Articles
Manufacturing in the Sweep of U.S. History
Jim Ellison, noted leader in machine distribution, offers his insightful survey of how American manufacturing has supported the renewal of this country’s strength throughout its turbulent history.
Read More
Ever Considered a “Nested-Plate” Approach?
This past story explains why a shop stopped sawing blanks and starting machining components straight out of from large plate. Vacuum workholding was key to this new strategy.
Read More
Mazak Implements MTConnect Factory-Wide
Mazak’s Florence, Kentucky machine tool plant will use the MTConnect open communications protocol for equipment monitoring and other applications.
Read More
Fast-Track Training
A trend in opportunities for basic CNC instruction within a concentrated timeframe is starting to emerge.
Read More
Which Came First?
Sometimes an article spurs us to take supporting video. Sometimes video spurs an article.
Watch
Not Just a CNC Degree
A relationship with a local employer allowed Rock Valley College to create a 21st-century model for manufacturing instruction. That was good, because for this school’s manufacturing program, the 20th century did not end well.
Read More
How Swiss-Type Machining is Different
When you go from using a conventional CNC lathe to using a CNC Swiss-type for the first time, your thinking changes. Doug Paoletta of Encompass Swiss Consulting says there are five differences.
Read More
Control Package Helps Speed Production
After cutting precision parts in one third of the original time, Task Force Tips was able to justify its initial investment in an Index automatic production lathe fitted with a Siemens control package.
Watch
From Safety Glasses to Data Glasses
A new app enables Google Glass (spectacles with a heads-up Internet display) to show shop floor data using MTConnect functionality.
Read More
In-House Tool Grinding: the “Indirect” Machine Tool Investment
Though CNC tool grinders are used primarily by cutting tool manufacturers and regrinding services, several factors have made these machines increasingly attractive for in-house tool grinding by production facilities.
Read More
Measurement Software Adopts Multi-Touch Interface
This interface shows how multi-touch technology creates an enhanced experience for users of metrology software on the shop floor.
Read More
Measurement Technology Transcends Limitations
One metrology equipment supplier says its laser systems address common difficulties with noncontact measurement, while another touts a product that enables measuring surface finish on CMMs.
Read More