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n political folklore, a yellow
dog Democrat is someone
who could be counted on to
vote. Thats a problem for both
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
and Majority Leader Harry Reid
(D-NV.) There are many more
blue dogs than yellow dogs
in their packs.
The federal budget deficit and
proposals that could significantly
increase that deficit, both for the
current year and projected for the
coming decade, are beginning to
scare the more conservative blue
dog Democrats and cause them
to stray from the pack leader.
For fiscal year 2009, the U.S.
government ran a budget deficit
of almost $1.4 trillion. Yes, that
is trillion with a t.
It is not just a record. The
$1.4-trillion deficit beats the old
record by threefold. Moreover,
by the Obama Administrations
own projections, the total budget
deficit is projected to grow by
an additional $9 trillion over the
next decade. Remember when
Ross Perot (who received 20
percent of the presidential vote
in 1992) was campaigning on the
position that it was irresponsible
to allow the budget deficit to
grow by several hundreds of
billions over the succeeding
years? If only we had such small
worries today, and our deficit
could still be measured in billions
rather than trillions.
In fairness, George W. Bush
did nothing to alleviate the
problem. Indeed, the budget
deficit doubled during his tenure,
and many of those years were
times of good economic growth,
when there was no need to run
a deficit for economic stimulus
purposes. Without getting much
credit (or blame) for it, he signed
a Republican-sponsored bill that
added a prescription drug benefit
for seniors, adding trillions to the
unfunded liabilities of the U.S.
government (which now amount
to over $100 trillion or $900,000
for every U.S. household).
For 2009, the federal budget
deficit is projected to be 11.2
percent of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP.) This contrasts
with a 3.2 percent of GDP in
the previous year. Moreover, the
Obama economic team does
not see an opportunity to cut
the deficit significantly during
his tenure. In fact, they project a
doubling of the deficit over the
next eight years. We are already
in debt to the Chinese alone for
$1 trillion, and we are selling off
our physical assets at a record
pace to pay our bills. Direct
foreign investment in the United
States is $2.5 trillion, up 150
percent in just the last decade.
No wonder the blue dog
Democrats are nervous. Many
of them have to run for re-
election next year in states with
conservative electorates, like
Indiana, Arkansas, and North
Dakota. That makes them
skeptical of a near trillion-
dollar price for the proposed
healthcare bill.
Stories are already beginning
to circulate about the billions of
dollars of waste uncovered in the
stimulus bill, and the promised
jobs have yet to materialize in
sufficient numbers to justify
the $787 billion cost of that
legislation.
Thus, the Senate deadline
for healthcare is beginning to
slip into early next year. And,
Democrats are less and less
eager to vote for a climate
bill that could cost additional
trillions and incrementally
double electricity rates over the
next decade. Senate Majority
Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)
is a good vote counter, and he
knows he is asking some of his
Democratic caucus to commit
political suicide by backing the
Presidents legislative agenda.
The Republicans are counting
on a conservative backlash to
punish Democrats in 2010. Blue
dog Democrats fear the same
thing if they become identified in
voters minds with the leaders of
their pack.
Former Majority Leader
Trent Lott (R-MS) wrote a book
comparing his former job to
trying to herd cats. Harry Reid
and Nancy Pelosi are finding
that herding blue dogs is not
much easier.
GOVERNMENT MATTERS
You can help revitalize U.S. manufacturing! Send this page to your Congressman, local and state government leaders,
or your local newspaper editor. Add your own comments on the importance of manufacturing innovation to the health of
our economy. Your comments are also welcome at pfreedenberg@AMTonline.org
B Y D R . P A U L F R E E D E N B E R G
Blue Dog Revolt > >
Vice President-Government Relations, AMTThe Association For Manufacturing Technology
8 I AMERICAN MACHINIST I DECEMBER 2009 I americanmachinist.com
I
vote for a Democratic candidate
even if the Democratic Party
nominated a yellow dog. By
contrast, in recent times there
has been increasing reference
to the blue dog Democrats in
Congress. Those members are
more discriminating about whom
or for what they are willing to
NTMA NOTES
B Y J A M E S R . G R O S M A N N
JAMES R. GROSMANN IS MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR THE NATIONAL TOOLING & MACHINING ASSOCIATION
I
have enjoyed contributing my
opinion to American Machinist
every month, and the opportunity
I thought Id copy some of that lone
negative response, so he can air his
point of view.
