Tuesday, December 11, 2018
All News
Compact Five-Axis Gantry Milling Machine Preassembled for Quick Startup
February 6, 2018
The FZU is distinct from other Zimmerman machines like the FZ33 in that the FZU is a compact, preassembled machine. The machine is particularly suitable for machining aluminum and casting resins like Ureol. New Product Post: 2/6/2018 Edited by Karen Cornelissen Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media
Face Mill's Adjustable Insert Pockets Reduce Axial Runout
February 5, 2018
Tungaloy is expanding its TFE series of face milling cutters for finishing applications to include bodies with adjustable insert pockets.  New Product Post: 2/5/2018 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Tungaloy is expanding its TFE series of face milling cutters for finishing applications to
ERP Software Enables Mobile CRM Access
February 5, 2018
Vero Software’s Workplan ERP 2018 R1 has been developed for the specific requirements of production management, focusing on mobility and speed. This edition of the CRM (customer relationship management) module enhances performance and accessibility with the introduction of a mobile license solution resulting from a
Machine Tool Sensors Determine Workpiece, Tool Offsets
February 5, 2018
Big Kaiser has introduced the Base Master Red and Base Master Mini machine tool sensors. New Product Post: 2/5/2018 Edited by Eli Plaskett Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Big Kaiser has introduced the Base Master Red and Base Master Mini machine tool sensors. The first is a precision touch sensor that determines workpiece offsets and tool
Taro Ueda and Designing for Today
February 5, 2018
In 1984, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, the first handheld cellphone, was launched. That was the same year that the Apple Macintosh appeared on the market with its then-revolutionary graphical user interface. In 1984, Taro Ueda received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Product Design from Chiba University, which he describes as a national
Decc Co. Posts Record Sales for 2017
February 5, 2018
The company reached $9.4 million in sales for the year, besting its previous record of $9.17 million set in 2007. After taking into account programs set to launch this year and forecasted sales to current customers, it expects to be over the $10 million mark at the end of 2018.  The Decc Co., a coating applicator based in Grand Rapids,
North American Plastics Industry: Modernized NAFTA Would 'Set Stage for Growth'
February 5, 2018
Trade associations state ‘good-faith negotiation is the only way to make sure that a long-standing agreement is working the way it should.’ The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) and the Asociación Nacional de Industrias del Plástico A.C. (ANIPAC) jointly issued the
Sunnen Products Co. Acquires BTA Heller
February 5, 2018
Sunnen Products Co. (St. Louis, Missouri) has acquired BTA Heller, a manufacturer of deep-hole tooling and systems for primary hole generation. The company aims to expand its honing capabilities to include tooling for initial hole creation and other complementary bore-sizing and -finishing processes. The company will retain the
Modular Clamping System Accommodates Freely Molded Parts
February 5, 2018
The Schunk Vero-S WDB modular clamping system provides the efficiency levels of the Vero-S quick-change pallet system to machine directly clamped workpieces. New Product Post: 2/5/2018 Edited by Eli Plaskett Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop The Schunk Vero-S WDB modular clamping system provides the efficiency levels of the Vero-S quick-change
Kona, Powertrains and Autonomous Vehicles
February 5, 2018
Hyundai Motor America is launching a B-segment crossover in the U.S., and John Juriga, Director of Powertrain, Hyundai-Kia Technical Center, talks about it on this edition of “Autoline After Hours.” Juriga points out that the Kona is based on an all-new platform and slots in the company’s CUV lineup below the Tucson, Santa Fe and
Is Your Shop Ready for 3D Printing?
February 5, 2018
Andrew Tordanato of Diversified Manufacturing Technologies shares the questions to answer before adding 3D printing capability to your manufacturing operation. For Andrew Tordanato, Diversified Manufacturing Technologies president, getting into 3D printing was a natural evolution. His family owns Mohawk Manufacturing, a metal stamping operation
Where Do You Fall On Industry 4.0’s Adoption Curve?
