American Machinist articles from March 2005

American Machinist archives from March 2005

Big Three automakers strike out.(From The Editor)
March 1, 2005... We commonly refer to General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler as the Big Three. But times are changing and this term may be inappropriate in the months ahead. Once considered the giants of the industry in terms of sales, innovation, and...

Self-navigating truck nears the starting line.(Technology Trends)
March 1, 2005... A manufacturer of specialty trucks has teamed with a company that makes aviation autopilot systems in an attempt to win this year's DARPA Grand Challenge--and a $2 million prize. Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., and Rockwell Collins...

The search for America's most skilled workers.(Technology Trends)
March 1, 2005... A shoe company has launched a search for America's Master Tradesmen. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Minnesota-based Red Wing Shoe Co. will recognize 100 American workers demonstrating high levels of expertise and craftsmanship, a...

GM adopts noncontact inspection technology.(Technology Trends)
March 1, 2005... General Motors plants worldwide will soon use close-range photogrammetry software to assure specification measurements of automotive tooling equipment. This equipment positions automobile components together during the manufacturing process and...

2004 all about the robots.(Technology Trends)
March 1, 2005... Last year was good for the robotics industry as North American manufacturing companies purchased 14,838 robots valued at nearly $1 billion in 2004. This was a 20% rise in units over 2003 and the industry's second-best unit total ever, according...

Materials have magnetic appeal.(Technology Trends)
March 1, 2005... Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Florida State University are working on a new process to create steel that is lighter, stronger, and more flexible than what is currently available. The...

Grades/geometry tackle cast iron.(Cutting Products)
March 1, 2005... Sandvik Coromant has three new insert grades and a new cutting geometry for cast-iron turning. The GC3205 grade is for high-speed machining of grey cast iron, GC3210 for high-speed machining of nodular cast iron, and GC3215 is for difficult...

Capscrew counterbores.(Cutting Products)
March 1, 2005... Carbide-tipped capscrew counterbores have heat-treated alloy-steel straight shanks with integral pilots and come in material-specific carbide grades. The pilots come in nominal screw-body diameters and 1/64 and 1/32-in.-oversize diameters....

Manual/hydraulic vises.(Tooling & Workholding)
March 1, 2005... Double-station HDL vises from Kurt have a quick-change jaw feature and a 4-in. hard-jaw opening for each clamping station. The vises come with machinable aluminum, cast iron, or hard jaws and easily convert from manual to hydraulic operation....

Toyota Motor affiliates to merge.(Business Trends)
March 1, 2005... Toyoda Machine Works, Kariya, Japan, parent of Illinois-based Toyoda Machinery USA, is merging with Koyo Seiko, Osaka, Japan. Both are affiliates of Toyota Motor Corp. and are combining to take on intensified competition in the automotive...

Okuma companies merging management.(Business Trends)
March 1, 2005... Japan's Okuma Corp., Okuma & Howa Machinery Ltd., and Okuma Engineering Co. Ltd. are combining managements into one holding company, Okuma Holdings. The merger is expected to be completed by October. Okuma Corp.'s President Junro Kashiwa...

Tool consumption for year ends higher than 2003.(Business Trends)
March 1, 2005... The 2004 machine tool consumption ended almost 44% ahead of 2003 figures. The year-end total from The American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA) and AMT--The Association For Manufacturing Technology is $3,000.58 million, about...

Making healthcare coverage less onerous.(Government Matters)
March 1, 2005... New legislation promises to significantly reduce costs for small and medium-sized companies offering employee health insurance. On February 2, Congressman Sam Johnson (R, Tex.) and colleagues from both parties introduced the Small Business...

Configurable horizontal boring mill fits the bill.(Machine Of The Month)
March 1, 2005... According to Giddings & Lewis, the modular design of its new MC series horizontal boring mills lets end users get customizable machines at standard machine prices. Shops select from a variety of table styles and sizes, headstocks, controls,...