I read your article and I
had to laugh at the hypocrisy, he
began. First using Khrushchevs
quote to demonize the present
administration and then stating
that 40% of Americans receive
some sort of Federal aid, because
we all know that is whats killing
the country. Just to be fair and
balanced why dont you give us
the facts on how many businesses
receive Federal assistance through
tax breaks and credits while the
rest of us pick up the tab?
My friend misunderstood
me. I didnt say those on Federal
assistance was what was killing
this country. Ive known people
that have been on assistance and
for a lot of them, its needed. But. I
also know that there are billions of
dollars wasted every year by people
working the system, getting money
they dont deserve. The recent
ACORN fiasco exposes a group
organized to do just that.
We cannot afford to keep growing
the federal government while losing
jobs in the private sector. I think we
should reconsider tax breaks for
large corporations. Unfortunately,
many of those tax breaks also
help smaller companies to remain
competititive. Maybe Congress will
look in to that? Taxpayers fund all
of it. Thats the very reason why we
cant continue the practice.
Next, my friend criticized me for
daring to address the number of
illegal aliens receiving benefits paid
for by taxpayers:
Go after those defenseless
people on welfare, lastly point
out that all those foreigners are
getting stuff for free and theyre
not even American. Oh and most
importantly, do it while waving the
American flag while remembering
9/11 and bellowing to take back
America. Well, weve taken back
America, back from the pack of
liars and thieves that hijacked it for
the past eight years.
I welcome the immigrants who
arrive here legally, work hard, and
pay taxes. I spent many years living
outside the U.S. and I know hard life
is in many underdeveloped nations.
I also know that many people who
have entered the U.S. legally and
approached citizenship the right
way dont appreciate others who
dont take the legal approach.
In more concrete terms, I
recommend a visit to some of the
counties in our Southwestern states
that are overwhelmed by illegal
immigration. The term breaking the
law has to mean something, doesnt
it? Hospitals, welfare agencies,
schools and other services are being
strained, and compromised by excess
demand. If it isnt brought under
control, those services wont be
available for anyone.
Next came his big conclusion:
Wealth is finite if Wall Street is
paying out huge bonuses that money
comes out of someone elses pocket,
most likely Joe Working Class.
Its a pity our educational system
doesnt do a better job of teaching
students how businesses really
work. If Wall Street is paying
huge bonuses, then the money ought
to be coming out of the pockets of
those that invested money in Wall
Street. The bonuses should not be
funded by tax revenue.
I believe it has been those
officials now in office who have
given taxpayers money to Wall
Street. Id also point out to my
correspondent that the jobs he
endorses and anticipates resulting
from an expanded government will
be funded by taxpayers money
including taxes paid by Joe
working class, who he claims to
defend with such passion.
But, theres more to this
exchange than the specific details
in debate. My correspondent used
some time-honored tactics: First,
insult your opponent, and then
change the subject. The point of
my column was that our freedoms
have been paid for with the blood
of heroes. We must value their
sacrifice even as we cherish our
freedoms. We must be careful about
what we allow to happen as our
government expands, and asserts
more control of our personal and
business activities.
I should note that my corres-
pondent is not a company owner; hes
a worker, like most of us. I hope that
if government expansion threatened
the viability of any of his plans or
enterprises, hed oppose that too.
