Starting Small with Automation
Edited by Derek Korn
Quick-change workholding and flexible robotic automation started this small shop on the path to success.
Shop Optimizes its Swiss-Turning Flexibility
By: Derek Korn
Paramount Machine uses various Swiss-type lathes, some with a B axis, to produce parts more effectively than it did on conventional chucker lathes. Today, nearly every job under 1.5 inches in diameter runs across those machines even if the batch size is a mere 5 pieces.
Should You to Continue to Outsource Passivation?
By: Derek Korn
Considering the growing acceptance of citric passivation, shops might find bringing this process in-house can lower manufacturing costs and speed delivery lead times.
A Shop Using a Machine That Loads Itself
Edited by Derek Korn
Instead of investing in an external robotic loading system, this shop adopted technology that lets a machine tool use its spindle to load and unload parts.
The Value of Dual Thread Whirling Units for Bone Screws
By: Derek Korn
Dual thread whirling units on a Swiss-type enable it to produce medical bone screws with two different thread leads in one setup, eliminating the need for time-consuming, single-point threading.
Program a Robot with your Machine’s CNC
By: Derek Korn
A new function in popular controls enables shops to program machine-tending robots using familiar CNC G codes.
A New Face Grooving Technique for Mills
By: Derek Korn
Here is an alternative to standard end milling — an operation performed on a CNC milling machine to produce circular grooves in the part face. This new single-point trepanning tooling strategy can produce both symmetrical and asymmetrical face grooves, too, and perform fly cutting.
Some Assembly IS Required
By: Derek Korn
This Colorado manufacturer added a separate facility dedicated to customer assembly work and inventory management to produce subassemblies and completed products primarily for medical customers.
A Shop Snapshot(s) in Time
By: Derek Korn
Shamrock Precision has made significant strides to diversify its customer base and implement various process improvements, applying a crawl, walk, run approach to adding new technology such as ERP and automation.
What’s Still Cam-Driven and Why?
By: Derek Korn
Combining select cam-driven functions with CNC technology for this multi-spindle platform is said to help reduce machine cost while retaining high machining speed, precision and production.
Let’s Go to the Tech Brief Video
By: Derek Korn
Machining “Tech Brief” topics in print can also be presented via video. Here are a few examples.
FAQs about PVD Coatings
By: Derek Korn
Applying a PVD coating to cutting tools as well as medical devices can offer functional advantages for both applications.