February 5, 2018
Beyond the hype: how are injection molders applying industry 4.0 today, and what’s coming in the future. Blog Post: 2/5/2018 Tony Deligio senior editor, Plastics Technology In his 1962 book, Diffusion of Innovations, Everett Rogers first posited the concept of a technology adoption curve that many of us are familiar with more than 50 years
Vise Solutions are Compact to Facilitate Higher Machining Accuracy
February 5, 2018
Röhm’s compact RZM Centric Vise and RKE NC-Compact Vise clamping system have specially designed features that reduce interferences. New Product Post: 2/5/2018 Edited by Karen Cornelissen Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media Röhm has several robust vise solutions. According to the company, the vises contribute significantly to
Nissan Goes Snow Patrol for Chicago
February 4, 2018
According to the National Weather Service, in 2013-14 the seasonal snowfall in Chicago was 82 inches, an amount of precipitation that would probably make those who had to endure it wish they’d had the Armada Snow Patrol concept that Nissan is introducing this week at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. Blog Post: 2/4/2018 Gary S.
1/4 NPT No Drip Atomizing Spray Nozzle Covers 360 Degrees
February 4, 2018
Exair’s 1/4 NPT No Drip internal mix 360-degree hollow circular pattern atomizing spray nozzle can provide a smooth, even coating on the inside diameter of a pipe or similar ductwork and is also effective for operations where mist over a broad area is needed. New Product Post: 2/4/2018 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production
Cybersecurity for Job Shops
February 3, 2018
Small and medium-size machining job shops can take steps to protect computerized or networked assets such as CNC machines from cyber attacks.  Blog Post: 2/3/2018 Ken Modeste, Leader, Cybersecurity Services, UL LLC Managers of small and medium-size machining companies often wonder what precautions they can take to protect their computer
Hydraulic Expansion Arbor has Quick-Change Capabilities
February 3, 2018
Schunk’s hydraulic expansion arbor for customer-specific clamping solutions is for high-precision applications in milling, hobbing, turning, grinding, assembly, inspection, and balancing and now has Vero-S module quick-change capabilities. New Product Post: 2/3/2018 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining Schunk’s
Registration Opens for IMTS 2018
February 2, 2018
Registration is now open for IMTS 2018, which will take place September 10-15 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. As of January 2018, 1,803 exhibitors had secured 1,307,230 square feet of exhibit space. Attendees can register from the show’s website. With U.S. manufacturing expanding at its fastest pace
Registration Opens for IMTS 2018
February 2, 2018
Registration is now open for IMTS 2018, which will take place September 10-15 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. As of January 2018, 1,803 exhibitors had secured 1,307,230 square feet of exhibit space. Attendees can register from the show’s website. With U.S. manufacturing expanding at its fastest pace
Lincoln Electric Education Program Supports Welding Instructors
February 2, 2018
Lincoln Electric’s newest education initiative, Lincoln Electric Education Partner Schools (LEEPS), is a multi-tiered program intended to support welding instructors teaching at levels from junior high school to technical college and beyond. At each level, instructors can obtain qualifications
Hydraulic Workholding Enables Choice of Preferred Clamping Method
February 2, 2018
Kurt Workholding’s KHU6 hydraulic unit has both single- and double-acting capabilities, enabling the user to choose a preferred clamping method. The single-acting method uses hydraulic clamping and spring return for unclamping. The double-acting capability uses both hydraulics to clamp and unclamp for a faster, more precise setup. Switching
INCOE Expands Footprint in Mexico
February 2, 2018
Acquires new facility to set up INCOE Mexico. INCOE Corporation USA has announced plans to expand into Mexico. The hot runner supplier has acquired a facility in Querétaro, Mexico, which will become the headquarters of INCOE Mexico. The new facility resides within Business Park Conín in Querétaro, Mexico. With a total
VW Amarok and Serious Sport
February 2, 2018
As Sunday will be the Super Bowl, there will undoubtedly be plenty of automotive commercials before, during and after the game, many of which focus on pickup trucks, because the ad agencies who work for the various OEMs have done deep demographic research that indicates that people who like football like trucks and vice versa. (We’ve always
100-million Units and Still Going Strong
February 2, 2018
In 1995, Java 1.0 was released, Internet Explorer 1.0 was introduced, and Intel brought out the Pentium Pro. Blog Post: 2/2/2018 Gary S. Vasilash Editor-in-Chief, Gardner Business Media, Inc. In 1995, Java 1.0 was released, Internet Explorer 1.0 was introduced, and Intel brought out the Pentium Pro. And it was the year, of course, of Windows
February 2018 Product Spotlight: Additive Manufacturing
February 2, 2018
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on various additive manufacturing machines, software and equipment. Blog Post: 2/2/2018 Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop The image gallery above, based on Modern Machine Shop magazine’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight, features a range of additive manufacturing
Downward PE Pricing Projected With Processors To Gain Leverage
February 2, 2018
