Five-Axis Machining for Small Prismatic Parts
By: Derek Korn
New to the U.S. market, this compact machine could enable precision turning shops to win complex, more prismatic work in medical and other industries.
Craftsman Cribsheet No.116: Twist Drills for Success
By: David Wynn, Technical Services Manager, PMPA, Precision Machined Products Association
Drilling holes is one of the most fundamental operations we do in machining.
#pmpa
Video Tech Brief: Three Lathe Turrets Machining Simultaneously
By: Derek Korn
At PMTS 2023, Spinner North America explains that having three turrets cutting at the same time in a CNC lathe can significantly reduce cycle times while offering better utilization of a machine shop’s cutting resources.
Micro-Drilling: 9 Questions to Answer Before Beginning
By: Chris Koepfer
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
Shop Sets its Sights on Precise Tool Alignment
By: Lori Beckman
A Wisconsin shop has found that visual tool alignment technology has improved tool life and surface finishes for its Swiss-type lathes while increasing throughput as well.
Succession Planning: Three 15-Minute Activities to Start Preparing for Tomorrow
By: Heather Haas, President, ADVISA
Succession planning is planning for the future success of your business.
#workforcedevelopment
Boost Your Customer Service by Going Paperless
By: Paul Van Metre, President, ProShop USA
Using a paperless ERP/MES/QMS system that can be accessed in a web browser results in much more positive customer perceptions, as well as higher efficiency for a machine shop.
6 Tips for Training on a Swiss-Type Lathe
By: Derek Korn
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 #workforcedevelopment
Manufacturer Mulls Long Versus Short Bar Feeder
By: Derek Korn
A manufacturer of gears and gear assemblies decided four-foot magazine bar feeders made more sense than 12-foot, single-barrel bar feeders.
The Battle for Performance: Efficiency Versus Effectiveness
By: David Wynn, Technical Services Manager, PMPA, Precision Machined Products Association
Does your daily activity have anything to do with your effectiveness? The answer may surprise you.
#pmpa
Precision Machining Technology Review June 2023: Automation & Robots
Edited by Angela Osborne
Production Machining’s June 2023 showcase includes some of the latest automation technology from LNS, Midaco, Lexair, New Scale Robotics and Euroline.
CAM-Driven Lathe Questions
By: Michael Huggett, National Sales Director, Index Corp.
There can be hidden issues using legacy cam-driven lathes that can be overcome using new CNC technology. Here are three to keep in mind.
Cutting Tool Considerations for Hydraulic Port Machining
Edited by Derek Korn
Indexable insert cutting tools can boost the efficiency of port machining processes by creating multiple features in a single operation.
Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining May 2023
By: Jan Schafer
The Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining May 2023 indicates components expanding and contracting nearly evenly split.
Production Machining’s June 2023 News Highlights
Edited by Angela Osborne
Production Machining’s June 2023 news highlights include a motorsports partnership, company acquisition, supply chain partnership, new technical center and leadership, as well as a helpful materials guide.
Adding Additive Manufacturing to a CNC Machine Shop
By: Lori Beckman
With many types of metal and polymer 3D printing methods available, it might be difficult to identify the type that could be best implemented in your shop. Here is a rundown of these 3D printing processes along with how each can be used together effectively in a CNC machine shop.
#additive
The People Part of PMTS
By: Derek Korn
The Precision Machining Technology Show is a great example of discovering ways shopfloor employees can become more efficient, thereby helping shops become more profitable.
#pmts
Cold-Drawn Steel Barstock: How It Is Manufactured, Benefits to Your Shop
By: Miles Free
Understanding the benefits provided by cold-drawn steel barstock can help you optimize the work you quote by maximizing benefits to your manufacturing process and customer.
#pmpa
Data Matrix Codes Offer Cutting Tool Traceability
Edited by Lori Beckman
A company’s quest to discover errors in a manufacturing process has led to printing data matrix codes on its cutting tools that provide a wealth of information for both the user and this cutting tool manufacturer.
Craftsman Cribsheet No.115: Paint Your Edge to Gain an Edge!
By: David Wynn, Technical Services Manager, PMPA, Precision Machined Products Association
Kindergarten skills for the shop. Do you color your inserts?
#pmpa
