Articles

Turning Machines 1 Mar 2008

Vertical Turning Upside Down

Using the main spindle for double-duty machining and workpiece load/unload makes sense. It’s a simple idea that has grown in sophistication from turning to multitasking. This article looks at the state of the art using inverted vertical turning for precision volume production.

1 Mar 2008

Insights Into Vision Systems

Can you assemble an inexpensive vision system for use on precision machine products? Yes, but with limitations.

Bar Feeders 1 Mar 2008

Bar Feeders And Workpiece Surface Finish

Quality surface finish of a part is not only dependent on the turning machine itself, but also on the barstock loading and support system. The bar feed system becomes critical to the surface finish outcome by enabling the turning machine to create the desired finish and/or by protecting the existing finish.

28 Feb 2008

Material Impacts On The Precision Machining Industry - Feb. 2008

Despite locally soft demand, ongoing price increases here in North America are the result of increased consumption of copper, steel, stainless steel and aluminum per capita globally. Price increases in cold finished steel bars have been announced for April, and higher surcharges are forecast for stainless steel in March. Click here to read the complete Materials Impact Report (PDF format): Materials Impacts On The Precision Machining Industry - Feb 2008

Toolholders 27 Feb 2008

Swiss-Type Machines: More Than Just a Lathe

CNC Swiss-Type machines have more capability built in than ever before. Many of these capabilites can be accessed using attachments that increase the throughput of the machine tool, improve the quality of the work coming off the machine and reduce or eliminate the need for secondary operations even for very complex workpieces.

19 Feb 2008

Technical Member Profile: Schmolz+Bickenbach

Schmolz+Bickenbach presence in United States began in 1990 when Ugine, a French steel producer, bought Alloy & Stainless, a stainless steel distribution company based in Colmar, Pennsylvania. After several name changes and owners, the company now distributes and manufactures specialty stainless bar products in North America.

Turning Machines 19 Feb 2008

Options On A Subspindle

Subspindles can do much more than backworking. This article looks a various options currently available.

Swiss-Types 18 Feb 2008

Research Zone For Swiss-Types

ProductionMachining.com now offers special-emphasis Zones that directly relate to technologies that are of the highest interest to our readers. The Swiss-Type Screw Machine Zone provides an assortment of tools that allow thorough research of Swiss turning.

1 Jan 2008

Don’t Miss PMPA’s “Management Jambalaya” Of Profitability, Business Growth, Trends, Politics And Wellness

The PMPA Management Update Committee has your recipe for success in 2008. Come to this year’s Management Update Conference at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. It runs from February 28 through March 1. There, you’ll receive a hefty serving of business intelligence.

Workforce Development 1 Jan 2008

Training Grants Available From The PMPA Education Foundation

If your company’s machinists or salespeople need training in precision machining equipment, there could be a grant available to cover part of the cost of that training. Each year, the PMPA Education Foundation sets aside funds for a variety of training activities. The grants go to companies, individuals, schools and organizations.

1 Jan 2008

PMPA Market Study Available for Purchase

The PMPA Marketing Committee, with the support of the Board of Directors, commissioned the market research firm of Kleinhenz & Associates to conduct an in-depth study of the precision machined products industry. This yearlong study recently concluded, resulting in a CD titled, “Trends In Markets For Precision Machined Products.”