High-speed machining: just in time for agile manufacturing

Machine tool suppliers are actively helping their customers in their agile manufacturing efforts with high-speed machining products. These systems allow manufacturers to pursue just-in-time production, quick-change manufacturing and high-level efficiencies. They also reduce lead times, cycle times and per-part costs; make fixturing, material and tooling processes easier; and improve machined finishes. Other benefits include lower heat effects, reduced cutting forces and wider machine range. The two fastest machines in the market are the #40 taper machines, with up to 20,000 rpm with 30-hp spindle, and the #50 taper machines, with up to 15,00 rpm with 40-hp spindle. Despite the promising features, manufacturers may be skeptical about such radical high-speed machining technologies. To placate their uncertainties, suppliers should provide a turnkey service that includes solution engineering and performance guarantees.
Across industry, the drive is toward agile manufacturing--shortening time-to-market, reducing lead times, lot sizes and in-process inventories, reacting faster to market changes, and implementing continuous improvement in both processes and [...]