Data-management software.(Bits & Bytes)
March 1, 2005... MeasurLink Version 6.0 global data-management software incorporates special industry features including real-time 3D-graphical part representation, a Windows XP-style tool bar, and Crystal report plug-in for report writing. Its Real-Time...

Downloadable viewing.(Bits & Bytes)
March 1, 2005... JT2Go, a set of no-cost 3D-viewing products for companies to globally share detailed 3D product and manufacturing data using a lightweight JT format, is now downloadable to any desktop by visiting www.JT2Go.com. With JT2Go, companies establish...

Sheetmetal software.(Bits & Bytes)
March 1, 2005... SlankWorks 3.0 software gives SolidWorks users an embedded application for determining accurate 2D-blank shapes for complex 3D sheetmetal stampings. Shops gain a competitive advantage during die-tryout stages of tooling development by...

Connecting machine tools.(Bits & Bytes)
March 1, 2005... Both Embedded e-DNC Hub and e-DNC Explorer enhance machine tool communications. The e-DNC Hub device connects machine tools to local area networks (LAN) or the Internet for uploading and downloading part programs, while e-DNC Explorer software...

Software serves higher learning.(User Review)
March 1, 2005... Noted for its design curriculums, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in Preston, U.K., is exclusively running VX CAD/CAM software on 15 high-end HP computers in its new CAD-design suite. The software's design modeling with advanced...

Machine disassembly/reassembly is not design.(Law & Liability)
March 1, 2005... While John A. Brough was operating a BC-3 blow-molding machine at the Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc. bottle-processing plant in Kansas City, the machine malfunctioned and crushed his left arm. Brough filed a product-liability suit...

Denying benefits subverts law.(Law & Liability)
March 1, 2005... Juana Sandoval Palacias was injured on the job while working for Continental Pet Technologies Inc. in Georgia. She had been in the United States illegally since 1994 and worked full time for Continental for five years before her accident. She...

20/20 machine vision: more shops are taking a closer look at vision-guided robotics.(Automation Strategies)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2005... Vision-guided robots are catching the eyes of small-to-medium-size shops seeking factory-floor automation for the first time. These systems reduce costs by introducing parts to machining cells via simple conveyors that eliminate expensive...

Automating body-in-white: modular bodyshop systems automate automotive manufacturing.(Automation Strategies)
March 1, 2005... Shops know that to stay lean and mean, they must simplify and standardize their operations. But how to best achieve this? ABB Inc.'s Robotic, Automotive and Manufacturing Group, Auburn Hills, Mich., believes robotic automation is the answer....

Why wait to automate? Machine tools packing factory automation are on the shop floor in days not years.(Automation Strategies)
March 1, 2005... Whether or not a shop wins a job-contract bid often boils down to how fast a shop can integrate automation on its factory floor. Unfortunately, getting an automated machine tool can take up to a year and include another six months of setup time...

Controls make old grinders new.(Case-Books)
March 1, 2005... It was time to rebuild aging grinders at Timken's Rutherfordton, N.C., plant. Machine controls were dated, programming code was cumbersome, experienced service suppliers were few and far between, and maintaining a large inventory of spare parts...

Shop relies on bandsaw-blade performance.(Case-Books)
March 1, 2005... Production Job Services (PJS) refers to itself as 100% Starrett. That's because the Brookfield, Wis., shop runs nothing but Starrett bandsaw blades for its cut-to-order operations, and has done so since its start in 1978. About 75% of...

Shop blows through tank measuring.(Case-Books)
March 1, 2005... Kautex in Avilla, Ind., manufactures plastic fuel-tank systems, automotive clear-vision systems, blow-molded functional components, modular fluid-management systems, and fuel-filler assemblies. The company produces 1.4 million lightweight...

Shop goes printless.(Case-Books)
March 1, 2005... Middleton Machining and Welding (MMW) often takes on parts that are tough to machine and, in some cases, impossible to produce without the surfacing capabilities of CAM software. The Middleton, Wis., shop manufactures medical instrumentation,...

