No Two CFRP Materials Machine Exactly Alike - seco carbide end mills

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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).

The improvement in surface finish from thread whirling is a result of the unique tangential cutter path and increased rigidity. Burrs also are minimized due to reduced chip loads and longer tool life.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Standard inserts for thread whirling HA and HB thread forms are available as stocked items from Sandvik Coromant. These threads have the specific dimensions and tolerances needed for bone screws and other medical implants. However, the majority of thread forms on bone screws are special forms that would be offered as engineered solutions.

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

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.

“To help accommodate that,” he said, “shifted cutter rings that bring the inserts closer to the guide bushing are available for more readily available live tooling attachments on the market.”

Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.

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

“Once material support is removed,” he said, “a machinist runs the risk of the part deflecting under the tool pressure with each subsequent pass. Thread whirling eliminates this concern, and it can take stock diameter and machine it to a complete thread in a single shot.”

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.

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

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.

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

With thread whirling, the cutter enters and exits in a radial arc, which is similar to the thread radius direction. As the heel of the insert exits the thread form, the resulting finish leaves a crosshatch pattern. But this pattern would not be seen on any thread wall with a positive wall angle. That is because the cutter contacts the workpiece only at the full tangency of the cutting path.

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.

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.

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.

“Previously,” Laprade said, “this had been accomplished through external cooling lines that had to be manually adjusted for each setup and (were) time-consuming.”

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Another recent advance is quick-change capability. Sandvik Coromant provides that with its whirling rings, along with high-quality carbide and coatings, such as Grade GC1105, which Loughney said is a popular choice for medical machining.

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.

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

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.

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

One of the most recent improvements for thread whirling has been cutter rings that are capable of delivering high-pressure cutting oil directly to threading inserts to better clear chips, as well as cool the cutting edges.

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.

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

Loughney said when using a sliding-head machine, users have the support of its guide bushing close to the cutting head, with multiple inserts applying even cutting pressure. Trying to thread long, slender components using a single-point method would be almost impossible and could cause high scrap rates, poor-quality threads and excessive tool wear and breakage.

With thread milling, the tool cuts on the way into the material and up to the full tangent point. As the heel of the cutter makes an exit path, the direction of the finish pattern changes and results in a crosshatch pattern.

Internally cooled thread whirling rings eliminate the need to have perfectly aimed coolant nozzles for chip evacuation and insert cooling. Cutting oil is delivered to the insert edge through internal channels in the cutter ring. Image courtesy of Genevieve Swiss Industries

A productive method often used for thread forms that need to be produced quickly and at tight tolerances, typical parts for thread whirling are medical bone screws, implants, feed screws, worm gears and other microcomponents.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Compared with thread milling a zero-degree thread wall, which commonly is found on the trailing side of a bone screw thread, the finish pattern of thread whirling is better thanks to the tangential radial entry and exit of the cutter, which leaves a uniform pattern.

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

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.

Shown above is a typical arrangement of cutting inserts in a thread whirling ring, which affixes to the dedicated live tooling attachment used to perform the process.  Image courtesy of Genevieve Swiss Industries

“Thread whirling can be used to produce worm gears and of course standard 60-degree UN threads, as well as metric standard threads,” said Scott Laprade, applications supervisor at Westfield, Massachusetts-based Genevieve Swiss Industries Inc., which does business as GenSwiss.

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.

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

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."

Long threads pose a further hurdle when machined on a Swiss-style CNC machine. Because Swiss machines use a guide bushing to support material, which moves through the tooling rather than the tooling moving to the workpiece, Laprade said long threaded parts must be pulled back through the guide bushing after being cut, resulting in lost support of the workpiece.

Swiss-style CNC machines use thread whirling to generate complex, complete thread forms that normally would be difficult to produce efficiently in high volumes. Thread whirling is a milling process used primarily for thread forms that require large amounts of removed material, such as medical buttress threads designed to thread into bone.

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.

Included in the CoroMill Dura range is the four-flute plug-and-play solution, which is said to work for a wide range of applications. Additional tool variants are available for more specific operations, such as key slots, dynamic milling, semi-finishing and finishing. Further assistance comes from the CoroPlus Tool Guide for CoroMill Dura online tool selector, which supports slotting, side milling, pocketing and helical interpolation applications to make tool selection simpler.

“Many thread whirling units have a 50-1 gearbox reduction,” he said. “Take this into consideration that the programmed rpm will not be the actual output in most cases.”

Process of both external (e.g., thread milling) and internal (e.g., tapping, thread milling) cutting, turning and rolling of threads into particular material. Standardized specifications are available to determine the desired results of the threading process. Numerous thread-series designations are written for specific applications. Threading often is performed on a lathe. Specifications such as thread height are critical in determining the strength of the threads. The material used is taken into consideration in determining the expected results of any particular application for that threaded piece. In external threading, a calculated depth is required as well as a particular angle to the cut. To perform internal threading, the exact diameter to bore the hole is critical before threading. The threads are distinguished from one another by the amount of tolerance and/or allowance that is specified. See turning.

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

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

GenSwiss has partnered with Utilis AG of Müllheim, Switzerland, since 2006, and the companies have worked to further the technology used in this machining process. Laprade said Utilis and GenSwiss introduced to the Swiss-turn industry thread whirling systems that use up to 12 thread cutting inserts. The addition of tooling with more cutters enabled users of whirling attachments to increase productivity over the conventional three- and six-insert systems that were available at the time.

