American Machinist articles from October 2005

American Machinist archives from October 2005

Software proves star performer.(casebooks)
October 1, 2005... Half way through building three sky cycles--flying motorcycles without wheels--for "The Island," a summer 2005 Dreamworks sci-fi movie thriller, special-effects company Fxperts Inc. received a revised film schedule, forcing the Sun Valley,...

Shop tracks tools and streamlines production.(casebooks)
October 1, 2005... MetalQuest Unlimited, an automated machining facility outside Hebron, Neb., not only needed to control its tooling inventory, but also wanted to gather tool-use information at point-of-use for a better understanding of tool-consumption rates...

Grinder tightens up barstock tolerances.(casebooks)
October 1, 2005... While the market for precision-ground barstock grows, suppliers are often hampered in their abilities to consistently produce the material at required tolerances. This is why Bohler-Uddeholm, a South Boston, Va., supplier of high-speed steels...

Software bridges design and manufacturing.(casebooks)
October 1, 2005... Greiner Vehicle Technology, a Germany-based designer of special transportation systems for moving large, heavy and awkward machinery via road and rail, took on the monumental task of transporting press systems, weighing as much as 300 ton, from...

Hydraulic toolholders.(Tooling & Workholding)
October 1, 2005... Tendo Hydraulic Toolholders from Schunk Inc., Morrisville, N. C., have internal pistons that force hydraulic fluid into a cavity surrounding a steel sleeve. The pressure uniformly forces the sleeve around any cutting tool shank. Different shank...

Parallel grippers.(Tooling & Workholding)
October 1, 2005... B-Series industrial parallel grippers from Robohand, a De-Sta-Co company, Madison Heights, Mich., come in three styles for handling large, heavy parts. BPW parallel grippers feature long fingers to handle large, wide parts. Its jaws are...

Modular fixtures.(Tooling & Workholding)
October 1, 2005... Dual modular-style fixtures from Royal Machine and Tool Corp., Berlin, Conn., hold two strainer valves on one fixture. The V-block design and high-tensile adjustable chain of dual modular fixtures hold a variety of irregular-shaped parts. These...

U.S. cutting tool institute billings index.(Tooling & Workholding)
October 1, 2005... Index for June '04--May '05 June $150,760,547 141.2% July $136,045,837 126.8% Augu $151,299,780 142.9% September $143,973,615 135.1% October $150,843,626 137.9% November ...

Lifting magnets.(Accessories)
October 1, 2005... Ez-Lift magnets from Earth-Chain USA, Indianapolis, come in five sizes and are rated up to 4,400 lb. Made from rare-earth neodymium iron boron, these magnets need no electricity to operate. Ez-Lift magnets are for use with ferrous metals and...

Toolholder balancer.(Accessories)
October 1, 2005... For use with any rotary-transfer machine from Hydromat Inc., St. Louis, the Harmonic 200 toolholder balancer adds two eccentric rings or removes imperfections to reduce or offset imbalance to make any company toolholder dynamically stable. ...

Common themes from the manufacturers at EMO 2005.(from the editor)
October 1, 2005... Attendance at the EMO 2005 trade show in Hanover, Germany, that ended on September 21, totaled more than 160,000 visitors. Visitors came from 82 countries and the nearly 2,000 exhibitors came from 39 countries to see and to display machine...

China progress?(government matters)
October 1, 2005... I have been asked why I write about China so often. I do it for the same reason Willie Sutton robbed banks--"that's where the money is." That's certainly the case regarding manufacturing. Starting with almost nothing in the 1980s, China has...

Open for business: those outside the engineering team must access critical design data for making sound business decisions.(integrated software)
October 1, 2005... People and systems outside design teams need access to design data. Without it, companies can't effectively respond to fast-changing business conditions, so most product-lifecycle-management strategies are shifting away from typical...

No claim for job-test injury.(law & liability)
October 1, 2005... In 1987, Gatha Blankenship began working for American Ordnance Systems LLS in Milan, Tenn., where she assembled bullets. In February 2002, Blankenship was temporarily laid off due to a decrease in business. While she was on layoff status,...

Put U.S. manufacturing back on track.(reader mail)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... After reading the July supplement to "American Machinist," "The State of American Manufacturing," I say let's take foreign competition head on. We need to stop complaining, and to redirect that energy into process improvements and re-educating...

Cashing in on complexity: production shops survive off-shore competition running complicated parts on multispindle machines.(multispindles)(Cover Story)
October 1, 2005... Losing work to overseas suppliers has spelled disaster for many U.S. production shops, but it has also spawned survival strategies for others. Successful shops realize that most of the lost work is high-volume simple-to-machine parts. So they,...

Turning centers incorporate spindles and turrets.(SPOTLIGHT: MULTISPINDLE MACHINES)
October 1, 2005... In addition to equal-capacity opposing spindles, Daewoo Puma TT-series high-performance turning centers from Doosan Infracore America Corp. feature upper and lower turrets and high-speed, wraparound rectangular guideways. Y-axis motion and...

