Weekly Update 04/10/2008

April 10, 2008 NEWSLETTER SPONSOR

Mark Products of Varying Heights and Shapes at Production Speeds The new KEYENCE MD-V9900 YVO4 Laser Marker has the world's first 3-axis X, Y and Z beam control, a 42mm focal length, variable beam spot size and a 300 x 300mm marking area. Stepped or inclined surfaces, cylinders or spheres that cause problems for conventional markers can now be marked distortion-free at production line speeds. For details and specs, go to www.keyence.com/MDVAM

Articles

Profilers Tackling Ti for Boeing Joint Venture

Titanium is big in aerospace, and machining the material can be a challenge, especially when working with large parts. However, shops can increase manufacturing efficiency for such work using multiple-spindle profilers that are built to optimize machining titanium. Read Full Story

Aerospace Materials Demand Changeable Heads On Machines

In aerospace applications, carbon-fiber-enhanced materials require the use of titanium for structural components and fittings. Machines for working with these materials must have high rigidity, vibration damping and powerful feed forces. The drawback is that conventional tool-based machines, such as those for separate roughing and finishing processes, are no longer suitable, according to one machine tool builder. Changeable heads are the way to go. Read Full Story

New Machines Replace Linear Machines In Aerospace Work

Look out linear-motor machines for aerospace work. One builder presents its new series of machines and promises that they will give linear-motor machines a run for their money. Read Full Story

Cutting Changeover Time For Aerospace Part Production

For an aerospace shop, sub-plates and a grid system shortened part changeovers to the tune of a 91 percent savings on set-up times and a total savings of 81 percent on part cycle times over an old dedicated system. Read Full Story

Increasing Productivity For High-Volume Grinding

High-volume grinding, especially in aerospace and automotive applications, just got more productive thanks to some innovative part-loading systems. Read how two grinding-machine builders overcame the challenges of automating two different grinding processes. Read Full Story

Events

3rd Annual Benchmarking Survey

TIME IS RUNNING OUT, COMPLETE THE SURVEY TODAY! American Machinist is conducting its 3rd annual Benchmarking Survey, providing the industry with the largest body of performance benchmark data available on machine shop operations. Key findings from the study will be reported in the magazine and American Machinist.com throughout the year, and the results will enable managers, like you, to compare your facilities to industry norms and gain a competitive edge in today's challenging business environment. www.AMBsurvey.com

Advertiser Spotlight

MachineTools.com MachineTools.com is a global company serving customers from over 100 countries, with content conveniently available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and German. With over 110,000 registered users, over 500,000 visitors monthly, and listings for over 45,000 machines and tooling components, MachineTools.com is ranked as the number one online machinery and tools website by Alexa.com.

Practical Machinist Metalworking Forum

Join in! Visit Practical Machinist, the leading online discussion forum for the metalworking community.

So I Am Witnessing the Death of Engineering As We Know it

"Kids don't make stuff anymore." Read Full Story

Brain Pickin'

"I'd like to get some thoughts on early 1900's Old Iron." Read Full Story

Ever Drag a 3,000 lb Machine Up Ramps Into Pickup Truck?

Hope you have friends. Read Full Story

Digital Edition

AM Digital Edition Available

Now you can get the latest edition of American Machinist delivered directly to your PC. Digital editions allow you to page through articles, click through hotlinks for direct advertiser websites, send emails to authors and other contacts, zoom, print or send to a friend. www.americanmachinist.com