Strict guidelines governed what kinds of tooling could be used. Initially, the solid carbide end mills in all these cases had to be 1.25 inch in diameter, with a flute length of 4 inches, corner radii of 0.09 inch and a flute count of either five or six. Further testing then evaluated different combinations of tool diameter, length and corner radius (up to the full radius of a ballnose tool), Mr. Mueller says. Tools were required to achieve axial depth of cut of 2 inches while extending from the holder exactly 4.5 inches. And in all of this (sorry, metric system), only imperial units were allowed. Within these constraints, the tooling supplier was free to put forward its best choice of tool coating, carbide substrate and cutting geometry.

During the final round of testing, Kennametal used a Haimer Safe-Lock shrink-fit holder and was able to run all of its tools in the exceeds category. With the traditional milling approach, less than 0.001 inch of tool wear was observed after 1 hour, with a surface finish of 23 μin Ra. Within the high velocity testing, tool wear measured less than 0.0014 inch and surface roughness was better than 27.5 μin Ra. Perhaps most significantly, the Harvi tools permitted a 20-percent higher metal removal rate than others because the design enables effective use of six flutes where other end mills were limited to five.

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

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.

"Because each layer has its own function, such as adding toughness, lubricity, or wear resistance, combining them together gives us the best of each."

The increasing use of difficult-to-machine materials continues to place pressure on tooling manufacturers to develop new products that can withstand the heat generated from the cutting process, while providing longer tool life.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

"These properties make PVD coatings very useful for workpiece materials that are tough, sticky, or work-harden easily like stainless, high-temperature alloys, and nonferrous alloys," said Ludeking.

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

In the tools developed for this application, an already existing carbide grade proved effective, the company’s KCSM15 Beyond grade. The new modifications to this tooling that now exist in the Harvi III line relate to edge geometry, Mr. Mueller says.

The AMRC testing focused on forged titanium 6Al4V. Three sets of cutting parameters apiece addressed both traditional-milling and high-velocity approaches for the aircraft maker. In each case, the three sets of parameters were designated as “current,” “meets” and “exceeds” expectations. In the traditional rounds, a 0.1-inch radial depth of cut was specified, with cutting speeds ranging from 150, to 200, to 250 sfm for current, meets and exceeds categories, respectively. In the high-velocity testing, depth of cut dropped to 0.02 inch while speeds increased to 400, 450 and 500 sfm, respectively.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

"The CVD coating process depends on chemical reactions, and the coatings are bonded to the substrate both chemically and physically," explained Ludeking. "This makes it possible to create relatively thick coatings that provide excellent crater and flank wear resistance, as well as an excellent thermal barrier protecting the substrate."

Kennametal put considerable work into finding the tooling that would excel in these tests, Mr. Mueller says. The company performed its own testing at its facilities in Germany, Tennessee, and North Carolina using five different machining centers. Chip flow and formation were analyzed using high-speed cameras, and he says a refined tool-grinding processes was developed as a result of this analysis. Ultimately, nearly 300 different tools were produced for use in the project, and 15,000 cubic inches of titanium were machined.

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

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.

"The workpiece material properties tell us quite a bit about what the machining conditions will be like at the cutting edge," said Kurt Ludeking, product manager for Walter Tools. "The coating must be chosen to resist the wear modes that will operate during machining and the high temperatures created during cutting."

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).

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.

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."

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.

"About 80 percent of inserts used today are coated carbide grades. They give machinists the ability to increase metal removal rates and cutting speeds, while increasing tool life well beyond what is possible with an uncoated insert," said Graham.

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

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

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

But which tools to choose? Answering that question led to the competition. Various cutting tool suppliers submitted tooling for machining trials that were conducted at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in the United Kingdom. To pursue better results within the test parameters, Kennametal modified an existing tool design—its “Harvi” end mill design featuring unequally spaced flutes to break up chatter, eccentric relief to extend tool life, and a tapered core for stability during heavy cutting. That modified tool is now available to the aircraft manufacturer and to others as the tool maker’s new “Harvi III Aerospace” line.

Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of Canadian Metalworking.

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

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

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.

It is this thermal barrier that is important in high-speed operations in which plastic deformation is the key concern.

The fact that the tool makes effective use of six flutes proved key. Other cutters in the testing had five flutes, reducing metal removal rate.

"By layering the coatings we can tailor a product to tackle a specific problem or material," said Graham.

As for the aircraft manufacturer, the evaluation continues. Future tests will evaluate inserted tools. And even the determination related to solid carbide tools will not have an immediate impact, because in the aerospace sector, parts are frequently certified and then locked against further manufacturing process change. But for new part programs developed from this point forward, the manufacturer and its suppliers will have an ever-more-focused range of cutters from which to choose.

