3. The most important feature of the insert’s structure stands out as exceptional and original. This is the nature of the crystalline structure within the layer of aluminum oxide. In this structure, the crystals are arranged unidirectionally with the longest facets in a near parallel position. In addition, all of the crystals are oriented with the densest atomic plane toward the cutting surface. This “heads up” orientation makes the aluminum oxide layer very hard, so it resists wear exceptionally well. At the same time, this orientation enables this layer to act as a barrier to heat from the cutting zone. The dense atomic plane nearest the surface deflects heat into the chip and coolant. Meanwhile, heat that is absorbed by the insert is readily conducted to the less dense atomic planes nearest the TiCN coating, where it dissipates into this coating and the substrate underneath. By preventing the buildup of heat, this layer forestalls plastic deformation because the surface of the insert does not get hot enough to lose its original shape.

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

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More than ever, shop managers are aware that increasing output while lowering labor input is the most effective way to boost productivity. Profits naturally follow.

Achieve higher metal removal rates and enhanced predictability with ISCAR’s advanced high-feed milling tools — optimized for today’s competitive global market.

Join Mahr for an informative webinar to discover the latest advancements in precision measurement, designed to elevate your quality assurance processes and unlock peak productivity. It'll explore cutting-edge technologies — such as modern height gages and contour measuring systems — along with their applications, benefits and technical capabilities. Discover the power of height gages: Learn how intuitive and sophisticated height gages can revolutionize your measurement processes, enabling quick and accurate results in inspection and production areas. Explore the practical functions and ease of use that make height gages an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking high-performance and reliable measuring technology. Examine sample applications and industries where height gages excel, such as qualifying first parts, inspecting incoming parts and measuring series of parts in industries like aerospace, automotive and medical. Unlock efficient contour measurement: An introduction to the latest contour measuring technologies that enable fast, simple and comprehensive contour measurement in the production environment. Discover how these innovative solutions ensure reliable measurements, saving time and increasing efficiency while measuring a wide range of workpieces. Learn how to streamline your contour measuring process with speed and simplicity, achieving fast and precise measurements with incredible versatility. Register now and discover how to unlock peak productivity with new innovations in precision measurement. Agenda: Insights into the latest precision measurement technologies and their applications Understanding of how to improve quality assurance processes and increase productivity Knowledge of how to select the right measurement solutions for your specific needs Tips on how to optimize your measurement processes for maximum efficiency

A Many-Faceted Prospect Sandvik Coromant officially introduced the GC4325 insert grade at EMO in Hannover, Germany in September. The announcement focused on its benefits in P25 applications. These applications cut across many industries and represent a significant market for coated carbide insert grades. However, the challenges associated with these applications are not unique to production turning applications. Advances in this area have significant implications for many other machining processes that use coated carbide inserts, including milling and other categories of steel or iron workpiece materials.

In this webinar, industry-leading experts will demonstrate how additive manufacturing can revolutionize your operations and answer the question: Can you afford not to? From rapid prototyping to robust fixturing and specialized custom tooling, it’ll showcase the diverse applications that can drive your business forward in a time where cost and time saving can be crucial. Discover how to reduce costs, accelerate production cycles and achieve unparalleled design freedom through the strategic integration of 3D printing technology. Phillip’s panel of seasoned professionals will share real-world examples and practical insights to help you understand the potential of additive manufacturing. Learn how to overcome production challenges, improve product quality and gain a competitive advantage. It will explore the cost-benefit analysis of 3D printing — including material and labor savings — as well as the potential for increased revenue. Join this webinar to discover why additive manufacturing is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for success. Agenda:  Prototyping example: quick-change prototype Custom tooling real-world example: press brake, tube bending die CMM fixturing and workholding example: CMM fixture and soft jaw

Ideally, a turning insert grade for P25 should exhibit only limited flank and crater wear and avoid all other wear modes.

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

Researchers say that to be successful, turning operations in the P25 steel range must address and balance many factors. Of utmost importance is maintaining the condition of the edge-line. Unless the edge-line remains intact, rapid breakdown occurs, resulting in unacceptable parts and loss of machining security.