Waterjet machining.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Of the two JetMachining waterjet centers, the 2652 and 2626XP, the 2652 is a basic workhorse model compact enough for a small job shops. It cuts standard-size sheets of steel and aluminum. For the 2626XP, an added chiller controls thermal...

Enclosed dual-column saw.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... The C-3350NC saw features an enclosed cabinet that keeps chips and cutting fluid contained during high-speed operations and 21-in.-diameter band wheels mounted on dual columns that improve stability. Its workpiece vise is located on the...

Calibration system for rotary tables.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Optodyne's system for calibrating rotary tables and 5-axis machines' A, B, and C rotary axes reportedly provides high accuracy and consistency and reduces machine downtime. A programmable motorized turntable returns the system's...

Rough and finish in one.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Finishred end mills Fast Metal Removal (F.M.R.) design does roughing and finishing applications in the same process. They are suitable for all types of steel as well as titanium, Inconel, and high-temperature alloys. The EFSI B44 Finishred end...

Toolholding without changes.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Slim-Fit toolholders provide shrinkfit or collet-style holding without changing toolholders. They are drawbar-style holders with extra power for quick changes between collets, collet extensions, and shrinkfit extensions. Accuracy is 0.0001 in....

VMC for moldmaking.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Haas' moldmaking VM-2 VMC packs a 12,000-rpm, 40-taper spindle with an inline, direct-drive system that connects it directly to the motor. This results in less vibration, heat, and noise as compared with other drive systems. For thermal...

Economical VMC.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Compared with previous models, the VC Nexus 410A VMC's electric-power consumption during standby is 20% less, its air consumption 32% less, and waste oil is 57% less thanks to an automatic grease-lubrication system. The VC Nexus 410A has a...

Lathe motor attached to tool.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... The NL2500Y lathe features a milling motor inside a turret directly connected to milling tools. Reportedly this reduces tool-spindle-acceleration time by two-thirds and diminishes vibration and noise by half. The machine handles parts 27.7-in....

Maintain waterjet standoff height.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... The Dyanamic Contour Follower (DCF) component for abrasive-waterjet systems automatically sets and tracks stand-off distances between mixing tube tips and materials being cut. It is well-suited for job shops, metal service centers, and...

High-speed wire EDM.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Charmilles has increased the ignition voltage and tripled maximum amplitude for the generator of its Robofil 440cc wire EDM. The digital CC generator protects workpieces from electrolytic effects. The machine includes a new high-capacity...

Grinder for internal and external work.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Studer S33 1000 universal cylindrical grinders address internal and external applications on single-machine platforms. Center heights are 6.89 in. (175 mm) and between centers grinding lengths are 39.37 in. (1,000 mm). O.D. wheels measure...

VMC control options.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... For all of its VMCs, Fadal offers three standard CNC options--the Fadal 104/D digital, the GE Series 18i MB5, and Siemens Sinumerik 840D for high-speed moldmaking. Booth 3432 Fadal Machining Centers Chatsworth, Calif. fadal.com...

Control for higher performance.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... The Sinumerik 840D NCU 573.5 reportedly provides about 160% higher numerical-control performance, 300% PLC performance, and more CNC user memory combined with an integrated PLC 317-2DP. At maximum, the NCU 573.5 has 31 axes/spindles and 10...

Machinable artwork.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... As an add-on to Mastercam Mill or Router, Mastercam Art lets users create 3D sculpted images from 2D artwork. Input can range from fully developed CAD models to artwork scanned from a napkin. A suite of tools allow for easy and quick changes,...

Added functions in software.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... Additional functions to GibbsCAM 2005 CAM software include feature drilling for smart depths and clearances, profiler support for drilling, user-controlled entries and exits in contouring and pocketing, and form tool support in turning for...

Drill shape improves hole quality.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... The CoroDrill 880 uses Step Technology that provides balanced cutting force for improved productivity and hole quality. It has a shaped center-insert with four cutting edges and wiper geometry to hold tight tolerances. This tooling is...

