Abrasive machining is a tried-and-true technology for meeting exacting tolerances and producing superior finishes. Manufacturers continue to develop new capabilities.
Anyone who’s worked with wind turbine blades or just seen one up close can attest to the massive size of these clean-energy workhorses. Ever thought about what happens to that costly, high-tech material once the blade reaches the end of its lifespan in 20 years or so?
It’s a sad fact of practically all metal removal operations that, no matter how sharp the tool or free-machining the material, there are going to be burrs, hanging chads, ragged corners, and other edge quality issues that must be dealt with before calling the workpiece complete.
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.
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.
Case Study: Cobots help better serve customers and improve environment for workforce
ANCA celebrates 50 years of technological innovation. With private ownership at its core, ANCA remains at the forefront of the tool industry, poised for a future of transformative advancements under the leadership of general manager Edmund Boland.
Tide Rock Holdings, a San Diego-based holding company, recently acquired Plastic Molding Technology, a full-service precision injection molding company located in El Paso, Texas.
The most important step in digitizing any manufacturing or supply chain process is analysis of the ROI and business case and being able to demonstrate success to company leaders.
While fossil fuels dominate the energy market, expect a new mix of parts as renewable energy and EVs grow in market share.
