Machinists and toolmakers are often confused for one another. Their expertise and job descriptions might seem similar to an outsider, but as Practical Machinist’s forum members like to point out, there is a significant difference between them.
Sarasota County, FL is home to three of the seven largest manufacturers in the Tampa Bay region, according to an annual listing by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The hidden gem of manufacturing is a growing and important element in diversifying the local economy.
SHANGHAI—The $150 million “factory of the future” that the Swiss innovator ABB announced nearly a year ago is becoming reality in this enormous city’s Pudong New Area.
Desktop Metal, the company committed to making metal 3D printing accessible to engineers and manufacturers, today announced the launch of H13 tool steel for the Studio System, the world’s first office-friendly metal 3D printing system for prototyping and low volume production.
What do you think of when you hear the word factory? Probably some huge space, with machines humming and personnel walking around with notepads in their hands.
While looking for inspiration for this column,Ilene Wolff came across a rousing magazine headline. “Why the Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award Is Important,” the TCT Magazine headline read.
For years, collet-type toolholder assembly and setup have relied on cumbersome, error-prone manual methods that waste time and money.
Manufacturers of all sizes see an uptick in productivity after adding a factory within a factory via an automated machining cell. The cells are small-scale, clearly defined production units, often for a family of similar parts or a product, and they typically include a robotic arm and one or more machine tools. These can include horizontal and vertical lathes, machining centers and grinders. The cell may also include a conveyor component.
YG-1, Vernon Hills, Illinois, has added SV-Point spade drill inserts to its product line. The inserts provide longer tool life at higher spindle speeds and feeds than conventional spade drills, according to the company.
Defeating chatter, increasing speeds and feeds, defeating pullout, and reducing cycle times hold the keys to success.