The Boring Bar

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, staying competitive is not just a goal; it's a survival imperative. The rapid evolution of technology, changing customer demands, and increasing global competition continually challenge manufacturers to adapt and innovate. One of the key strategies for maintaining a competitive edge in this landscape is by maximizing machining capabilities. Efficiency in manufacturing has always been about doing more with less. It's about producing high-quality products faster, at a lower cost, and with minimal waste. Achieving this requires a keen focus on machining capabilities, which serve as the heartbeat of any manufacturing operation. Machining capabilities are...

Maximizing Efficiency: Choosing the Right Machine Tool Tending Automation System for Your Manufacturing Needs In the world of robotics and automation for manufacturing, machine tool tending systems are a crucial process. These systems are available in various brands and styles, but there are two main categories: workpiece exchange and integrated fixture exchange. Each type of system comes with its advantages and disadvantages, which must be considered when selecting the appropriate system for specific machining applications. Workpiece exchange systems involve the automated exchanging of raw material in and out of an automated clamping medium inside the machine tool, typically a pneumatic...

1. Incorrect feeds and speeds Running tools too fast or too slow.Most tools are run at the improper feeds and speeds. Machinists rely on the managers or sales representatives to give information on the correct cutting parameters. Always make sure you have the manufacturer’s catalogue handy to get the right information. 2. Running coolant on indexable milling tools machining steel and stainless Modern carbide inserts run at cutting speeds of over 200m/min.Running coolant at these speeds, you can never guarantee you will have coolant on the cutting-edge 100% of the time. The nature of heating and cooling the carbide leads to thermal cracking...

Set up times are the pain point of every workshop. Modern machine shops need to stay competitive by utilising products that increase efficiency. 5th Axis is leading the way in their fully integrated line of workholding. It's important to consider when purchasing zero-point work holding systems these 3 factors: 1: That it will not be made redundant if a machine shop chooses to robotically automate their production. 2: That it's modular enough to accommodate many different styles of fixturing (vices, chucks, tombstones, and jigs). 3: It can adapt to holding a high density of components. 5th Axis work holding system...

In a modern machine shop 5 axis simultaneous machining in the most demanding materials doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. We have adopted complex CAD systems, machine controls, navigated demanding setups and can achieve reaching high tolerances, so why does coolant remain a mystery to some companies? Is coolant a necessary evil? A machine shop that has never experienced the full benefit of coolant will typically only want these three factors:    •  A coolant that does not rust the machine.    • A coolant that will not go rancid.    • Cooling of the cutting tool. Coolant is more than just...