Thread whirling offers several advantages over single-point threading. First, users can machine high-quality threads on long, slender components without the risk of bending or vibrating. Single-pass threading from stock diameter reduces cycle time, increases productivity and helps produce accurate threads by tilting the whirling ring toward the helix angle. Also, good chip control enables continuous machining, and finishing treatment is not required. Finally, deep thread forms, such as Acme, can be achieved easily with thread whirling.

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.

As with everything else for a Swiss-style CNC machine, Laprade said thread whirling depends on the guide bushing for support, so ensuring that cutters are as close as possible is paramount, especially for smaller-diameter threads.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Cutting tool and tooling system specialist Sandvik Coromant is introducing a new range of solid end mills, the CoroMill Dura, which will replace the existing versatile CoroMill Plura end mills. The concept is developed for roughing to finishing with different engagements in all applications and materials.

He said whirling can produce long threaded parts accurately and efficiently with exceptional surface finishes, whereas traditional single-point threading methods require multiple passes with a threading tool. An additional advantage is that aggressive, deep thread forms can be achieved in a single pass with a high level of precision.

Number related to the applied load (usually, 500 kgf and 3,000 kgf) and to the surface area of the permanent impression made by a 10mm ball indenter. The Brinell hardness number is a calculated value of the applied load (kgf) divided by the surface area of the indentation (mm2). Therefore, the unit of measure of a Brinell hardness number is kgf/mm2, but it is always omitted.

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.

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.

MaxiMill 491 features eight cutting edges per newly expanded 9-mm insert size, a precise 90° profile and a durable, nickel-coated tool body.

The CoroMill Dura is available from two to seven flutes with 1-4 × D cutting length, with and without a chip divider. The end mills can be reconditioned up to three times to original specifications.

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

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.

Yesenia Duran is a Chicago-based freelance journalist who covers cutting tools and technology. She can be reached at sennyx@gmail.com.

Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor. Horizontal milling is further broken down into conventional milling, where the cutter rotates opposite the direction of feed, or “up” into the workpiece; and climb milling, where the cutter rotates in the direction of feed, or “down” into the workpiece. Milling operations include plane or surface milling, endmilling, facemilling, angle milling, form milling and profiling.

Loughney said getting thread whirling right from the beginning, setting up and understanding how the thread whirling unit works on a machine are critical for first-time users.

Although similar to thread milling, thread whirling has inserts mounted on the inside of a cutting ring, or cutter holder, rather than on the outside of a milling tool. The thread whirling ring rotates around a cylindrical component to cut a thread in one pass.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Thread whirling is important to manufacturers of implant screws, for which orders can range from 1,500 to 5,000 pieces or more per production run. Bone screws are being designed with more complex thread forms, including deep threads, multiple leads and unique thread pitches. Inserts are designed and manufactured specifically for individual threads.

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

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

CoroMill Dura features a WhisperKut technology. Markus Groppe, global product application manager at Sandvik Coromant, explains the unequal helix concept: “Each flute is oriented at a different helix angle, and every level of the cutting edge is unequally spaced from the others. This way, you can achieve very good stability and efficient machining without vibration.”

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

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

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.

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 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.

2-D or 3-D path generated by program code or a CAM system and followed by tool when machining a part.

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?

“Grade GC1105 offers sharper edges for burr-free component surfaces and long and predictable tool life,” he said. “This is especially important when machining titanium and stainless steel bone screws.”

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.

Cylindrical sleeve, typically made from high-grade tool steel, inserted into a jig fixture to guide cutting tools. There are three main types: renewable, used in liners that in turn are installed in the jig; press-fit, installed directly in the jig for short production runs; and liner (or master), installed permanently in a jig to receive renewable bushing.

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

The CoroMill Dura range is designed for roughing and finishing with different engagements in all applications and materials.

Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.

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

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.

Another company, Sandvik Coromant Co. in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, provides CoroMill 325 thread whirling rings and inserts, which meet the needs of a large number of sliding-head machine types. The rings and inserts can thread long, slender components from rough stock at high speeds without use of a dedicated thread whirling machine, said Patrick Loughney, who handles business development for small part machining and is product specialist for indexable drilling tools.

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!

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.

The company specializes in tooling and accessories for Swiss-style machining and has expertise with thread whirling given its exclusivity to Swiss machines.

The WCE solid end milling series features a five-flute geometry specifically designed for optimal performance when shoulder milling and side milling carbon, stainless steel and cast iron.

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.

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

Although similar to thread milling, thread whirling has inserts mounted on the inside of a cutting ring, or cutter holder, rather than on the outside of a milling tool. The thread whirling ring rotates around a cylindrical component to cut a thread in one pass. Image courtesy of Sandvik Coromant

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."

“These machines offer the most stable cutting condition due to the bar stock being supported by a guide bushing that is in the machine’s spindle/chuck, where the material is fed through the guide bushing, allowing for the cutting tools to be very close to the material being machined,” Loughney said. “The machine must have a c-axis that the thread whirling unit is driven by. The thread whirling ring fits into the unit. The rings consist of multiple indexable carbide inserts with up to three cutting edges depending on the pitch of the thread.”

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

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

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