Our current leaders do not recognize
small manufacturing as a worthy
contributor to their project. For them,
were an easy target to fund for their
excessive spending. Manufacturing
jobs, including my correspondents,
will be lost if all this continues.
I appreciate my correspondents
response because open debate is
what America ought to be about,
and what is threatened by an
aggressive government. When
elected representatives aim to
legislate so fast that there can be no
debate, we have lost a fundamental
principle of our democracy. We
must examine all these changes,
before we give it all away. <<
Contact James R. Grosmann at the
National Tooling & Machining
Assn., jgrosmann@ntma.org.
Lets Hear From the Other Side > >
americanmachinist.com I DECEMBER 2009 I AMERICAN MACHINIST I 9
to inform our industry about
the realities of what is going on in
Washington. My October column,
Will We Give It All Away,
expressed my concern that we are
going to give away our country, if
we arent careful. Among all the
responses, just one reader disagreed
with me, but nevertheless agreed that
we need to have serious debate.
Thats not going on in Washington
today, but since American Machinist
doesnt present letters to the editor,
FI VE- AXI S
T
he number of shops that
have caught on to the ben-
efits of 5-axis machine
tools has grown by leaps
and bounds in recent years.
Still, there are many shops that, for the
first time, are adopting 5-axis machin-
ing, and for them, choosing a machine
can be a daunting prospect espe-
cially when one machine tool builder
reported having found hundreds of
different possible machine configura-
tions available for achieving 5-axis
machining capability.
However, shops making their first
foray into full simultaneous 5-axis ma-
chining or 5-sided machining typically
opt for either a vertical or horizontal-
type machining center. And thankfully,
with those two types, the choices are a
bit more manageable.
Within the realm of verticals and
horizontals, there are basically four
common configurations for five axes,
and those four can be categorized into
two groups. Group one configurations
achieve a fifth axis through workpiece/
machine table movement, and group
two configurations through tool/ma-
chine spindle movement.
The table-movement group in-
cludes the A over B axis (dual trunnion
table) and B over A axis (knuckle)-type
machine configurations. Configurations
within the spindle-movement group are
the tilting-head and C-axis head-types.
Each type of 5-axis machine config-
uration handles certain types of work-
pieces better than others, which is the
reason that practically every builder of
5-axis machines will agree that choos-
ing the appropriate machine configu-
ration is extremely part driven. So,
shops need to know the size and weight
range of the parts they will be running,
what material (soft or hard) those parts
will be made from, what level of ac-
curacy needs to be held, and what types
of surface finishes are required.
According to Dave Lucius, vice
president of sales at Methods Machine
Tools Inc. (www.methodsmachine.
com), the exclusive U.S. importer of
Matsuura machines, the best configu-
ration for rigidity and accuracy when
machining hard materials is one where
the machines table moves rather than
its spindle. Machining hard materials
is Matsuuras forte, he said, which is
why the builder focuses heavily on A
over B-axis dual-supported trunnion-
type machines with vertically oriented
spindles for 5-axis machining. Mat-
suura also produces B over A-axis
knuckle-type machines, but recom-
mends that shops move to a dual-sup-
10 I AMERICAN MACHINIST I DECEMBER 2009 I americanmachinist.com
The Five-Axis Frenzy
SHOPS HAVE A LOT TO CONSIDER BEFORE DIVING
INTO 5-AXIS MACHINING.
By Charles Bates I senior editor
P
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o
t
o
c
o
u
r
t
e
s
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o
f
M
a
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i
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o
americanmachinist.com I DECEMBER 2009 I AMERICAN MACHINIST I 11
ported trunnion-type machine when
part weights exceed 100 lb.
Lucius explained that Matsuura
machines get their rigidity and robust-
ness from vertically oriented spindles
together with trunnions that are ba-
sically mounted to a machines core
base. He also said there are benefits
concerning work envelopes and ma-
chine automation.
