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 […]
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How Broaching Works
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. […]
5 Changes the Manufacturing Industry Will See in 2021
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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Reducing Heat Generation in Cutting Tool Applications
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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Slotting Efficiently With Miniature Cutting Tools
Slotting is one of the most difficult operations on a tool. Whether your tool is a 1” diameter drill or a .032” precision end mill, during slotting operations, a lot of force and pressure is applied to the entire cutting edge of the tool. This results in slower speeds and feeds and increased tool wear, […]
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Working With Carbon-Fiber Composites: Aerospace
In aerospace, working with lightweight composite materials is more than common. Standard tools and methods designed for working metal just won’t cut it when it comes to manufacturing aerospace components made for these specific materials. Carbon-fiber material is also very abrasive, so with a typical cutting tool that may last for several hundred holes on […]
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Millstar Profile Milling Inserts and Coatings
Millstar Profile Milling Tools represent the latest advances in both profile and contour milling technology. Millstar allows customers to see greater results such as shorter machining and lead times and higher machining accuracy. Customers of Millstar include die and mold machining companies, aluminum extrusion companies, high speed machining mold makers and companies from the aerospace […]
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Milling: Horizontal vs. Vertical
Milling is a common machining process that involves the use of a machine, known as a milling machine, to remove material from a stationary workpiece using a rotating cutting tool. With milling, the workpiece remains stationary, whereas the cutting tool rotates. As the rotating cutting tool presses against the workpiece, it removes material. Milling Machines […]
5 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE THE EFFICIENCY OF HIGH-FEED MILLING PROCESSES
High-feed milling is a process that maximizes the removal of material in the shortest amount of time. If not applied properly, high-feed milling can create some improper results, which is why some manufacturers have begun to move away from the process due to what they consider reliability concerns. For machinists that would like to take […]
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4 & 6 Flute High Feed End Mills
High-efficiency milling has gotten a lot of attention in recent years as a way to substantially increase metal removal rates with solid carbide end mills on almost any kind of milling machine. Although, a common mistake is that many shops confuse HSM (high speed machining) with HFM (high feed machining). A High Feed End Mill […]