Choosing Work Perks
By: Carli Kistler-Miller
Workforce is tight and there are a lot of ideas to retain your skilled workers. How do you choose?
#pmpa
Tips for Cleaning Oily Parts
By: Patrick O'Neal, Technical Writer, Gosiger High Volume
Degreasers are the best option for cleaning parts machined with oil. Vacuum degreasers are recommended for cleaning complex parts.
#basics #techbrief
7 Causes of Quench Cracking in Steel
By: Miles Free
Failures of steel parts in service or production occur infrequently. However, when steel parts fail, the consequences are dire. Here are seven ways that steel can fail as a result of quench cracking from heat treatment.
#basics
Reducing Variation: The Only Way to Reduce Production Cost
By: Miles Free
Hidden variation in production is what increases costs in manufacturing. Here are four tips for reducing variability.
#basics
Precision Machining Technology Review December 2022: Measurement
Edited by Angela Osborne
Production Machining’s December measurement showcase includes some of the latest technology from Haimer, Hamar, Sunnen, OGP, Marposs and Zeiss.
Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining November 2022
By: Jan Schafer
According to the GBI for Precision Machining, component activity in November is essentially a repeat of October.
#columns
Video Tech Brief: Benefits of a CNC Bar Puller
By: Lori Beckman
CNC bar pullers can benefit machining processes by providing automation. Watch this video to learn more from a user of a bar puller on a turning center.
Manufacturing in the US Economy — and Our Place in It
By: Miles Free
Manufacturing is essential to our economy and Precision Machining is just as essential to manufacturing.
#pmpa
4 Tips for Building an Effective Machining Apprenticeship Program
By: Matthew Detzler, contributing writer
Developing the right apprenticeship program can be one of the best things a machine shop can do for itself and for the future of manufacturing. Here are key “do’s” and “don’ts” to follow.
#workforcedevelopment #basics
Production Machining’s December 2022 News Highlights
Edited by Angela Osborne
Production Machining’s December 2022 news highlights include a regional headquarters relocation, expanded production facilities, new industry leaders and new distribution partnerships.
Robot Readiness: Taking Initial Steps Toward Integration
By: Lori Beckman
Not confident enough about automating a process yet in your machine shop? These considerations will help you better understand the path to robot adoption.
#basics
A Race to the Machined Part (Surface) Finish
Edited by Derek Korn
To improve component finish as well as engine and gearbox performance for its customers, this racing motorcycle rebuild company uses a super-finishing process for gears and related components which is more commonly used for aerospace and jewelry applications.
Who Are the DFM Consultants? You Are.
By: Derek Korn
Modern shops are bolstering their engineering staff to better offer design for manufacturability advice to their customers. Here, one industry expert suggests ways to develop a common language between manufacturing and engineering.
The Difference Between Ra and Rz
By: Miles Free
While it is best to measure using the parameter specified in the print, there are rules of thumb available that can help clear up the confusion and convert Ra to Rz or Rz to Ra.
#basics
5 Grinding Considerations for Improving Surface Finish
By: John Hagan and Mark Martin, Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives
Improving surface finish can be done by making adjustments to one or more of these points: operational parameters, wheel dressing, grit size, coolant delivery and machine condition.
#basics
Here Are 5 Questions for CNC Machine Shops. Maybe Answer One?
By: Derek Korn
Input from readers like you is always welcome as we make decisions about the types of articles and article topics we pursue for Production Machining.
#columns
What’s Ahead for the U.S. Metalworking Economy?
By: Jan Schafer
Although previously robust, the U.S. metalworking economy has softened in recent months. However, the overall outlook remains strong. Even a possible 2023 recession does not appear to be an obstacle to continued growth over the next few years.
Swiss-Type Add-On System Enables In-Line Inspection
By: Lori Beckman
When small part inspection and/or segregation is critical, this flexible, automated unloading and palletizing system for Swiss-type lathes can be the answer.
#techbrief
Craftsman Cribsheet No. 112: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Business/Continuous Improvement/Workforce
By: Miles Free
PMPA’s Speaking of Precision podcasts can be found on major platforms or on PMPA.org.
#pmpa #workforcedevelopment
Complete Cleaning/Drying of EV Battery Trays
By: Robert Burns, President, Proceco Ltd.
This parts washer specifically developed to clean and dry EV battery trays has a processing time of less than 100 seconds per part and processes two battery trays per cycle.
