Shop Talk Magazine

Aerospace machining takes off
The increasing use of composites and triple nickel titanium are driving the way commercial, military and weapons aviation parts are being machined.

Modern aviation is pushing material limits with new carbon fiber surfaces and a frame made of lighter, tougher materials. But with these advances comes a challenge for cutting tools and machining systems to handle the demands brought on by these advanced...

Cutting Edge
The future of machining centers and what's best in cutting technology

What is metal cutting?
Every shop cuts metal, either by sawing it (the simplest way) or using laser, oxyfuel, plasma arc or abrasive jet to cut large volumes and meet tighter specifications. But shops also use lathes, mills, machining...

Extracting Features from CAD

The CAD Extract Feature option can be found at the bottom of the system page. It allows you to access a CAD model and extract features from it, as well as its nominal information.
This description assumes that you have a CAD model.

To access...

Marketplace Moves: Becoming a niche expert and marketing your niche
The following is Part 3 of a four-part series on "Defining your Niche."

In Part 2 we talked about using a four-step process to define a niche. Now you need to become an expert in your defined niche or niches. Here are some things you need to know to get started.

Knowing your customers
It's important...

Threading with G76 Cycle - Details

In the June issue of Shop Talk, this column covered the basics of threading on CNC lathes, using the G76 multiple repetitive cycle. When a program containing G76 cycle reaches the CNC operator, all the threading data is contained in two blocks. Older...

Clamping thin wall aluminum

Due to its properties, thin wall aluminum can be problematic to hold during a machining operation. Too much clamping pressure and the workpiece distorts, not enough and the workpiece slips.

Certainly slippage is unacceptable, but in precision...

Excel produces gear boxes for the Navy's advanced gun systems

Excel Gear Inc. of Roscoe, Ill., transitioned from the prototype to the production stage on the first order of its 36:1 ratio gear boxes, specifically designed to assist positioning of the 78-ton gun turrets utilized in the Advanced Gun System (AGS)...

Diversifying in Kokomo, Ind.

We've been talking a lot about diversification this year - and we're not the only ones thinking about it. Click here to read a story from...

Tips on precision: Measuring with hand tools

Developments in precision measuring have made modern hand tools more accurate and easier to read. Reviewing basic tips for how to use precision instruments can help operators use the tools to their full potential and ultimately save time, reduce errors...

Geometric introduces CAMWorks 2009

Geometric Technologies Inc. announced the release of CAMWorks 2009, the latest version of its solid-based CNC programming solution.

This new release has more than 100 user-driven features and enhancements, to enable users to program parts faster...

Kurt introduces workholding kits for trunion fixture rotary tables

Add clamping stations and increase vertical machining center productivity with Kurt's new workholding kits for trunion fixture rotary tables. These kits include a 4-sided column with 8 clamping stations that provide repeatable precision clamping to 0.0002".

Using...

BIG Kaiser expands Speroni Tool presetter service offerings

BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc. is minimizing the need for emergency on-site visits by expanding its tool presetter service offerings. The expanded program includes Speroni Online Service Management, Presetter Calibration Checks and Speroni Preventative...

IDEAL TKO carbide tipped hole cutters feature smoothstart pilot

IDEAL Industries Inc., announced expansion of its market-leading cutting supplies with the new TKO line of carbide tipped hole cutters. An alternative to knockouts or bi-metal hole saws, the TKO incorporates the SmoothStart pilot drill that guides the...

New Beyond grade KCS10 with mp geometry

Beyond introduced KCS10, a new grade in MP (Medium Positive) geometry with the capability of improving titanium turning up to 50 percent while improving surface finish results and extending tool life.

KCS10 features an MP geometry that has shown...

July 20-24, 2009
25th Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference

Louisville, Ky.

www.cmsc.org

Aug. 17-19, 2009
AMMO Expo 2009

Las Vegas, Nev.

www.ammoexpo09.com

Aug. 18-20, 2009
Lean to Green

Austin, Texas

www.sme.org/l2g

Sept.13-15, 2009
AMBA Fall Conference

Washington, D.C.

www.amba.org

Sept. 16, 2009
Tyrolit External Webinar: FOCUR - Foundry Grinding

www.tyrolit.com