CNC Machining Blog - Tips and Tricks for Machinists

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Posts about Milling (2):

CNC Machining: Improving Workpiece Surface Finish

Mike Cope Fri, Jun 27, 2014
CNC Machining: Improving Workpiece Surface Finish

As CNC machinists, we apply our skill, knowledge and experience to manufacture the best looking and most accurate parts that we can. We take a great deal of pride in the products that we produce, and we want others to see that pride in the finished product. But what do we do when we aren’t getting the results that we want? When dimensionally the parts meet blueprint specifications, but the surface finish and overall appearance is less than desirable? When this happens, we need to go back to the basics and ensure that we are using the best machining practices that we know to be correct.

Buying a 5-Axis Machining Center? 5 Tooling Variables to Consider

Mike Cope Fri, May 09, 2014
Buying a 5-Axis Machining Center? 5 Tooling Variables to Consider

Even the most carefully maintained machining centers eventually become obsolete. When it’s time to replace your older machine, look for one that gives you the maximum dollar value for your investment. 5-axis machining centers are versatile, efficient and flexible, and one can do the work of two or three 3-axis machines.

With that new machine comes an opportunity to upgrade your tooling, as newer machining centers can handle more advanced tooling options. Consider these tooling variables when purchasing a new 5-axis machine.

Part & Tool Probing for High-Mix, Low Volume CNC Machining Environment

Mike Cope Fri, Oct 25, 2013
Part & Tool Probing for High-Mix, Low Volume CNC Machining Environment

In today’s CNC machining industry, it’s all about quick setup and changeover between parts, especially in an environment where you run a high mix of low volumes. In this article, I want to discuss how part and tool probing can offer a real advantage for the shops that find themselves in this type of environment.

5-Axis CNC Machine Configurations: Design Pros and Cons

Mike Cope Mon, Aug 19, 2013
5-Axis CNC Machine Configurations: Design Pros and Cons

Regardless of a particular original equipment manufacturer machine tool builder, there are several common configurations for 5-axis CNC machines that are available. Each one has its own set of strengths that make it stand out among the choices. The most common types are table-table, head-table, and head-head configurations.

5-Axis CNC Programming: Rotary Angles or Tool Vectors?

Mike Cope Mon, Jun 24, 2013
5-Axis CNC Programming: Rotary Angles or Tool Vectors?

When programming in 5-axis, we have two distinct options that we can use to command rotary moves and positions. We can output the data using either rotary angles or tool vectors. Although each one has its pros and cons, I prefer to configure a postprocessor to output these rotary commands as IJK tool vectors, instead of the more common ABC-axis rotary angles.

Restart Program Where You Left Off with Hurco Recovery Restart

Mike Cope Fri, Jun 14, 2013
Restart Program Where You Left Off with Hurco Recovery Restart

Have you ever had to abruptly stop your machine in the middle of running a program and wished there was a way to restart the program exactly where you left off, even if you were in the middle of all that code? With Hurco’s Recovery Restart feature, you can!

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