PM Blog
“Value Added” — The Key To Profitability
So what is “value added” and how do we know what is adding value versus adding costs?
Read MoreVertical 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.
Read MoreEfficiency Hits Home Like A Ton Of Briquettes
As a manufacturer of aluminum extrusions offering a range of fabrication and machining processes for aluminum-based products, the company is now turning its aluminum chips and scrap into briquettes, thanks to a new chip handling system that includes the FastPac Briquetter compacting unit from Mayfran International.
Read MoreInsights Into Vision Systems
Can you assemble an inexpensive vision system for use on precision machine products? Yes, but with limitations.
Read MoreBar 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.
Read MoreWork Flow Boosts With CMM Upgrade
This shop knew that it needed to upgrade its CMM capabilities. It was going to take a couple of DCC CMM machines with varying work envelopes and a common comprehensive software package that the technicians as well as machine operators could easily be trained on. The company initially made some inquires with CMM manufacturers, and Xspect Solutions, the North American representatives for Wenzel CMMs, was the first company to respond.
Read MoreMaterial 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
Read MoreSwiss-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.
Read MoreTechnical 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.
Read MoreOptions On A Subspindle
Subspindles can do much more than backworking. This article looks a various options currently available.
Read MoreResearch 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.
Read MoreThe Change To Quick-Change Collets
Quick-change collets can improve production times and accuracy while alleviating any change-over issues typically associated with standard collets.
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