FEATURES

Automation

Checklist for Lights-Out Manufacturing

Many shops of various sizes are trying to hop on the lights-out bandwagon. This article looks at some things to consider and check out before “hopping.”

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Craftsman's Cribsheet: Quality System Improvements

Here are four steps to help you organize, define, simplify and improve your quality system.

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External-Coolant Live Tooling Heads Get an Upgrade

One of the most important aspects of effective coolant usage is precise delivery to where it is needed in the cut.

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Hands-On Training Offers Students Priceless Experience

Machine tool builders are hearing the cries of machine shops (their customers) desperate for skilled workers and are funding educational programs themselves.

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Turning Machines

Hard Turning’s Strong Finish

With the right methodology in place, this alternative to grinding can often save money while adequately meeting surface finish requirements.

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Tooling

Innovations in Five-Edged Parting and Grooving Inserts

Here's an alternative to the standard circlip-type grooving system, offering five cutting edges with fast indexing from either side.

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Not Just Another Show in Las Vegas: Management Update to Deliver Tools You Can Use

When the PMPA comes to town next month at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, February 21 - 23, this weekend program will be filled with strategic information that you’ll put to immediate use at your company.

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Turning into 2014

Shops need to pay attention to the growth in capability and OEM participation data collection and dissemination systems such as MTConnect.

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Why You Shouldn't Predict Firm Metals Pricing for the Year Ahead

“Our job as responsible, sustainable, competitive suppliers is to intelligently manage risk.”

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Workshops for Warriors Helps Fill the Skills Gap

The overarching mission of Workshops for Warriors is to place veterans and wounded warriors into manufacturing careers by providing training, nationally recognized portable credentials, work experience and job placement.

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