When a CNC Turn-Mill Doesn’t Turn
A shop in Big Sky Country uses a B-axis multitasking machine to produce complex, prismatic medical parts that require no turning complete from barstock.
#basics
Metalworking Fluid Management and Best Practices
Cutting metal is a complex process involving many critical factors to be successful. Correctly applied metalworking fluids, including oils or coolant, is one of these critical factors.
#basics #metalworkingfluids
Important Machining Factors of Carbon Steels
Learn the factors that contribute to carbon steels and their machinability as well as the 1214 steels, 1215 steels and 1018 steels, other grades, and more.
#basics
Understanding Micro-Milling Machine Technology
Micro-milling can be a companion process to turning-based production machining. This article looks at some of the technologies that go into a micro-milling machine and why they are important to successful operation.
#micromachining #basics
Pursuit of Parts Collector Spearheads New Enterprise
While searching for a small parts accumulator for Swiss-type lathes, this machine shop CEO not only found what he was looking for but also discovered how to become a distributor for the unique product.
#basics
Micro-Drilling: 9 Questions to Answer Before Beginning
Applications for micromachining continue to grow. Successful machining with small tools calls for a different set of process skills on the shop floor.
#basics #micromachining
6 Tips for Training on a Swiss-Type Lathe
There are nuances to training a person to effectively operate a Swiss-type lathe. A shop I visited a while back offers some suggestions.
#basics #columns #workforcedevelopment
Alconox Updates Aqueous Cleaning Handbook
The Aqueous Cleaning Handbook is a critical cleaning resource which distills and presents practical information covering the history of aqueous detergents — what they are, how they work and how to make best use of them.
#basics
Applying a Healthy Approach to Employee Investment
Service Center Metals’ on-site health center offers its employees and their families free same-day health care and, in return, the employer is gaining many benefits including a healthier workforce and attracting potential employees.
#basics #workforcedevelopment
Why Are We Writing About a Shop Making Custom Baseball Bats?
I recently learned about a 153-year-old manufacturer that has produced billions upon billions of precision, metal pins which started another business making one-off wooden baseball bats. (Like I asked it to do for me and you’ll see at this year’s Precision Machining Technology Show). Here I explain why it’s worth the time to read that article.
#basics #columns #PMTS
Video: Why a Production Machine Shop Started a Baseball Bat Company
A 153-year-old manufacturer of precision, metal pins recently started a side business creating custom wooden baseball bats. The reasoning behind establishing this new company is intriguing, as is how it has helped create a stronger bond with the local community.
#horizontal-and-vertical-lathes #basics
Get to Know the PMPA at PMTS 2023
The Precision Machining Technology Show provides the chance to see what membership in the Precision Machined Products Association offers at the association’s co-located National Technical Conference.
#PMTS #basics
Tips for Troubleshooting and Repairing Chip Conveyors
A nonfunctioning chip conveyor can cause a high-production machine to be down for an extended period of time. Here is some troubleshooting advice if you’re having issues with your chip conveyors.
#basics #techbrief
CNC Turning Tips for HRSA Materials
Rough-turning, heat-resistant superalloys can be challenging. However, new carbide insert technology provides the capability to perform high-speed, high-feed roughing in a single pass.
#techbrief #basics
Corrosion Prevention: How to Avoid the Enemy of Metal Parts
This chemical reaction that is a constant, indiscriminate and costly enemy of metal parts is preventable, but intentional measures must be taken and become an essential process within a company’s walls.
#techbrief #basics
5 Ideas for Continuous Improvement
These suggestions for manufacturing process improvements are based on Kaizen ideas that call for never-ending improvement from the entire organization.
#basics
Tips for Cleaning Oily Parts
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
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
Hidden variation in production is what increases costs in manufacturing. Here are four tips for reducing variability.
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4 Tips for Building an Effective Machining Apprenticeship Program
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