Tuesday, December 11, 2018
All News
Iron Tungsten Alloy Plating with Low Friction and Wear Resistance
September 26, 2017
The modern automotive industry has been striving to reduce energy loss caused by friction. An alloy plating film developed by finely crystallizing iron and tungsten demonstrates both a high level of hardness and excellent ductility. In addition, low friction can be achieved by its application under a layer of lubricant. It also has the merit of
Production Schedule Driven Automated Energy Management
September 26, 2017
Surface finishing line process automation systems are normally designed to optimize production throughput and assure compliance with operating parameters such as time-in-tank. The basic elements of automated energy management on process lines are control of energy consumption in active, standby and inactive states, primarily by ventilation, heating
Sulfuric / Organic Electrolytes and Total Quality Improvement (TQI) for Present / Future Anodizing
September 26, 2017
After the last 12 years of developmental improvements and successful operation in production and selective brush anodizing, we present formulations for the new revised three-part organic acid blend. This ionic active blend detailed here can benefit all sulfuric anodize electrolytes to meet today's more demanding quality, specifications and
Don’t Believe Everything You Hear - The 22nd William Blum Lecture
September 26, 2017
This article is a re-publication of the 22nd William Blum Lecture, presented at the 68th AES Annual Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 29, 1981.by Dr. Joseph Edwards Manager, Electrochemistry Research Group International Nickel Company Birmingham, England, U.K. Recipient of the 1980 William Blum AES Scientific Achievement Award
Micromachining in a Big Way
September 26, 2017
With the acquisition of a new CNC Swiss-type lathe, this company can now bid on small, complex parts it wasn’t able to in the past, while also slashing setup and cycle times.Blog Post: 7/27/2016 Russ Willcutt Associate Editor, Production Machining Darryl Sienicki says the LNS Tryton bar feeder integrated with the Cincom L12VII CNC Swiss lathe
Machine “Power Users” Push Limits of Precision
September 26, 2017
For this shop, moving into micron-tolerance work required not just a new machining center, but also a willingness to understand technical features and techniques that never come into play for many programmers and operators. Blog Post: 7/26/2016 Matt Danford Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop Microfluidics industry R&D applications have called
Micron-Tolerance Machining Means Never Looking Back
September 26, 2017
Integral Machining LTD has long touted its expertise in high-precision machining, but that term has taken on new meaning during the past few years. Serving customers in such industries as microfluidics and photonics has pushed this 6,000-square-foot, Toronto-area shop to institute machining processes that achieve tolerances measured in single-digit
GF Machining Solutions Hires Director of Business Development
September 26, 2017
GF Machining Solutions (Lincolnshire, Illinois) has named Karl Kleppek Director of Business Development. He brings more than 25 years of sales, business development and marketing experience that the company says will help to continue the sales, service and support of the GF’s milling, EDM, micromachining, additive, laser texturing, and
Drilling “Invisible” Holes
September 26, 2017
UV laser micromachining makes it possible to drill holes that are not visible to the human eye—until they are meant to be seen, that is. How do you drill a hole smaller than the diameter of a human hair? Baltimore, Maryland-based Potomac Laser turns to UV laser micromachining for such applications. This process directs a laser beam onto the
Manufacturing Efficiently at a Micron Level
September 26, 2017
Centerless grinding is one of the grinding methods that can be applied to micromachining. It is applied in medical, automotive and aerospace manufacturing where parts’ diameters and tapers are generated at extremely tight tolerances. The surface finishes that grinding can achieve are key to these applications. However, applying the centerless
Backing Tech with Technique
September 26, 2017
Whether in machining or any other pursuit, knowledge and the right touch are critical to taking full advantage of technology and equipment. Blog Post: 8/17/2016 Matt Danford Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop Tool sharpness is critical to avoiding burrs on plastic parts like this, but that’s more a function of strategy than
Micro Drill Series Designed for Electronics Connector Applications
September 26, 2017
Hassay Savage / GMauvaisUSA introduces three new lines of micro drills designed specifically for the electronics connector industries. Made with an h5 tolerance, the 3200-series three-flute long reamers, the 3100-series short cross drills and the 1100-series half round gundrills are all made of solid carbide and available in a range of standard
Back Blow Air Nozzle Cleans Small Internal Diameters
September 26, 2017
Exair’s model 1004SS M4 NPT, back blow air nozzle delivers a very small, effective airflow for blowing debris and liquids from the internal diameters of small pipes or hoses, and other internal part features. New Product Post: 9/18/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Exair’s model 1004SS M4 NPT, back
Composite Metal Parts Washing Boxes Available
September 26, 2017
