Machine Tools Reference Materials
Reference Articles 1 - 99 of 99
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Splitting an Alumina Ceramic Ring Into Two: When the Entire Cutting Allowance Is 0.4 mm
From: Vimfun Diamond Wire SawDescription: A detailed technical case study on precision diamond wire cutting of an alumina ceramic ring, where a single cut must produce two concentric rings with a total tolerance budget of 0.4 mm. The article ...
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How to Eliminate Chipping When Cutting Germanium Optics
From: Vimfun Diamond Wire SawDescription: This technical case study addresses precision cutting of germanium optics for augmented reality lens applications, focusing on eliminating edge chipping and forming precise rounded corners. The ...
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Can Air Bearing Table Stiffness and Load Capacity Be Optimized Simultaneously in Precision Inspection?
Description: This article examines the fundamental stiffness-load trade-off in air bearing tables used for precision metrology and semiconductor inspection. It explains how the compressible air film that enables ...
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How Does Cutting Accuracy Affect PU Insulation Performance?
From: Vimfun Diamond Wire SawDescription: For modern insulation panels, cutting quality directly influences panel fit, bonding performance, and thermal efficiency. This article explains how endless diamond wire cutting produces cleaner ...
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How to Cut Complex Optical Wedges Without Losing Precision
From: Vimfun Diamond Wire SawDescription: Producing complex optical wedge geometries requires precise angle control, excellent surface quality, and minimal material loss. This case study demonstrates how a cylindrical optical glass blank was ...
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Why Endless Wire Saws Are Replacing Reciprocating Systems
From: Vimfun Diamond Wire SawDescription: Explore how continuous-loop diamond wire technology improves cutting speed, surface quality, tool life, and material yield when machining hard and brittle materials. ...
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When Precision Cutting Meets Unexpected Material Behavior
From: Vimfun Diamond Wire SawDescription: A real-world SiC cutting test reveals how material hardness and wire deflection can dramatically impact machining accuracy. ...
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Semiconductor Process: From Design to Wafer
Description: Comprehensive guide covering circuit design, photomask fabrication, lithography, etching, deposition, CMP, electrode formation, and wafer inspection for high-precision semiconductor manufacturing. ...
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Innovative Ways of Using a Single Flute End Mill on A CNC Machine - Drilling - Boring
From: APSX, LLCDescription: Single flute end mills, with their unique design and benefits, are a preferred choice for machining aluminum due to their efficiency in chip removal and reduced cutting forces. ...
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Understanding the Role of Tolerances in Product Design and Machining
From: APSX, LLCDescription: In the complex world of manufacturing, precision and accuracy are paramount. Tolerances play a crucial role in ensuring that parts fit together correctly and function as intended. ...
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5 Tips for Swiss CNC Lathe Operators
From: APSX, LLCDescription: Running a Swiss-type isn't the same as running a traditional lathe. Here are a few tips for Swiss CNC operators. ...
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Quality Standards in Tube Fabrication
From: Sharpe ProductsDescription: In the complex world of custom tube bending and tube laser cutting, precision and quality are not just aspirations but absolute necessities. As an ISO 9001:2015 company, quality is our primary focus. ...
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Simulation for Tube Bending, Tube Lasering
From: Sharpe ProductsDescription: One part of estimating the costs involved for a custom tube bending or tube lasering project involves simulating the machining process to determine cost, timing and resources needed to correctly meet ...
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Improving Quality with Bend Measurement Tools
From: Sharpe ProductsDescription: Tube inspection technology provides increased accuracy and consistency, offering real-time diagnostics that give visibility to micro- and macro-data needed for quality control and verification. With ...
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Multi-Radius Tube Bending
From: Sharpe ProductsDescription: Multi-radius tube bending is used to create parts with two or more center line radii in one complete cycle. This allows complex shapes to be completely formed without removing or resetting the tube or ...
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7 Habits of Highly Effective Nesting Software Programmers
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Material costs remain a fabricator's largest expense, especially these days, and better utilizing that material has a direct impact on a company's net earnings. The better a fabricator utilizes ...
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Smoking Fast
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Metal fabricator adopts Hypertherm Powermax SYNC plasma cutting technology to offset smoker production rates. ...
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Hinges and Hardware 101 - What are the Parts of a Catch and Strike Set
From: H.A. Guden Co., Inc.Description: What are the parts that make up a Catch and Strike set? Sometimes also referred to as Draw Pull Catches, they're comprised of A - The main catch part, B -The strike part and C - the loop that is ...
