Burrs, sharp edges, and rough surfaces plague even the most precise metal-cutting or forming process. Deburring and finishing can often be treated as the step-child of a manufacturing process, but its importance is growing as tolerances get tighter and precision devices become the norm.
Even though it’s been around since the 1950s, when engineering-grade resins were first introduced, many manufacturers still are not familiar with the many benefits that metal-to-plastic conversion provides.
Until the middle of 2010, first-tier subcontract machinist, JJ Churchill, could produce turbine blades only if they had their fir-tree root-forms preground elsewhere, or if they were subsequently added by another subcontractor. No longer is this the case.
When you walk into the Redeye On Demand facility in Eden Prairie, MN, you enter into one version of the factory of the future. There you will see a bank of 100 high-end Fortus fused-deposition modeling (FDM) machines from Stratasys that provide the capacity to build real, functional parts with production-grade thermoplastics directly from CAD data.
Looking back on a long career of learning, sharing, and always trying to do your best.
Heat-resistant superalloys resist heat—and easy cutting. Industry experts offer solutions.
This year’s RAPID + TCT show signaled a new wave of users, with 35 percent of the audience being new to adopting additive manufacturing technologies.
Whether transmitted through wires or the air, data collected from older factory devices can help a shop owner make smarter business decisions.
Preventive maintenance is essential for manufacturers to reduce downtime—and the vast amounts of data being produced by plants can be effectively used for predictive maintenance.
Machine stops stake their reputation on their finishing techniques for cross hole deburring, cylinder honing, surface finishing, edge-blending and cleaning of parts.