Lathe cross machines.(SPOTLIGHT: MULTISPINDLE MACHINES)
October 1, 2005... The Type VII model of Cincom L-720 Swiss-type lathes by Marubeni Citizen-Cincom Inc. features three cross spindles for cross machining. These spindles can also do end-face drilling by rotating holders 90 degrees. L-720s incorporate Mitsubishi...

Multispindles eliminate secondaries.(SPOTLIGHT: MULTISPINDLE MACHINES)
October 1, 2005... As a multispindle machine, the Multideco 32/6c by Tornos machines complex parts using five tools that can perform back operations and reduce secondary machining operations. An automatic manipulator reduces part impact, and an automated...

Machine tackles complex parts.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Reportedly efficient in producing aircraft, construction and large, difficult-to-machine parts with complex configurations, the MacTurn550 from Okuma America Corp. packs accuracy and rigidity, particularly on its B-axis. The MacTurn 550 turns,...

Spindle aids VMC rigidity.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... The core-cooled spindle technology of the Makino V33 VMC for die/mold work contributes to machine rigidity and low spindle vibration at high speeds for deep, fast cutting without tool breakage. Using a 30,000-rpm spindle, a V33 milled 43 43...

VMCs tackle mixed-volume jobs.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Romi Machine Tools' D Series VMCs handle mixed-volume, short-run operations and dedicated high-volume applications. One machine, the D 1250, combines performance and large machining capacity within a compact 113 9-ft footprint, 503 243 25.2-in....

Wire EDM sports low head.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... As a replacement for the Robofil 240 wire EDM, Charmilles' Robofil 240SL highlights a lower head. This head, coupled with symmetrical XY and UV tables, lets the machine handle taper angles up to 30[degrees] to full part height, and there is a...

Variable edges on one tool.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Conicity Technologies' IXM-50 edge-honing system features a variable-edge-preparation function that generates different-sized edges on one tool. In addition, the system's software correctly controls the uniformity of precise edges on tools. The...

Fluid performs like straight oil.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Cimcool Quantalube 270 XL grinding fluid from Milacron Inc. reportedly performs similarly to straight oils but without the associated problems. Compared with soluble oils or synthetics, this fluid extends wheel life four-fold and reportedly...

Process improves grinding wheels.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Norton BCG Vortex centerless grinding wheels by Saint-Gobain Abrasives incorporate a technology that improves porous structure and abrasive spacing. Unlike other porous vitrified-wheel technologies, the one used for the Vortex wheels did not...

Reamers leave workpieces undamaged.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Valenite LLC Modco padded/indexable-style (PI) reamers feature a clamping configuration that keeps their locking screws out of chip slots to minimize marring work surfaces or damaging tools by restricting chip evacuation. PI reamers finish 5.9...

Tap extensions reach difficult areas.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... The Walton Co.'s Style B tap extensions machine and hand tap in hard-to-reach places. Each extension fits an individual tap size, and square or round sockets conform to manufacturers' standards. These alloy steel tools are heat-treated for...

Collet chucks improve throughput.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... The sizes of ProDyne fixed-length collet chucks from Lexair Inc. let machines run at high spindle speeds for improving throughput. The small sizes also eliminate almost all tool interference problems, and the chucks' fixed lengths mean no...

Coolant inhibits microbial growth.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... While providing corrosion control, rust protection and lubricity, Shur Cool 4055 heavy-duty semisynthetic coolant from T&L Specialty Co. also naturally inhibits microbial growth. This eliminates the need for tankside biocide systems and their...

Tapes protect composites.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Scapa 572 and 573 from Scapa North America are two conformable polyester films coated with silicone adhesive that prevent liquid composite materials from leaking, especially on metal and plastic composites during molding. The polyester carrier...

System removes fines from grinding fluids.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... The Turbo-Separator T22/RCS filtration system by Sanborn Technologies removes fine micron particles as it recycles grinding and polishing fluids. The system's centrifuge has a 40-gpm process rate and 22-lb solids-removal capacity rate. It...

Motion control for CNC machines.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... The MN400 is a dual-processor motion controller by MicroKinetics Corp. that can be used with CNC machines, robotics and scientific instruments. This controller uses continuous-contouring algorithms that minimize deceleration/stop/acceleration...

Measure vibrating parts.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Multiface polygonal mirrors and high-speed motors make it possible for Mitutoyo America Corp. LSM-544 Series laser-scan micrometers to operate up to 1,600 scans per second. This is ideal for measuring vibrating workpieces or items moving on a...

Whirling machine tackles A-typical screws.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Leistritz Thommen's PW-190L whirling machine sports a torque motor system that eliminates belt drives and gear boxes that typically improve the power curve with standard asynchronous AC motors. This system delivers 4,500 rpm, which reportedly...

2D and 3D laser cutting.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Domino HS 1530 multi-axis, high-speed laser systems from Prima Laser Tools provide 2D and 3D laser cutting. They cut flat and shaped parts, and bevel cut. The machines' positioning accuracy and repeatability is 0.001 in. with combined...

Three-axis control spotlight of grinder.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... The FGP-608LM grinder from Chevalier Machinery Inc. features linear motor drives, 3-axis closed-loop electronic control and structural stability to handle up to 2 G acceleration/deceleration. This machine has a 63 8-in. work area and a spindle...

