May 20

May 20 CNC Machining Process Planning - 25 Considerations

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist

When planning a CNC machining process there are many considerations and options to choose. From cutting tool selection to cutting parameters, the choices have a major effect on the end results. Here is what it might take to define a CNC toolpath:

May 15

May 15 Transforming Robotic End of Arm Tooling with 3D Printing

GSC

Additive Manufacturing, CAD CAM, Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers

The use of 3D printing for making robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) is a significant advancement in manufacturing. These components are crucial for industrial automation as they help robots boost factory production.

May 10

May 10 17 Reasons to Upgrade Your Shop Floor to Paperless Manufacturing

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Engineer, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Professional Engineer

When people hear the term "paperless," they typically associate the elimination of this office resource as an act that helps the environment. And while this is true, adopting a paperless manufacturing solution can do so much more. In addition to promoting a more sustainable business, going paperless can decrease operating costs, enhance productivity and help a shop floor work smarter (and not necessarily harder).

Apr 22

Apr 22 Programming a Counter-Clockwise Arc on a Lathe

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining

The code to program a G3 counter-clockwise arc on a lathe is: G3X______ Z_______ R_______

Apr 20

Apr 20 Giving A Technical Education Class Presentation

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

Apprenticeship, CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Collaboration, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Soft Skills, Technical Education, Worker Shortage

I was provided with a few opportunities to talk about my STEM project and my career in several schools. It can be a very rewarding experience to a part of. I never saw myself as a speaker or presenter but with my deep knowledge in the subject, I developed a passion for sharing my experiences in manufacturing.

Apr 16
Apr 16 Cardinal Manufacturing Open House Event

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

Cardinal Manufacturing is a student-run business in the Eleva-Strum High School. In a student-run business the students are responsible for all aspects of the business. It is a custom job shop that makes manufactures parts for community members and people throughout the country.

They are having an open house event on May 8th, 2024, from 4pm to 9pm. Come checkout what makes this program so great!

Apr 10

Apr 10 Three Key Machining Skills That Will Set You Apart

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

Knowing what features to inspect on machined parts, being aware of machining conditions, and what items and details to deburr can make all the difference in the success of the manufacturing project. By mastering these three items, it will set you apart as a great machinist. Let’s review in detail.

Apr 7

Apr 7 CNC Programming Basics

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Engineer, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers

Each program has a program number, that should be different from other program numbers

Each line of code in a CNC program is called a “Block”. It contains G and M codes in it.
The block cannot have two M-codes in it
The ending of a Block has a End-of-Block symbol and it is a semi-colon. (Example: G1X.5; )

Mar 12

Mar 12 Popular Machinist Tools

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

When I got started in machining, I really didn’t know what kind of tools to purchase. There is a vast variety of tooling to use in the shop, from inspection tools to hand tools. While having a limited budget, I had to choose to first buy the tools that I thought that I would use the most. This will vary from machine shop to machine shop often dependent on the type of work that the machinist does. Here is a list of some of the more popular choices for tools:

Feb 8

Feb 8 5 Reasons to Switch to Integrated CAD/CAM

GSC

CAM, CNC Programming, Manufacturing Engineer, CAD CAM

Over the past 10 years, productivity in the manufacturing industry has increased 1.2% compared to 2.6% in the previous 7 years. Emerging technology trends are disrupting the manufacturing industry, creating a need for increased innovation to remain competitive.

Jan 15

Jan 15 Machine Shop Math

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Technical Education

How we are taught how to pronounce a measurement in mathematics class is different from how we pronounce a measurement in machine shop class. In the following chart, I will break down the decimal place pronunciation of 0.123456.

Dec 6

Dec 6 Becoming a Career Machinist

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

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

Machining is by far more interesting than what most people know. From the challenges of implementing new complex equipment in the shop, to CNC programming, or even making complex parts in one setup. It is definitely a career choice that most don’t know how advanced it can be, especially the machining of today. Now, we can make parts in one setup that were once made in many setups on multiple pieces of equipment over a long time frame. My career is a success story in manufacturing technology as I have embraced the technology of today.

Oct 25

Oct 25 Print at the Point of Need: How 3D Printing Reduces Reliance on Outsourced Manufacturing Aid Components

GSC

Additive Manufacturing, Engineer, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Professional Engineer

In the realm of manufacturing, the production process often relies on various aids such as jigs, fixtures, and specialized tools to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and quality. Traditionally, manufacturers would outsource the production of these components, which could be costly, time-consuming, and limit flexibility. However, with the emergence of 3D printing technology, manufacturers now have the ability to reduce their reliance on outsourced manufacturing aid components.

Oct 6

Oct 6 3D Printed Mechanical Clock Video

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

Additive Manufacturing, STEM

This mechanical clock in the video was made with over two dozen 3d printed parts. It has brass bushings and steel shafts. It was inspired by a mechanical watch design, but the parts are laid out in-line and scaled up six times larger than a mechanical watch.

Sep 5

Sep 5 Endmills

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

An endmill is a cutting tool that is typically used in a milling machine, or a mill/turn machine. They come in various diameters and lengths, to suit the needs of the user and the application. With that, they typically come in variations with 2-flutes, 3-flutes and 4 flutes. A 2-flute and 3-flute endmill is typically used in cutting aluminum. The 4-flute version is used in milling steel. The versions with 5 to 12 flutes are used in finish cutting steel.