Material removal processes are essentially limited by the quality of the tools implemented in the workplace. This should come as no surprise as many other industries follow the same principles. For example, the medical industry technology is always limited by what their instruments and tools allow them to do, and […]
The TL;DR version is yes. However, this deserves an explanation as many factors affect the process of machining aluminum workpieces, and tools are only a piece in the puzzle. The best end mills for aluminum are made of carbide because it has the right balance of hardness and toughness to […]
When calculating speeds and feeds for machining operations, many apply the “more flutes, more feed” rule of thumb. While some cases seem to confirm this approach, the catchy phrase should never be taken as a principle or axiom. Some considerations determine what the right flute count is for the job. […]
CNC machining has quickly progressed to the point where it can now replace a variety of conventional tools. Thread mills are an example of a time-saving innovation. Tap and die tools have been used to make threads for decades. Using sophisticated milling cutters, machinists can now thread mill pipe threads […]
Spot drills are little pieces of milling equipment that are often overlooked, yet they are essential in any machine shop. These small cutting tools are necessary for drilling holes with exceptional precision, which is a difficult operation when milling. Spot drills are small drill bits with only a drill point […]
Manufacturing complex pieces require extreme precision. This is especially true when two or more parts need to be perfectly aligned to form an airtight seal or prevent unwanted mechanical vibration in the finished product. One of the most common machining techniques used to achieve this is through the use of […]
There is always something we can do to increase the efficiency of our machining shop. We can buy the latest 5-axis machines with improved spindles for better grip and speeds, or we can update the software suite for a more scientific approach when designing our toolpaths. However, one of the […]
With so many new machinists opening up shop competition has become fierce. The race for reaching the ever-shifting high-performance goalpost is being run in different fields, and drill bit manufacturers seem to be the ones setting the rules. The push for more productivity experienced during the last two decades in […]
When drilling into your piece, you want your bits to follow a perfectly straight route and keep your final product true to the print. Misaligned or crooked holes can render a piece useless, making you waste time and material. How do you give your drill bits a good fighting chance […]
A lot of people have moved into the machining industry lately. Especially with the appearance of more affordable CNC machines that allow anyone to craft custom parts right from their garage. However, many still render crudely finished products with sharp edges that make them quite dangerous depending on the intended […]
