Automation Redefines Tool Presetting May 26, 2021 Automation, as applied to tool Presetters, references a variety of operational and communications features that can be incorporated in a machine or system customized for the special needs of an individual shop or a major manufacturing facility.
U.S.: The Once and Future Manufacturing Leader May 21, 2021 The U.S. has not been competitive, so companies sourced offshore to meet consumer and industrial demand for low-priced goods. Fortunately, however, a positive localization trend since 2010 indicates an increasing rate of reshoring by U.S. companies and foreign direct investment by foreign companies.
Zimmermann Milling Machines FZP with Thermosymmetrical Structure May 27, 2021 The newly developed 5-axis portal milling machines of the FZP Series from Zimmermann are compact, flexible and highly accurate. This is ensured by the thermosymmetrical design with center-guided Z-slide.
If it Ain’t Broke, It May Need Fixing! March 22, 2021 Some shops think routine machine tool maintenance is overrated. Bad idea. The big order’s running late. The lead programmer called in sick.
Parting and Grooving for the Long Haul February 24, 2021 Some trends in machining remain constant. Machine speeds continue to increase. Difficult-to-cut materials are used more frequently.
Using Spring-Loaded Fixtures in Automation February 23, 2021 Part holding fixtures are critical for precisely holding and locating parts. Most such fixtures use locators for positioning.
Advanced Toolholding Secures Part Quality for High End Job Shop March 4, 2021 From the moment Norbert Kozar, CEO, took charge of Precision Swiss Products Inc. in 2007, he steered the Milpitas, Calif.-based job shop on a trajectory toward achieving both ISO 13485 certification and AS 9100 certification in a few short years.
Making HMCs Nimble Enough for Small Jobs January 14, 2021 Horizontal machine tools (HMCs) have typically been used for longer run production jobs. But as lot sizes decrease, machine builders and their partners have introduced new technologies that speed setups and generally make HMCs nimbler. So much so that one should probably rethink the role HMCs serve.
VMCs: How Many Axes Do You Really Need? January 18, 2021 The three-axis vertical machining center (VMC) has long been the go-to machine tool for many small to medium-sized shops. Their use is well-understood. Compared to more complex machinery, it’s easier to find operators for three-axis machines.
SMW Autoblok’s Fully Sealed Pull-Down Chucks Feature High Accuracy, Heavy-Duty Gripping February 24, 2021 SMW Autoblok has introduced the TX Series 3-jaw pull-down chucks featuring repeatability of up to 4 µm (0.00015”) and precise, self-centering accuracy for heavy duty metal cutting applications.
