screw technology - backlash

It's a common knowledge that a good and precise machinery must be one that has as little backlash as possible. Backlash is any non-movement that occurs during axis reversals. For example, the X axis is commanded to move 10mm to the positive direction. Immediately after this X movement, the X axis is commanded to move 10mm to the negative direction. If any backlash exists in the X axis, then it will not immediately start moving in the negative direction, and the motion departure will not be precisely 1 inch.

Read more

machine troubleshooting

To troubleshoot electrical equipment properly like an expert, problems must be solved by replacing only defective equipment or components in the least amount of time. One of the most important factors in doing this, is the approach used. An expert troubleshooter uses a system or approach that allows them to logically and systematically analyze a circuit and determine exactly what is wrong.
The approach described here is a logical, systematic approach called the 5 Step Troubleshooting Approach. It is a proven process that is highly effective and reliable in helping to solve electrical problems.
This approach differs from troubleshooting procedures. It does not actually tell you step by step how to troubleshoot a particular kind of circuit. It is more of a thinking process that is used to analyze a circuit’s behavior and determine what component or components are responsible for the faulty operation. This approach is general in nature allowing it to be used on any type of electrical circuit.
In fact, the principles covered in this approach can be applied to many other types of problem solving scenarios, not just electrical circuits.
The 5 Step Troubleshooting Approach consists of the following:
Read more

machine installation

From my own experience, installing a machine is not as easy as you think. Even a teacher from a vocational school might not be able to do it properly if he has no clue about setting the machine level. When you need precision for your machine, the installation becomes more crucial, a slight imbalance in position imbued with fast axis travel might produce some disturbing chatter, that will be conveyed to your workpiece's surface.

Nowadays, there are a lot of improvement in measuring tool world, as implied, our capability to set-up machine is no more limited by using water level. Take this company where i work now, we just bought a digital leveling device, easier to use and have a good accuracy. I daresay it's a good price for making our setup faster.
Read more

NC technology - safety NC code macro

Have you ever been on a machining disaster? when the program "seems" at fault. The tool travel elsewhere and make dents, machining crash, tool breakage? The greatest majority of crashes are a result of improper programming or programming that could eliminate the chance of operators making mistakes. CNC programmers often forget about Modal M-codes. They are often left active and are not canceled within the program.

What happens if an operator punches a wrong code into MDI like G18 and then starts up the program? If there was no G17 in their program then they are in trouble. I have seen this happen many times.
Often times it is difficult to determine reasoning behind a crash. One reason is when a crash happens the machine is powered down until someone inspects and troubleshoots what has happened. If powered down however; all the modal M-codes are reset back to default settings on power up and is not easily traceable to the operator. I can not tell you how many times I have heard it just take off running a normal proven program. This safety code is likely the answer as long as your operator was not lying to you.
Read more

cutting tool technology - end mill

End mill is not something you can separate from CNC machining, especially when you're dealing with vertical machining centers (VMC). Basically there are some knowledge that an engineer should know before deciding on a process. A good tool selection will result in a better surface quality and the job might be done faster.
Read more

machining technology - jig & fixtures

In metalworking, a jig is a type of tool used to control the location and/or motion of another tool. A jig's primary purpose is to provide repeatability, accuracy, and interchangeability in the manufacturing of products. A jig's main function is to guide the tool during machining process. A jig is often confused with a fixture; a fixture holds the work in a fixed location. A device that does both functions (holding the work and guiding a tool) is called a jig.

As the CNC technology grows rapidly, with the ability to move according to exact path generated from NC code, the use of jigs is beginning to decrease. Nevertheless, the fixtures still greatly needed to set-up the workpiece faster.
Read more