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Green Manufacturing
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Several leading equipment manufacturers share the impact that sustainable initiatives are having on their businesses and the planet ...
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Motion Control on your Plasma Table
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Understanding what is required of a high-precision table can help determine the right investment for your shop. ...
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More Process Knowledge, Better Robotic Plasma Cutting
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: How plasma cutting fundamentals carry over to complex, multi-axis shapes. ...
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Newfound Advantages
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: A Canada-Based Fabrication Shop Adopts Plasma Cutting Technology and Advanced Nesting Software. ...
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The (State of the) Art of Plasma Cutting
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Artist Rae Ripple's common denominator in her metalworking, whether for art, water lines, signage or vehicles, is the need to cut sheet metal. This includes a variety of virgin metal alloys, as well ...
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What Is A Straight Side Press?
From: Savage Engineering, Inc.Description: Known for their superior guidance, strength, and sturdy construction, straight-side presses, slab-sided presses, gib-guided hydraulic press, and straight side presses with pre-stressed housings are ...
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Gearhead uses Plasma Technology, Software to Restore Hot Rods, Antique Cars
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Wayne McDaniel has dreamed of owning a hot rod shop for as long as he can remember, and this automotive enthusiast has spent decades methodically inching toward this goal. As time goes on he invests ...
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Plasma's Role in Shipbuilding Operational Excellence
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: The current business climate is forcing shipbuilders to address operational inefficiency impacting everything from worker safety, build quality, delivery schedules, and costs while also considering ...
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Making a Metal Fabricator Proud
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: As Brixius Manufacturing celebrates 76 years in business-the pandemic kind of put a damper on any possible 75th anniversary celebration-the small family company is figuring out how the third ...
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Mechanized Plasma Cutting Four Ways
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Used commercially since the 1960s, the plasma cutting process with its flexibility lends itself well to many applications and capabilities. Motion-control devices such as CNC cutting machines, punch ...
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Top 5 Reasons to Use a Quick Release Device in Your Project
From: VlierDescription: If your product design requires precise alignment for positive locking, and a nail, screw or pin won't suffice-you could benefit from a spring-loaded device. More specifically, a quick release device ...
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Plasma Arc Gouging Gains Ground
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: The popularity of plasma arc gouging has grown recently as a potential replacement for carbon arc gouging. The main drivers for this technology shift are the environmental benefits and improved ...
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THK's Support Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
From: THK America, Inc.Description: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been critical to maintain an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help mitigate the spread of the virus and keep people safe. To keep up with ...
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4 Post Hydraulic Press for Compression Molding, Drawing, Deep Drawing, and More
From: Savage Engineering, Inc.Description: A 4-column press (commonly known as a 4-post press) is a vertical, up-acting or down-acting hydraulic press, with a guided platen powered by a hydraulic cylinder(s). The platen is fitted with bronze ...
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C-Frame Hydraulic Press for Forming, Assembly, Molding, and More
From: Savage Engineering, Inc.Description: The Gap Frame Press, also known as a C-Frame, is easily distinguished by its unique frame design that creates a "C" around the bed bolster. C-Frame hydraulic presses can be preferred for their ...
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Cutting in 3D
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Automating plasma cutting in a 3D space requires everyone involved to be at the top of their game. Learn about this innovative solution from Arc Specialties, Kuka Robotics, and Hypertherm's ...
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Could You Do More with Your Plasma Cutting System
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Today's plasma systems have become highly portable and versatile tools that not only cut metal, but also offer precision gouging and marking. ...
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Material Utilization in Metal Fabrication
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Regardless of where your business is in its growth journey, you probably know how important material utilization is. You also know about the numerous barriers to improvement, like unpredictable ...
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Screw Jack & ComDRIVE Maintenance
From: Joyce/Dayton Corp.Description: Removing and replacing the input worm shaft is simple. Watch as our engineer walks through the procedure. ...
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Built to Last - An Oregon Company Performs 3-D Pipe Cutting with Precision and Speed for a Dream Project
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: t's the famous line from Field of Dreams, the 1989 Kevin Costner movie that is often misquoted as "if you build it, they will come." The line may as well be the slogan for Oregon's Fought & Co. Since ...
