Production Machining's Most-Viewed July Articles

Source: (top left) PM, (bottom left) PM, (right) Mikron

Production Machining’s most-viewed July articles highlight the diverse advancements and challenges in the machining industry. Swiss-type machines prove their value in milling rectangular medical parts with precision, while the complexities of workholding are emphasized as a critical factor in achieving optimal results. Learn how to stay cool in your machine shop, the financial impact of CMMC compliance on small businesses, and much more in our top 10 July articles.

10. Custom Automation for a Multi-Spindle Turning Center

Source: PM

Machine tools capable of performing multiple functions and machining parts to completion are becoming the standard rather than the exception. Incorporating automation into these systems allows for extended periods of operation without the need for operator intervention. One example was shown at EMO 2023 in Hannover, Germany, with the three-spindle MC20III Multi Station Machining Cell from Marubeni Citizen-Cincom. Watch the demo here.

9. A ‘Clean’ Agenda Offers Unique Presentations in Chicago

Source: Gardner Business Media

The 2024 Parts Cleaning Conference, co-located with the International Manufacturing Technology Show, includes presentations by several speakers who are new to the conference and topics that have not been covered in past editions of this event. Read more about the conference.

8. A Means to Streamline Automation Communication

Source: Caron Engineering

Robot programming software covers basic functions like control, safety, and proper operation, but extending communication beyond the immediate cell is challenging. Caron Engineering, Inc. notes that many solutions can't connect to other devices, databases, or supervisory systems, and limited control parameters and adaptability often restrict effective machine tending integration. Read about Caron Engineering's MiConnect Technology which tackles the challenges of integrating robot arms in machine shops.

7. The Cost of CMMC for Small Manufacturing Businesses

Source: U.S. DOD

Here are examples of costs and challenges unique to small business manufacturers operating in the Defense Industrial Base relative to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.

6. A Mill-Turn’s Value for Machining Micro Gears

Source: Starrag

Amorphology, Inc, a NASA spinoff, is a leader in using advanced materials and manufacturing technologies to improve non-lubricated micro-gears for robotics and other industrial applications.They utilize a seven-axis turn-mill to machine components from “amorphous” metals such as bulk metallic glasses. Amorphous materials have advanced properties compared to steel, titanium and aluminum, as examples, and the company’s patents for several metal alloys are based on developing gears for space and other extreme-cold temperature applications.

5. High-Production Multitasking Becoming More Flexible

Source: PM

In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing, flexibility and efficiency are key to staying ahead. In this article, we delve into how multitasking machines are transforming high-production environments. From advanced tooling systems to innovative software, these multitasking machines are enabling manufacturers to optimize their operations and meet diverse production demands with unprecedented agility

4. Craftsman Cribsheet No. 129: How to Beat the Heat

Source: Adobe Stock

As summer temperatures rise, machine shops can become uncomfortably hot, making it challenging for employees to stay cool and maintain productivity. Here are some practical tips for keeping your shop and workers cool during the warmer months.

3. Machining More Than Metal

Source: PM

Plastics for medical and industrial applications present different challenges than metals as I’ve reported on over the years. Here are just a few plastic materials used in the machining industry.

2. The Workholding is the Hardest Part

Source: PM

In 2017, XL Machine was named one of Modern Machine Shop's Top Shops and participated in a panel at the inaugural Top Shops Conference in Indianapolis. Recently, we discovered that their Three Rivers, Michigan, location added a robotic cell to machine three- and four-blade cast propellers for outboard boat engines. The most challenging aspect? Effectively holding the contoured parts for five-axis machining.

1. The Value of Swiss-Types Milling Rectangular Medical Parts

Source: Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific, a leader with over 15,000 products including stents, pacemakers, and monitoring equipment, faced machining issues with a cardiac monitoring battery component at its Arden Hills, Minnesota facility. Larry Hennig, a manufacturing engineering specialist, noted that producing this small, rectangular part involved numerous milling machines and multiple operations, each requiring constant operator attention. The solution? High-speed spindle technology.