Articles

Swarfcast Ep. 38 – Connecting on Cobots: James Persenaire of FANUC

On today’s podcast I spoke with James Persenaire, a district manager at FANUC America Corporation. James gave insight into the strengths and weaknesses of collaborative robots and how Fanuc’s collaborative robots differ from competitors such as Universal Robot. He also addressed misconceptions about traditional robots that they are expensive and dangerous. He emphasized that the integration of the robot is the primary factor in both its cost and safety.

Swarfcast Ep. 37 – Finding Purpose in Your Work with Brent Robertson

Have you ever asked yourself what your purpose is when you go to work in the morning? Sometimes I wonder if I’m spending enough time making an important impact on the world, or if I’m too wrapped up in the mechanics of making deals on machine tools.

Swarfcast Ep. 36 – Ben York on Taking the Art Out of Machining

In today’s podcast I interviewed Ben York, an inventor and consultant for machining companies. I met him at the 2019 Precision Machining Technology Show where his company, Theory 168, was presenting his Perfect Zero Alignment system. The system uses a camera installed in a CNC machine to set work coordinates and align and set tooling (see demonstration video below).

Swarfcast Ep. 35 – Graeme Sinclair on Precision Machining in Australia

In today’s podcast we interviewed Graeme Sinclair, owner of Parish Engineering, a prominent precision machining shop in Australia. Graeme has been in the machining business for 60 years, since he served his apprenticeship at age 14.

Swarfcast Ep. 32 – Work Less and Do More, with Ari Meisel

Like many people, I get overwhelmed at work. Sometimes I don’t get the work done I want to do, so I stay at the office an hour or two extra. By the time I get home I feel like I don’t have enough free time for relaxation and other activities.

Scroll down to listen to the podcast with Ari Meisel.

Swarfcast Ep. 31 – Ken Mandile, Employees Are Buying His Business

On today’s podcast we interviewed Ken Mandile, founder of Swissturn, a successful CNC Swiss machine shop in Oxford, Massachusetts. Ken’s children are not interested in taking over Swissturn when he eventually retires, so five years ago Ken began restructuring his company into an employee stock ownership plan or ESOP, in which he will gradually transfer ownership and management to his employees.

Scroll down to listen to the podcast.

Swarfcast Ep. 30 – Developing a Machining Culture with Victor and Betty DaCruz

On today’s podcast, we interviewed Victor and Betty DaCruz, owners of DaCruz Manufacturing in Bristol, Connecticut. Victor and Betty have transformed their company over the last three decades from a multi-spindle screw machine shop with ACMEs and New Britains into a high-tech CNC turning operation. While other companies complain about not being able to find quality employees, DaCruz has created a culture that attracts high level young people to work at the company.

Gildemeister Sprint 42/10 Linear - Graff-Pinkert's Video of the Week

Gildemeister Sprint 42/10 Linear

Mfd. 2013
2-Spindle CNC Turning Automatic Lathe
Rapid traverses of 40 m/min and 1g acceleration for every axis
Turret tool holder capacity of 16 positions for machining on the main and sub-spindle
Glass scales on the 3 main axis for precision and reliability
DMG Slim Line Panel with TFT 15" Monitor

Swarfcast Ep. 34 – Ed Crowley, Master of Insert Tooling

On today’s podcast we interviewed Ed Crowley, owner of Crowley Tool Company, a company that specializes in making custom insert form tools and quick change tooling packages for the precision machining industry. Ed explained in detail how his company has developed modular tooling that an operator can change on the fly, which can reduce set up time from days to minutes.

He admits that the marketshare for form tools is shrinking as the cam multi-spindles have lost favor, but he thinks that his products will stay relevant for the foreseeable future...

Swarfcast Ep. 33 – Aneesa Muthana, the Success of a Woman in the Machining

On today’s podcast, we interviewed Aneesa Muthana, owner of Pioneer Service Inc., a CNC machine shop that features 26 Star CNC Swiss lathes. Aneesa shared her fond memories of being raised on the floor of a centerless grinding shop, M&M Quality Grinding, founded by her Yemeni immigrant parents.

Graff-Pinkert - Screw Machines, Hydromats, CNCs