Editor’s Note: This was filmed before widespread adoption of social distancing in the U.S. Matt Danford, Modern Machine Shop senior editor and writer of our “Data Matters” column, spoke with me about 5G and the promise of faster wireless data transfer for manufacturers, particul

All CNC machining centers have some form of work coordinate system setting, commonly called fixture offsets, which are used to specify the location of program origin/s. The programmer chooses each origin, the position from which program coordinates are specified, based on how the workpiece is locate

Heidenhain’s Acu-Rite brand has introduced software for its 300-series digital readout (DRO) that now allows users to control a sinker EDM machine. This development broadens the DRO’s use to include most common manual shop machines including mills, lathes, grinders and

Every manufacturing manager knows that finding and hiring experienced CNC machine operators in suitable numbers is nearly impossible. Consequently, companies are developing their own training methods to bring inexperienced people to a level at which they can be productive. My blended learning ap

Most CNC machining centers provide two types of peck drilling canned cycles: G73 performs chip breaking for malleable materials and G83 performs chip clearing for deep holes. G73 is used to break chips as holes are drilled, retracting the drill a small amount at regular intervals (every 0.1 inch or

Photo: Aceco Precision Manufacturing Today’s CNCs allow great flexibility for programming, not just with syntax but with the overall structure of a program. While flexibility is usually a good thing, having too many ways of doing something often leads to reduced consistency, clarity and e

  GF Machining Solutions’ Spark Track technology for wire-cutting EDMs, powered by the company’s Intelligent Spark Protection System (ISPS) module, prevents wire breakage that occurs when cutting irregularly shaped workpiece features. With Spark Track technology and the ISPS mo

CNC conversational programming software enables machine tool operators to create part programs directly at a machine’s control by answering prompts for information that defines the part and the requisite operations to complete it. The control then automatically creates the NC program in the ba

If you have used spindle probes, you know the skip function, specified with G31, is used to probe a surface. The probe stylus is first positioned within a small distance of a surface to be touched. A G31 command is given that will cause the stylus to make contact. Within microseconds of when t

NCCS Corp.’s PostWorks 17.2 is a universal postprocessor that generates NC code for a variety of machines. The software is compatible with Heidenhain, Siemens and FANUC controls. The PostWorks suite includes software to simulate the material removal process and machine kinematics wh

Today’s manufacturing companies find it nearly impossible to find and hire qualified CNC machinists. Indeed, most find it difficult to find people that have any shop experience at all. Instead, they must hire people who simply show an interest in and (hopefully) have aptitude for manufacturing

Heidenhain opens its TNC-CNC Academy in the Chicago area. The expanded CNC training center is available for users of all levels, including those interested in five-axis machining. All classes are taught by Heidenhain specialists with years of CAM experience. Located in Heidenhain’s Illinois&

Vocademy’s Maker Skills Academy.  Vocademy’s Maker Skills Academy (MSA) is a hands-on skills program that covers vocational, career and soft skills training. The six-month program is open to anyone 16 and older with no prerequisites, transcripts or GPA requiremen

Kays Engineering’s Eldorado gundrilling machines feature an updated operator control panel. Using a PC-based system with Beckoff controls, both the hardware and software have been improved for machine operators. For shops with older Eldorado machines, the new control is available as a ret

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Interactive Cycle Insertion screens on its M8 series of CNCs are designed to be used with Renishaw’s GoProbe macros. Said to be user-friendly, the screens can integrate Renishaw GoProbe macros directly into CNCs.  Interactive Cycle Insertion is an icon-base

In a collaborative aimed at enabling five-axis machining for those using Heidenhain TNC controls and Mastercam CAD/CAM software, the companies have introduced a new postprocessor. The Heidenhain TNC 5X Mill postprocessor is the result of coordinated development by the two companies. 

Acu-Rite’s manufacturing facilities have successfully moved from their long-time base in Jamestown, New York, to larger facilities at the North American headquarters of parent-company Heidenhain in Schaumburg, Illinois. This centralized location speeds the company’s access to the industr

KMC Global, a group of wholly owned, autonomous companies—including PRAB—has announced the expansion of its Controls & Automation division to serve markets outside of its corporate umbrella. KMC Global Controls & Automation aims to provide a single point of contact for all contr

CNC Software’s three- and four-axis milling postprocessor, developed in collaboration with Siemens CNC engineers, is said to promote higher productivity for Sinumerik-controlled machine tools. The postprocessor provides three- and four-axis support for Mastercam 2019 CAD/CAM software, pro

Standard CNC programs lack intelligence. They are executed sequentially, commands result in predetermined action/s and words for each command are fixed. Parametric programming provides additional capabilities, and various compensation types such as fixture offsets, tool length and cutter radius com