Columns

Basics 31 Aug 2019

Merging Advances: Lights-Out Machining Combines Automation and Focused Process Improvement

One of the most significant developments in machining right now is easy to miss because it is the union of two different advances coming together.

CNC Tech Talks 20 Aug 2019

What to Include When Developing Your Company Playbook

Like a sports team, your company can also benefit from a written plan.

Data-Driven Manufacturing 17 Aug 2019

3 Principles for Growing with Machine Monitoring Data

Following a few basic principles can help shops get a return on their machine monitoring systems without losing faith first.

Additive Manufacturing 16 Aug 2019

Additive Manufacturing Via Material Extrusion

Material extrusion was the second additive manufacturing process to be successfully commercialized. After three decades of material advancements and a diverse array of start-ups and applications, the use cases for this technology are still going strong.

Data-Driven Manufacturing 3 Aug 2019

10 Takeaways on How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Will Influence CNC Machining

The Consortium for Self-Aware Machining and Metrology held a promising first meeting at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Here are my impressions.

Additive Manufacturing 29 Jul 2019

Additive Manufacturing — More Than Metal: How Vat Photopolymerization Started It All

Vat photopolymerization was the first additive manufacturing process to be successfully commercialized. Three decades later, this technology has shown how AM is capable of scaling to volume production and making custom products on demand.

Measurement 25 Jul 2019

Closing the Loop for Better Gaging

Gages and measuring instruments come in different shapes and sizes. Whether it be a snap gage, a bench stand, a surface-finish gage or even a form system, keeping the “measuring loop” as small or as short as possible is important for better gage performance.