March 2016 | Vol. 68 | Issue 3
"Chips Away," the March 2016 cover story, covers central conveyor systems that declutter shops and make them safer. PLUS:
February 2016 | Vol. 68 | Issue 2
"HMC Payoffs," the February 2016 cover story, looks at how horizontal machining centers' enhanced capabilities shorten payback periods. PLUS:
January 2016 | Vol. 68 | Issue 1
Metrology is evolving to allow inspection to be moved closer to the production area. PLUS:
- The right workholder is critical for success when 5-axis machining.
- Angle heads let cutting tools reach more of the workpiece.
- Gundrilling on conventional CNC machines.
- An overview of a machine tool developed for Industry 4.0.
- Multitask machine tools proliferate as manufacturers seek to reduce setup time.
- CAD/CAM developers strive to enhance UX—the user experience.
- Beware of job recruiters and placement companies.
December 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 12
Whether done manually or with a powered device, scraping guide ways is critical to machine tool performance. PLUS:
- Two metalworking professionals breakdown the manufacturing industry with their "Making Chips" podcast.
- Laser technology allows for precise, noncontact marking of thin, brittle or otherwise delicate parts without compromising part integrity.
- Learn details about the numerous new products manufacturers are offering the metalworking industry.
- And columns that address taking the time to focus on the positives; the benefits of creating and using a virtual machine tool; the importance of mastering fundamental turning skills; how planning is critical when operating CNC machines; how not to experience grinding burn; and a Q&A with Harvey Tool CEO Pete Jenkins.
November 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 11
2016 Buyers Guide issue:
- Manufacturers index
- Disributors index
- Machne Shop index.
October 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 10
Shot peening is a cost-effective way to make metal products stronger and more dependable. PLUS:
- Private equity funds and venture capitalists partner with precision parts manufacturers that are poised for growth
- Options to consider when selecting a custom work-positioning device
- By stabilizing and monitoring air temperature, pressure and humidity, part measurement accuracy can be ensured
- And columns covering concerns about renewed offshoring trends; how a grinding machine overcame workpiece material challenges; a Seattle job shop reaps benefits of constant chip load machining; how modular fixtures help reduce waste in a shop; some trade secrets for CNC machining, and whether programmers and manufacturing engineers really need a college degree.
September 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 9
Fallbrook Technologies’ prototype shop continues to produce one-offs for licensees of its continuously variable planetary technology while performing commercial jobs. PLUS:
- Job shop benefits from a big, 5-axis, twin-spindle machine
- Offline presetting maximizes machine availability and reduces scrap
- A combination of planning, housekeeping and the proper equipment enhances shop safety
- 5 factors shaping the ceramic tool market
- And columns covering the benefit of avoiding free worker benefits; the advantages of modular machine tools; how machine monitoring software provides data-driven manufacturing; the benefits of photo-activated adhesive workholding; an overview of broaching tools; some miscellaneous tips and tricks for machinists, and a walk on the lean side.
August 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 8
Tool management systems prevent mistakes and boost the bottom line. PLUS:
- A comparison of three threadmaking options: tapping, forming and milling
- Laser-assisted machining tackles hard materials
- Solid-state LED lighting in machine tools allows for increased visibility, reduced downtime and lower power consumption
- And columns covering the requirements for making difficult shop decisions; how the CNC evolution continues with Mazak's Smooth Technology; some considerations when evaluating CAM software; a Q&A about improving part inspection, and advice when applying multiple-rib grinding wheels.
July 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 7
Horst Engineering shifts production from Mexico to Connecticut; and INOVA Geophysical rethinks machining process, saves close to $1 million by reshoring production from China. PLUS:
- Abrasive waterjet machines become easier to use and more affordable as equipment evolves
- Bandsaws turn high-tech with advanced control and cloud-based intelligence
- And columns covering potential buried treasure in machine shops; CAD/CAM questions and answers; examples of custom workholding; the importance of preventive maintenance; some toolholder options for high-speed machining; how to straighten shafts and tubes, and the quest for cutting tool knowledge.
June 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 6
New aluminum alloys can pose machining challenges, but they can be mastered with sound cutting strategies. PLUS:
- How shops can help keep groundwater clean and be green in other ways
- Parting off presents challenges, but paying attention to the basics makes it a lot easier
- Manufacturing consultant leverages CAM software to help customers adopt transformative technology
- And columns covering the global machine shop; how to fixture challenging parts; the importance of inspecting parts only when needed, and the benefits of multiple-grit grinding wheels and truing cup wheels.
May 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 5
Move, shred or pack them—chip management doesn’t have to be hard. PLUS:
- Steelville Manufacturing Co. uses flexible manufacturing systems to enhance machine tool productivity and help continue shop growth
- New talent, experienced hands hone Peerless Precision’s capabilities
- And columns covering supplier relationships; how inertia active control cuts cycle time; the advantages of scalable CAM software; the need to train workers to sharpen their skills; coolants for challenging cuts; a conversation with a fresh "face of manufacturing"; the application of flame straightening corrections, and whether your next robot will be collaborative.
April 2015 | Vol. 67 | Issue 4
Vertical machining centers play a central role in the growth of S&S Machine Shop. PLUS:
- Software developers raise the bar with improved toolpaths, integration and simulation
- When grinding complex cutting tool profiles, attention should be paid to the software, the wheel and the tool blank for best results
- And columns covering the importance of keeping employees' personal matters separate from professional ones; some methods for minimizing chatter; boring heads that improve productivity; how quick-change tooling can boost profits; how flame hardening works, and some answers to queries about barreling and scrubber nozzles.