Artificial Intelligence, Origin Stories, Machining Strategies, and the Wild Ride Ahead in 2024

Buckle up.

When I think about 2024, that thought comes to mind. There are simply too many events of global significance taking place this year to make 2024 a forgettable ride. To wit: It is estimated that 76 countries plan to hold elections this year, possibly making 2024 “the biggest election year in history.” In addition to elections taking place across the planet, NASA’s Artemis II is scheduled to take humans on a flyby of the moon. A total eclipse of the sun will be visible across much of North America. The quadrennial drama of the Summer Olympics will descend upon Paris. And those are just a few of the known events.

Then there are the wildcards.

In its 96 years of existence, Modern Machine Shop has never explored artificial intelligence (AI) — a wildcard of epic scale — as our central cover topic. But given the rapid advance of machining automation that our writers

focus on every day, it feels like the right time. In her feature on page 58, senior editor Julia Hider presents a fascinating interview with Mike Wearne, a CAD instructor and CNC programmer who has researched and published studies and videos about ChatGPT’s potential for programming G code. In Hider’s article, she describes the challenges of machine programming via ChatGPT through its existing interface, including the sheer volume of information ChatGPT requires to create a successful program. Without giving anything away, the money quote in Hider’s piece is this (emphasis added on the last sentence): “Anything beyond that is not doable. At least, not yet.”

We also explore AI and AI-adjacent topics in two other articles this month. On page 18, Editorial Director Peter Zelinski explores AI’s potential through an examination of intelligence itself — “real” versus “artificial” — and the role humans will necessarily still play even as AI advances far beyond its current capabilities. And on page 71, Senior Associate Editor Eli Plaskett examines dynamic programming and the ability of machines to autonomously generate code — after humans program the part geometries and cutting paths. While referring to dynamic programming as “AI” is dubious at best, Eric Ostini, GF Machining’s head of business development for North America, puts it this way: “Dynamic programming enables the intermediate or beginner operator to function at the level of a skilled programmer and enables the skilled programmer to make more efficient use of their time.”

Rounding out the rest of the feature contributions to this issue, on page 68, associate editor Nate Fields examines a briquette manufacturer that revamped its machining and cutting tool arsenal for faster production. In this case study, the combination of a Mazak Integrex turn-mill machine with a two-pallet changer and automated pallet-stocking system, coupled with indexable carbide tooling from Ceratizit and Mastercam’s 3D tool paths, was a game changer across several aspects of production. And on page 62, Associate Editor Evan Doran tells the story of entrepreneurs who used their lack of manufacturing experience to their greatest possible advantage, creating a business strategy that involved trusting machinists and taking a hands-off management style. The strategy allowed company leaders to take more risks and find success at a faster pace.

Finally, I’m excited to announce that the January 2024 issue of Modern Machine Shop includes two brand-new feature presentations. First, we’re debuting a full-spread visual feature we’ve dubbed “The Cut Scene.” Put one way, “The Cut Scene” is a two-page photo feature accompanied by text callouts that describe an interesting production setup and machining activity. Put another, it is a visually compelling photo involving a machining production scene that’s meant to evoke a call-and-response: What is that, and how is it made?

In this debut of “The Cut Scene,” we’re examining a snapshot from one step of Vektek’s production cycle for its hydraulic clamp bodies. These complex parts must be leak-free with precision fits and excellent surface finishes, and producing them at volume requires repeatable and flexible workholding to change parts quickly. To see the solution Vektek found, turn to page 56.

Also making its debut this month is “How I Made It,” a new Q&A-style feature that takes us behind the scenes with fascinating personalities in our industry. “How I Made It” takes a step back from technology topics to focus on origin stories — family upbringing, career highlights, personal or professional epiphanies, wild anecdotes, lessons learned, or random nuggets of wisdom. This month, we’re featuring Doug Schulte, senior product manager for Select Machining Technologies and a man known by friends as “Machine Tool Google” due to his encyclopedic knowledge of machine tool specs and mechanics. On page 96, Schulte talks about his early introduction to the industry through his father, who began his own career at the LeBlond Machine Tool Company in the early 1950s. Doug's wisdom on the importance of having curiosity, his philosophy on selling and the bravery of asking questions, and his shared joy of working in the metalworking industry all make for a worthy read.

In the coming months, the Modern Machine Shop team plans to provide more new offerings to our audience, offerings you'll find both in print and in the world of multimedia. (We’re also excited to announce that we’re already working on Season 3 of our podcast, “Made in the USA” — stay tuned.) Until then, we hope you enjoy this issue as we all buckle up for the ride ahead.