June 2008 Edition
IMTS COUNTDOWN
Counting down to IMTS - Part I
This begins a three-part preview of the International Manufacturing Technology Show, 2008, taking place in Chicago from September 8 to 13
VERTICAL MACHINING CENTERS
Stringing Along Energy Development
Pipe strings down oil well bores have to be stabilized with collars cut from huge forgings. A manufacturer of the stabilizers incorporated new machines to do the job.
CAD/CAM
The Right Software Led to Shop Success
After striking out on his own, a shop entrepreneur found a CAD/CAM package that saved him time and money, as well as solving “impossible” problems
MEASUREMENT/INSPECTION
The Proof is in the Plastic
Three-dimensional printing technology translated scans of the space shuttle tiles for safety evaluation. The same technology allows proof of concept before metal is machined.
CUTTING TOOLS
Carbide to the Rescue
A carbide end mill that finished the job in two hours, instead of three-and-a half days, ended a backlog for an oil industry manufacturer
WELDING
The Rule of Ones
Implementing Lean Manufacturing concepts and standardizing welding processes let a shop decrease downtime and quality variance
SWISS TURNING
A Swiss Turning Center Turns Problems into Profits
Minimizing turning operations between centers was the goal and a new Swiss turning center met it
DEPARTMENTS
Editor's Corner
Isn’t it about time to drop our gender blinders about which sex belongs in the shop?
Industry News
NexTECH
What's on the Cutting Edge of Technology
From the Shop Floor
Dealing with complex cuts in a tricky alloy – part two
Leonardo’s Notebook
Eggs and chickens, something must come first
Controlling Interest
Simulation software and new technologies
Spotlight: Deburring and Finishing
New Products
The Last Word
Cutting the “fat” from business can mean freeing money for investment or new business mining