PM Blog
Platinum FaroArm
The FaroArm is a portable, computerized measurement device that creates a 3-D “blueprint” of a part or of machine components that make parts. As the user guides the FaroArm’s tip over the surface of the object, the system’s laptop computer simultaneously draws and records all of the 3-D measurements. Engineers and designers use the data to reverse-engineer, improve or create new parts and products – or improve how they’re made.
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New Vises Decrease Part Setup Time
During heavy milling operations, parts tended to creep upward and out of alignment within the vise jaws at this shop in Minnesota. Small chips got imbedded between the part and vise jaws, causing all kinds of problems. The company couldn’t operate its new Bridgeport VMC 1000 XP3 to its full potential on this part project, so the company's owner looked for a better workholding solution.
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No Touch Up Needed For ER Collet Tools
Downtime, long setup times and hiring skilled employees for night shifts are some of the problems every shop has. In its shop, American Torch Tip has completely integrated the quick-change tool system and drastically reduced those problems by developing a system that will go in any ER-style holder. Tools can now be preset off the machine, during the first shift and while the machines are running.
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Integrating Machining Centers Into The Work Flow
Often, the need for post-process machining becomes a bottleneck in the production shop. The high-volume primary machines often outpace the ability of secondary equipment to keep up. Here’s how one shop revamped its work flow to achieve production balance with a minimum investment.
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Expanding On Honing Options
While available both in horizontal designs and vertical designs, three different machining methods are used for honing operations. The most common method, effective on a range of diameters and materials, uses multistroke machines to hone with one or more abrasive stones attached to a single rotating spindle.
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PMPA Members Pitch In To Buy CNC Lathe For Vo-Tech School
When a vocational school in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, recently found itself without a CNC lathe, a number of PMPA members and non-members came to the rescue. For years, the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCCTC) served as a local showroom for a machine equipment manufacturer. That arrangement ended last year when the manufacturer sold the last of the lathes and the school didn’t have money budgeted to replace the machines.
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Robotic Deburring Provides Flexible Alternative
The consistent performance and radial compliance of this device is making companies re-evaluate their manual deburring operations.
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The 5 Organizational Foundations Of Just-In-TIme
Having worked with and supplied a number of Japanese transplant manufacturing companies, I was always impressed with the depth of their systems and planning that made just-in-time work for them. Many of us in manufacturing are providing products to our customers on a just-in-time basis, but I wonder if we truly have a solid foundation under our so-called just-in-time systems?
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CAM Software Turns Operators Into Engineers
Like many other United Kingdom subcontracting companies, Jetblades Engineering has had to change its operating methods to cope with the new manufacturing environment. Managing Director Mark Kirby relies more than ever on the company’s CAM software as he moves the firm from production machining to short-run manufacturing.
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Choosing ERP Vendors And Consultants: It's All About The Right Fit
Looking to upgrade your company's ERP and IT systems? It's all about the right fit between your company and the vendor you select. You will be working with the people you choose for months or even years.
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Accurate Barstock Alignment Provides Faster Speeds
Recent developments in sliding-headstock turning machines allow for faster feed rates and higher spindle speeds—both aimed at increasing throughput to improve productivity. Sometimes, though, these machines cannot reach their full potential because of other equipment that runs in conjunction with it.
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Gantry Takes Hands Out Of Part Handling
Automating material delivery and removal from the machining process is one key method of taking some of the production cost from manufacturing. Iemca, known for automating machine tools with its line of bar feeders, has introduced a new gantry system for chucked parts.
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