• High-speed grinding can provide great gains when grinding ODs
• With a focus on machining large parts in multifunctional mill/turn machines, QualTech Industries quickly attracted customers after opening 4 years ago in Kings Mountain, N.C.
• While hydraulic toolholders are said to have limited applications, their high gripping force and simple operation help them secure a place in machine shops
• Aerospace parts market booms with sustained jetliner demand.

Network of NIMS-certified training centers expands; how a cooperative organization helps manufacturers train their employees in-house; and Connecticut Spring & Stamping developed an apprenticeship program to meet its own training needs. PLUS:

• Tips on choosing live tooling for a mill/turn center
• Combination cutting tools for holemaking applications save a significant amount of time when the application is right
• Bandsawing bundled materials requires some special insight
• Tool data management optimizes production resources and data.