Modern Applications News articles from April 2002

Modern Applications News archives from April 2002

Why it pays to switch from ISO-style to concept milling cutters. (Management Perspective).
April 1, 2002... This is the next article in a series of discussions with leaders in the metalworking industry, during which they share their insights and observations with Modern Applications News and our readers. Modern Applications News: Just what is a...

Robotic welding system solves challenging hardfacing task. (Welding/Brazing/Soldering).
April 1, 2002... A robotic welding approach to hardfacing, providing more bite to the bark, allows Morbark to address the root of its consumable parts challenge and save $40,000 in six months. Producing commercial forestry equipment capable of turning whole...

Matching equipment to markets builds niche welding business: Wineries and high-tech businesses have provided a California welding contractor with profitable niche markets. (Welding/Brazing/Soldering).
April 1, 2002... Starting with a $9,000 loan, a commitment to high quality work and a chance meeting, Tony Pratt now has a growing welding operation that serves the West Coast winery and fiber optic markets. "My company blossomed from one little job: fixing...

Choosing and using nonwoven abrasives for better finishing. (Abrasives/Grinding).
April 1, 2002... The basic nonwoven design lends itself to a variety of product types that have been developed to meet a range of needs for metalworking and finishing. Abrasive products used for finishing metal and nonmetallic workpieces in the production...

Pump/separator for coolant management viewed as production enhancement tool. (Coolants/Lubricants/Filters).
April 1, 2002... Clean coolant can produce benefits well beyond the traditional "environmental" issues, especially with large sumps and high-pressure systems. The elimination of "Monday morning odor," reducing coolant waste, and improving in-shop working...

Quick-change colors come to powder coating: The ability of a powder coating system to quickly change colors marks a new shift for the technology and provides a major furniture manufacturer a significant production enhancement. (Coatings/Finishing).
April 1, 2002... Ralph Richards has seen a vast transformation in the 22 years he has spent in the powder coating industry. "It has changed dramatically in terms of advancements in the powder coatings and the equipment," says Richards, a regional manager...

Building a bus better. (Cover Story).
April 1, 2002... Virtually any new product can present a host of development problems when moving from design idea to initial finished product. When the product involved is an entirely new design for a bus, the problems can be seemingly insurmountable. ...

Strict dust and noise control are priorities for prototype shop. (Shop Environment/Safety).
April 1, 2002... This dust collection system not only satisfies requirements for collection efficiency, but also meets stringent specifications for noise levels in a clean, worker-friendly environment. To maintain a clean and pleasing environment on the...

Auxiliary equipment: The final word on fork trucks; Over the past number of months, we've addressed the importance of PM for auxiliary equipment. In this column, we'll finish our discussion on fork trucks. (Mike Breen on Preventive Maintenance).
April 1, 2002... Couplings On gas or electric fork trucks, the motor is directly tied to a shaft that fits into a differential on the drive axial. The motor, drive shaft, and drive axial are connected to each other with a coupling. Due to the torque...

Full five-axis control for complex surface machining. (New Products).
April 1, 2002... Integrating multiple machining processes in a single setup, the new Variaxis 500 VMC with tilt and rotary table offers high flexibility with full 5-axis machining capability to produce 3-D or multiple-faced parts in one setup. Full 5-axis...

Welding helmet 'Nests' into hard hats. (New Products).
April 1, 2002... The Speedglas [R] ProTop combination hard hat, welding helmet, and auto-darkening lens system is especially designed for welders working in areas with overhead hazards, such as cranes, protruding beams, and moving machinery. The key to the...

Precision CNC cylindrical grinders. (New Products).
April 1, 2002... Two new series CNC cylindrical grinding machines from Supertec Machinery, Inc. are universal and angular machines featuring Fanuc or PC-based controls; 8", 12.6" or 15" swing with 20" -- 40" distance between centers, a semi-enclosed guard or a...