One User’s Initial Tests GKN Walterscheid was given the opportunity to test Sandvik Coromant’s GC4325 grade inserts in July. GKN Walterscheid is a division of the UK-based GKN Group and a leading manufacturer of driveline and attachments systems primarily for farm equipment. A high mix of steel and ductile iron components are produced in the company’s 140,000-square-foot building, where about 190 people are employed.

The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.

New Grade Crystallizes Sandvik Coromant is calling the GC4325 a notable achievement in insert technology because the company has been able to give the grade properties unattainable with previous manufacturing methods. These properties, the company contends, account for the insert’s advantages in P25 steels.

Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

To the right is the newly developed aluminum oxide layer (indicated by the yellow band at the top of the image) on the GC4325 insert. This layer shows a unidirectional orientation of the crystal grains.

A recently developed insert grade turns concepts for production turning operations on their heads. Shops cutting steel workpieces in high volumes may have to realign their thinking accordingly.

User-friendly inspection software for CNC machining centers is shown monitoring measurements between and after machining while performing SPC based on recorded measurement values.

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

1. The insert consists of a carbide substrate, a layer of TiCN (titanium carbonitride), a layer of Al2O3 (aluminum oxide) and a layer of TiN (titanium nitride). In this regard, GC4325 does not differ from many other multi-coated carbide inserts offered by this and other manufacturers.

Looking to automate your shop floor? The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect shops with experts who can advise them through this transition.

Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

To say that this insert grade turns concepts for production turning on their heads is more than a figure of speech. Developers at Sandvik Coromant accept this characterization because the most innovative feature of this grade is how the grain structure of the aluminum oxide crystals in the coating are arranged. This helps create a cutting edge that is both exceptionally long-lasting and highly predictable in its wear patterns.

Sandvik Coromant, for example, has been focusing on promising developments in insert technology specifically targeted to P25 turning applications. The result of these development efforts—a new grade of turning inserts for P25 steels—is already in the hands of selected U.S. manufacturers as part of the company’s final field testing and evaluation procedures. The new grade is designated GC4325.

Predictability has become increasingly important in today’s machining, especially where there is limited supervision in production.

New tech center is serving as a cutting-edge showroom and a technological hub for advanced machining applications.

Walter USA has acquired PDQ Workholding, intending to strengthen its offering of workholding products and develop future cutting tool sales.

When revising part designs, investigate the 3D CAD, the 2D drawing and the part’s functional requirements to determine which details should be tightened up.

FABTECH 2024 will be held October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. There is no better opportunity to network, share knowledge and explore the latest technology, all here in one place. Future U.S. Show Dates and Locations 2025 – September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL 2026 – October 21-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV 2027 – September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

Effective team collaboration is a critical component of success in today’s manufacturing world. With cloud-based technologies that make it easy for team members to brainstorm and problem solve remotely from various locations, design-to-manufacturing processes can become faster and more efficient. This webinar will demonstrate how fully integrated CAM software can be utilized with 3DExperience SolidWorks in a seamless work environment to accelerate product development. Agenda: See how HCL CAMWorks can be used as an add-in for all SolidWorks applications working with the cloud-based 3DExperience platform Learn how fully integrated CAD/CAM saves significant amounts of time during the design to manufacturing process Gain a new understanding of how software can connect users worldwide to accelerate product development Watch a demonstration of team collaboration using platform tools in the CAD/CAM software environment

Refined machines at EROWA are handling heavier loads, while its precision workholding enhances stability and rigidity.

Designing a turning insert grade for steel in the P25 classification is particularly challenging because both the material and applications vary widely. The operations involved include roughing and finishing on out-of-round or near-net-shape cast or forged workpieces. Steel materials in the P25 range may be unalloyed or highly alloyed, with hardness values that differ substantially from one end of the range to the other. For a single insert grade to perform in the face of these many variables, it must have certain characteristics. For example, fracture resistance is paramount, as is a cutting edge possessing the hardness to resist plastic deformation induced by the extreme temperatures encountered in P25 cutting zones. Furthermore, the insert coating must adhere tightly to the substrate. If the coating fails to stick, exposed substrate deteriorates rapidly.