Ethylene and polyethylene plant startups to have impact, as will China’s scrap plastic import ban. U.K.-based energy research and consultancy Wood Mackenzie recently shared the following insight from senior research analyst Ashish Chitalia: ‘Global Polyethylene Markets: 6 things to look for in 2018’. ● North American
DoTriple-Mill Face Mill Series Includes M-Class Inserts
February 2, 2018
Tungaloy Corp.’s DoTriple-Mill face mill series includes pressed-to-size inserts in Class-M dimensional tolerance that are fixed to the cutter by a dovetail clamping mechanism.  New Product Post: 2/2/2018 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining Tungaloy Corp.’s DoTriple-Mill face mill series includes
Fully-Coupled Analysis Brings Optimal Accuracy to Part and Mold Design
February 2, 2018
In the conventional analysis process, filling, cooling, packing and warp are separate solvers and will run analysis sequentially instead of simultaneously. Fully-coupled process simulation delivers simulation data in every time-step program, increasing analysis accuracy. Here is a look at the differences between conventional and fully-coupled
Clamping System Streamlines Palletizing and Clamping to Reduce Setup Time
February 2, 2018
Röhm says its Power-Grip Zero Point Clamping System delivers both palletizing and clamping capabilities—all with one device and in single setups—to significantly increase productivity, process reliability and precision, as well as cut set-up times by as much as 90 percent. According to Röhm, the new modular palletizing system
Buy a McLaren with Bitcoin
February 1, 2018
We’re not exactly sure how much each of the 10 vehicles crafted by McLaren Special Operations, 10 MSO X cars that are inspired by the McLaren 570S GT4 race car, vehicles that were built to order by McLaren Newport Beach, retailed for, but we have a couple of clues that indicate that it would be fair to say “a lot.” That is, while
The Value of PVD Coatings for Medical Devices
February 1, 2018
Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a vacuum coating process many shops know is commonly used to improve the performance of cutting tools. Mike Schultz, co-founder of Surface Solutions, says the cathodic-arc PVD coating services his Fridley, Minnesota, company offers can increase the life of a tool as much as 10 times compared to an uncoated tool by
Why Tie Payroll Hours to Machine Tool Hours?
February 1, 2018
An increasing number of shops are performing machine tool monitoring in some way. In fact, I’m more frequently encountering large, flat-screen monitors in shops I visit that display machines’ operational status in the form of bar graphs containing areas of green, yellow, red and black. In general, the more uninterrupted green, the
Mazak Appoints New Manager of Northeast Region
February 1, 2018
Mazak Corp. (Florence, Kentucky) has named Jim Rutan as the new general manager for the Northeast Region. Formerly the manager of the Mazak Sales Office in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Rutan will now ensure that customers throughout the Northeast receive sales, service and applications support to help them better compete in a booming regional
Transfer Line Reduces Lead Time for Car Maker
February 1, 2018
By combining processes such as machining and measuring with automation, transfer lines can increase productivity. However, the complex and diverse requirements of manufacturing components for cars and other commercial vehicles can complicate the development of transfer lines for the automotive industry. Werkzeugmaschinenbau Ziegenhain
Building Relationships in Emerging Markets
February 1, 2018
In my article, “Why Tie Payroll Hours to Machine Tool Hours?” I investigate J&R Machine’s method of capturing and using machine-monitoring data to calculate what it calls its productivity index, a ratio of a machine’s run hours to its operator’s payroll hours that helps guide a variety of important business
Verisurf Appoints New Director of Sales, Americas
February 1, 2018
Pat Bass brings 18 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing to his new role, where he will lead regional sales managers and sales engineers in North, Central and South America.  News Post: 2/1/2018 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Verisurf Software has appointed Pat Bass to the position of Director of
Digital Manufacturing Hinges on Connecting the Machine Tool
February 1, 2018
In the telecommunications industry, the “last mile” is a common figure of speech denoting the final leg or branch of a network that ultimately reaches the end-user customer. Making this connection is typically the most difficult and most expensive portion of the network to complete. In factories and manufacturing plants, the connection
Röhm Offers Chuck Repair, Rebuild Services
February 1, 2018
To help serve its customers, Röhm Products of America has invested in the ability to offer comprehensive chuck repair and rebuild services at its Suwanee, Georgia, headquarters as well as at its customers’ manufacturing facilities. In doing so, the company intends to create a one-stop shop for chuck
Transfer Line Reduces Lead Time for Car Maker
February 1, 2018
By combining processes such as machining and measuring with automation, transfer lines can increase productivity. However, the complex and diverse requirements of manufacturing components for cars and other commercial vehicles can complicate the development of transfer lines for the automotive industry. Werkzeugmaschinenbau Ziegenhain
INCOE Expands Footprint in Mexico
February 1, 2018
INCOE Corporation USA has announced plans to expand into Mexico. INCOE Corporation USA has announced plans to expand into Mexico. The hot runner supplier has acquired a facility in Querétaro, Mexico, which will become the headquarters of INCOE Mexico. The new facility resides within Business Park Conín in Querétaro, Mexico.
