American Machinist

Boeing Wins New Contract for Satellites

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:16:00 +0000

Four more 702MP craft for Intelsat, launching in 2015

Boeing’s Space & Intelligence Systems will build four more 702MP satellites for Intelsat S.A., expanding its role as the primary manufacturer of the communications group’s new high-performance satellite fleet.

GF Agie Charmille's 60th Anniversary Open House

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:45:00 +0000

GF AgieCharmilles will host a special anniversary open house event commemorating the company’s 60 years of Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) technology development. The two-day 60th Anniversary Event will include educational seminars, training sessions and technology demonstrations along with special celebration activities.

Location

GF AgieCharmilles

560 Bond St.

Lincolnshire, IL

United States

See map: Google Maps

Sixty years ago, GF AgieCharmilles began its research and development of EDM. The upcoming event will highlight the results of that extensive experience with demonstrations of the company’s latest wire and sinker EDM technology from automatic wire changing capability to the industry’s most advanced EDM Human Machine Interface (HMI). The event will also showcase the company’s high-speed and high-performance milling machines, 3D laser surface texturing machines and automation solutions.

Attendees of the 60th Anniversary Open House Event will be able to participate in presentations covering a wide range of topics related to milling, EDM and laser technology.

Leveraging Technology for Higher Returns

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:15:00 +0000

Regional seminar presents methods for reducing laser-cutting costs and boosting press brake productivity.

Location

Hilton Garden Inn

5890 South Howell Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53207

United States

See map: Google Maps

A free, one-day seminar with experts from Cincinnati Incorporated, Wilson Tool, Sigmatek and National Machine Tool Financing. Discussions and live machine demonstrations via webcams highlight productivity enhancements for metal fabrication, and explain 2013 tax laws and financing for machine tool purchases.

Leveraging Technology for Higher Returns

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:10:00 +0000

Regional seminar presents methods for reducing laser-cutting costs and boosting press brake productivity.

Location

Hilton Garden Inn

7516 Las Colinas Blvd.

Irving, TX 75063

United States

See map: Google Maps

Renishaw’s Productive Process Pyramid

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:15:00 +0000

Location

Okuma Partners in THINC

12428 Sam Neely Road

Charlotte, NC 28278

United States

See map: Google Maps

Renishaw will present a manufacturing process control seminar on metrology solutions to improve machining performance and increase manufacturing process capability. The event is presented in conjunction with Okuma and software providers Prolink and Applied Automation Technologies (AAT). The program will focus on Renishaw’s Productive Process Pyramid, a systematic approach to reducing waste and variation in manufacturing processes through a variety of innovative technologies, proven software and expert support.

The Renishaw Productive Process Pyramid provides a building-block approach to eliminating variation at its source, controlling it from the bottom up in four steps: establish stable machine operating conditions; address predictable sources of variation, such as location of the part, size of tools and offsets; deliver intelligent in-process feedback; and ensure the process and the part are checked against specifications via post-process monitoring.

Prolink offers an entire suite of software solutions to automate data collection and quality analysis information and share it organization-wide. The company’s QC-CALC statistical process control (SPC) program is compatible with Renishaw’s most advanced metrology hardware. It automatically collects data, creates a database, and displays the collected information in graph form with easy filtering for detection of negative trends and generation of exception reports.

AAT’s Computer Aided Part Programming System (CAPPS) software includes a machine tool metrology program, CAPPS-NC, and brings the measurement capabilities of CMMs to CNC machines. CAPPS-NC interfaces with multi-axis machining centers and multi-styli probe configurations, and is used for on-machine, in-process metrology applications to provide closed-loop feedback to the manufacturing process. Other CAPPS software includes CAPPS-OFFLINE, a full-featured offline CMM programming package that simulates the total inspection process, and CAPPS-DMIS, the first CAD-based CMM metrology software for the retrofit and OEM markets. CAPPS-DMIS runs the latest probe technology from Renishaw, such as the PH20 and REVO.

Honda Retooling Ohio Plant for New Acura

Fri, 17 May 2013 03:03:00 +0000

Two-year, $70-million project will develop assembly site for new hybrid vehicle

Honda of America will convert a plant at its Central Ohio complex as the site for assembling its redesigned Acura NSX passenger vehicle.

