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Automation

The Trend Revolutionizing Machining

By: Matthew Kirchner

Advancements in machine vision technology are advancing at warp speed and machining company leaders may do well to consider this key trend in the world of industrial automation and advanced manufacturing.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 117: A Little Dab to Prevent Machine Downtime

By: David Wynn, Technical Services Manager, PMPA, Precision Machined Products Association

Using anti-seize in threads can reduce torque values required by 25-30% and help reduce machine downtime.
#pmpa

Machines

Video Tech Brief: Twin-Turret, Twin-Spindle Lathe Machining

By: Derek Korn

This machine model features roller linear ways to accommodate low-frequency vibration technology to minimize chip size.

Automation

Advanced Automation Answers Demands

By: Tony Landes, Manager, Abrasive Process Solutions, Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives

How can we utilize automation in our facilities to create a better worker experience and increase throughput?

CNC & Machine Controls

When CNC G-Code Programming Is a Must

Edited by Derek Korn

In some cases, G-code programming is preferred over conversational programming, although they can be complementary processes.

What’s Your Mission (Statement)?

By: Derek Korn

Company mission statements fail when they’re too wordy, overly detailed or directed toward the wrong audience. If that describes yours, perhaps a revision is in order.

5 Big Themes in Additive Manufacturing at Formnext Forum: Austin

By: Peter Zelinski

As manufacturing advances with additive, the advance increasingly emphasizes these five themes.
#additive

Swiss-Types

Pursuit of Parts Collector Spearheads New Enterprise

By: Lori Beckman

While searching for a small parts accumulator for Swiss-type lathes, this machine shop CEO not only found what he was looking for but also discovered how to become a distributor for the unique product.
#basics

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Marketing Manufacturing — Debra Beevers and Courtney Ortner

By: Carli Kistler-Miller

Two women share their journeys to manufacturing and marketing, and give advice to anyone seeking a career in manufacturing.
#pmpa

Grinding

Tooth Flank Grinding Technology Minimizes EV Drive Noise

Edited by Derek Korn

Drives for electric vehicles require gear components with tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes. Even minimal ripples in the surface of tooth flanks on shafts and gears can cause interference noise in drive performance.

Precision Machining Technology Review July 2023: Data Driven Manufacturing

Edited by Angela Osborne

Production Machining showcases some of the latest Data-Driven Manufacturing technology from Caron Engineer, Heidenhain Corp., Seco Tools, Shibaura Machine Co., eNetDNC, Shop Floor Automations and Wintriss Controls Group.

Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining June 2023

By: Jan Schafer

Precision Machining June 2023 marks a bigger drop than previous months’ incremental declines.

Machines

Video Tech Brief: CNC Screw Machines a Solution for Overcoming Labor Shortages

By: Derek Korn

CNC screw machines can exceed job shop productivity and enable manufacturers to overcome perpetual employment gaps.
#workforcedevelopment

Turned and Polished Steel Barstock: How It Is Manufactured, How It Impacts Your Shop

By: Miles Free

Understanding the benefits provided by turned and polished steel barstock and its differences from cold-drawn steel barstock can help you and your team avoid unexpected performance issues. 
#pmpa

Production Machining’s July 2023 News Highlights

Edited by Angela Osborne

Production Machining’s July 2023 news highlights include new company leadership, digital live machining sessions, new headquarters and facilities, Women in Manufacturing event and more.

Transfer Machines

Rotary Transfer Technology Becoming More Flexible

By: Derek Korn

This rotary transfer machine platform, which enables shops to reconfigure equipment to change over to new jobs as needed, is said to be effective for batch sizes of only 50 parts.

Automation

Unattended Production Takes More Than the Most Capable CNC Machine

Process planning and reliable peripherals are key to successful lights-out manufacturing.

There’s No Downside to Upskilling

By: Lori Beckman

Machine shop CEO and former U.S. Navy SEAL applies his military knowledge to form an in-house upskilling program that trains all levels of employees for advanced positions. This talent development approach gives employees the gift of lifelong learning that benefits the industry as well. 

Machining Centers & Milling Machines

Five-Axis Machining for Small Prismatic Parts

By: Derek Korn

New to the U.S. market, this compact machine could enable precision turning shops to win complex, more prismatic work in medical and other industries.

Craftsman Cribsheet No.116: Twist Drills for Success

By: David Wynn, Technical Services Manager, PMPA, Precision Machined Products Association

Drilling holes is one of the most fundamental operations we do in machining.
#pmpa