Right Tool, Right Place, Right Time
By: Chris Koepfer
Working collaboratively, a shop that builds industrial automation machines and Creform came up with a custom design tool cart that fit the needs of correct tool placement and tool accountability.
The Microbial Menace
By: Russ Willcutt
New metalcutting fluid formulations from Castrol battle microbial contamination, which compromises effectiveness and can lead to corrosion.
Fastems and Kuka Deepen their Relationship
By: Chris Koepfer
The companies will supply automation systems for the aviation, construction and aerospace industries as well as metalworking companies and their suppliers.
Robotic Efficiency
By: Chris Felix
Shops implement automation for different reasons. Read about one that used robotics to improve production by almost 90 percent while effectively redistributing labor on the shop floor.
Kennametal Supports a Good Cause
By: Russ Willcutt
Charitable corporate giving can make a difference in the local community as well as the world at large. Here’s an example of one company that’s committed to giving back.
Teaming Up in the Swiss Shop
By: Chris Felix
This company capitalizes on employee empowerment and creativity to strengthen the work environment, improve production numbers and exceed customer expectations.
#workforcedevelopment
Keeping Track of Machine Movement
By: Chris Koepfer
Renishaw Inc. has introduced a new multi-axis calibrator that provides a laser system using an optical roll measurement and a fiber optical launch system. It’s a portable and compact unit that reduces heat at the source of measurement.
Visit our Parts Cleaning Equipment Zone
By: Lori Beckman
Our Parts Cleaning Equipment Zone contains in-depth technical articles about these practices, columns written by parts cleaning industry experts, new product descriptions and case studies.
Learning to Optimize Shopfloor Production
By: Chris Felix
Okuma America Corp.’s annual Technology Showcase, held this month in Charlotte, North Carolina, featured the theme “Get Connected. Put IIoT to Work for You.”
This Cold-Hearted Process Deserves a Chance
By: Lori Beckman
Cryogenic users say this process works, even when the rest of us question why it works. It involves transmitting liquid nitrogen at -300 to -321°F through the spindle/turret and tool body directly to the cutting tool.
Video: Cobot Considerations
By: Russ Willcutt
Before investing in a collaborative robot, consider conducting a risk assessment to make sure the man and machine are matched to the application.
ERP Software on the Road
By: Chris Koepfer
This software applies production and demand analytics to predict in real-time when parts and supplies will run low enough to replenish.
Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining, November 2016 - 52.6
By: Steven Kline, Jr.
The index has improved dramatically since July when it was only 43.0.
Sandvik Coromant Becomes DMG MORI Premium Partner
By: Russ Willcutt
The relationship will combine the two companies' expertise in projects including R&D, engineering, open house events, trade show appearances and technical seminars.
There's a Multi-Spindle Island Available
By: Chris Koepfer
This visit to ZPS America produced an upcoming feature article on the company's new multi-spindle CNC lathe.
Guiding Students Toward Manufacturing as a Career
By: Russ Willcutt
Machine shop owners are well aware of the need to attract younger people to a career in manufacturing, which can be achieved in a number of ways, including targeted outreach.
These Guys Really Get Around
By: Russ Willcutt
A chance meeting on an elevator in Tokyo paved the way for a shop visit in Florida for an article about entering the medical machining market.
Shop Uses EDM Process to Cut Form Tools
By: Chris Koepfer
In early November, I made a trip to Chicago and visited DuPage Machine Products for a story about the shop’s use of EDM to cut form tool blanks to use on its multi-spindle and single-spindle lathes.
Video: High-Performance Hard Turning
By: Russ Willcutt
Machine shops involved in turning hard parts will be interested in learning about these new inserts that were specially designed for this particular operation.
WFW Secures Patent for Leveling Machines
By: Chris Felix
Workshops for Warriors (WFW) has secured a patent for a solution that offers a quick and easy way of leveling large, industrial machines that are off level by anywhere from 1/8 inch to 12 inches.
