Basic Machining 1

[Easynow24]

Does anyone know of a website which describes all the processes which can be done on Lathes, Milling machines etc.

I am a junior design engineer and i will be designing parts for the craftsman to make. But the problem is that i only know the basic processes which can be done on lathes and milling machines, if i know all the processes in more detail i can then design better parts.

Thanks

Easynow

 

[ivymike]

wow, my school required all engineers to learn to operate the standard machine tools & weld at least 4 different ways... I guess not everybody does that. You'd probably be well served to find a community college machinist course, imho.

 

[site]

You better go for a book called MACHINERY HAND BOOK In which almost all machining practices and design aspects are described in a better way

 

[tannguyen]

The bible as I refer it to.

You can find it at a Barnes & Noble or Borders Book stores, if there's any by you.

 

Try

http://www.engineersedge.com

under definitions.

 

[sbi]

after 30 years I still learn a new one at least once a week
find a couple of good craftsman or master machinest and ask the advice
as you design new parts, you will learn as they will, and the relation will
be very fruitfull for all, you will alwasy get a strait answer with people who
trust each other.


I spent 3 decades becoming a master machinist, then I went back to collage
and got my BS-ME & IE

 

[ArtFabrication]

As far as the capabilities of machine manufacturing on Lathes and Mills, I've never come across a part that I couldn't make. There have seen those that were not cost effective to make! You should ask your machine shop to give you feedback on ways to cut manufacturing costs, as long as it doesn't compromise the form, fit or function of the part. I always say, "The impossible only takes a little longer. Miracles take three days max." Anything you can dream up, can be built by a good machinist.

 

[mrainey]

I come from the manufacturing end of things - I'm a manufacturing engineer who has been charged with figuring out how to manufacture multitudes of design engineers' "conceptualizations". In my experience over the past twenty five years, a few engineers are keenly interested in coming up with something that not only functions correctly but is as inexpensive and/or convenient to manufacture as possible, without having to subcontract or buy new machinery. They're fun to work with. The vast majority don't seem very interested in manufacturing, and it shows on their blueprints. They're invisible, except when there's a problem. A small but significant group is openly hostile toward anyone who questions the manufacturability of their stuff (that's the "if I can draw it, you can make it" mentality). This is a very competitive world - that sort of attitude can drive costs up and force plants to close.

I'm glad to see young engineers who want to help manufacturing. I agree with the suggestion that you look at a local community college for a general machining class. If there are any CNC programmers working at your shop, spend a few days with them. You might learn a lot about things that help and things that don't.

 

[Viktor]

I would recommend you to read the following book:
Walker, Machining Fundamentals, Goodheart-Willcox, 1998
ISBN:1-56637-403-0
This comprehensive text provides an instruction to various machining operations, setups, and procedures. The text details all traditional machining methods including CNC and automated manufacturing processes.
Viktor

http://viktorastakhov.tripod.com

 

[jklkc]

There are many machining processes. Besides traditional machining, there are abrasive jet machining, laser cut, wire cut machining (electric discharge), steel polishing, chemical corrosion machining, high-energy-electron machining,......

Most of these processes need expensive machine and technical knowledge. As a junior design engineer, you can have a brief understanding about the modern machining processes, this is because each modern machining process owns different application, suitability to material, advantages & disadvantages, degree of surface finishing, and even the effect to the workpiece.

I believe you cant get all processes in a website, so you can find them one by one or partial by partial. Some website site only provide info of one machining process, but it provide the better info among the other website. So, just be patient, it is a process of learning, no short-cut.

Like example, if you found some information of abrsive jet machining, you will know its specialty. In complicated parts, some area cannot be reached by traditional machining processes. That is why we need modern processes.

If you are equiped with these technical knowledge of modern machining process. You are consedered an advance mechanical engineer. Yes, you are!

Cheers

 

[Easynow24]

Cheers guys thats a great help.

I know some people may think i am stupid (ivymike) in asking this question, but what i learnt at college was mostly theory, we did materials science, Fluids mechanics, solids mechanics, electricity, etc, and the hands on machining part was neglected.

 

[ivymike]

Hey, I didn't say you were stupid - I was just surpised that there are engineering schools that don't teach engineering students how to operate the basic machine tools. Do you object to the suggestion that you should go find some hands-on experience?

 

[Hush]

My degree in mechanical, like Easynow24's, included very little hands on manufacturing. I guess the theory being that most graduates won't end up in a manufacturing environment and those that do will be trained on the job.

The best way to learn is to get a mentor. Find yourself a good experienced machinist who's easy to talk to and let him/her critique your shop drawings. Most machinists love nothing better than the opportunity to tell a young engineer how things should be done. It can be a little humbling at first but you'll be a better engineer for it.

 

[GregLocock]

My ridiculously theoretical engineering degree included a compulsory 6 week stint in a machine shop, during one of the vacations. I'd already done the equivalent with my sponsor, so I skipped that. Most people enjoyed it and it gave them a good insight into workshop techniques. Cheers

Greg Locock

 

[qqwwee2002]

Hello Easynow24,

We all are in the processes of learning. In Chinese, there is a idiom says 'Huo Dao Lao, Xue Dao Lao" means 'Learn as you live, not matter how old you are'. In this area, you might be new, let others guide you; but in other area, you might be the expert to guide other also. That is why we are in this forum to learn from others. Agree??? I believe nobody will despite you, even if others despite you openly, you can still be confident of yourself!!!! To deal with engineering problems, we need technical knowledge; but to live happily, we need phylosophy.

In my university, I also learnt about the basic mechining in lecture. We learnt extra knowledge when lecturers asked us to do assignments. We did it excellently. We were trained to gather information, nurture the desire to solve problem, humble ourselves to learn from others..... These will leads us to be a successful engineer

I am glad to make friend with you....

Cheers

 

[tmox]

i have to agree with all the people that said " ask the machinist" for a variety of reasons, 1> The machines at your plant may only be capable of certain operations, the machinist knows these and can help you design within "on-site" parameters, other designs will have to be sent outside. 2>You can gain a lot of knowledge from someone who has spent a lifetime trying to do things the easy way. Use it. 3> This guy may come up with something you never thought of, and you will be the hero, and 4> when you are experienced, even though you know the answer.....ask anyway, people respond more vigorously when they think that it is their idea,..............and you still come out on top!!!