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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.

"A turning operation, because it's typically a continuous cut, creates a lot of heat," explained Don Graham, manager of education and technical services for Seco Tools. "This makes it essential that a coated tool be used."

In this webinar, CloudNC Co-Founder Theo Saville reveals how U.S. machine shops are using cutting-edge AI today to accelerate their CNC machining, helping them become more efficient and save over 1,000 production hours per year. Theo will demonstrate CAM Assist, an AI solution that automates CAM programming within existing CAD/CAM platforms — and even provides working physics-based cutting parameters for your existing toolsets. Attendees will learn how the technology has developed, its current capabilities and applications, and how it is expected to progress in the near future. Agenda: How U.S. machine shops are using AI tools to automate their CAM programming and increase their productivity and efficiency How AI tools can help fill the CAM programming skills crisis What tasks AI can be successfully applied to today and what the future holds How AI can fit into machinists' workflows today without specialist training Advanced applications, such as setting cutting parameters and soft jaw fixtures with AI

The latest version of Kennametal’s Harvi tool was developed through efforts aimed at a competition for reducing an aircraft manufacturer’s tooling choices.

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

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.

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.

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) are the two main coating processes applied to carbide inserts. CVD coatings are the thicker (often 5 to 20 microns) of the two and are very wear-resistant. This makes them suitable for steels and cast irons.

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

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

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?

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

"Since aluminum is a 'soft' material, BUE is a major concern," said Ludeking. "Preventing this requires an extremely smooth surface, as well as a very sharp cutting edge. Because nonferrous materials don't generate the high temperatures at the cutting edge, uncoated inserts are still effective on these materials. Coated inserts will still have a significant speed and tool life advantage, although it is smaller in nonferrous alloys. "

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.

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

"Fortunately for end users, cutting tool manufacturers match the many technical details of substrates and coatings into highly effective products, so all that is required is to choose the correct grade for the application," said Ludeking.

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.

Titanium, another high-temperature material, has most of the same properties as the superalloys, except that crater wear tends to be the most common wear mode, and BUE tends to be more common as well.

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.

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

"By creating a coating with a smoother surface, less friction occurs and the chips flow across the surface of the insert better," said Graham. "We do this by orienting the crystal structure of the aluminum oxide layer parallel with the insert's surface."

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.

As with CVD, the PVD coating type is chosen based on the intended application and the wear modes that will be created during the machining process. Each coating has unique hardness, chemical, and physical characteristics that make it appropriate for different material classes.

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.

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

Inserts with a combination of coatings are very common in turning operations, so these tools can be used in a wider variety of materials and conditions.

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

While the coating's makeup itself is important, it also needs to be applied to the correct substrate to get the maximum benefits.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Superalloys (nickel-, cobalt-, and iron-based) are hard, very tough, and generate even higher cutting temperatures at the same cutting speeds as steels. Because they also work-harden very easily, they tend to create depth-of-cut notching, said Ludeking.

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

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.

"Selecting the correct coating type means taking both coating processes and all of the coating materials into consideration," said Graham.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

For example, carbon and alloy steels generate high temperatures during the turning process. They will also react chemically with the carbide insert. The tool's coating must be able to resist the heat and allow the chips to flow smoothly to reduce crater wear and flank wear. The different properties of other materials result in different wear modes, which the coating needs to resist.

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

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.

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The PVD coating process provides a smooth coating that adheres well to sharp edges. Because PVDs are thinner than CVD coatings, and because they are applied at lower temperatures, they don't affect the toughness of the tool the way CVD coatings do.

SolidCAM's partnership with Desktop Metal is aimed at making additive manufacturing more accessible to job shops and other manufacturers.

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

Succeeding in aerospace manufacturing requires high-performing processes paired with high-performance machine tools. IMTS can help you find both.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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."

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.

Wingman is powered by a secure AI model developed to extract critical information from quote packages so that estimators can work faster, automate administrative aspects of setting up quotes and minimize the risk of missing important details.

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

A former employee of General Motors and Tesla talks about the issues that led to shutdowns on factory lines, and what small- to medium-sized manufacturers can do today to win business from large OEMs.

The substrate is the foundation for the coating. Having the correct foundation enables the coating to be supported and bonded in the best possible way and enhances the overall performance of the tool.

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

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.

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.

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.

These high temperatures within the cutting zone can enter the cutting edge, leading to plastic deformation of the tool, which reduces tool life. Applying a coating to the carbide insert improves wear resistance, allowing a single insert to remove more material. In most cases, higher machining speeds also can be achieved.