Entrepreneur Scott Colosimo found early success in China producing parts for his Cleveland-based motorcycle company in the mid-2000s. This is the story of how IP theft issues overwhelmed the business, prompting Colosimo and his team to start over from scratch — and move production back to the United States.

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Cutting tool manufacturers are well aware of these shifting priorities in production turning applications. This situation requires a new strategy for designing and producing insert grades that give manufacturers an advantage in productivity and profitability.

Zoller’s open house in Ann Arbor, Michigan, provided attendees with a glimpse of the connectivity and efficiency the company’s products offer to users.

Although the new grade is intended for P25 steels, GKN Walterscheid was encouraged to test the inserts on a turning application in which cutting tool performance was particularly troublesome. Team Leader Luis DeAnda suggested testing the inserts on a facing operation that finishes the bottom surface of a driveshaft yoke. The yoke is produced in 80603 ductile iron. “Surface finish and part size are critical for this operation,” explains Mr. DeAnda. “We produce this yoke in large volumes. Typically, the facing operation runs on Mazak turning centers in six-machine cells.”

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

Most recently, GKN Walterscheid began testing the GC4325 inserts on workpieces on a heat-treated 1045 steel workpiece. This part, a heavy-duty driveshaft yoke, requires turning operations that include an especially difficult interrupted cut. Depending on the batch size, the part runs on one or more Mazak turning centers equipped with a dedicated two-jaw chuck. The machines are arranged in a cell.

Incremental mode can be more advantageous when programming sculptured surfaces or for certain hole-machining canned cycle applications.

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

Mitsui Seiki USA Inc. appoints Joseph Farkas as its director of sales West and Terry Ritterbush as its director of sales East.

When an insert undergoes only continuous, controllable wear, its performance will be consistent and predictable. In contrast, discontinuous wear is caused by scattered, discrete events such as the appearance of a surface crack, plastic deformation or flaking of the coating. The effects of discontinuous wear are difficult or impossible to control.

The MB45 series is designed to deliver the low cutting force benefits of positive inserts and the fracture resistance of negative inserts.

New U.S.-based event announced in 2021 finally debuts next year: focuses on complete additive manufacturing value chain. More at formnextchicago.com.

The Walter Turn toolholder features rake-face cooling to help break and control chips, and double flank-face cooling directly at the cutting edge to extend tool life.

Standards for surface finishes and profiles are not static; they change as technology changes or new processes come along that need to be considered.

Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.

At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently.

Ceratizit USA announces it has appointed Carlos Garza as its business development leader for the oil and gas industry sector.

One of these manufacturers, GKN Walterscheid in Woodridge, Illinois, reports a significant gain in productivity with this insert grade. In one test, these inserts outlasted previous insert choices by 50 percent. (Sandvik Coromant indicates that these results are typical for the entire test group, which includes numerous shops in the United States and Europe.)

Overall, results such as these confirm that this new grade provides superior results because it is resistant to discontinuous (and therefore uncontrollable) wear patterns, and undergoing mainly flank wear and some crater wear. “This means the edge-line is holding out for the life of the insert and that we can safely run more turning operations in our lightly manned cells,” Mr. DeAnda concludes. Mr. Caskey concurs. “With our machines arranged in cells, every boost in turning productivity is magnified, especially when fewer operators are needed to keep the cells running,” he says.

New tech center is serving as a cutting-edge showroom and a technological hub for advanced machining applications.

Observation of insert behavior finds that the optimum wear pattern for any insert is controlled flank wear because it protects cutting edges. Flank wear is caused by abrasion of the clearance face below the edge-line. The abrasion results from the passage of the chip as it forms during cutting action. Flank wear is the natural depletion of material, and is acceptable to the extent that other wear modes are kept in check.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

Learn more about the variety of technology and machinery Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc. is featuring at its IMTS 2024 booth.

Because steels in this category are frequently encountered in high-production turning applications, process variables are critical—especially in the choice of turning inserts. Many factors must be addressed and balanced when selecting the insert grades intended to yield optimal results. In the past, process engineers made strategic trade-offs between material removal rates, tool life and risk of process disruptions.

Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

A grooving attachment enabled Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing to reduce cycle times by over 45 minutes on a high-value, high-nickel part feature.

This presentation focuses on the vital role that linear and angular encoders play in ensuring precision in machine tools. Attendees will learn about the common challenges compromising accuracy, such as thermal expansion, mechanical misalignments and vibration. Whether you're an OEM, integrator, or machine operator, this webinar will offer valuable insights into optimizing CNC performance. Agenda: Challenges to CNC machine accuracy Understanding encoder technology How encoders address accuracy challenges

Initial tests show that the new insert provides 45 to 55 percent improvement in edge life, depending on trial settings of speeds and feeds to optimize results. More importantly, performance of the new grade indicates that it is especially tolerant of the repeated impacts created by an interrupted cut. “We are close to finalizing the machining parameters that make this operation one that doesn’t need close watching,” Mr. DeAnda adds.

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

In this episode of Made in the USA, several executives and senior staff at Hardinge give their first-person account of how they formulated the plan to shift the manufacturing of its milling and turning product lines from its Taiwan plant to its plant in Elmira, New York, the major challenges they encountered and the rewards that made it worth the effort.

Attend TASC, The Automated Shop Conference, in Novi, Mich on Oct. 11, 2023 for a comprehensive look into how to use automation to transform your machine shop.

“We’ve been reluctant to treat this interrupted cut as an operation that allows the operator to walk away,” Mr. Caskey explains, “So when this part is in production, it gets special attention in scheduling.”

Mastercam 2025 incorporates big advancements and small — all based on customer feedback and the company’s commitment to keeping its signature product best in class.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Engineering productive and profitable turning operations for common but demanding steel materials, such as the ISO P25 material classification, is a challenge. Steel workpiece materials in this category are found in a range of applications—from automotive parts to heavy-duty fasteners to aerospace components. Many of these parts are made in high volumes.

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

Manufacturers continue to feel the pressure to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and meet their sustainability strategies. As the industry evolves to keep pace with these priorities, there are opportunities within metalworking processes to use less resources with advanced lubricants and technical expertise. Agenda:  An overview of metalworking lubrication Evolutions in metalworking lubrication Experience on the shop floor Key takeaways

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

Sandvik Coromant’s GC4325 insert grade is targeted to high-volume turning operations in the ISO P25 category of steel workpiece materials.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

Women in Manufacturing is excited to announce that the 2024 SUMMIT will be a hybrid event — both an in-person and virtual experience. Both program offerings will enable you to grow through education and connections that are insightful, meaningful and actionable. Join Women in Manufacturing Oct. 6-9, 2024, in Boston or digitally for an event filled with plant tours at leading manufacturing facilities, professional development sessions, roundtable discussions on important topics, and inspiring keynotes.  All while engaging and interacting with peers through social and networking events! __PRESENT __PRESENT

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."

From quadruped robot dogs, to an in-booth putting green where you can test out a new golf putter, to a 3D-printed car and more, attendees enjoyed cutting-edge technology and innovations all week long. Take a look to see what (or who!) you might have missed this week!

The developers are also enthusiastic about this introduction they believe the new manufacturing techniques involved can be applied to other grades to create equally significant productivity gains. Company officials did not indicate in which direction they will take these developments in the short term. Clearly, they intend to emphasize products that address the needs arising from the changing environment in manufacturing.

ANCA CNC Machines is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a global producer of CNC tool and cutter grinders.

So far, Made in the USA has looked into system-wide effects of broken supply chains, automation, skilled workforce issues and our perception of manufacturing jobs — examining each topic through a prism of individual experiences. For this final episode for Season 1, let’s look at one more system-wide question and bring it back to personal perspectives: Is there today a new dawn, a new moment for American manufacturing?

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

Modern Machine Shop is the leading publication and media brand in North America devoted to CNC machining. MMS combines unprecedented editorial access to manufacturing facilities with decades of experience to provide long-form content that is both insightful and impactful. About Us

The ideal wear characteristics for any insert are slow, controlled flank wear and minor cratering on the face. Signs of discontinuous wear, such as edge chipping, flaking of the coating or plastic deformation, should be missing entirely. The enlargement of a worn GC4325 insert shown here exhibits those characteristics.