Controlling the Cost of Tooling

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:57:00 +0000

Julie Driscoll

OEMs are investing in product-cost management, and so are their suppliers: there is a strong desire to understand and control product-cost variables, especially larger expenses like tooling.

OEMs and suppliers are investing in product-cost management: there is a strong desire to understand and control product-cost variables, especially larger expenses like tooling.

Eliminate Sudden Tool Failures

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:32:00 +0000

Doc Ardrey

For alert shops, better tooling options don’t need to wait for failure

In cells and carousels, machine shops’ number-one priority in tool selection should be zero tool rupture or edge breakdowns. Unless you are replacing an edge due to gradual wear only, you are missing an opportunity to improve cell-wide efficiency.

Timken Buys Gearbox Repair, Service Network

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:27:00 +0000

Expands industrial services offering in Canada

The Timken Co. purchased Hamilton Gear Ltd., operator of the Standard Machine chain of gearbox service and repair centers in Canada and the western U.S.

U.S. Machine Tool Orders Rose 30% in March

Tue, 14 May 2013 01:51:00 +0000

Momentum beginning for 2013 after second consecutive month for rising demand

U.S. manufacturers’ new orders of machine tools and related technology rose over 30% during March, the second month in a row indicating rising demand, and also gained an edge over the March 2012 result.

Honeywell Jet Engine Orders Total $6 Billion

Sun, 12 May 2013 16:25:00 +0000

HTF7000 turbofan engine in line for business jets

Honeywell International Inc. has new contracts totaling an estimated $6 billion for its HTF7000 engine.

Hardinge Buying Forkardt for $34 Million

Thu, 09 May 2013 23:37:00 +0000

Machine tool build aims to grow by adding workholding product lines, technologies

Hardinge Inc. agreed to buy the Forkardt organization from Illinois Tool Works for a total of $34 million, it announced. The sale has been complete with a combination of cash and debt.

Workholding + Programming Protects Profit Margins

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:49:00 +0000

A precision machine shop manages to have smarter, faster setups, thanks to its CAM

A precision subcontractor customizes its workholding techniques and deploys Edgecam software to manage its marginal costs, as customers demand price cuts, and material and consumable costs rise.

Setting Up Collet Blocks for Multiple-Part Machining

Thu, 09 May 2013 03:11:00 +0000

There is a significant advantage to machining multiple parts in one setup, and it’s possible to identify an arrangement for every operation

Hardinge detailed that collet blocks can be used horizontally or vertically on mill tables, jig grinders, flat or angled fixture plates, tombstones, or rotary trunnions.

Subaru Launches $400M Expansion in Indiana

Thu, 09 May 2013 02:31:00 +0000

Project will add 500,000 sq.ft., new machinery for Impreza hatchback production

Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plans to expand its Lafayette, Ind., manufacturing plant at a projected cost of $400 million.

Minimizing the Risk of Background Checks

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:05:00 +0000

Richard Alaniz

Hiring is expensive, time-consuming, and risky. Employers need to understand how to conduct background checks, the laws that affect them, and how to create policies and to abide by them.

Federal, state, and local laws complicate the background checks that employers may perform, and how companies can use the information that such checks provide.

A Natural Progression in CAM Functionality

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:52:00 +0000

Patrick Burgun

A specialty machine shop relies on its full-spectrum CAM, for high-performance data management and to guide its growth

Sinnotech GmbH, in Neuschoenau, Germany, is a manufacturer of precision parts as prototypes and in high volumes, for automotive suppliers and manufacturers.

Smokin’ Hot Honing Optimizes V-8’s Oil Control

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:44:00 +0000

The builder of world’s smallest production V-8 engine discovered precision honing is more critical than ever at quarter-scale.

A quarter-scale engine built for high performance and durability takes its precision from the expertise of its designer and his tools.

Rolls-Royce Acquires Composites Maker

Thu, 02 May 2013 01:51:00 +0000

New subsidiary Hyper-Therm HTC will develop high-temp materials for lighter turbine engine components

Rolls-Royce acquired Hyper-Therm High Temperature Composites, Inc., a California company that produces composite materials, including ceramic matrix composites (CMCs.)

Horizontal Machining in Titanium

Wed, 01 May 2013 17:08:00 +0000

Titanium is popular in aircraft part design because its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance allows planes to fly faster, further and carry bigger payloads using less fuel. However, as the importance of the material continues to grow, so do its machining requirements. Mazak will host a free webinar on May 22 at 2 p.m. ET, addressing new, advanced horizontal machining solutions for overcoming production challenges unique to this material.