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Metal Tech DIY: Why Every Enthusiast Should Have a Plasma Cutter
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Restoring classic vehicles has vastly changed over the years. Rusted hulks that wouldn't get a second look are now being restored. Many need over 70-percent of the body panels replaced. While some ...
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The Case for Software Subscriptions in Your Shop
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Subscription software services have made their way into the fabricating and manufacturing industries, including many commonly used programs related to ERP, CAD, CAM and even nesting. Users, for the ...
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Why Every Enthusiast Should Have a Plasma Cutter
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Plasma equipment manufacturers have made it easier for the DIY'er by building products that are better and more compact, some are about the size of a small suitcase. These systems are easy to set up, ...
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Planning a Winning Industrial Product Launch Podcast on Spotify (Podcast)
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: In this 45 minute podcast, Anibal Sepulveda of Hypertherm joins Matt and MJ to talk about product launches. In the pod, Anibal goes over the planning timeline, how they divvy up marketing manpower to ...
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Manage Your Compressed Air Costs
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Business owners already know they need to keep an eye on the bottom line, but some overhead expenses become routine and, ultimately, just accepted. That's what happened at Hypertherm. The manufacturer ...
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How Metal Fabricators Can Achieve Plasma-cut Edge Perfection
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Pair a high-quality plasma power supply with the right cutting table or system and it is possible to cut parts with smooth edges and little to no angularity. Still, fabricators are bound to encounter ...
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Troubleshooting Cut Quality Problems
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: A look at how to deal with dross, dimensional inaccuracy, interrupted cuts, and hole quality issues in plasma cutting. ...
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Stainless Steel Jacks vs. the Elements
From: Joyce/Dayton Corp.Description: Advantages of using stainless steel jacks for corrosive- and wet-environment applications have long been in the forefront on systems designed for the packaging industry, paper mills, and other rugged ...
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Achieve Plasma-cut Edge Perfection
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Time tested tips for optimal results on a plasma table. ...
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Double Edge Track: Guaranteed Parallelism for Linear Systems
Description: Modern Linear Double Edge Track offers a variety of benefits for a wide array of applications. Compared to single edge track, double track offers many advantages. ...
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Maximize Yield and Drastically Reduce Scrap
From: Hymark/Kentucky GaugeDescription: How can Kentucky Gauge improve my production? This is a question that gets asked repeatedly by our customers. The answer is quite simple: ...
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THK Manufacturing of America Stays on Top with Kentucky Gauge
From: Hymark/Kentucky GaugeDescription: Linear motion guides and rails are used everywhere - gantry robots, overhead transport systems, linear stages, machine tools, robot transport units, and many other system. Too many to list. The ...
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Risk Mitigation in Hand Soldering
From: MetcalDescription: Soldering is the bonding of metallic surfaces via an intermetallic compound (IMC). The interaction between thermal energy delivery, flux chemistry, and solder chemistry creates the solder bond or ...
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The Evolution of Cleaning Methods in PCB Rework
From: MetcalDescription: The rework process has long consisted of three steps: removal of the inoperative component, cleaning of residual solder from the ball grid assembly (BGA) pads which held the component in place, and ...
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Cutting 3D with a plasma table
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Cutting software and hardware configuration options have expanded substantially in the past few years so that it is now feasible to cut domed and other 3D parts on a plasma table, provided you have ...
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Cold Forming 101: Understanding the Process
From: Grob, Inc.Description: Cold Forming 101: Understanding the Process The Cold Forming Process ...
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Selecting Plasma Cutting Consumables
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Jim Colt shares six tricks, tips, and rules of thumb to keep in mind when choosing which consumables to use for plasma cutting in addition to those laid out in your owner's manual. ...
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Combustible Silicon Powder for Li-Ion Batteries Conveyed Pneumatically, Safely
From: Flexicon CorporationDescription: The future of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries found in laptops, phones, hybrid cars and other applications may be taking shape at a UK startup. Nexeon Ltd. has built a plant at its headquarters in ...
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Are all 3D printed metals the same?
Description: With so many different 3D printing (aka additive manufacturing) metal systems and processes today, how can you know exactly what you're getting? Before the commercialization of additive metal ...
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Protecting Linear Rail from Corrosion
Description: In linear motion applications, protecting rail and track form corrosion is a paramount concern. Keeping the machine system clean and corrosion-free can be a particularly difficult task if the working ...
