Articles
Drill Deletes Delamination In CFRP
Composites are becoming increasingly common in aerospace applications, and machining new materials can be a challenge for shops used to cutting metal. One such substance, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), can be difficult to drill because tools often “push” through the material rather than executing a cle
Read MoreVision System Allows Automated Inspection Of Bore Finish
Bores machined in brake master cylinders, connecting rods, injection systems, valves and similar components must have a quality surface finish to ensure effective performance. Conventional bore inspection techniques, however, typically require an operator to evaluate the finish. Operators may use a bore scope l
Read MoreFive Ways To Leaner Die Handling
Here’s some practical information to keep in mind if you’re considering adding a large-scale anodizing line to your facility.
Read MoreFriction Stir Welding—It's Not Just For Aluminum
Friction stir welding allows tough steel alloys and other metals to be permanently joined without arc welding. In many cases, this operation can be done on equipment that resembles standard milling machines.
Read MoreEconomies Of Scale
Medical implant work is not just small in terms of workpiece sizes. Lot sizes and lead times can also be small when the product is still under development. To compete for implant work, this shop aims to offer cost savings in the face of all of this smallness.
Read MoreCompact Handling Facility Sticks To Basics
Shops consider a number of factors when justifying automated parts storage systems, including cost, required floor space and machining application.
Read MoreCollet System Keeps Cool Under Pressure
Coolant-through tooling is becoming increasingly popular as manufacturers continue to search for new ways to maintain the tight tolerances, high accuracies and smooth surface finishes required for many of today’s jobs. While coolant-through spindles are now a standard feature on many new machines, the machines and tools themselves represent only part of the equation. The interface between the spindle and the tool—a properly sealed toolholder—is just as important.
Read MoreMore Than Big Machines
This shop specializes in very large components such as rotor hubs and support bases for wind turbines. Its lineup of large horizontal boring mills can handle parts weighing 40,000 pounds and 12 feet on a side. However, the shop’s success also lies in other manufacturing resources and strategies. These include material handling equipment, customized tooling, special fixtures and wireless, portable measuring systems.
Read MoreThe Case For Constant Velocity
Constant Velocity Technology uses high speed computer hardware and creative algorithms to enable machine tools to achieve fast, consistent feed rates across complicated 3D surfaces.
Read MoreStriving To Be Partners, Not Shops
The two divisions within this business machine complex parts for the medical and aerospace industries. So in that sense they’re shops. However, in order to grow with their customers, they realized they had to be more than just providers of good parts. They needed to serve as their customers’ manufacturing partners.
Read MoreSteel Ring Catalog
Smalley’s complete product line is featured in one catalog, which includes more than 7,000 standard wave springs, spiral retaining rings and snap rings.
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