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A long-lasting cutting edge and controlled wear rewrites the formula for turning operations in this workpiece material. It greatly lessens the negative trade-off between metal removal rates and tool life, thus making many turning operations significantly more productive. Likewise, it makes these operations more compatible with automated, lightly supervised machining resources.

Fryer Machine Systems Inc. presents its TC Series of CNC machining centers for high-performance cutting, accuracy, reliability and ease of use.

Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.

More important, this user is now evaluating how it can implement fundamental realignments in its approach to production turning. For example, GKN Walterscheid relies on machining cells consisting of multiple CNC turning centers that are intended to be monitored by only one or two operators.

When the cross sections of the coating on carbide inserts are compared under a high-powered microscope, the difference in the aluminum oxide layers becomes apparent. The conventional aluminum oxide layer (indicated by the yellow-red band at the top of the image) on the insert shown here reveals a random orientation of the crystal grains.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

Ms. Pålsson also notes that three other aspects of the manufacturing process contribute to or support the functionality of the special nature of the aluminum oxide layer. For one, the structure of the carbide substrate features a gradient zone that acts as a thin outer layer that is slightly softer than the inner core. This layer acts like an impact-absorbing padding for the coated layers. The inner core of the substrate, however, retains its tough, wear-resistant properties derived from the fine grains of tungsten carbide and cobalt binder.

Horn USA’s new booth concept is designed to enable attendees to (literally) get a better feel for its various tooling offerings.

For a third, the top surface of the finished insert is subjected to a final “post treatment” that smooths and blends its texture while removing the TiN coating where it is not needed. In addition to producing a smoother, “crack-free” texture, this treatment alters residual stress between coatings and substrate. Tensile stress is reduced; compressive stress is enhanced. The result is tighter adhesion between the remaining coatings and substrate.

The latest episode “Made in the USA” podcast explores a company that uses collaborative robots, one of the key tools helping US machine shops and other manufacturers compete with lower cost countries by automating production.

When the GC4325 inserts were substituted on this facing operation, edges consistently produced 120 parts, a 50-percent increase, at the same speeds and feeds. “We were changing these new inserts because of flank wear, not because the edge-line was chipping or dulling,” Mr. DeAnda says. It was clear that the new inserts were undergoing wear in a controlled and predictable manner. This gave Mr. DeAnda confidence that the facing operation did not require the special attention of an added person tending the cell.

2. How the substrate and coatings are combined involves proprietary innovations developed in Sandvik Coromant’s R&D centers. Product engineers say these manufacturing methods create an advantageous synergy among the insert’s features. You cannot disturb or remove any of their properties without diminishing the total effectiveness of the insert.

Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

Moving from cut tapping to form tapping for a notable application cut tooling costs at Siemens Energy and increased tool life a hundredfold.

Understanding Insert Wear According to developers at Sandvik Coromant, the GC4325 grade achieves its effectiveness because it is designed to tackle the mechanisms leading to premature breakdown. Essentially, this requires engineering the insert’s substrate, coatings and post treatment to limit continuous, controllable wear and eliminate modes of discontinuous wear.

Q-Mark has built its metrology business by providing what customers need, when they want it. This goes for its IMTS booth, too, with free drinks alongside custom technology.

Understandably, Sandvik Coromant is not divulging many specific details about the techniques by which the aluminum oxide layer is induced to form this unique crystalline structure. Mia Pålsson, product manager for the GC4325 grade, explains that successful production of these inserts hinges on advanced control of the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process that forms each layer of the coating.

Sunnen Products Co. is celebrating its 100th anniversary, highlighting the history of its line of honing and precision solutions.

Although the anatomy of a GC4325 insert is remarkably complex, a simplified explanation rests on three main points about its “inner workings.”

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

Across a range of technical presentations aimed at small and mid-sized job shops, the first-ever Automated Shop Conference (TASC) offered insights into several automated technologies, implementation strategies, shopfloor training tips, and even the untapped power of automated coolant delivery.

Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.

SSP’s commitment to adopting the latest machining technology benefits not only the business, but its employees as well.

