#BASICS

Tips for Finding a Production Sweet Spot

A relationship exists between the cutting speed and the cost per piece.
#basics

Understanding Machining Economics

The economics of precision machining can be understood with four factors: machining cost, material cost, tool cost, and cost of non-productive time (setup costs).
#basics

Cutting Tools

Tooling Tips for Exotics

While exotic materials typically provide improved wear characteristics and better service life in the final product, they can present particular challenges during machining.
#metalworkingfluids #workforcedevelopment #basics

Cutting Tools

Tips for Improved Holemaking

A few drill types dominate holemaking, a machining process made up of sub-areas that are evolving along with changing drill capabilities.
#basics

Horizontal & Vertical Lathes

Hard Turning with Inverted Vertical Turning Centers

When it comes to the machining of hardened surfaces, hard turning is a particularly efficient solution that, compared with grinding, offers a radical reduction of machining times and investment costs.
#basics

Horizontal & Vertical Lathes

Repeatability with Heavy-Duty Vertical Turning

Developments in vertical turning technology, such as multitasking functionality, have further increased these machines' relevance.
#basics

Machine Safeguarding Seminar Helps Interpret Regulations

 Rockford Systems offers a monthly machine safeguarding seminar on how to safeguard the point of operation and other machine hazards in the workplace.
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Most Important Tool is the 5 Inches Between the Ears

We spend too much time teaching our employees to "use the tools of the trade" rather than "the tool 5 inches between the ears"--the ultimate tool we’re born with and have forgotten how to use.
#basics

Metalworking Vacuum Cleaners: One Type Does Not Fit All

As the metalworking industry becomes more specialized, so does the equipment that cleans it. But as diverse as the industry is, it should come as no surprise that there is no single vacuum that can handle all of its requirements.
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Manufacturing Jobs - What You Need (and Want) to Know

Four of the top five manufacturing sectors by added employment in 2012 were key markets served by precision machining; transportation equipment, motor vehicles and parts, fabricated metal products, machinery. Learn why a career in manufacturing may be your best bet in 2013.
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Management Update: Understanding the Changes in Employment Law and Health Care Coverage

Are you fully informed as to the changes in employment law, government regulations as well as the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, known to many as “Obamacare?”
#basics

Craftsman's Cribsheet: 3 Key Factors to Understanding the Machinability of Carbon and Alloy Steel

The machinability of steel bars is determined by three primary factors: cold work, thermal treatment, and chemical composition.1.
#basics

Cutting Tools

Thread Whirling Basics

The rapidly increasing demand for high-value threaded parts with exceptionally high length-to-diameter ratios has created a lot of interest in thread whirling technology among American shops and manufacturers.
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Turn-Mills

The Upside of Vertical Turning

Vertical turning centers that use the main spindle to load and unload themselves are finding increasing acceptance as multitasking capabilities make them efficient processing centers for producing chucked parts.
#basics

Aerospace

Consistency with Indirect Extrusion

A return to basics, paired with extensive research, proved instrumental in the enhancements of this aluminum rod and bar manufacturer’s product line.
#basics

Is There an Editor in Your Shop?

Precision machinists already know how to add value by subtraction.
#basics

Grinding

Centerless Grinding Achieves Precision Roundness

Knowing the basics of centerless grinding is an important step to making it a successful operation in your shop.
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Earn Referrals by Becoming Remarkable

Clients ask me all the time how to get more referrals.
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Cutting Tools

Cutting Tool Coating Production

This article looks at the coating methods available for carbide cutting tools.
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Aerospace

Dealing with a Materials Shortage

Materials suppliers discuss strategies for coping with the supply challenges of today's market.
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