PM Blog
Swiss-Type with Removable Guide Bushing
The MLK-32 hybrid offers a seven-axis sliding headstock with a removable guide bushing. The hybrid model has a 7. 5-hp main spindle and a 7.
Read MoreWatkins Manufacturing Inc.
Watkins Manufacturing has been doing business in the Cincinnati area since the late 1800s. The company manufactured a variety of products during its long history as a job shop. In the 1960s, Watkins developed a unique cutoff process for internal use.
Read MoreModular Tooling System for Multi-Spindle Automatics
A modular tooling system for multi-spindle automatics is available, including the latest models for Davenport machines. Besides being more rigid than dovetail form tools, the modular system allows for much faster tool changes, the company says. This system consists of a modular insert holder assembly and a cross-slide holder assembly, offered in both up-cut and down-cut versions.
Read MoreMulti-Spindle Production Center
The eight-spindle Mori-Say TMZ 867 CNC multi-spindle multifunction production center can accommodate barstock as large as 72 mm in diameter and can operate as an open-front chucker. The multi-spindle offers high precision CNC production capability to a range of part sizes that, until now, required other types of machines, such as rotary transfer machines, the company says. Provided with a double Siemens 840 D CNC, the machine offers as many as 72 CNC axes and can perform almost any metalcutting operation on precision parts including drilling, tapping, milling and hobbing.
Read MoreSoftware User Interface Updates
The company has revamped the PartMaker user interface, improved capabilities for programming directly on solid models and the ability to automatically generate descriptive and visual setup information. The user interface features easy-to-use, user-configurable toolbars. Â Existing icons have been recast to make them easier to understand, the company says.
Read MoreMultitasking with Enhanced Lathe Features
GibbsCAM MTM (multitask machining) now includes lathe features that are said to provide more efficiency through tool control and take advantage of newer high-tech cutting tools that turn harder materials and machine smoother surfaces.
Read MoreMicrobore Collets for High Clamping Force
The powRgrip PG system uses a toolholder and collet to generate a high clamping force while still maintaining a TIR of less than 0. 0001". The company says it takes less than 10 seconds to press in a tool or remove it from the holder.
Read MoreTurnkey Service for Precision Part Production
The company provides a turnkey service that facilitates production of precision parts suitable to run on cam-type Swiss automatics. Personnel work in-house to cover requirements for the entire process, from initial cycle time estimates to the final machine acceptance run. Customers have reported ROI of 6 months because of the low package price, the company says.
Read MoreThree-Turret Multitasking Center
The Nakamura-Tome multitasking turning center is said to offer 100-percent stock-on turning and machining that virtually eliminates lost productivity from tool changes. The Super NTY3 has three turrets, each with a Y axis—all in a relatively small footprint (109. 45" × 77.
Read MorePrecision Manufacturing Skills Standards
NIMS is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited developer of precision manufacturing skills standards and competency assessments. Credentials for CNC milling operators and CNC turning operators are the most recent certification products available from National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). Also, the first on the job trainer and training coordinator (OJT) certifications were issued at the beginning of last year.
Read MoreMy Favorite Photograph
Here’s my favorite photo. I took it in Chicago’s Millennium Park a couple of years ago during a break from a conference. It’s a little girl playing in a fountain.
Read MoreTurn 1'' Barstock
The Sigma 20, a high-speed sliding headstock turning center, is designed with the flexibility required in a job shop environment. This machine can turn simple to moderately complex parts. The counterspindle is as powerful as the main spindle, allowing operators to perform simultaneous machining to minimize cycle times, the company says.
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