Calling Home on a Portable Surface Gage
By: George Schuetz
Today’s surface gages have a user interface that is just like a smartphone, and setting them up to make measurement requirements should be easy for the operator.
#qualitygagingtips
An American Manufacturing Story
By: Brent Donaldson
For manufacturers that choose to move or keep production in the United States, what are the challenges and opportunities that motivate them?
#thesetup
Robots: Doing More With Less Floorspace
By: Chris Caldwell, Product Manager at Yaskawa America Inc - Motoman Robotics Division; Sarah Mellish, Marketing Content Specialist at Yaskawa Motoman
Robotic automation continues to grow more accessible to smaller manufacturers, as the floorspace necessary for these robots shrinks and their uses expand.
Metalworking Activity Contraction Slows Slightly in January
By: Jan Schafer
Most components held steady in January, but new orders and exports showed ever-so-slight slowing of contraction.
#economics
Integration, Automation and Green Tech Highlight JIMTOF 2022
By: Brent Donaldson
Known as one of the largest machine tool trade shows in the world, the Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF) has a reputation for being a machining technology show more than a machine tool sales event. And this year’s show in Tokyo — the first in-person Japanese machine tool trade show in four years — did not disappoint.
Considerations for Properly Implementing Advanced Tool Materials
By: John Miller
Many shops incorrectly assume advanced tools are plug and play. The tools may fit into existing tool holders, or even into the same shell mill pockets or turning pocket as carbide inserts, but that’s where the similarities end.
Can Connecting ERP to Machine Tool Monitoring Address the Workforce Challenge?
By: Peter Zelinski
It can if RFID tags are added. Here is how this startup sees a local Internet of Things aiding CNC machine shops.
#successionplanning #workforcedevelopment #zaxis
A Fond Farewell to My Additive Friends
By: Timothy W. Simpson
In his final “Additive Insights” column, Tim Simpson reflects on how additive manufacturing has progressed in the last six years. Standards and software are two examples.
#additiveinsights
Managing Coolant with Skimmers, Refractometers and More
By: Evan Doran
Bacteria-infected coolant harms machines and sickens machinists. Coolant management technologies like skimmers and automated systems counter this tendency.
#metalworkingfluids
Manufacturing Madness: Colleges Vie for Machining Title (Includes Video)
By: Julia Hider
The first annual SEC Machining Competition highlighted students studying for careers in machining, as well as the need to rebuild a domestic manufacturing workforce.
#successionplanning #workforcedevelopment
Dielectric Oil Dramatically Reduces EDM Maintenance
By: Eli Plaskett
Plagued by repeated small fires that interrupted its wire EDM throughput, this cutting tool manufacturer changed its dielectric oil and both eliminated fires and reduced its oil consumption.
3 Mistakes That Cause CNC Programs to Fail
By: Mike Lynch
Despite enhancements to manufacturing technology, there are still issues today that can cause programs to fail. These failures can cause lost time, scrapped parts, damaged machines and even injured operators.
#cnctechtalk
How to Choose the Correct Measuring Tool for Any Application
By: George Schuetz
There are many options to choose from when deciding on a dimensional measurement tool. Consider these application-based factors when selecting a measurement solution.
#Basics #qualitygagingtips
Swiss-Type, Live Tooling Lathes Help Turn Company Around
By: Julia Hider
New leadership’s investment in Swiss-type and live tooling lathes has enabled Rathburn Tool & Manufacturing to expand into new markets, reversing the company’s sluggish growth.
Go Digital: How to Succeed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution With Additive Manufacturing
By: Timothy W. Simpson
The digitalization of manufacturing is set to transform production and global supply chains as we know them, and additive manufacturing has been leading the way in many industries.
#Basics #additiveinsights
The Tension Between Current and Coming Markets Cannot Be Resolved
By: Peter Zelinski
A healthy business needs to keep that tension alive. That observation is one of several I have come to through my role during the past several years.
#zaxis
Metalworking Activity Remained Contractionary in December
By: Jan Schafer
Metalworking activity remained contractionary at the same rate as in November. Stable contraction is relatively good in the current environment.
#economics
