How Modal Testing Can Reveal Dynamic Machining Responses
By: Tony Schmitz, Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Joint Faculty, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.
#viewfrommyshop
Help Operators Understand Sizing Adjustments
By: Mike Lynch
Even when CNCs are equipped with automatic post-process gaging systems, there are always a few important adjustments that must be done manually. Don’t take operators understanding these adjustments for granted.
#cnctechtalk
How to Calibrate Gages and Certify Calibration Programs
By: George Schuetz
Tips for establishing and maintaining a regular gage calibration program.
#qualitygagingtips #Basics
Precision Manufacturing of Large and Complex Parts
Explore Tech-Max, a CNC machine shop that specializes in precision machining large and complex parts ranging from 10 in. to over 10 ft.
#videoVFMS
Shop Replaces Two Verticals With One Horizontal
By: Eli Plaskett
By trading two VMCs in to help finance the purchase of a new HMC, this shop was able to significantly increase production and move to lights-out machining.
Automated CAM Programming – Is Your Software Really Delivering?
A look at the latest automation tools in Autodesk Fusion 360 software and how forward-thinking machine shops and manufacturing departments are using them to slash delivery times and win more business.
#topshops
Why Towns Want Manufacturing Plants
By: Peter Zelinski
A manufacturing facility can harness and focus the native ability of people growing up in a town, and channel this into livelihoods and homes for the town’s next generation. Is this something we lost sight of and are now seeing again?
#zaxis
Metalworking GBI Contracted in March After One-Month Reprieve
By: Jan Schafer
February’s call for cautious optimism was well placed…market dynamics in March put a damper on what had been metalworking activity’s modest re-entry to growth mode in February.
#economics
Machine Monitoring Boosts Aerospace Manufacturer's Utilization
By: Nathaniel Fields
Once it had a bird’s eye view of various data points across its shops, this aerospace manufacturer raised its utilization by 27% in nine months.
3 Tips to Accelerate Production on Swiss Lathes with Micro Tools
Low RPM lathes can cause tool breakage and prevent you from achieving proper SFM, but live tooling can provide an economical solution for these problems that can accelerate production.
#micromachining
The Automated Shop – A Conference and a Goal for U.S. Machine Shops
By: Brent Donaldson
Modern Machine Shop’s upcoming technical conference will be an opportunity to learn about several types of automation that are now accessible to small- and mid-sized machine shops in the U.S.
#thesetup
Using the Toolchanger to Automate Production
By: Julia Hider
Taking advantage of a feature that’s already on the machine tool, Lang’s Haubex system uses the toolchanger to move and store parts, making it an easy-to-use and cost-effective automation solution.
Fixturing Castings Made Simple Through Adhesive Workholding
By: Evan Doran
When a casting proved too malleable for traditional gripping, Thomas/Euclid Industries adopted — and succeeded with — Blue Photon adhesive workholding.
Four-Axis Horizontal Machining Doubles Shop’s Productivity
By: Evan Doran
Horizontal four-axis machining enabled McKenzie CNC to cut operations and cycle times for its high-mix, high-repeat work — more than doubling its throughput.
Adjusting CAM Tolerance and Machine Modes to Fix Faceting Issues
By: John Miller
Fixing an issue often requires fine tuning of both CAM tolerances and the machine mode for full optimization and process reliability.
Generating a Digital Twin in the CNC
By: Mark Albert
New control technology captures critical data about a machining process and uses it to create a 3D graphical representation of the finished workpiece. This new type of digital twin helps relate machining results to machine performance, leading to better decisions on the shop floor.
Selecting a Thread Mill That Matches Your Needs
Threading tools with the flexibility to thread a broad variety of holes provide the agility many shops need to stay competitive. They may be the only solution for many difficult materials.
#Basics