Flute mills for deep cuts.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... ValMill V595 extended-flute end mills provide long options. Their multiple deep-cutting inserts rough and finish grooves, slots, and cavity side walls, along with other peripheral and end-milling applications. Square 90[degrees] configurations...

VMC handles long workpieces.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... The VM3 VMC is a 50-in., X-travel machine suitable for manufacturing long parts. It comes with a 40-taper, 8,000-rpm spindle and a 16-pocket, swing-arm ATC. Its Hurco Max control lets operators select the best process for a job--Hurco...

Delivering high speed.(Spotlight: Westec)
March 1, 2005... The Okuma & Howa Millac Series 44V machining center has a silent ballscrew with center cooling and an advanced hybrid lubrication system that delivers 1,417-ipm (36,000 mm/min) rapid traverse and 787-ipm (20,000 mm/min) cutting speed. An...

CNC machining and turning equipment.(AM LIT Review)
March 1, 2005... Absolute Machine Tools represents Johnford machining and turning centers, Argo Seiki drill tap centers, and You Ji vertical turning. It also has innovative preventative maintenance programs and after-sale technical service departments....

GEN2 T-A drill inserts.(AM LIT Review)
March 1, 2005... The next generation in Allied's T-A drilling systems fits all current T-A high-strength steel holders and is available in carbide and HSS grades. AM200 coating, standard on all GEN2 T-A products, allows for optimum performance. Allied...

HMC 500.(AM LIT Review)
March 1, 2005... The Kafo model HMC 500 delivers high speed, high precision, and high volume for high-quality production needs at a lower cost. The machine has a load capacity of 1,764 lb and features a 3-axis rapid-traverse rate of 945 ipm with an option to...

GibbsCAM interactive tour.(AM LIT Review)
March 1, 2005... This multimedia CD-ROM introduces you to the GibbsCAM product line and shows why GibbsCAM is your best choice for CAM software for 2-through-5-axis milling, turning, multitask machining, and wire EDM. Listen to GibbsCAM customers tell how...

Expanding collets.(AM LIT Review)
March 1, 2005... A 12-page catalog has detailed information on Rovi expanding collets for 5C, 16C, and 3J spindles and fixtures. The internal collets can hold bore diameters from 0.065 to 6 in. and up to 6-in. long. This catalog is available in a downloadable...

Small-lot turning and milling.(AM LIT Review)
March 1, 2005... Southwestern Industries' new catalog features its full line of CNCs and machines for small-lot turning and milling. It also discusses the application of CNC technology for skilled machinists who work in nonproduction quanities. (310) 608-4422,...

Arizona supplier lands multiple customers via e-marketplace: Glendale, Arizona, January 2005.(Case Study)
March 1, 2005... Action Machine, LLC, a machine shop located northwest of Phoenix, has recently secured a number of new customers as a member of the First Index Lead Generation Service. Action Machine specializes in aerospace parts, but is flexible enough to...

Grooving manually.(Practical Ideas)
March 1, 2005... I machine grooves and undercuts in bored parts on a manual mill using a standard boring head. To accomplish this, I locate the machine spindle at the bore's centerline, set X and Y as zero, and advance the grooving tool until it is 0.001 in....

Painting over part imperfections.(Practical Ideas)
March 1, 2005... My idea takes the warp out of thin plates for grinding them flat. When the warp is more than 0.001 in., I place shims under the plate. But when it's less, I use a paint marker. Paint from the marker fills-in the warped areas, acting as a...

Excavating the Panama Canal.(100 years ago in American Machinist)
March 1, 2005... The Panama Canal was the subject of an unusually large meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The meeting, which editors described in the March 9, 1905, issue, included an address by Worcester R. Warner. He had recently...

Brightening up office decor.(Retro-Spective)
March 1, 2005... The March 16, 1904, issue detailed an "alleged new and wonderful invention which will take dictation and automatically write out the matter which has been dictated." The editors were concerned that the device would do away with a particular...