Industry 4.0 Offers Real Solutions April 20, 2020 Industry 4.0 often seems like a vague, faraway idea, but there are several practical and relatively easy steps that can be taken to jump into the “future of manufacturing” right now. From addressing skilled labor shortages to increasing machine utilization, a fancy title should not stop a shop owner from using what works.
Modular Quick-Change Systems Not Created Equal April 17, 2020 While the initial investment for a modular quick-change tooling system is higher than that of traditional toolholders, significantly improving the connection between spindles and tooling is well worth it.
February 2020 U.S. Cutting Tool Orders Down 4.2% from January April 16, 2020 February 2020 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $188.2 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.
Rough Boring vs. Finish Boring April 16, 2020 There’s more than one way to finish a hole. The most effective option will depend on the number of parts, cycle time and tolerances. One of the most effective options is boring.
How to Choose the Best Toolholding System for Your Shop April 16, 2020 Many job shops hold onto traditional, inexpensive tooling systems. ER collets and Weldon flats are tried and true; they work and are proven. At the same time, newer, advanced machining technology, such as multi-axis machines, may perform better when newer, advanced (and more expensive) toolholders are deployed.
Shops Use Shrink-Fit with Presetters for Toolholding Efficiency April 15, 2020 Unlike its name, the use of shrink-fit tooling is expanding. A shrink-fit toolholder starts with a slightly undersize bore that is heated to enlarge the inner diameter enough to accept a cutting tool and then grip the cutter as it cools and contracts.
Replaceable-Tip Tools Get Permanent Spot in Shop Inventories April 13, 2020 When weighing the choice of replaceable-tip mills and drills or solid-carbide tools, consider this succinct statement from one industry expert: carbide equals cost.
Digitalization of Connected Care April 13, 2020 A cultural shift is occurring within the healthcare industry, radically transforming the way we view medical needs. Technology is driving this alteration as a transformative enabler to meeting the patient’s healthcare priorities through pioneering technological methods.
Tooling up: Kennametal really gets into additive April 6, 2020 Kennametal is focused on the additive applications where we can leverage our core capabilities in delivering material properties for demanding applications in wear, erosion, corrosion and high temperatures.
The Challenge of Implementing New Technology March 27, 2020 Many organizations struggle with applying new technology in their manufacturing operations. SME conducted the Manufacturing Technology Harmonization Study to understand how companies approach this challenge of integrating smart manufacturing, big data, and both new and old capital equipment in a cost-effective and practical implementation.
