Basics
Craftsman Cribsheet No. 134: ISO Material Groups: Steel
How to interpret the machinability of various forms of steel.
David Wynn
Technical Services Manager, PMPA
3 Common Filtration Questions Answered
Learn about the variety of filters for removing particulates from a cleaning fluid, how to determine cleaning fluid life and more.
Read MoreThe Basics of Rotary Broaching
This broaching process creates a non-round shape on the inside or outside of a part with a broach tool.
Read MoreMachining More Than Metal
Plastics for medical and industrial applications present different challenges than metals as I’ve reported on over the years.
Read MoreCraftsman Cribsheet No. 128: Why Do Machinists Say Tenths Instead of Ten Thousandths?
In machinist parlance, a tenth is a tenth of a thousandth, not a tenth of an inch.
Read MoreWhen a CNC Turn-Mill Doesn’t Turn
A shop in Big Sky Country uses a B-axis multitasking machine to produce complex, prismatic medical parts that require no turning complete from barstock.
Read MoreMetalworking Fluid Management and Best Practices
Cutting metal is a complex process involving many critical factors to be successful. Correctly applied metalworking fluids, including oils or coolant, is one of these critical factors.
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How to Differentiate First Aid From a Recordable Event
First aid is not a recordable. Recordables are injuries that require treatment beyond first aid.
Miles Free
Director of Industry Affairs, PMPA
Important Machining Factors of Carbon Steels
Learn the factors that contribute to carbon steels and their machinability as well as the 1214 steels, 1215 steels and 1018 steels, other grades, and more.
Read MoreUnderstanding Micro-Milling Machine Technology
Micro-milling can be a companion process to turning-based production machining. This article looks at some of the technologies that go into a micro-milling machine and why they are important to successful operation.
Read MorePursuit of Parts Collector Spearheads New Enterprise
While searching for a small parts accumulator for Swiss-type lathes, this machine shop CEO not only found what he was looking for but also discovered how to become a distributor for the unique product.
Read MoreMicro-Drilling: 9 Questions to Answer Before Beginning
Applications for micromachining continue to grow. Successful machining with small tools calls for a different set of process skills on the shop floor.
Read More6 Tips for Training on a Swiss-Type Lathe
There are nuances to training a person to effectively operate a Swiss-type lathe. A shop I visited a while back offers some suggestions.
Read MoreAlconox Updates Aqueous Cleaning Handbook
The Aqueous Cleaning Handbook is a critical cleaning resource which distills and presents practical information covering the history of aqueous detergents — what they are, how they work and how to make best use of them.
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Applying a Healthy Approach to Employee Investment
Service Center Metals’ on-site health center offers its employees and their families free same-day health care and, in return, the employer is gaining many benefits including a healthier workforce and attracting potential employees.
Read MoreWhy Are We Writing About a Shop Making Custom Baseball Bats?
I recently learned about a 153-year-old manufacturer that has produced billions upon billions of precision, metal pins which started another business making one-off wooden baseball bats. (Like I asked it to do for me and you’ll see at this year’s Precision Machining Technology Show). Here I explain why it’s worth the time to read that article.
Read MoreVideo: Why a Production Machine Shop Started a Baseball Bat Company
A 153-year-old manufacturer of precision, metal pins recently started a side business creating custom wooden baseball bats. The reasoning behind establishing this new company is intriguing, as is how it has helped create a stronger bond with the local community.
Read MoreGet to Know the PMPA at PMTS 2023
The Precision Machining Technology Show provides the chance to see what membership in the Precision Machined Products Association offers at the association’s co-located National Technical Conference.
Read MoreTips for Troubleshooting and Repairing Chip Conveyors
A nonfunctioning chip conveyor can cause a high-production machine to be down for an extended period of time. Here is some troubleshooting advice if you’re having issues with your chip conveyors.
Read MoreCNC Turning Tips for HRSA Materials
Rough-turning, heat-resistant superalloys can be challenging. However, new carbide insert technology provides the capability to perform high-speed, high-feed roughing in a single pass.
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Corrosion Prevention: How to Avoid the Enemy of Metal Parts
This chemical reaction that is a constant, indiscriminate and costly enemy of metal parts is preventable, but intentional measures must be taken and become an essential process within a company’s walls.
Read More5 Ideas for Continuous Improvement
These suggestions for manufacturing process improvements are based on Kaizen ideas that call for never-ending improvement from the entire organization.
Read MoreTips for Cleaning Oily Parts
Degreasers are the best option for cleaning parts machined with oil. Vacuum degreasers are recommended for cleaning complex parts.
Read MoreReducing Variation: The Only Way to Reduce Production Cost
Hidden variation in production is what increases costs in manufacturing. Here are four tips for reducing variability.
Read More4 Tips for Building an Effective Machining Apprenticeship Program
Developing the right apprenticeship program can be one of the best things a machine shop can do for itself and for the future of manufacturing. Here are key “do’s” and “don’ts” to follow.
Read MoreRobot Readiness: Taking Initial Steps Toward Integration
Not confident enough about automating a process yet in your machine shop? These considerations will help you better understand the path to robot adoption.
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