Vertical Machining Centers

Five-Axis 15 Dec 2002

High Speed Machining, Italian Style

One of the highlights of BI-MU, Italy's recent biennial machine tool show, was the number of innovative machine tools (and related technology) focusing on high speed machining.

CNC & Machine Controls 15 Oct 2002

System Simplifies Probing Operations On VMCs

Few machinists will dispute the merits of probing for speeding part setup, setting tool offsets and performing in-process inspection . . . at least in theory. In practice, however, probe systems often have been viewed as difficult to use and expensive to buy.

High-Speed Machining 15 Sep 2002

High Speed Spindle Helps Mold Maker Stay Ahead

In the competitive arena of moldmaking, shops must produce molds quickly and within tolerance to remain profitable and attract new business. Technological advances in high speed spindles, sophisticated programming methods and high-performance cutting tools allow shops to save time and improve accuracy.

Vertical Machining Centers 15 Jul 2002

VMC Machines Large Cavity Molds For Small Machines

Semco Plastic Company Incorporated (St. Louis, Missouri) manufactures an extensive line of custom injection and blow-molded thermoplastic and thermoset products from molds that are designed, machined and built at its in-house moldmaking facility.

Basics 15 Jun 2002

Yet Another VMC—Why Not?

With so many vertical machining centers on the market, why would a major machine tool builder introduce yet another entry into this highly competitive environment? The only logical answer can be that this builder believes no one else is producing a machine that compellingly fills an existing need.

Medical 15 Jan 2002

Strong Medicine For Growth

A New Jersey shop that specializes in medical work combines the latest hardware with innovative software to gain a competitive edge.

Workholding 15 Oct 2001

Is It Time For Bar Fed Machining Centers?

When we think of bar feeders, usually they are associated with turning operations. Recently though, some builders have developed machining centers that incorporate bar fed raw stock. It’s an interesting idea for the right applications and one that can economically reduce material handling and fixturing requirements on machining centers. Here’s a look at how they work.

Aerospace 15 Jul 2001

Machining Center Meets The Production Needs Of The Aerospace Industry

Today, Metalcraft is recognized throughout the aerospace industry as one of the foremost manufacturers of complex structural components and integrated assemblies. The company has built thousands of airframe assemblies and details for the top aerospace companies.

Five-Axis 15 Jul 2001

Going Beyond Three-Axis Milling

In its quest for greater moldmaking efficiency, this shop added fourth- and fifth-axis positioning mills and is about to buy its first continuous five-axis mill.

Basics 1 Jun 2001

Drilling Deep Holes On A VMC

The recipe for best results is simple: Start with a rigid machine, add a high pressure through-the-spindle coolant system, then combine these with the right drill geometry plus the right speeds and feeds.