Begin machine evaluations with the thought that not all machine specifications are the same. Some manufacturers use JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), others ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and some German VDI guidelines. […]
A clear definition is needed to uniquely identify the best in class shops in a highly competitive market. Because the market spans over a very broad range of industries, it’s rather important not to limit the definition to one in particular, but instead expand the definition to three unique precision types. […]
Moldmakers use balanced toolholders to get the most out of their high-speed machining centers, but how do you guarantee your toolholders are properly balanced? […]
Five-axis manufacturing techniques have long been used in the aerospace and power generation fields. This may be due to component geometry as found in gas turbine engines or automotive turbochargers, or complex and critical components such as landing gear on an aircraft. […]
Glassblowing is a glassforming technique that involves inflating the molten glass into a bubble, or parison, with the aid of the blowpipe, or blow tube. A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, glassmith, or gaffer. […]
Moldmakers have developed step-by-step guidelines for taking a customer’s idea for a product through part shaping, preliminary plastics requirements, design considerations, layouts, checklists, and working and assembly drawings. […]
Thermoforming has benefited from applications of engineering technology, although the basic forming process is very similar to what was invented many years ago. Microprocessor and computer controls on more modern machinery allow for greatly increased process control and repeatability of same-job setups from one production run to the next, usually with the ability to save [...]
Contrary to some perceptions, U.S. mold builders still have a lot going for them. Granted, the going has gotten tougher over the past 10 years, but it’s not as though a shop owner is stuck owning a buggy whip store in an automotive era. There are many areas in which to compete and serve mold [...]
With machine tool capability a given, and the proper choice of cutting tool and toolholder being made, HSM is a snap, right? Not exactly. Particular focus must be given to the assembly of tool and holder. […]
In most applications, feature technology and feature recognition are utilities intended to improve the programming performance for simple geometry like holes and pockets. In many systems, this may be limited to 2-D machining. […]