Milling- one of the most common processes in CNC machining, most likely because it is so adaptable and flexible. With just a single tool, machine shops can create nearly limitless shapes on the surface of a workpiece. Milling can completely transform a piece of metal stock into a finished part of nearly any complexity. CNC […]
Understanding CNC mills can be confusing due to the overwhelming minutiae of design detail and a bewildering number of choices. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Fortunately, woodworkers have a fairly narrow focus: Cutting wood on a CNC. We have special considerations to consider but the good news is that by focusing on […]
Unnecessary Machining A common mistake when designing parts is designing unnecessary features to machine. Such unnecessary machining adds to your run time and final production cost. There are many approaches that may be a neat addition to your machine visually, but add significant run time to machine away the remaining material. Instead, eliminate the need […]
Some time ago, owning even a single 5-axis CNC machine was a luxury. Although, as both hardware and software advance, and more 5-axis mills enter the pre-owned market, small scale shops have begun to branch out into this more precise style of machining. Do you think it may be time for a new addition to […]
What does SFM stand for? In terms of CNC operations, the acronym SFM stands for Surface Feet per Minute. But what does that mean? Well, it’s how quickly a cutting tool moves across the surface of a workpiece during a CNC machining operation cycle. For machinists, it’s an easily understood common denominator for describing tool […]
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is the use of software and computer-controlled machinery to automate a manufacturing process. Based on that definition, you need three components for a CAM system to function: Software that tells a machine how to make a product by generating toolpaths. Machinery that can turn raw material into a finished product. Post processing […]
Broaching is a machining process that uses a toothed tool to remove material in a consistent and accurate way. There are two types of broaching services, linear and rotary, which are used to produce different kinds of machining finishes, but in either case, production broaching is typically only used for precision applications and high-quantity production. […]
2020 has been a year like no other. It would’ve been hard to foresee a global pandemic, a trade war, and a pressing need for employees to work from home. Now we must ask ourselves, what can we assume about the changes 2021 will bring? Here are a few changes the manufacturing industry will likely […]
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Heat is a natural byproduct with any cutting tool application, but it’s important that you know how to minimize it, as it will improve the life of your tool. Heat isn’t always bad and doesn’t need to totally be avoided, although, controlling heat will help prolong your tool life. Taking every precaution possible to redirect […]
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The automotive industry has established itself on innovation and improvement since its inception in the 1860’s, and manufacturing advances have been responsible for a great deal of automotive innovations. For example, take Henry Ford, 1913; he revolutionized auto assembly and mass production with the first moving assembly line and automation and streamlining have remained two […]
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