Molded Fiber Glass (MFG) Tray Co. offers a line of versatile, high-strength fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite metal parts washing boxes. New Product Post: 9/5/2017 Edited by Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop Molded Fiber Glass (MFG) Tray Co. offers a line of versatile, high-strength fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite
Vacuum Degreasing Offers Lean and Green Technology
September 26, 2017
A lot of OEMs encounter issues with new lubricants or machine coolants that do not react with existing cleaning processes. New synthetic lubricants will not clean in the same process or system as organic-based lubes. High temperature lubes often require more mechanical action and sometimes even a different cleaning chemistry. Various grade metals
Vortec Air Knives Ideal for Blow-Off Of Water And Debris
September 26, 2017
Air knives from Vortec transform ordinary compressed air into a uniform sheet of amplified air that is said to be especially useful for blow-off of water and debris, static neutralizing and some high speed drying or cooling applications, are detailed in a video available at https://youtu.be/rROyMBfQKrM. This presentation shows how filtered
StillClean Distillation System Reduces Hazardous Waste
September 26, 2017
StillClean is a system designed to reduce the hazardous waste generated at facilities. New Product Post: 7/17/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining StillClean is a system designed to reduce the hazardous waste generated at facilities. It is a portable, on site, solvent distillation system that recycles the solvent in one
PROHT Ultrasonic Cleaning Tanks Extend Transducer Life
September 26, 2017
Blackstone-Ney Ultrasonics, a division of Cleaning Technologies Group LLC, introduces its PROHT ultrasonic cleaning tanks powered by 2K Platform Neptune, SweepSonic, and MultiSonic ultrasonic generators. PROHT ultrasonic cleaning tanks and housings are constructed of stainless steel with a duplex stainless transducer radiating surface to extend
NiagaraDFS Flood/Spray System with Revolving Wheel Technology Ensures Thorough Cleaning
September 26, 2017
BvL Oberflächentechnik’s NiagaraDFS basket washing system’s inline material flow concept shortens ancillary times to a minimum, significantly reducing cycle times and increasing capacity. New Product Post: 9/25/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining
WD-40 Non-Aerosol Degreasers are Safe and Easy to Use
September 26, 2017
WD-40 Co. has added non-aerosol industrial-strength cleaner and degreaser products to its Specialist line. New Product Post: 9/22/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining To meet the needs of workers in highly regulated environments who must quickly and safely clean and degrease their work sites, tools, equipment and
Mega Jet Pressure Blast for Heavy Parts
September 26, 2017
Ransohoff has introduced its Mega Jet Pressure Blast, an economical manual high-pressure spray washer for large, heavy parts where floor space comes at a premium.  New Product Post: 9/21/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining Ransohoff, a division of Cleaning Technologies Group LLC, has introduced its Mega Jet
Tumble Brite EP-13 for Mass Finishing
September 26, 2017
Madison Chemical’s Tumble Brite EP-13 is a mild burnishing compound that’s especially useful for mass finishing operations. Compared with other alkaline products, the compound decreases burnishing time while cleaning oils and removing oxide and scale, producing a smooth surface with excellent bright appearance and luster, the company
Parts Cleaning Expo Coming to Columbus in April
September 26, 2017
Join us at PCx for sessions presented by leading parts cleaning experts from around the world on the latest parts cleaning technologies, chemistries, and equipment during PMTS this spring.Blog Post: 2/23/2017 Russ Willcutt Associate Editor, Production Machining   The Parts Cleaning Exposition (PCx) will be held jointly with the Precision
Horn Continues Growth Path
September 26, 2017
The company highlighted its facility expansions and new cutting tool technologies during a recent open house at its global headquarters in Tübingen, Germany. Blog Post: 5/25/2017 Barbara Schulz European Correspondent, Gardner Business Media Small steps, narrow alleys and pointed gables shape the silhouette of old Tübingen, Germany, on the
Lean Manufacturing Begins With Layout, Commitment
September 26, 2017
After enough one-size-fits-all initiatives, lean manufacturing can lose its luster. After all, the Toyota Production System (TPS) that forms much of the basis of modern lean thinking doesn’t apply perfectly to every manufacturing operation, particularly job shops. And yet, the experience of at least one manufacturer shows that the perfect
Do Not Underestimate Your Value to Customers, and Other Advice for Shops
September 26, 2017
One of the opportunities available through the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) is the chance to attend its annual Sales and Marketing Conference. Exactly as the name states, this event focuses on two vital areas in which independent machine shops routinely struggle. The conference this year was in Pittsburgh. I attended part of it
Training Lathe Enables Switching between Eight CNC Systems
September 26, 2017
The Concept Turn 60 from Emco Maier is a high-performance, PC-controlled, two-axis CNC turning machine designed to be ideal for industrial training. The machine is part of Emco’s modular industrial training concept for preparing employees for specific production requirements and targeted training. The machine base of the CT 60 has been
Retired Machinists in a Contingency Staffing Role?
