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If Not Now, When?

There is a bandwagon moving through the precision machined parts industry, and it’s moving toward micro-machining. Already, this technique is helping shops weather the storm of off-shoring and recession.

If your shop isn’t into micro-machining yet, it may be time to learn something more about it. There is a good opportunity coming up from May 11-13 to do just that. It’s called MM Live U.S.A., which is being held at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati.

Admission is free and the line up of speakers who will discuss numerous aspects of micro-machining is impressive.
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Small Parts Have Big Impact

We’ve seen some remarkably small technological breakthroughs in recent years—small in terms of physical size, but certainly not impact. One of the more noticeable fields where this trend comes into play is electronics, with smaller yet far more sophisticated computers, phones and other communications tools. But advancements in other areas, such as medical and aerospace applications, are no less important or impressive. Advanced micromachining capabilities have had a monumental effect on the way parts are produced.

But as parts continue to get smaller, complexities increase, as do corresponding tolerance requirements. Even the slightest discrepancies can make a big difference when dealing in diameters less than 5 thousandths of an inch.
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Rotary Saws Embrace Turning Machine Capabilities

Rotary saw cutting (RSC), although not a well-known process outside production machining, has many potential advantages when used on a turning machine. According to Watkins Manufacturing, compared with single-point tooling in cutoff operations, rotary sawing can generate more parts per hour, more parts per bar, easier and less costly scrap handling, increased tool life, better part finishes and dimensional repeatability.

RSC uses a rotating, circular saw blade for cutting off, grooving and forming while the barstock is rotating. This eliminates long, stringy chips associated with single-point cutting. Because of the smaller chips, saws for RSC can have a much finer tooth configuration than saws for cold sawing.
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