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Choose the Right Plasma Tool for the Job
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Plasma's popularity on job sites has grown in recent years, driven in part by technological advances that have made the systems smaller and lighter, and thus easier to move. At the same time, the ...
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In Search of the Perfect Tube & Pipe
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Learn how Fought & Company (Tigard, OR) geared up to provide structural steel to build a new world class track and field center. ...
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Plasma Cutting Machine Maintenance
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Preventive maintenance protocol for CNC plasma tables ...
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Plasma Cutting Tips to Improve Cut Quality
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Nine suggestions to help you improve plasma cut quality. ...
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Automating the Chip Removal Process
From: PRAB, Inc.Description: Automating the chip removal process is essential for keeping up with high Q rates in metalworking operations. By using PRAB conveyors, machine shops can produce more parts with less downtime between ...
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Switching to precision plasma cutting
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: When new business opportunities require tighter tolerances and more productivity, an upgrade in cutting and design capabilities is required. Natural Structures, Baker City, Ore., did just that with an ...
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How Expanded Materials are Made
Description: Expanding Technology Overview ...
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Manual plasma cutting and gouging in 2018
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Plasma cutting challenges include cutting metal in a hidden or hard-to-reach area or precisely removing a weld without damaging the surrounding metal. Another challenge is removing temporary ...
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A New Class of Plasma
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Jonathan Egan of Lyman-Morse boat builders relates why he chose an XPR300 with X-definition cutting over a waterjet solution for speed, flexibility and accuracy. Find out why. ...
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10 Common Plasma Arc Cutting Mistakes
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: A good operator with well-maintained plasma arc cutting (PAC) equipment can save a shop hours of downtime and thousands of dollars in operating expenses. These savings will result in greater profits ...
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Approaching removal jobs from a new angle
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Hypertherm's new plasma flush cutting technology makes attachment (e.g. pad eyes, lugs, gussets, tabs, flanges, etc.) removal easier, faster and closer to the plate. ...
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The First Family of Rack & Pinion Dedicated Reducers
From: Andantex USA, Inc.Description: Only a handful of manufacturers in the world are able to offer planetary reducers with extremely high precision achieving less than 1 arc-minute of backlash without mechanical preload. Out of this ...
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Laser Systems: How They Work for Converters
From: Delta ModTechDescription: The use of an integrated laser system on a converting line is a proven solution to some of your most vexing problems. You may be surprised by what a laser system can accomplish, and how it can unlock ...
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Efficiently Tooling Up Your CNC Machine
From: Jergens, Inc.Description: Whether live tool turning, five axis machining or C-Axis turning there are basic steps that should be taken when tooling up your machine. ...
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Troubleshooting CNC Plasma Cutting, Part II
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: The four most common cut quality issues for fabricators are dross, edge angularity, material warpage, and metallurgy of the plasma-cut edge. Your ability to achieve the best results depends on the ...
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Troubleshooting CNC Plasma Cutting: Part I
From: Hypertherm, Inc.Description: Hole quality is one of the most frequently discussed topics in regards to CNC plasma cutting. Regardless of what type of machine you use, there are a few tips and tricks you can employ to achieve your ...
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Fractional Letter & Number Drill Sizes/ Millimeter & Decimal Equivalent
Description: This chart explains drill sizes and measurements. ...
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How does the laser process work?
Description: The laser cutting process uses a focused laser beam and assist gas to sever metallic plate with high accuracy and exceptional process reliability. The laser beam is generated by a resonator, and ...
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The Basics of Plasma Cutting
Description: Plasma cutting is the fastest cutting process on carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. Plasma cutting can be combined with waterjet or oxy fuel on the same part. Plasma cutting can be use for ...
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Waterjet Cutting Process Basics
Description: The most versatile process for shape cutting. ...
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What is Plasma Arc Cutting?
Description: Plasma is defined in Websters as a "collection of charged particles ... containing about equal numbers of positive ions and electrons and exhibiting some properties of a gas but differing from a gas ...
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The Lowdown on Locating Pins
From: MISUMI USADescription: Get the lowdown on locating pins: which is the best locating pin style for your application? ...
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Anode Jacks for Aluminum Smelting
From: Joyce/Dayton Corp.Description: Aluminum smelters are faced with the problem of maximizing efficiency and potline up time, despite wear and tear on various components of their smelting equipment. Although anode jacks have a typical ...
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What is clinching? How does clinching work?
