Articles
Laser Measurement Enables Closed-Loop Centerless Grinding
This laser measurement system not only measures ground part diameters, but can also signal a grinder's control to make process adjustments on the fly.
Read MoreThe More Things Change: Quality Gaging Tips, The Book
We’ve decided to break from our usual format in this column to make a special announcement (at least, I think it’s special): Hanser Gardner Publications has released a new book, “Quality Gaging Tips,” written and edited by yours truly and the original author of this column, the late Jim McCusker. The book is a compilation of more than 140 Quality Gaging Tips columns, arranged by measurement topic and incorporating additional material and illustrations that would not fit in the original magazine format.
Read MoreA New Approach To Critical Fluid Maintenance
Today, viscosity can be measured precisely by a sensor device that is immersed directly under a stream of fluid or mounted in the fluid tank or pipeline. In simplified terms, the sensor uses sound waves that lose energy when emitted along surfaces of a quartz crystal in contact with the fluid.
Read MoreStrategic Magnetic Workholding
Switching to a modular form of magnetic workholding enabled this global retread supplier to accommodate a greater number of parts in one setup while accelerating cycle times.
Read MoreHow To Handle Tall Wire EDM Work
Modular workpiece fixturing plays a vital role in this shop’s quest to win larger, more difficult wire EDM jobs.
Read MoreNo Wires, No Worries
A wireless network can operate safely and effectively in a hostile shop floor environment, as the experience of this welding and machining company shows. Interference from other sources of radio waves can be avoided by installing suitable data access point hardware. Data security can be established with encryption and other techniques.
Read MoreSTEP NC—The End Of G-Codes?
In the not-too-distant future, the only machine tool input you'll need is a Web page.
Read MoreDon’t Forget The Drawbar
The force that holds the toolholder in the machining center's spindle can weaken over time. If you haven't checked drawbar force in a while, this may be the weak link in your process.
Read MoreTurning Without Rotating The Part
For large or unbalanced parts, this machining center can perform turning or boring operations using its programmable U axis.
Read MoreTwo Environmental Directives To Note
Not long ago, directives issued by governmental bodies outside the United States were often safely ignored by manufacturers in this country. Today, U.S. companies have to pay attention to laws and regulations coming from other countries because non-compliance may keep products made here out of key emerging markets.
Read MoreAmerican Factories Continue To Increase Equipment Investment
Here is a report on the findings of the 2006 World Machine Tool Output & Consumption Survey.
Read MoreThe Hard Milling Imperative
Hard milling allows mold components to be machined in the hardened state, thus skipping several expensive and time-consuming processes such as electrical discharge machining and hand polishing.
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