The L.S. Starrett Co. has been manufacturing precision measurement tools in Athol, Massachusetts, since 1880. Attention to U.S. manufacturing often focuses on reshoring manufacturing from other countries, but Starrett never left. The facility in Athol employs hundreds and produces thousands of tools that remain vital for measurement in machining and other fields.

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

Thoughtful considerations will set you on a shortened path to the most optimized solution once cutter meets metal.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

“For certain critical turning operations that require frequent insert changes, we usually add an extra operator to keep up or react to unexpected tool failure. Inserts with reliably longer lasting cutting edges enable us to stick to one operator for every two or three machines,” says Scott Caskey, manufacturing engineering manager at GKN Walterscheid.

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Pairing a shoulder mill with a five-axis machine has cut costs and cycle times for one of TTI Machine’s parts, enabling it to support a niche racing community.

For another, the company has developed methods to produce an edge-line with a highly uniform radius. With most known methods on the market, this radius varied as much as ±15 microns from the normal. Now, the deviation band is less than one third as wide. Greater uniformity enhances predictability of edge performance and helps it retain its sharpness.

Misapplication of these important CNC features will result in wasted time, wasted or duplicated effort and/or wasted material.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

Get sensible, real-world automation solutions during this half-day workshop co-located with IMTS 2024.

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

JD Machine, 2024’s Top Shops Honoree in Human Resources, embodies its “Education for Life” core value with a robust apprenticeship program and significant continuous improvement efforts.

Rob Guiao, Chris Hall and Bassanio Peters will demonstrate relatable situations to equip you with data to improve predictability, future-proof operations and maximize ROI. Agenda:  Explore the importance of data in decision-making, especially for facility upgrades or new projects Learn how comprehensive solutions for manufacturing and construction projects can improve predictability and ROI See real demonstrations of machine integrations, facility layouts and automations to ensure proper throughput and integration

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Magnification of the insert’s edge-line shows a uniform radius that promotes consistent, predictable performance of the cutting action. This edge is said to retain its sharpness longer and wear more evenly.

Today, however, an overriding consideration often is how to accommodate processes that take advantage of turning equipment designed for low operator involvement. The operator may be present, but assigned to monitor and tend multiple machines. Or, the operator may not be present at all, having set up the machine for operation through an unattended shift, overnight or over the weekend. In these settings, the reliability and predictability of the cutting tool’s performance take on heightened importance.

Thoughtful considerations will set you on a shortened path to the most optimized solution once cutter meets metal.

Thoughtful considerations will set you on a shortened path to the most optimized solution once cutter meets metal.

Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.

Another common wear pattern that is controllable is cratering. Crater wear occurs in steel turning because of heat and pressure. Like flank wear, some crater wear is acceptable to the extent that it does not weaken the cutting edge.

Did you know that the show was postponed for WWII? Or that McCormick Place was expanded in the ’70s just to accommodate IMTS? A fascinating look at the show’s history from 1927 to today.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

The problem with this facing operation was that insert edges were set to be indexed after four hours of cut time, but after two or three hours, results with the inserts became unpredictable. Edges on the inserts, a GC4215 grade, often lasted the full four hours to produce approximately 80 pieces, but oversized parts or poor surface finish began showing up frequently after only two hours of cut time. In response, a third operator, if available, was assigned to monitor this operation in the cell. The main duty of this operator was to change inserts when premature wear was detected, Mr. DeAnda reports. “If an extra operator wasn’t free to help, inferior results on the facing operation jeopardized subsequent machining operations, creating a chain reaction that led to reduced tool life in those operations as well,” Mr. DeAnda explains.

When Puneet and Neelam Neotia moved from India to the United States several years ago, they brought with them a family background in manufacturing and CNC machining. Now the couple is working to get their startup machine shop off the ground, sourcing new customers and getting the word out about their shop in Clarksville, Indiana. The couple — proud to publicize their "Made in the USA" parts — is leveraging family connections and manufacturing capabilities back in India, but not in the way that some people assume.

The choice between buying a new machine or refurbishing the current one will become clear after a thorough assessment of the machine.

Structured light scanning is used to create a digital twin of a manufactured part, but we must understand the measurement reproducibility to best use the data.