From: Norlok Technology, Inc.Description: The Clinchlok joint is formed when the upper tooling squeezes the two ply of material joined between the punch and die. The amount of squeeze is very important to the strength of the clinchlok joint ...
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How to Achieve Quicker Mould Changes: A Staubli Report
From: Staubli CorporationDescription: Minimising unproductive mould changing time is a key task for all operators of injection moulding machines. The total time taken to change moulds is determined by the sequence of the specific steps ...
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Case Study: A Madrid, Spain-based precision engineering business specializing in complex parts for aerospace and defense applications has invested in a Renishaw REVO® five-axis measuring head and probe system.
From: RenishawDescription: The change has resulted in a reduction in inspection time by as much as a factor of 5, ensuring quality control and inspection keep up with its high-productivity CNC machine tools. ...
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Choosing the Correct Crank
From: J. W. Winco, Inc.Description: By definition, a crank is a device for transmitting rotary motion, consisting of a handle or arm attached at right angles to a shaft. Simple enough, but there are some variables. ...
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Ergonomic Design
From: J. W. Winco, Inc.Description: What if your customer has put "ergonomic" on the wish list for the machine you're designing? What qualities should you be seeking in the components? Here are a few suggestions based upon OSHA ...
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Industrial Colors and Powder Coating
From: J. W. Winco, Inc.Description: Designing machinery may not be the most artistic pursuit in the world, but sometimes the issue of color can be essential even in industrial design. For example, many of our products are offered in ...
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Sanitary Machine Design
From: J. W. Winco, Inc.Description: Are you designing machinery suitable for clean room applications? If a machine is to be used for food processing, medical use, or other sanitary applications, there are a lot of things to consider in ...
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Selecting Spring Loaded Devices
From: J. W. Winco, Inc.Description: When an engineer's objective is to align, hold, or latch different parts of equipment together, you need a spring loaded device. The options for these components are many and varied. ...
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Sof' Shoe Shims Eliminate Angular Soft Foot Problems
Description: Angular soft foot robs productivity, shorten motor life, and increases maintenance demands. ...
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Case Study from Modern Machine Shop - Gantry Loaded Chuckers Turn Up Productivity (Brenco, a subsidiary of Amsted Rail in Petersburg, Virginia)
Description: Case Study from Modern Machine Shop - Gantry Loaded Chuckers Turn Up Productivity (Brenco, a subsidiary of Amsted Rail in Petersburg, Virginia) Click here for case study ...
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How To Maintain and Evaluate Toolholders
From: Techniks, Inc.Description: Modern CNC machines feature high-capacity tool changers that automatically swap toolholders in and out of the spindle as needed, by means of a high speed swing arm or a rotary carousel. Periodically, ...
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Engine Test Stand
From: Staubli CorporationDescription: Commercial grade Turbo- Charger Test Stand and Pallet System (MCS/MA). Test utilizes piping system and gas burner to simulate engine/ turbo operation. Inspection rate of turbo unit at manufacturing ...
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The Progress of Industrial Laser Marking (.pdf)
From: KEYENCEDescription: Laser markers were once bulky machines that required constant maintenance to replace coolant and lamps. They consumed enough energy to power a small household and were used mostly to mark product ...
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Machine Tool Builder Demands Ultra-Precise Racks To Eliminate Need for Error Compensation
Description: For years, a machine tool builder had manufactured their own precision gear racks to achieve ultra-precise positioning on their machines. They also needed this because their critical customers ...
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Case Study:GEN2 T-A® Composite Automotive
Description: The customer supplies gears and gear assemblies to the automotive industry. The part being manufactured is a transmission gear carrier for the Hummer H3. The customer was drilling a 14 mm (.551?) bolt ...
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Locating Pins and How They Are Used
From: MISUMI USADescription: Typically, the locating pins are used for controlled, fine tolerance positioning of a work piece. For example, a pallet that is moved along one axis, where the drive mechanism is not accurate and ...
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Water Jet Cutting Machine - Tough Environment
Description: A building products manufacturer that produces fiber-cement plank siding for homes needed an actuated system that would hold up in a harsh environment where cement dust covers everything in the plant. ...
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5-Axis Machining: Getting a Grip on the Accuracy of Rotary Axes (.pdf)
Description: Every year's new machine tools have been showing improvements in efficiency and power. Increasing feed rates and acceleration value have steadily reduced machining times. At the same time, increasing ...