What are some less frequent metalworking problems that can be difficult for your customers to overcome without the right guidance? How do you advise your customers on these issues?
Prisaznuk: A less frequent issue is vendor support by region, knowing what representative is covering the account and what each of their strengths are … I strive to network with all local technical representatives from all the tooling and parts suppliers.
What are some of the most interesting, provocative or emerging trends or approaches in metalworking that could have a major impact on the industry?
Prisaznuk: I believe additive manufacturing has advanced faster than the cutting tools. The major tooling companies have done a good job on new substrates, coatings and geometries. The aerospace and medical fields are vastly expanding in the market to reduce costs and increase speed to market by removing a manufacturing step or two.
In additive, you only have to take a look at what’s being done in small customized medical device and instrument parts and what Boeing is doing with aircraft parts with the 787 Dreamliner to see the evolution in the industry.
Are there technologies or methods that have impressed you in their ability to increase output, save on material costs or reduce tooling changeovers? Can you cite some examples?
Prisaznuk: One of the items that impresses me is machine tool builders that have adapted their equipment as a “done-in-one” process like DMG Mori has in their equipment. Mazak and a few others are also fine-tuning their equipment to the changes in the needs of the end users. There is a large need in the medical field for micro tools, and there are many manufacturers that supply micro drills and inserts down to 0.4 mm or smaller (0.0157 inches).
What is your favorite part of your job as a metalworking specialist?
Prisaznuk: The interaction with the customer, the collaboration we are exposed to with them and the ability to work as a team to solve complex machining and manufacturing challenges. The ultimate goals are to create long-term partnerships with them and help to make them continuously competitive.
What is the most important non-technical aspect of your job that helps you meet or exceed your customers’ needs?
Prisaznuk: I’d say listening. It is a very important element. Understanding the details of a complex or even minor machining process will determine how quick you can solve the problem. It’s vital to know all the moving parts of the project: the material being machined, the equipment, fixturing and the tolerance required. It’s also good to discuss with customers how they may be running the components in their specific environment to get their input and really listen to their needs.
Do you have to show a return on investment for your customers? If so, how do you accomplish it?
Prisaznuk: Yes. Our “app opt” tool, short for application optimization, is our method that helps us report the data on the existing process and the new process. I work closely with floor personnel on the actual baseline data so we know what we are comparing against … If there is no baseline already in use, we work with our customers to develop a quantitative method for a machine or tooling output calculation, whether it be the speed and feed of the tool, depth and width of cut, tool life, coolant use and cost of existing tools versus new tooling.
The ultimate result is the customer or owner being satisfied on the results. One company I was able to work closely with on application optimization was full-service CNC machining outfit Modern-Tec Manufacturing, in Lockport, New York, outside of Buffalo. I worked with a vendor-partner to help slash the cycle time more than 30 percent and reduced the cost of the part more than 300 percent and saved nearly $25,000.
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I purchased a accupro powder metal ruffer 1/4 I want to profile a 1/4 plate. And I can't find sfm and ipt for this. Thank You
21We're going to email you a chart showing the feeds & speeds for Accupro Powdered Metal (PMX) End Mills. They vary with the kinds of material that you are milling.
If you need technical expertise in the future, you can use the forums where metalworking techs answer questions just like this.
https://www.mscdirect.com/betterMRO/forum
24Hello sir/ madam , I was building a part of machine but i am not able to do it...the part of machine i wanted to build is like a mehendi . Cone .which designs the border of a picture
...if you help me to build it perfectly...I am ready to pay you 15000 + the cost of making the tool( the tool is not that much big, there the idea is important)....
25Contact me on 8008986150
22Came across an old print for a machined hydraulic valve housing that has a bore and a note saying, "no racking permissible on this surface" Can't find out what racking means on-line or in person. Please help.
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