FEATURES

Turning Machines

A Different Way To Turn

The Esco concept turns turning 180 degrees. Unlike conventional lathes, the material, which is coil stock or bar from 0.02 mm to 12 mm, does not rotate. Stationary stock allows the use of round and profiled material.

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Automation

Automation Determines The Industry's Future

Industrial history will repeat itself. Automation technology will continue to drive productivity increases in the precision machining industry. Fewer skilled workers will be needed to manufacture ever-increasing volumes of parts. Offshore labor costs will become all but irrelevant. In Darwinian competition, manufacturers that focus on productivity will thrive, and those that don't will die.

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Member Profile: Amerikam Inc.

Amerikam Inc. designs and manufactures precision products such as valves and fittings for the flow control industry. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company recently celebrated its 70th year in business.

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Automation & Robots

One Guide Channel, No Spindle Liners

It’s only 5 years old, but bar feed manufacturer Top Automazioni is growing fast. On a recent visit to the company headquarters in Italy, I found out first hand how technology has developed faster change-over of bar feeders and how it is fueling demand.

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Tooling

Productivity Increases With Automatic Short-Load Bar Feeder

This company was skeptical about replacing its 12-foot bar feeders with an automatic, short-load system until it tested one manufacturer's system.

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Measurement

Scanning Speeds Simplify Complex Part Inspection

Find out how a producer of precision turned parts found an inspection process that could check numerous features simultaneously and provide results quickly.

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Statistical Studies: What Is Required?

It is a huge and important endeavor to maintain an effective calibration system in any machine shop. Performing appropriate statistical studies on the equipment that makes up this system is also a necessity that must be managed properly. An improperly defined Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) program can drain a company of resources and reduce the effectiveness of the shop.

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The Importance Of Terms And Conditions Of Sale

Today’s quality systems mandate contract review as an integral part of an enterprise’s critical business system. Terms and conditions are seldom given the critical examination that they deserve. While they are often thought of as mere contingency details, the day may come when the contingency has arrived. How has your organization implemented contract review?

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Automation & Robots

U.K. Shop Is Turned On To Lights-Out Machining

Fisadco Engineering, a Hull, United Kingdom precision machining firm, had some reservations about unmanned machining, but it has become a staunch advocate since it installed a Tornado 220M lights-out turning package from Colchester CNC (Kalamazoo, Michigan) in 2004.

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Workholding

Rotary Indexing System Offers Wireless Program

Hardinge Inc.-Workholding Div. has configured its all-digital 5C rotary indexing system with infrared (IR) "send and receive," which is said to elevate program control and editing to new levels. This capability uses handheld computers with a Pocket PC operating system.

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