Grinder handles spiral tools.(new equipment)
October 1, 2005... Gebr. Saacke GmbH & Co.'s UW I C universal tool and cutter grinder features one workhead and a two-axis CNC with an integrated user interface for working with cylindrical and conical spiral tools, axial and radial-relieved tools, drill points,...

Another auto-feed drilling idea.(practical ideas)
October 1, 2005... I drill on a lathe using a special auto-feed method that produces better accuracies and surface finishes as compared with manually feeding drills. The results are often comparable to those of reamed holes. First, I position the lathe's...

Running in reverse silences chatter.(practical ideas)
October 1, 2005... Cutting grooves on a manual lathe often produces chatter that transfers into workpieces and causes poor surface finishes. And the larger the groove, the more chatter. I initially tried adjusting speeds and feeds and the cutting tool's...

Some things never change ...(50 years ago in AMERICAN MACHINIST)
October 1, 2005... AM editors reported in the October 24 issue that the National Security Council had shelved a plan for an 18-month mobilization buildup in case of war. Seems the government decided that the advent of nuclear weapons made another prolonged world...

... While changing things is sometimes good ...(50 years ago in AMERICAN MACHINIST)
October 1, 2005... In August 1955, Hurricane Diane made landfall in North Carolina, just one week after Hurricane Connie hit the Mid-Atlantic states. The resulting flooding left over $800 million in damage (about $5 billion in today's dollars), including...

... Yet change can be disconcerting.(50 years ago in American Machinist)
October 1, 2005... The Patman Subcommittee of the Joint Committee of the Economic Report was to convene in chambers on October 14 to launch a fact-finding study on the effect automation would have on employment. Capital Hill launched the "Automation Hearings." On...

Product data available in visual format: visualization technologies are inexpensive, easy-to-use tools for communication.(integrated software systems)
October 1, 2005... To get information flowing among its departments and customers for requests for quotes (RFQs), Apex Design Technology upgraded visualization software and integrated it with the shop management software already in use. Apex Design is a...

Marrying product and process design: digital manufacturing, a critical element of PLM, ensures that shops stay competitive and profitable.(software systems)
October 1, 2005... With digital manufacturing, shops take advantage of advances in manufacturing-process-simulation technologies to develop manufacturing processes in collaboration with product design. Developing manufacturing processes early in the...

Inspection tool learns textures.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... The texture-inspection mode on the PC Eyebot inspection tool from Sightech Vision Systems Inc, San Jose, Calif., lets the device learn and store patterns or texture features. These learned features consist of edges or simple shapes that...

July tool consumption dips slightly.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... The U.S. Machine Tool Consumption report from American Machine Tool Distributors Association (AMTDA) and AMT--The Association for Manufacturing Technology, shows July U.S. machine tool consumption decreased 4.1 percent from June figures, but up...

Mazak event to touch the future.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... Mazak Corp., Florence, Ky., will hold its largest North American industry event Nov. 8-10. Touch the Future 2006 will feature 40 Mazak machine tools and production technologies at work, including the Nexus VCN-510C/50 vertical machining center...

More funding for material production process.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... The U.S. Air Force has awarded a research grant to a New York state company to further develop a process that makes nanostructured material for military use. High velocity deformation (HVD) technology by NanoDynamics, Buffalo, according to...

Spanish machine tool producers to merge.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... Two Spanish machine tool manufacturers are merging--Nicolas Correa, S.A., Burgos, and Industrias Anayak S.A. of Deba--both of which make milling machines. Industrias Anayak also produces vertical and horizontal machining centers. The companies...

Equipment updates for community college.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... Combining a $216,500 Duke Power Community College grant with $100,000 of its own money, Isothermal Community College, Spindale, N.C., has purchased machine tools for improving its machining-technology programs. According to instructor Scott...

FeatureCAM 2006 available.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... FeatureCAM Version 2006 has been released under a new company name, Delcam USA. England-based Delcam acquired FeatureCAM's developer earlier this year. A networked databases option allows users to share databases for tooling, and for feeds...

Ford boosting hybrid production.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... Ford Motor Co. Chairman and CEO Bill Ford, in a recent employee meeting, unveiled a plan to produce 250,000 hybrid vehicles annually by 2010. The event was held at Ford's Scientific Research Laboratory. The auto manufacturer plans to have...

Hybrid drive development alliance formed.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... The BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler AG and General Motors Corp. are forming an alliance to accelerate development of two-mode hybrid drive systems. With two-mode hybrid technology, the alliance reports, vehicles in city driving and stop-and-go...

GE/Rolls-Royce venture gets engine contract.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... The Fighter Engine Team joint venture between GE Transportation--Aircraft Engines and Rolls-Royce will develop the engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The F-35 is the next-generation stealth aircraft in development to...

NTMA creates website to help shops damaged by Katrina.(technology trends)
October 1, 2005... The National Tooling and Machining Assoc. (NTMA), Ft. Washington, Md., has provided a website for member companies damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The site aims to help them locate job shops for outsourcing work. Other NTMA members posted...