Posts by Carl Davis
Horizontal vs. Vertical Milling Machines
A milling machine uses a multi-toothed or fluted cutter to remove material from a workpiece. Milling machines are some of the most useful and versatile types of machine tools and as such are found in almost every machine shop, workshop and maintenance department. Milling machines come in many sizes and forms. They range from compact, hand-operated units…
Read More5-Axis vs. 3-Axis CNC Machine
A CNC machine is a great tool to have in a manufacturing facility or metal workshop. CNC milling provides a high degree of accuracy which allows you to create complex 3D shapes as a part of the milling process. Beyond metals, it can be used to create items from a wide range of substances, such…
Read MoreGear Shaping vs. Gear Hobbing
Used for shaping gear teeth in metal milling and gear manufacturing, gear shaping and gear hobbing both do a great job for cutting gears but have different approaches and benefits. Both require the use of a specific machine to effectively carry out gear tooth cutting operations. Gear shaping is handled on a gear shaping machine, while…
Read MoreLaser Cutting vs. CNC Milling: Metalworking Applications
When you’re working in metals, no matter if you’re working in softer materials, thick material, sheet metal or hard stainless steel, you want to ensure that your high-precision manufacturing process gives you a quality finished product that minimizes finishing work, especially when working on intricate parts. But at the same time, you understand that there are…
Read MoreMachine Learning in Manufacturing
Quality control. Supply chain and logistics. Historical data. All these aspects have always had a strong role in the manufacturing industry, but new factors are coming into play to make manufacturing more efficient and low waste than ever before. Using the crossroads of the Internet of Things or Industrial IoT, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, machine…
Read MoreMetalwork Machines and Their Uses
When you’re setting up a metalworking shop, there are many different types of machines that you can use to achieve your end goals in projects. Machinery provides a strong advantage in terms of production and capability over hand tools in virtually all circumstances, but still require care. Whether you’re working in aluminum, brass, or ferrous…
Read MoreCNC Plasma vs. Waterjet: Which is right for your manufacturing needs
When you’re considering upgrading or adding to your manufacturing line, there are a couple of options you can consider. Waterjet or plasma cutter? Though both have their specific advantages, you’ll need to carefully consider the needs of your production line, as you’ll find differences in the cutting process that impact the cut quality, including kerf…
Read MoreMill vs. Lathe: The Differences That Matter
When you’re outfitting your machine shop, there are a few questions that may come to mind when it’s time to select a CNC machine to ensure you get the most versatile tool for the job. Should you get a CNC lathe, CNC router, CNC mill, or some other type of machine for your CNC machining…
Read MoreThings to Consider When Buying Used Industrial Machinery
Imagine scoring a great deal on a used machine, only to find you have to spend a lot more to get it to work. That’s a risk you take if you don’t do some homework beforehand. There are good reasons for buying used rather than new, but there’s also a lot to think about. Here’s our…
Read MoreWhat To Consider When Buying CNC Laser Cutting Machines
A CNC laser cutting machine slices effortlessly through sheet and plate to produce whatever 2D contoured form you need. But the fact that they’re fast and sexy doesn’t necessarily mean one is right for your shop. And if a laser cutting machine is the right choice, do you go for fiber or CO2 technology? Here’s…
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