TURNING MACHINES

CNC & Machine Controls

Software Controls Chip Breaking in Thread Turning Operations

This cutting tool manufacturer has developed a software module for chip control of thread turning operations in virtually any CNC lathe, even for older machines, using specific tooling and software.
#techbrief #horizontal-and-vertical-lathes

Turn-Mills SPONSORED

Getting More Production From Swiss Turning Centers

Buying a new CNC Swiss turning center is a substantial investment. For the best return, look closely for capabilities that enable the best utilization of the machine.

Turn-Mills

PMTS 2023 Product Preview: High-Volume Turning

Learn about some of the latest high-volume turning solutions that will be on display at PMTS 2023.
#horizontal-and-vertical-lathes

Turn-Mills

Reinventing the Wheel with Robot-Automated CNC Multitasking

One race team discovers how to efficiently manufacture a new wheel nut design for the next-generation NASCAR stock car with the help of a CNC mill/turn and a built-in robot.

Swiss-Types

Production Machining Readers Choose April as Favorite Cover from 2022

The results of our recent cover survey reveal that a shot of a B-axis Swiss-type’s workzone was the most intriguing to survey participants.

Single & Multi-Spindles

Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Single- and Multi-Spindles

This twin-spindle automatic lathe with six cross-slide mounted turrets is designed for medium-sized production runs that might not be suitable for conventional multi-spindles.
#techbrief

Bar Feeders

Swiss-Type Add-On System Enables In-Line Inspection

When small part inspection and/or segregation is critical, this flexible, automated unloading and palletizing system for Swiss-type lathes can be the answer. 
#techbrief

Shop Sets its Sights on Precise Tool Alignment

A Wisconsin shop has found that visual tool alignment technology has improved tool life and surface finishes for its Swiss-type lathes while increasing throughput as well.

Growth Comes When Machining Challenges Are Met

Manufacturers such as SDP/SI that embrace machining challenges ultimately find ways to become more efficient and profitable operations.

Shop Shares Lights-Out Lessons Learned

Automated machining and data collection have helped Custom Tool to not only grow its business through more overnight production but also to establish a continuous improvement mindset that has enabled it to become more efficient in numerous areas.

VIDEOS

How Advancements in CNC Multi-Spindles Can Put You Ahead of Current Trends

Growing economic and labor pressures are making CNC multi-spindle turn/mill technology more viable than ever. This real-world comparison to a single-spindle lathe shows how.

The Right (Machine) Tool for the Right Job

This high-production shop uses both mechanical and CNC Swiss machines to make parts, but which machine is right for which job?

Fast Change Tooling System Increases Spindle Uptime

This coolant-through tooling system replacement for the gang plate on a Swiss-type machine can save hours of spindle downtime per day as well as increase tool life and enhance chip control.

Medical

VIDEO: Swiss Shop’s Choice of Collets Facilitates Backworking

This Swiss shop discovered workholding collets that satisfy the needs of its very small, delicate and complex medical parts production on the subspindle, making once impossible processes not only doable but more efficient and esthetically pleasing. 

CAD/CAM

CAD/CAM’s Role in How Machine Shop Benefits from its First Swiss-Type

This manufacturer of high-end RC cars leverages the capabilities of its CAD/CAM software to get the most out of its first Swiss-type lathe even when job batch sizes are relatively low.

Horizontal & Vertical Lathes

VIDEO: A Unique Innovation Keeps the Wheels Turning

A problem with a bicycle’s two-piece bottom bracket design spurred action from two friends that led to not only a simple solution but to a business venture with in-house machining capability that has become an international supplier to high-end bike manufacturers.
#horizontal-and-vertical-lathes

How Fast Can You Change Over a Multi-Spindle?

Today’s CNC multi-spindles feature design elements that enable these high-production machine tools to be effective for lower-volume jobs that require more frequent setups.

Swiss-Type Lathe Runs 2-Inch Parts Complete

This Swiss-type multitasking machine does all the crosswork and endwork milling, drilling and tapping complete, and even engraving and deburring, on one machine.

3D Printing Creates a Window of Automation Opportunity

For this Omaha shop, periodic part inspection required an automated turning cell to pause production. Printing a plastic parts collection chute for delivery outside the cell solved this problem, and it turns out the shop has found 3D printing to be valuable in many other ways.