On trunnion-style machines, most
of the work envelope is usable because
it doesnt have to be big enough to pro-
vide enough room for a moving spindle
to maneuver around a workpiece. So
when considering a parts size, a trun-
nion-style machines work envelope for
that particular size will be smaller, as
compared with the required envelope
a tilt spindle/C-head type machine will
need to accommodate that same part
size. With a trunnion type machine,
shops can get closer to filling the work
envelope with part size because the ma-
chine design eliminates the interference
issues associated with a moving-spindle
machine, said Lucius.
To date, Matsuuras largest dual-
supported trunnion machine provides
a work envelope measuring 24.8 in. sq.,
handling parts weighing to 880 lb. And,
the company soon will be presenting
a larger horizontal version dual-sup-
ported trunnion style 5-axis machine.
Respondi ng to the bel i ef that
trunnion-style machines are difficult
to automate, Lucius pointed out that
just the opposite is true. Automating
a trunnion-type machine is actually
easy to do. For example, the Mat-
suura MAM72-35V can incorporate
a simple pick-and-place robotic sys-
tem, some with as many as 180 pal-
lets. The machines are designed for
fully integrated, simple off-the-shelf
automation. In fact, the bulk of 5-axis
machines Matsuura installs are ones
with high-quantity pallet systems.
Commenting on 5-axis machines,
Tracy Ellis, machine group sales man-
ager at Heller Machine Tools (www.
heller-us.com), stated that all types
of 5-axis machine designs provide
accuracy, but there can be physi-
cal drawbacks to each. For example,
he pointed out that an A over B-axis
trunnion-type machine design might
limit operator accessibility.
Workpieces and workholding, on
those types of machines, must rest
M
any shops are so-
lidifying their com-
petitive standing by
incorporating 5-axis machin-
ing and taking on low-vol-
ume, high-accuracy complex
jobs. But in this process some
shops, especially those do-
ing work with micron-scale
features or surface-finish
requirements in the single-
nanometer range, often reach
accuracy limits when using
conventional machine tools.
In these situations, ma-
chine tool builder Mori
Seiki (www.moriseiki.com)
recommends that shops con-
sider ultra-precise 5-axis
machines. Used in clean,
temperature-stable environ-
ments (at least +/- 1 degree
C.), these machines easily
match the most demanding
standards for accuracy.
One of Mori Seikis ultra-
precision 5-axis machines is
the NN1000DCG for ultra-
precise linear scribing and
milling. The symmetrically
configured machine fea-
tures the companys DCG
(driven at the center of grav-
ity) technology and a spe-
cial, closed-loop structure.
According to Adam Han-
sel, COO of Mori Seiki's
Digital Technology Lab, the
reduction of off-axis distur-
bances is critical in ultra-
precision machining. A DCG
machine structure, and one
that is fully counterbalanced,
ensures smooth machine
movement. In addition, the
NN1000s closed-loop struc-
ture increases machine stiffness.
While other machines
typically employ cantilevered
spindles, the NN1000 closed-
loop structure not only makes
for a more rigid machine, but
also provides excellent op-
erator access to workpieces
and tooling for in-machine
measuring and job set up,
pointed out Hansel.
Mori Seiki equips the
NN1000 with air bearings
on linear and rotary axes to
eliminate mechanical con-
tact and provide the highest
level of precision.
An air turbine that pro-
vides precision and reduced
thermal generation drives
the machines milling spin-
dle, which also spins on air
bearings. For ultra-precision
positioning, the machines
linear axes feature 34-pi-
cometer-resolution scales.
Although the X, Y, and Z-
axis travels on the NN1000
measure 4.7 in., 5.9 in., and
2.0 in., Zach Piner, general
manager of Mori Seiki' Me-
chanical Technology Group,
said the machines design
could definitely be applied
to a larger format machine.
But, he added that the exact
construction of the machine
would have to be evaluated
based on the exact intended
application.
Some of the main target
markets for the NN1000
are optical and micro molds.
