Manufacturing Engineering: January 2020
The January 2020 edition of Manufacturing Engineering is available as a digital magazine. Links to individual articles are below.
Two Roads to Toolpath Evolution
January 2, 2020
The evolution of toolpath development has taken two routes, according to Ben Mund, senior market analyst for CNC Software Inc., Tolland, Conn.
By Ed Sinkora
Contributing Editor,
SME Media
Taking Stainless Steel Machining to the Next Level
January 3, 2020
Stainless steel is far from an unknown quantity in machine shops. Yet, particularly in automotive and aerospace applications, tools and cutting methods continually evolve to optimize output—particularly as parts get more complex.
By Geoff Giordano
Contributing Editor,
SME Media
What Makes the Cut in Heavy-Duty Turning?
January 7, 2020
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that turning large metal parts—like 10,000-lb (4,536 kg) work rolls, for example—is no different than turning smaller parts.
Hang On Tight
January 5, 2020
Smart chucks and zero-point locating systems, quick-change vises and modular workholding are good examples of advanced workholding systems, but you might be thinking, “Who needs it? Give me a 6" machinist’s vise, a three-jaw power chuck, some toe straps and a few T-nuts and I’ll make whatever parts you send my way.”
Servopress 101: A Basic Guide
January 8, 2020
Servomechanisms are at the heart of 21st century automation. The basic elements are a servomotor; a device to convert rotary motion into linear motion; a suite of sensors to provide the required feedback; a controller to convert feedback data into command signals; and enabling software.
Shop Solutions
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Machining & Metal CuttingCutting-Edge Machine Tools and CAM Software Help Job Shop Reduce Cycle Time by 50 Percent
January 9, 2020Founded in 1984, Arundel Machine Tool Co. Inc., Arundel, Maine, has evolved into a major CNC manufacturer of precision-machined components based in New England. -
Welding & Cutting
Switch to Metal-Cored Wire Improves Efficiency, Quality for Chain Manufacturer
January 10, 2020As part of its continued drive for improvement and innovation, Webster Industries recently converted from solid wire to metal-cored wire in its robotic, fixed automation and semi-automatic welding operations.
Upfront
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Expert Opinion
Walking the Talk on Workforce Development
January 2, 2020When we talk about the skills gap, it sounds like one monolithic issue. In reality, it’s thousands of individual issues; every U.S. manufacturing company, each with unique needs and issues, must solve the riddle of attracting and retaining new talent.
Advanced Manufacturing Now
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Expert Opinion
Autodesk University Rocks Out in Las Vegas
January 3, 2020Autodesk University in Las Vegas is like a party. But I’ve never left a party so inspired. Often, parties leave you exhausted and looking forward to a bit of rest—the same way an industry conference might leave you feeling after you return home.
SME Speaks
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SME Speaks
Reaching, Imagining and Making the Unmakeable
January 6, 2020Every journey into manufacturing is different. Mine started more than 30 years ago and has taken many paths; these collective experiences led me down the path that allowed me to become SME’s 88th president.
Workforce Pipeline
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Expert Opinion
Who Should Lead Automation-Driven Changes?
January 7, 2020In recent decades, lean management and Six Sigma have revolutionized global productivity efficiency and quality. And new waves of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, 3D printing, cloud manufacturing, and robotic will no doubt take productivity and efficiency to unprecedented levels.
Viewpoints
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Expert Opinion
Single Spindle or Multi-Spindle Machines?
January 9, 2020Comparing the cost and ROI of one machine type versus another makes me think of compelling scenes from films such as “Good Will Hunting,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “Hidden Figures,” in which the main character fills up a chalk board with the divine language of math.
Software Update
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Software
Digital Thread Critical to Leveraging Metrology
January 8, 2020One is developing and maintaining an efficient metrology strategy across the manufacturing enterprise, including hardware and software compatibility. Quality managers are asking themselves; how do we manage all our different devices and the software that runs them?
