Parting Off: The Case for Standardizing on Sawing
By: Derek Korn
The value of rotary saw cutting for parting off operations could boil down to simple economics paired with process efficiency gains.
Do You Have a Plan or a Wish? Strategic Planning | Part 1
By: Carli Kistler-Miller
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Expery
#pmpa
Making Micro Threads
By: LaRoux Gillespie, Consultant
Production of micro threads can be challenging, but using the most suitable tools for a given application can simplify the task.
#micromachining
Does a Scanning Probe Make Sense on a Swiss-Type?
By: Derek Korn
Swiss-types have limited tooling capacity, but there can be advantages to giving up some of that capacity to take advantage of a touch probe — in fact, a scanning probe — to enable in-process part measurements.
Keeping Watch on Small Parts
By: Scott Rathburn, Haas Automation, Inc.
From watch parts to exotic medical applications, this shop takes on the world of micromachining.
#micromachining
The Ins and Outs of Inserts
Understanding how inserts are made provides valuable insight into how their performance can be optimized.
Metalworking Fluid Management and Best Practices
By: Brett Reynolds and Doug Fecher , Senior Applications Engineers, Blaser Swisslube Inc.
Cutting metal is a complex process involving many critical factors to be successful. Correctly applied metalworking fluids, including oils or coolant, is one of these critical factors.
#basics #metalworkingfluids
Precision Machining Technology Review: January 2024
Edited by Chris Pasion
Production Machining’s January 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Monaghan Tooling Group, Okuma America, Tungaloy, Cortec Corp., Fixtureworks and T.J Davies Co. Inc.
The Promise of a New Access-to-Capital Model
Contributed by Tim Heaton
A free online loan prequalification tool currently offered in Colorado with the potential for introduction to other U.S. markets can enable manufacturers to more easily finance new technologies including automation equipment.
A No/Low-Cost Solution to Employee Retention
By: Carli Kistler-Miller
Studies show a little employee recognition goes a long way. Here are the 5Ws to consider for success.
#pmpa
New Thinking from the New Generation for the New Year
By: Miles Free
“We have to learn to think in a new way.” –Albert Einstein
#pmpa #workforcedevelopment
Production Machining's January 2024 News Highlights
Edited by Chris Pasion
Production Machining’s January 2024 news highlights include new leadership, acquisitions, reshoring updates and more.
The Value of Aligning Efforts to Promote Manufacturing Careers
Edited by Derek Korn
Successfully building the next generation of manufacturers requires a team effort between employers, educators and parents. Each of these three groups has a tremendous impact on young people’s career decisions. Without the support of all three, we are unlikely to bridge the skilled labor shortage that threatens the future growth of our industry.
#workforcedevelopment
Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining December 2023
By: Jan Schafer
While still contracting, Precision Machining activity in December showed its first real uptick since August 2023.
Bar Feeder Designed with Swiss-Types in Mind
By: Derek Korn
New technology enables this bar feeder to fully support the bar pusher and stock from inside the unit all the way to the spindle of a sliding headstock lathe.
Important Machining Factors of Carbon Steels
By: Miles Free
Learn the factors that contribute to carbon steels and their machinability as well as the 1214 steels, 1215 steels and 1018 steels, other grades, and more.
#basics
Should You Bring Tool Regrinding In-House?
By: Lucas Hale
In some situations, the potentially high investment in an in-house tool grinding process can be justified with a relatively fast ROI. (Includes video.)
German Project Yields Three New Medical Machining Processes
By: Derek Korn
Recent research has resulted in a new mix of high-speed turn whirl milling, polygon turning and rotational turning for manufacturing medical bone screws and out-of-round nails.
Career Transitions, Loyalty and Major League Baseball
By: Matthew Kirchner
Never bite the hand that feeds you.
Addressing Machining’s Necessary Evil
By: Derek Korn
Many view quality control as such, but integrating new measurement technologies and approaches can ultimately minimize QC’s impact on throughput and a company’s bottom line.