International Metalworking News for Asia

In the February issue of IMNA, Michael Cope, 5-axis expert and author of the CNC Machinist Blog wrote about Tool Center Point Management (TCPM) or Rotary Tool Center Point Control (RTCPC) as it is sometimes referred to. TCPM is a feature within advanced machine tool controls that significantly simplifies the complexity of 5-axis programming and setup.
According to Michael, there is a lot going on behind a tool that moves around the part in 5-axis simultaneous machining. Various types of calculations are necessary to keep everything under control during this fluid dance of the tool-tip. All 5-axis machines, regardless of the actual axis configuration, have a fixed mechanical centerline for the rotary or tilting axes of the machine, around which each particular axis rotates. Find out more at the Metal Cutting section.
This month's magazine is packed with exclusive interviews from a heavy lifting solutions provider in Indonesia, machine tool maker in Taiwan, and a five-axis machine builder based in Singapore. These interviews help users create and deliver powerful, scalable and manageable applications for their production facilities and small job shops, quickly and efficiently.
It’s no secret that emerging markets offer tremendous manufacturing opportunities. But with these emerging markets come unique characteristics and challenges that will only become more complicated as business expands in each region.
The ability to plan demand better is a tremendous advantage, as accurate plans help supply chain leaders align end-to-end supply chains correctly, and forecast predictable outcomes and profitable responses to demand. The Part 2 of IMNA's Outlook Report presents two experts speaking about the manufacturing industry. Find out more as these experts provide their annotation on how to stay on top of the trends.