Before making a plunge cut, many machinists prep their workpiece through a practice called “spotting” to ensure that the finished hole winds up precisely where it’s supposed to. Spotting also helps improve the quality of the finished workpiece. But what are spot drills used for and what are the best […]
One of the common queries on the web (related to machining, at least) is “What is the difference between a spot drill and a center drill?” Since these types of drills are used for similar applications (but not the same) some explanation is warranted. Let’s take a look at these […]
When you need to drive deep holes into your piece, there are certain rules you need to follow if you want it to stay true to print. Many elements must be considered in hole-making applications: material, presetting, coolant, chip load, and tool material are among the many factors that will […]
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 […]
