CAM Software Automates, Maximizes Five-Axis Machining September 5, 2019 Implementing five-axis machining can be an excellent strategy for efficiently producing accurate, complex parts. However, it takes more than the right machine tool to realize the full potential of a five-axis process. In addition to the right machine, tooling and fixturing options, CAM software must be selected carefully.
Aerospace Shop Finds New Productivity in Brass Parts September 6, 2019 Three partners contributed their diverse manufacturing and machining experience—and their last initials—to found SPR Machine in Hamilton, Ohio in 2002. The machine shop has grown from a shop floor with 2,500 ft2 (232 m2) to one with 78,000 ft2 (7,246 m2) filled with 14 mills, lathes, and welding and inspection equipment. SPR produces high-quality work from 60″ (1.5 m) down to 0.0005″ (0.013 mm) for customers predominantly in the aerospace and medical industries.
Time to Apply High Tech to Low Tech Components September 10, 2019 Mention “aerospace” and most thoughts run immediately to exotic alloys, ultra-precision machining systems, sophisticated electronics and a host of other high-tech subjects. There is more to the story, particularly where passenger aircraft are concerned.
To Recruit The Right Talent, Think Like a Scout September 10, 2019 This fourth of July, I enjoyed a game at our regional Single-A affiliate stadium, with sun, beer, brats, and great baseball. We also had the pleasure of sitting next to two scouts who were clocking pitches and logging the stats and performance of every player on the field.
Four Major Concerns for Manufacturing CFOs, CPOs September 8, 2019 As manufacturing CFOs (chief financial officers) and CPOs (chief procurement officers) are tasked with greater responsibility, there are four major industry themes that are top-of-mind for them. Although cost reductions, increases in efficiency, and visibility into valuable data are still important, there are other strategic challenges that need to be addressed.
From Service Bureau to AM Manufacturer September 7, 2019 How can a 3D printing service bureau become a manufacturer? Ask Corey and Donovan Weber, half-brothers who founded Forecast 3D in 1994. In 2018 their 60,000 ft2 (55,740 m2) manufacturing shop printed about two million parts on 45 industrial additive machines.
Search for Skilled Labor Knows No Borders September 7, 2019 We in the U.S. manufacturing industry continually struggle with the skills gap, lack of available workers, image problems, or whatever else you want to call it. We do great work in battling this problem, as documented in the pages of Manufacturing Engineering and other publications, but it’s hard to make progress in this fight.
Hang On Tight January 5, 2020 Smart chucks and zero-point locating systems, quick-change vises and modular workholding are good examples of advanced workholding systems, but you might be thinking, “Who needs it? Give me a 6" machinist’s vise, a three-jaw power chuck, some toe straps and a few T-nuts and I’ll make whatever parts you send my way.”
IoT + analytics = cool new stuff to sell October 16, 2019 Put the paper and pencil away. Hybrid data management and analysis systems-where users combine paper tracking with computer processing-are no longer meeting the needs of manufacturers for speed, accuracy, traceability and compliance with regulations.
What Makes the Cut in Heavy-Duty Turning? January 7, 2020 Don’t make the mistake of thinking that turning large metal parts—like 10,000-lb (4,536 kg) work rolls, for example—is no different than turning smaller parts.