Tech Talk: Functional Zinc Plating
February 1, 2018
While offering sacrificial corrosion protection based upon its larger negative electro-potential than iron, zinc is not used without subsequent treatment. Blog Post: 2/1/2018 Roger Sowinski Vice President of Technology, Asterion Electrodeposited zinc is used for coating iron and steel parts when protection from the corrosive effects of the
A ‘Revolution’ in Chrome Barrel Plating
February 1, 2018
The range of products we come into contact with every day that have a chrome finish is impressive: virtually everything, it might seem, from kitchen utensils to tools to automotive trim. Even if the base material is plastic instead of metal, the decorative chromium coating makes it look like metal and feel like metal, and maybe most importantly,
A.I. Will Become Our Inventor
February 1, 2018
Neural networks are not scary. Or so says Conrad Tucker, associate professor of engineering at Penn State University. Neural networks—artificial intelligence (A.I.) systems using advanced computing to aid in problem-solving—are tools that will eventually become accepted and widely employed by engineers. He is part of a team of
Cybersecurity for Job Shops
February 1, 2018
Managers of small and medium-size machining companies often wonder what precautions they can take to protect their computer networks from hackers and other online threats. Even with limited resources and capabilities, they should follow the following steps to create a workable cybersecurity plan. Educate Your Workforce A plethora of government
EDM Control Displays Various Information in Single View
February 1, 2018
The M800 EDM control from MC Machinery Systems is included with Mitsubishi wire EDMs to increase productivity and help keep track of production jobs. New Product Post: 2/1/2018 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop The M800 EDM control from MC Machinery Systems is included with Mitsubishi wire EDMs to increase productivity and
A.I. Will Become Our Inventor
February 1, 2018
Neural networks are not scary. Or so says Conrad Tucker, associate professor of engineering at Penn State University. Neural networks—artificial intelligence (A.I.) systems using advanced computing to aid in problem-solving—are tools that will eventually become accepted and widely employed by engineers. He is part of a team of
End Mills Accurately Contour Irregular Shapes
February 1, 2018
Ingersoll has released the Chip-Surfer line of modular, solid carbide end mill tips. New Product Post: 2/1/2018 Edited by Eli Plaskett Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Ingersoll has released the Chip-Surfer line of modular, solid carbide end mill tips. These cutters feature high-feed geometry for roughing near-net shapes. They are well-suited
2018 Genesis G80 AWD 3.3T Sport
February 1, 2018
The thing about the 2018 Genesis G80 AWD 3.3T Sport: The head of a valet service at a restaurant on New Year’s Eve said to me as his associate handed me back the key fob (a hefty object, speaking to the fact that this is a substantial vehicle), “We don’t see many of these.” A couple days later, a locksmith in downtown
There’s Still Time to Participate in the Top Shops Survey
February 1, 2018
Modern Machine Shop’s Top Shops benchmarking survey runs through the end of this month. Participate and receive a custom report comparing your operation to others. Blog Post: 2/1/2018 Derek Korn Executive Editor, Modern Machine Shop This year marks the eight edition of our annual Top Shops benchmarking survey. The survey enables you to see
Conversion Coatings: Phosphate vs. Zirconium
February 1, 2018
Both phosphate-based and zirconium coatings have their advantages, but zirconium is fast becoming the pretreatment of choice. The two hot-dipped G90 galvanized panels on top in this image were treated with a conventional five-stage iron phosphate process including a seal, and the lower two panels were treated with a zirconium process without a