For Polymer 3D Printers, Metal Parts Are Now Within Reach
By: Stephanie Hendrixson
An option for accessible metal 3D printing: New metal composite filament from BASF Forward AM has made it easy for Austrian company Sparox 3D to pivot its Ultimaker FFF capacity into metals, without major additional investments in skills or equipment.
Performance Digital Comparators Offer an Alternative to Bench Amplifiers
By: George Schuetz
Electronics today allow for matching the linear variable differential transformer performance and digital indicator size into a new digital comparator that provides even more value than traditional bench amplifiers.
#qualitygagingtips
What Should Machinists Know About In-Machine Probing?
By: John Miller
In-machine probing doesn’t reach the power of CMMs but can still be useful for pre- and mid-process control, as well as for “rough screening” of parts.
A Unique Additive/Subtractive Process for Injection Mold Components
By: Mike Lynch
This hybrid machining approach takes advantage of the benefits of deposition 3D printing while using CNC machining to overcome its limitations.
#cnctechtalk
How Transparency Can Help Machine Shops Become More Efficient
By: Allison Giddens, President of Operations, Win-Tech Inc.
Here are three areas that a machine shop owner can use to both share information and gather new information that would help them become more efficient and effective.
#viewfrommyshop
Building Capacity Through Automation
By: Eli Plaskett
Stecker Machine, a production shop that specialized in runs of a couple hundred parts, needed to develop highly automated cells to produce tens of thousands of complex parts from castings every year.
Process Modernization is Scary but Necessary
By: John Miller
When done correctly, process modernization can help secure a shop’s future in the industry and open new opportunities.
Metalworking Activity Flattens in September
By: Jan Schafer
It has been nearly two years since the Gardner Business Index for Metalworking was 50.
#economics
When a Lathe With Live Tooling Rivals a Multitasking Machine
By: Mark Albert
This shop is working its way up to a full-fledged B-axis multitasking machine. Meanwhile, turning centers with a Y-axis and live tooling are doing just fine.
OEM Moves From Automation Implementation to Refinement
By: Evan Doran
Automating challenging parts for full-weekend automation requires substantial process refinements that can significantly boost throughput.
3 Examples of Machines that Combine Manufacturing Methods
By: Mike Lynch
Certain “hybrid” machines combine some form of additive manufacturing with CNC subtractive manufacturing. Columnist Mike Lynch, President of CNC Concepts Inc., explores three types of these machines here.
#cnctechtalk
Determining Out-of-Roundness at the Point of Manufacture
By: George Schuetz
George Schuetz, Mahr Inc.’s Director of Precision Gages, offers these techniques for measuring roundness on the shop floor.
#qualitygagingtips
Modern Bar Feeds Bring New Life to Automatic Swiss Lathes
Cam-actuated Swiss lathes are still the fastest way to process many parts. By adding modern bar feeders, this shop has dramatically improved their utilization with the ability to work unattended, even in a lights-out environment.
Will the “Great Resignation” Become an Opportunity for Manufacturers? Get Ready for the Returning 3 Million
By: Peter Zelinski
The Great Resignation will become a Great Reapplication when employees currently able to stay out of the workforce return to it looking for something better. Machining employers that are already evaluating candidates for fit, without demanding specific skills coming in, might be positioned well to draw upon this wave.
#zaxis #successionplanning #workforcedevelopment
Why Go Five-Axis: Machine Types and Benefits
By: Evan Doran
Even as the benefits of five-axis machining stack up year by year, the barrier for entry crumbles.
Twin Spindle Design Doubles Production of Small Parts
By: Chris Pasion
After experiencing process stalls in the finishing stage of production, Bryan Machine Service designed an air-powered twin spindle and indexable rotating base to effectively double its production of small parts.
Digital Demo: People and History Drive Solutions
Bourn & Koch has long provided unique manufacturing solutions. However, the people who work at Bourn & Koch enable the company to deliver value to each partner they work with. From service to assembly to engineering, each step builds on the solution—helping you solve your most challenging manufacturing problems. (Sponsored)
