Chris Felix Former Editor-in-Chief

14 Aug 2007

Ban The Burr—A Look At ECD

Deburring is a consideration, and often a problem, for all manufacturing engineers. The burrs resulting from a metalworking operation may be tolerable; however, burrs are always present.

1 Aug 2007

Similar to overseas travel, visitors of a new Web site can also face directional challenges, only most of these people will be “traveling” alone. So, when a business tries to bring in potential customers using its Web site, there’s no time (or patience) for a detour: Providing clear directions is a priority.

Measurement 16 Jul 2007

Could You Repeat That?

The extremely small, complex devices used in procedures to restore hearing loss require high-precision, tight-tolerance production. This company has found the right combination of machine tool technology and quality assurance to make it work.

Medical 16 Jul 2007

Surface Treatment For Medical Parts

Micro-abrasive blasting provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution to surface treatment requirements in a range of medical applications. Though most engineers are familiar with grit, or cabinet, blasting, few know much about its obscure relative, micro-abrasive blasting.

1 Jul 2007

Teaching The Art Of Machining

Continuing the tradition of quality craftsmanship in a manufacturing organization, while often a challenge, has played a large role in keeping the industry moving in a positive direction.

Workforce Development 19 Jun 2007

Teaching Machine Tool Skills

This transcript is from an interview with Dr. Yamazaki, professor and director of the IMS (Intelligent Manufacturing Systems) – Mechatronics Laboratory at the University of California Davis and CEO and president of the Machine Tool Technologies Research Foundation (MTTRF). He covers his involvement with MTTRF and the University of California, and his outlook on the continuing development of quality machine operators for both the domestic and worldwide machine tool industries.

15 Jun 2007

Keeping the Tradition

The attention that is given to advanced techniques such as turning materials of high hardness, ultra-precision turning and dry and high-speed turning may lead one to believe that traditional ISO turning techniques are at a standstill. The reality is that ongoing innovations keep traditional methods at the forefront.

Transfer Machines 15 Jun 2007

Scalable Transfer Machine Offers Flexible Solutions

Mikron Machining Technology (Monroe, Connecticut) now offers the NRG-50 rotary transfer machine, which provides new dimensions in the cost-efficient production of large-volume series. The machines are designed for prismatic parts with an edge length of as much as 50 mm or, alternatively, 35-mm diameter and 70-mm length.

Workforce Development 1 Jun 2007

Time For A Change

The past century has witnessed significant advancements in cutting machines, cutting tools, machine controls, processing materials and coolant-lubricant chemistries. However, very little has changed with regards to the application of cooling lubrication. It's time for a change.

1 Jun 2007

Capitalize On Creativity

Almost every shop I have visited is a creativity crucible. Each has found some unique way, either big or small, to perform machining operations more efficiently, whether it’s by using customized workholding solutions, advanced methods for determining the best feeds and speeds or new shop management strategies.

Measurement 17 May 2007

Gaging Interest In Wireless

One area where wireless might provide an attractive alternative to wired solutions is in gaging for quality control. Collecting and analyzing data is becoming more and more pervasive.

17 May 2007

Boost Throughput With Multitasking

As a shop’s typical workload moves beyond high-production turned parts, new ways to reduce leadtimes and improve machining accuracy are evolving.