MSU spotlights little-known U.S. topic: High-speed machining

Contact: Maridith Geuder

The emerging technology of high-speed machining will be widely discussed Thursday [Sept. 24] at a Mississippi State University workshop.

A process using spindle speeds of 8,000 rpms or above, high-speed machining is a technology until now seen largely overseas.

Sponsored by the mechanical engineering department's High Speed Machining Laboratory, the special program will include roundtable discussions of the technology's potential use in Mississippi and of support MSU can provide. Demonstrations will be provided.

"We believe this seminar can be an important starting point to introduce the technology to Mississippi industries," said conference coordinator Ike Agba.

The mechanical engineering and industrial engineering departments jointly operate the Center for Integrated Manufacturing, which houses the latest manufacturing equipment in its high-speed lab.

University research projects under way or planned involve the machining of metals and composite materials, the study of tool wear in machining metals and non-metals, and the training of technicians to operate the equipment.

Agba said the technology, which can be used in the aerospace, automotive and tool and die industries, offers the advantages of short production time and low cost. It also provides better surface finishes and less heat generation, among other positive factors.

Disadvantages have included high start-up costs and complex programming.

For more information, contact Agba at (601) 325-7316 or Nancy Losure at 325-1615.