Location

Mazak Discover Technology Webinar Series

United States

See map: Google Maps

Titanium is popular in aircraft part design because its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance allows planes to fly faster, further and carry bigger payloads using less fuel. However, as the importance of the material continues to grow, so do its machining requirements. Therefore, you can’t afford to miss this free webinar that will focus on advanced horizontal machining solutions for overcoming the production challenges unique to this tough material.

During this webinar, you’ll gain valuable insight, including:

• How titanium differs from aluminum in the machining of airframes, engines and other aircraft hardware

• How machine tool builders adapt their products to better accommodate titanium, which includes introducing new horizontal machining centers that are specifically designed for titanium machining

• How the Mazak Horizontal Center NEXUS 6800 HM (hard metals package) and MEGA 8800 make the heavy-duty machining of tough materials efficient, accurate and productive

The Relationship Between Allowances for Detail and a Cutting Tool

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:41:00 +0000

When designing tools, there are some basic principles to be maintained about the size and spacing of tools and materials

When a tool designer develops cutting tools, he must understand some basic principles about the allowances for detail and the cutting tool design.

Chrysler Investing Almost $20 Million at Machining Plant

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:46:00 +0000

New equipment, tooling for machining and assembly of torque converters

Chrysler Group LLC will invest $19.6 million to raise capacity torque converters at its Toledo Machining Plant in Ohio — part of a larger strategy to introduce higher-speed transmissions, to improve vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.

‘Sustainability’ for Competitiveness, Innovation in Manufacturing

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:14:00 +0000

Walter Frick

Every manufacturer thinks about ‘sustainability’ and ‘energy efficiency,’ but these ideals cannot be understood apart from the objectives of a real production process. Sustainability has to encompass the entire value-creation chain.

At EMO Hannover 2013, September 16-21, presenters and exhibitors will demonstrate how sustainable production, or sustainable manufacturing, from raw materials to recycling, will secure global competitiveness for the organizations that achieve it.

Solid-Carbide Chamfering Tools for Multi-Material Drilling

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:02:00 +0000

New design in two versions, improve hole quality and add reliability

Walter introduced two new solid-carbide chamfering drills for its Walter Titex line: the X·treme Step 90 and the X·treme Pilot Step 90 for XD (extra deep) drilling applications.

GibbsCAM 2013 to Include Specialized 5-Axis Features

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:58:00 +0000

New CAM features and functional improvements will provide incremental performance, ease-of-use, productivity

Gibbs and Associates, the developer of GibbsCAM software for CNC machine tools, has outlined several new features and improvements it will include in the GibbsCAM 2013 release.

New HMC Promises Precision, Power, Torque

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:54:00 +0000

Mitsui Seiki USA’s HU63EX is engineered to increase productivity

The Mitsui Seiki USA Inc.HU63EX horizontal machining center was engineered to increase the productivity of machine shops and metalworking operations by a combination of precision, power, and torque.

Boeing Expanding Winnipeg Plant for 737 MAX Work

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:01:00 +0000

Plant to add 150,000 sq.ft, to produce composite structures for jet engines

Boeing Canada introduced plans to expand manufacturing space at its Winnipeg, Manitoba, operation, a part of the jet builder’s initiative to increase production of composite parts for its 737 MAX.

Rolls-Royce Selling Engine Program to Turbomeca

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:22:00 +0000

Partner paying over $380 million for venture’s turboshaft helicopter engine line

Rolls-Royce Plc will sell its 50% stake in the RTM322 engine joint venture to its partner, Turbomeca, for an estimated $380 million.

World Steel Output Ticks Up During March

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:01:00 +0000

Increased tonnages from China, Japan, and U.K. offset declines everywhere else

Worldwide raw steel production rose to 134,883 million metric tons during March, up 8.7% from 124,034 million metric tons during February, and up 1.0% from the March 2012 result.

Italian Machine Tool Orders Still Trending Downward

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:42:00 +0000

Domestic demand is weak, and manufacturers call for new policies to strengthen producers and stimulate new orders

The Italian machine tool manufacturers’ association UCIMU reported that its members first-quarter orders declined -9.8% versus orders for the first quarter of 2012, continuing the negative trend that marked most of last year for the group.