Mechanical Finishing
Reducing Surface Finishing Costs
We are spending too much on such things as deburring and cleaning of parts after machining or grinding. My assignment is to take a fresh look at our mass finishing operations and come up with a cost saving plan.
Read MoreSelecting a Vibratory Finisher
Can you recommend selection criteria for buying vibratory finishing machines?
Read MoreAt Cause and Effect
In essence, we are “at cause” when we are doing everything we can to control our own destiny. Looking ahead, driving change, implementing business improvements, planning strategically, anticipating potential future business problems and then heading them off before they occur are all typical behaviors of an individual in an “at cause” mode.
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Better Peening Shouldn’t Be a Shot in the Dark
Almost any pilot will tell you that when it comes to airplane parts like wings or engine blades, failure is unacceptable. That’s why more aerospace companies have sought to reduce the possibility of metal fatigue in such critical parts, and why some manufacturers of those pieces use a technique called shot peening.
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Improving Aerospace Engines with Advanced Materials
Advanced ceramics and high performance superalloys are playing an important role in improving aerospace engines as aerospace manufacturers look for high-temperature materials that increase performance, improve fuel efficiency and satisfy safety standards, while at the same time lowering manufacturing costs.
Read MoreCylinders Take a Tumble
In your April column, you strongly recommended against cylinder media. Yet, in the same and other publications, many other articles on media selection refer to the popularity of cylinders, and they often recommend them for hole deburring and general finishing. Can you provide specific reasons for your objection to this popular media?
Read MoreTips for Green Mass Finishing
In your area, mass finishing, can you give me some guidelines to reduce the use of non-renewable resources?
Read MoreVibratory Parts Washer
A new manufacturing engineer with our firm suggested that we look into a vibratory/washing operation, perhaps even replacing the deburring machine. Can you comment on this?
Read MoreOrigin of Internal Separators
I can readily understand that the internal separators are what drove the popularity of round over tub style vibrators. I am wondering where, or when, this improvement was invented. More than one company has claimed to be the first. Do you have any information on this?
Read MoreIntricate Finishing
What process(es) would you recommend to get intricate detail like lettering and emblems to a smooth, clean, bright finish?
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