Derek Korn

Derek Korn Editor-in-Chief

PM’s Top 10 Articles of 2023

By: Derek Korn

This batch of Production Machining articles that got the most clicks in 2023 cover a range of topics, technology and new ideas.

Transfer Machines

CNC Rotary Transfer Machine Features Ballscrew Electromechanical Tooling Units

By: Derek Korn

A CNC rotary transfer machine, a newly developed machine platform, is said to offer high rigidity, flexibility and accuracy for a range of high-volume, precision-machining applications.
#techbrief

Tooling

Reaming as an Alternative to Single-Point Boring

Edited by Derek Korn

Using slip yokes as an example, reaming through holes can be more efficient and effective than single-point boring operations.
#techbrief

Automation

An Automation Comeback Story

By: Derek Korn

Alexandria Industries struggled with its first robotic machining cell. However, the aluminum extrusion components manufacturer — now with more than 20 robots — discovered that by simplifying and standardizing its automation strategy, it could reap the benefits of unattended machining even for relatively low batch sizes.

Machines

A German Machine Tool Builder’s “Second Push” Into the U.S. Market

By: Derek Korn

Spinner recently has taken strides to boost its presence, service and support in the United States as well as Canada and Mexico for its multifunction CNC lathes and milling machines.  
#columns

Medical

New Cutting Tool Technology Discovered at Paul Horn Open House

By: Derek Korn

During a tour of the company’s campus in Tubingen, Germany, I and more than 3,000+ others were introduced to a number of new advances the company has made in cutting tool technology particularly as it relates to the medical industry.

CNC Machine Shop Employment Positions to Consider Beyond Machine Operators

By: Derek Korn

Many machine shops have open machine operator positions to fill. But does it make sense for shops to also seek automation engineers, IT managers and assembly personnel?
#columns #workforcedevelopment

Measurement

Streamlining Part Measurement, Data Collection Processes

Edited by Derek Korn

When collecting measurement data automatically with a wireless data collection system, manual errors can be eliminated ensuring data accuracy and traceability.
#techbrief

Automation

EMO 2023 Press Conference Takeaways

By: Derek Korn

Writing for the EMO Daily publication at the recent show in Hannover, Germany, led me to learn about aspects of our industry I might not have otherwise heard about.

Automation

Machine-Tending Cobot Fills Night Shift

Edited by Derek Korn

A collaborative robot helped this shop run a machine tool 24/7 when hiring someone for a third shift didn’t seem to be an option.

Turning Machines

High-Volume Machine Shop Automates Secondary Ops

By: Derek Korn

An Ohio contract shop added a compact, self-loading CNC lathe to perform unattended secondary ops on a part for a key customer rather than running it on a manually loaded chucker.
#horizontal-and-vertical-lathes

Automation

The Advantages of Automated Shopfloor Gaging

Edited by Derek Korn

This “parallel kinematic” gage offers the opportunity to automate and improve machining process control for shops endeavoring to move from sample inspection to 100% inspection.
#techbrief