However, many markets are
emerging as engineers learn
that these kinds of machines
exi s t . Many engi neer s
would not have considered
designing such complex
and precise part features
because they did not know
that a machine existed that
could achieve them, com-
mented Piner. <<
between the two (A-axis) trunnions,
forcing operators to work around the
trunnions. He also said that shops can
fit only so much workpiece mass and
weight between the two trunnions be-
fore having to move to a larger ma-
chine. But, he added that the trunnion
machine design is a very reliable one.
In my opinion, I dont think a
shop should go over an 800-mm pallet
size in an A over B axis trunnion ma-
chine. When workpiece mass/size ap-
proaches 2,500 kg/one meter or larger,
it can be difficult to handle on a trun-
nion machine because the trunnions
would have to be spread out to the
point where table sag might become
an issue, said Ellis.
He agreed that A over B-axis ma-
chines are adaptable to pallet chang-
ing. However, the pallet changer has to
be either a shuttle or linear type, which
may not be as fast as a rotary-type pal-
let changer. Pallets must be lifted and
Ultra-Precise 5-Axis
Mori Seiki's NN1000DCG 5-axis machine.
12 I AMERICAN MACHINIST I DECEMBER 2009 I americanmachinist.com
F I V E - A X I S
shuttled and a new one pushed on,
as opposed to lifted, rotated and set
down with a rotary system.
Ellis added that pallet changing is
possible and commonly done with B
over A-axis type machines, but there
can be an overhead connection to the
machines B axis that can get in the
way, especially with aftermarket add-
ons. Builders can overcome this prob-
lem by making the connection integral
to the table.
Heller builds tilting head and C-head
type five-axis machines with B axes as
the rotary tables and the other rotary
axis as either a swiveling workhead C
axis or a tilting A-axis workhead. Ma-
chine sizes run to 1.6 m by 2 m, and if a
shop needs something larger than that,
Heller recommends opting for a portal
or gantry type five-axis machine.
Tilting head and C-head designs
keep a machines work area accessi-
ble and ergonomically friendly while
allowing for a large work envelope,
high table load capability and good
adaptability to pallet changing. Op-
erators can easily reach workpieces,
workholding, the spindle and tooling,
and the machines tables carry the full
load and workpiece size of traditional
horizontal machining centers.
With a B over A-axis design, the ma-
chines indexer takes up a large por-
tion of the work envelope, and with an
A over B-axis trunnion machine, there
are potential collision zones with the
trunnion, explained Ellis.
For its 5-axis machine models, Hel-
ler offers a choice of three different
workhead designs. Theres a power-
cutting, high-torque universal head,
a speed-cutting universal head, and
a speed-cutting tilt spindle for high-
speed cutting.
The power cutting heads use Hel-
ler zero spindle system spindles, car-
tridge-type spindles that have a cou-
pling between the spindle cartridge and
the motor. This allows the cartridge to
be changed in about two hours, as op-
posed to motorized spindles where the
task is a lot more involved.
Tilting head machines from Heller
sport higher speed spindles, primarily
for cutting aluminum and cast iron.
The company also offers a high-speed
spindle on its C-head machine. The
power cutting C-head delivers ample
torque having a gear-driven headstock
in 40 and 50 taper versions.
Makinos (www.makino.com) ap-
proach to various five-axis machine
designs considers both the positioning
of the workpiece relative to the spindle
and the positioning of the cutting tool/
spindle relative to the workpiece.
On some horizontals, for example,
Makino uses a table-on-table design,
where the B axis is under a horizon-
tal pallet that has a vertical rotary C
axis. The design provides stiffness and
rigidity, and such operations as drill-
ing and boring can be performed as
single-axis operations versus multi-
axis movements. On its verticals and
some horizontals, the company also
uses tilt trunnion-style tables.
Makino also designs five-axis ma-
chines with the A and C axes on the
spindle. However, those machines are
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