September 26, 2017
Senior Editor Matt Danford’s article “Skills Training Strenghens Shops, Communities” describes one idea to help cultivate a pool of machining and manufacturing talent. It describes the efforts by the Jane Addams Resource Corp. (JARC) to teach low-income adults in the Chicago, Illinois, area the skills they need to establish
Logical Reasoning Is a Critical Skill
September 26, 2017
“Robots are job-killers. They should be banned or taxed. I heard this from experts at the universities.” Such comments might make us smile if we weren’t hearing them from policy makers, influential public figures or fellow voters who clearly believe what they are saying and are likely to base decisions on these views. Often the
Shop Greenery Gives New Meaning to “Plant” Floor
September 26, 2017
Plants assist with the mood of the shop and quality of the air. Here are a few additional innovations at the shop we covered this month for its application of data-driven manufacturing. Blog Post: 9/9/2017 Peter Zelinski Editor-in-Chief, Modern Machine Shop L&S Machine in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has a simple, radical idea for how to use data
AUKOM Is Coming to the United States
September 26, 2017
AUKOM is an acronym for the German phrase ausbildung koordinatenmesstechnik, which translates to “coordinate metrology training.” U.S. machine shops serving the automotive industry might be familiar with this standard and perhaps have metrologists on staff who are certified in it. Those outside of automotive might not have heard of it
Wisconsin Trade Show to Feature “Safety Roadshow” Exhibit
September 26, 2017
The Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show (WIMTS), Wisconsin’s largest manufacturing event, will take place October 3-5, 2017, featuring 148,000 square feet of machining, metrology, design, waterjet, fabrication, welding, software, 3D printing and engineering exhibits. The show, which hosted about 5,000 attendees last year, will
Why Is U.S. Automotive Manufacturing Strong Right Now?
September 26, 2017
Automotive OEMs and their suppliers are investing in retooling and improving facilities to increase productivity and improve efficiency. Notable OEM spending programs include $1.4 billion for a transmission plant in Livonia, Michigan; $200 million for an assembly plant in Avon Lake, Ohio; $75 million for an engine plant in Trenton, Michigan; $1
Cutting Tools Enable Team Penske to Perform More Aggressive Roughing
September 26, 2017
Team Penske is one of the country’s most successful professional automobile racing teams. Dating back to its first race in 1966’s 24 Hours of Daytona, cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 420 major race wins, more than 480 pole positions and 28 national championships in open-wheel, stock-car and sports-car
Probing Alternatives for EDM: April 2017 Digital Edition
September 26, 2017
The latest issue of Modern Machine Shop breaks down part probing options for different kinds of EDM equipment, investigates why the automotive market is so strong and more. Blog Post: 4/10/2017 Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop ​ Click the image to read the April 2017 digital edition of the magazine.  According to Brian
Conference, Workshop to Spotlight New Honing Technologies
September 26, 2017
Gehring L.P. has announced plans for its 2017 Honing Conference and Workshops event, to be held May 10-11, 2017, in Plymouth, Michigan. The conference and workshops will bring together experts from the industry to discuss and propose solutions to advanced manufacturing challenges in surface finish applications. Industry experts will spotlight new
Machining in the Era of the Electric Car
September 26, 2017
The COO of a machine tool builder that specializes in automotive production comments on the implications of greener transportation. “When the winds of change are blowing, one can build a wall or a windmill.” Cited by Heller Group COO Manfred Maier at a recent Heller Machine Tools press event, this adage speaks to the value of changing
Video: This Mobile Cobot Frees Machinists from an Inefficient Secondary Process
September 26, 2017
Otto Motors’ self-driving vehicle combined with Yaskawa Motoman robot arms takes over a tedious manual process that was hanging up Hirotec’s lean manufacturing goals. Blog Post: 7/31/2017 Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop Last year, when I first wrote about Otto Motors’ self-driving vehicle (SDV) concept, I was
Fives Landis Opening Tech Center in Maryland
September 26, 2017
Fives Landis Corp., a manufacturer of precision grinding machines and grinding accessories, will open a new technology center at its headquarters in Hagerstown, Maryland, near Washington D.C. At 6,000 square feet, the new R&D and demo facility will feature systems including Landis-Bryant ID/OD grinders, Landis centerless grinders and the