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.

Also expected is the further development of CVD processes that take advantage of preferred orientation of the coating grains, known as texturing, for higher wear and heat resistance, combined with postcoating processes that make the coatings tougher and more resistant to chipping.

Cutting tool maker Kennametal reports it was the winner of a recent competition by a “major U.S.-based aircraft manufacturer” (the company doesn’t wish to be named publicly) aimed at standardizing its solid carbide end mills. According to Kennametal’s manager of solid end milling tools Thilo Mueller, the problem the aircraft manufacturer still faces is this: An expanding number of active machined parts has led to an ever-expanding universe of cutting tools that the manufacturer and its suppliers are using. Historically, manufacturing engineering personnel have had too much freedom—more freedom than necessary—in specifying the tooling for a given part. Limiting the range of choice as much as possible to a standard menu of tools would control costs for the aircraft maker by controlling the scope of tool management. It would also help avoid unexpected delays, because those standard tool choices would become standard items that the tool suppliers would be more likely to have in stock.

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

Coating type is chosen based on a number of variables, but the most important factors are the workpiece’s material properties and the application. Image courtesy of Seco Tools.

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

Nesting parts for fabrication, woodworking or soft goods production saves money by optimizing material usage and reducing waste. NestingWorks is a SolidWorks add-in that can be used independently for nesting or in combination with your integrated CAM software to create CNC programs for machining of the nested sheets of parts. It automatically flattens parts and includes several advanced options to save you time in CNC programming. Join this webinar to experience the benefits of integrated nesting software. Agenda: See how integrated nesting uses full associativity with SolidWorks and automatically nests parts, assemblies and folders of parts Learn how integrated nesting provides true shape nesting, part-in-part nesting, user-specified grain direction and layouts for parts with varied thickness Watch a demonstration to see how integrated nesting produces the maximum number of parts from a single piece of raw material in a matter of minutes

In the future look for continued development of harder, more wear-resistant PVD coatings that can run at higher speeds, getting closer to the performance of CVD coatings in that respect.

PVD coatings are thinner (often 1.5 to 4 microns) than CVD but are tougher and smoother. This makes them the correct choice for difficult-to-cut materials.

"Manufacturers can design coatings that combine the best properties of the different coatings and provide excellent resistance to several wear modes," said Ludeking.

Surface measurement is becoming increasingly important to ensure proper performance of a manufactured product. Advanced surface measurement tools are not only beneficial in the manufacturing industry but also have unconventional applications.

Like any metal cutting operation, the best place to start is by examining the workpiece material. The type of material being turned plays a key role in determining whether a coated or uncoated carbide insert is needed.

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

Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of Canadian Fabricating & Welding.

Using steel as an example, a multilayer coating provides crater wear, flank wear, and plastic deformation resistance far better than TiN, TiCN, or Al2O3 could provide on their own.

The Fume Eliminator 860 (FE860) is a portable, on-torch fume extraction solution designed for enhanced functionality, performance and safety. The FE860 can be carried throughout your work area and connects directly to the welding torch to capture fume at the source - the most effective method.

"These properties make them much more challenging for the coating because there are additional wear modes to protect against," said Ludeking.

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

Texturing enables engineers to control the growth of the Al2O3 crystal structure, aligning it in such a manner that it creates a much smoother surface. This engineering of the coating at the atomic level achieves three goals:

Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and technology for all things metal from our pair of monthly magazines written specifically for Canadian manufacturers!

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.

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.

This structural change creates a coating that has better mechanical and thermal properties, as well as better wear resistance and toughness, said Graham. Seco's textured coating, for example, has an inner TiCN base layer, which adheres to the substrate and creates strength at the cutting edge, and a top layer of Al2O3 that forms a thermal barrier, permitting higher cutting speeds.

"These trends will continue to move the industry toward the ideal cutting tool—hard, wear-resistant, and with excellent edge toughness—enabling higher-productivity machining across the whole spectrum of materials," said Ludeking.

The coating type is chosen based on a number of variables, but the most important factors are the workpiece's material properties and the application range that the insert is designed for. For steels, good crater wear and abrasive wear resistance are critical, so aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is almost always a component of coatings intended for steel machining.

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

Textured coating typically has an inner TiCN base layer, which adheres to the substrate and creates strength at the cutting edge, and a top layer of Al2O3 that forms a thermal barrier, permitting higher cutting speeds.

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.

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

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

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

The 5-Axis Live technology event will highlight new machining strategies for optimizing the production of complex medical, aerospace and mold/die parts.