Mar 13

Mar 13 Connecting a Cobot to a Vintage CNC Mill

CNC Machining, Cobot, Machining, Manufacturing

A cobot can add a lot of value to the manufacturing process in a machine shop. It can increase the productivity of the CNC machine, while also contributing to process accuracy and consistency. Cobots can be easy to program and are safe to use.

Jan 7

Jan 7 CNC Machining Terms

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

The CNC Machining industry has many specialized terms for tooling, machines, and other technology. Here is our list of things to know about machining with CNC equipment.

Blueprint Reading - The term blueprint reading means that someone interprets ideas that are on a drawing or print.
CAD/CAM Software – CAD is the acronym for Computer Aided Design. CAM is the acronym for Computer Aided Manufacturing. They are computer software that are used in the manufacturing industry.
Caliper – A measuring tool that is used to measure internal and/ or external dimensions on machined parts.

Jan 4

Jan 4 What is CNC Machining?

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

CNC is an acronym for Computer Numerical Controlled. CNC is a type of machining practice. Besides CNC the other type of machining is manual machining. In CNC machining the workpiece is held in the machine and the CNC Programmer writes code so that the CNC machine can machine the workpiece. The CNC Machinist sets up and operates the CNC machine and oversees the machining process.

Jan 1

Jan 1 How To Fill a Small Machine Shop with Work

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

Starting a machine shop can be an overwhelming task. There are many factors to consider while keeping it running efficiently. Besides the operational tasks, we have broken it down on what it might take to have a steady stream of work in your machine shop.

Jun 23

Jun 23 Fifteen Parameters to Be Considered for Lathe Machined Parts

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

There are fifteen parameters to be considered when analyzing a new part to be made in a CNC lathe. While this may seem like a lot of considerations, if you examine a part properly you will be successful in its implementation. Here are the parameters to consider and the questions to ask:

Jan 11

Jan 11 Explore and Learn About a Machining Career Path

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Soft Skills

Do You Have the Important Qualities for a Career in Machining?

Do you have a mechanical skillset?
Are you a technical person?
Do you excel at math?

If so, consider a career as a Machinist or Tool and Die Maker

What Skills Should a Machinist Have?

Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute basic trigonometry functions while choosing the right methods to solve the problem

Reasoning Ability - Ability to use common sense understanding and solve problems
Oral Comprehension - Ability to listen and understand information spoken
Computer Literacy - Ability to use a computer and work with Microsoft Office programs
Mechanical / Technical Skills - Must operate lathes, mills, grinders and other computer controlled machines

Machinists make components and parts on computer controlled manufacturing equipment such as a CNC lathe or a CNC mill.

Tool and die makers make tool, die and mold components and other industrial tools on manual and CNC equipment. They also fit the components together and align and assemble the industrial tools.