High Demand Creates Growth in Aerospace Industry
September 26, 2017
Multiple market forces are working to the advantage of the aviation market, representing a significant and sustainable growth opportunity for machine tool builders. These forces include the strong global growth of both passenger and freight air transport demand followed by strong demand for new aircraft and increasing competition between aircraft
GKN Aerospace, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Form Partnership
September 26, 2017
GKN Aerospace and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a five-year research agreement focused on additive manufacturing. Utilizing the DOE’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL, this $17.8 million cooperative research and development agreement will focus on
Jesse Garant Metrology Center Invests $15 Million in CT, X-Ray, 3D Scanning Technology
September 26, 2017
The center serves the aerospace and automotive industries with non-destructive testing and part inspection services. News Post: 6/20/2017 Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop The Jesse Garant Metrology Center, a part inspection company specializing in industrial part scanning for automotive and aerospace manufacturers in Michigan and
Arcing away from Near-Net Forging
September 26, 2017
An electrical arc process joins a field of additive manufacturing technologies that could one day provide aerospace manufacturers with alternatives to near-net-shape forgings. Blog Post: 8/24/2017 Matt Danford Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop In the future, pounding heated metal into submission will not be the only viable means of producing
Additive Aerospace Parts Certification Package Offered
September 26, 2017
Westec 2017: Stratasys offers the Aircraft Interiors Certification Solution (AICS), an aerospace package designed to remove the complexity from FAA and EASA certification and help aerospace organizations get more parts certified for flight. New Product Post: 8/14/2017 Edited by Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop Stratasys offers
Manufacturing News of Note: July 2017
September 26, 2017
A big R&D agreement looks at additive for structural airplane components, Autodesk appoints a new president and other industry news. Blog Post: 7/18/2017 Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop The GKN Additive Manufacturing Research Cell at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. GKN Aerospace and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) of the
Control Micro Systems Reports Advances in Polymer Welding for Medical Devices
September 26, 2017
Control Micro Systems (Orlando, Florida), a supplier of laser machine tools for marking, engraving, cutting, drilling and welding applications, reports that increasing demand for welding of transparent plastics has led to advances in laser welding technologies such as clear-on-clear polymer welding for the medical sector. Medical device
Heavy-Duty Chip Carts for Metalworking
September 26, 2017
CECOR will display its heavy-duty chip cart line designed for the metalworking industry. New Product Post: 2/27/2017 Edited by Chris Koepfer Editor-in-Chief, Production Machining CECOR will display its heavy-duty chip cart line designed for the metalworking industry. These carts are sized to fit machine tool discharge and handle the maximum
Zero-Point Clamping System Expanded with Plate Variations, Risers, Accessories
September 26, 2017
Lang Technovation’s Quick Point zero-point clamping system is designed to greatly reduce setup times in horizontal and vertical CNC milling operations. New Product Post: 2/27/2017 Edited by Jedd Cole Editor Asociado, MMS Mexico Lang Technovation’s Quick Point zero-point clamping system is designed to greatly reduce setup times in
ISO Changes: Managing Risk
September 26, 2017
The new ISO 9001:2015 standard emphasizes risk assessment. Medical shops with ISO 13485 certification already manage this. Blog Post: 4/14/2017 Derek Korn Executive Editor, Modern Machine Shop This is just a small portion of the process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA) document that Protomatic developed. It identifies more than 300
Advanced Material in Additive Manufacturing Produces Better Spinal Implant
September 26, 2017
A highly porous alloy makes it possible to build an implant that more closely imitates the structure of natural bone. Stryker's additively manufactured PL spine cage is made from Tritanium, a highly porous titanium alloy capable of building randomized structures that closely imitate natural cancellous bone.  Natural cancellous bone (the spongy