High-pressure carbon dioxide coolant can dramatically improve the production rate of titanium parts while leaving no residue — an excellent fit for medical machining.
By focusing machine tending on pallets rather than individual parts, KAD Models has automated its high-mix, low-volume workload — and thrived as a result.
An inside look into the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming, who are combining centuries-old Gothic architectural principles with modern CNC machining to build a monastery in the mountains of Wyoming.
Improving throughput in grinding takes more than direct increases to material removal rate. It also requires careful consideration of the factors behind the operation’s stability.
Adding pallet systems brought Mach Machine success and additional productivity. The shop has since furthered its automation goals while adding new capabilities.
Pacon Mfg, Inc. has not rested on its laurels as the 2020 Top Shop Honoree for Shopfloor Practices and Performance. In the years since, it has refined its processes to continue excelling in a volatile market.
Rego-Fix’s PowRgrip tooling system has expanded over the past 20 years to incorporate a wider range of tool sizes, as well as automation.
Conical barrel cutters have grown in popularity thanks to the large stepovers that reduce the time needed for some finishing processes, but advanced CAM systems can dramatically improve their usefulness.
Determining whether to use high-density fixtures or to simplify workholding requires a deeper look into the details of your parts and processes.
The new space includes a showroom, office spaces and an auditorium that will enhance its work with its technical partners.
Decker Machine Works recently adopted Rego-Fix’s reCool through-coolant system for ER collets, reducing the cycle times on a nickel alloy job by 70%.
Facing increasing competition from lower-cost imports, Suburban Tool made a move toward large-scale, in-house machining. By identifying a niche in large, precision angle plates and tombstones, the company has strengthened its ability to control quality and protect its reputation.
Mike Lynch has been a CNC programming teacher for three decades, in addition to being the longest-running columnist in Modern Machine Shop history, providing generations of machinists with expert insight into the art of programming parts. With this issue being Mike’s last, we wanted to highlight his career and what it means for the industry.
How can shops can make informed decisions using data-driven feedback to improve shopfloor efficiency and profitability? And how will these technologies differ between high- and low-volume production?
OnLogic is partnering with AI development and implementation specialists to help companies use AI-powered solutions, aiming to drive real business value.
Even before inspection, Datanomix and Caron Engineering’s TMAC AI can extrapolate part quality from cut information. This information also helps shops push their tool life to its limits.
The reed mechanism was a breakthrough in high-precision measurement and is still used today for sub-micron or even nanometer resolution applications.
As production tolerances become ever tighter and the error margin for measurement results shrinks, manufacturers must consider thermal fluctuations in their inspection processes.
Not only can Gelsight’s tactile sensor detect and evaluate defects, but it can also measure part features, surface roughness and even contamination.
Determining the shape of a workpiece is required in many manufacturing processes. Keep in mind these important points to ensure that you master the process.
Differential gaging measures using two devices, which has advantages over standard, comparative measurements using a single sensing head. These include the ability to measure size without regard to position.
Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.
Ulendo is working to apply its vibration compensation algorithm to robots. This application is more complex than its initial market of FFF 3D printers, but could result in faster, cheaper robots.
Gelsight’s tactile sensing technology could give robots more flexibility in the tasks and environments they can handle.
In this episode of the AM Radio podcast, Robots & Autonomy Editor Julia Hider joins Additive Manufacturing’s Executive Editor Stephanie Hendrixson and Editor-in-Chief Peter Zelinski to discuss how robots and 3D printing enable each other.
The Modern Machine Shop editorial team highlights their takeaways from IMTS 2024 in a video recap.
IMTS only happens every two years. Here’s how to make the most of your time at the 2024 show.
Across a range of technical presentations aimed at small and mid-sized job shops, the first-ever Automated Shop Conference (TASC) offered insights into several automated technologies, implementation strategies, shopfloor training tips, and even the untapped power of automated coolant delivery.
Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.
The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.
Looking to automate your shop floor? The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect shops with experts who can advise them through this transition.
New tech center is serving as a cutting-edge showroom and a technological hub for advanced machining applications.
New U.S.-based event announced in 2021 finally debuts next year: focuses on complete additive manufacturing value chain. More at formnextchicago.com.
Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.
Half of the 16 machines in the company’s booth are world or North American debuts.
Learn more about the variety of technology and machinery Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc. is featuring at its IMTS 2024 booth.
FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.
Think of additive and subtractive as complementary processes, rather than being in opposition.
The Carmelite monks of Wyoming adopted CNC machining to help build a monastery that, without this technology, would take decades or longer to complete. How they are doing it is fascinating. But so is why.
Mike Lynch signs off on his CNC Tech Talk column after 35 years.
Take a tour of Machineosaurus, a Massachusetts machine shop where every CNC machine is named after a dinosaur!
Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.
AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."
Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.
Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.
In this episode of Made in the USA, several executives and senior staff at Hardinge give their first-person account of how they formulated the plan to shift the manufacturing of its milling and turning product lines from its Taiwan plant to its plant in Elmira, New York, the major challenges they encountered and the rewards that made it worth the effort.
The L.S. Starrett Co. has been manufacturing precision measurement tools in Athol, Massachusetts, since 1880. Attention to U.S. manufacturing often focuses on reshoring manufacturing from other countries, but Starrett never left. The facility in Athol employs hundreds and produces thousands of tools that remain vital for measurement in machining and other fields.
The latest episode “Made in the USA” podcast explores a company that uses collaborative robots, one of the key tools helping US machine shops and other manufacturers compete with lower cost countries by automating production.
When Puneet and Neelam Neotia moved from India to the United States several years ago, they brought with them a family background in manufacturing and CNC machining. Now the couple is working to get their startup machine shop off the ground, sourcing new customers and getting the word out about their shop in Clarksville, Indiana. The couple — proud to publicize their "Made in the USA" parts — is leveraging family connections and manufacturing capabilities back in India, but not in the way that some people assume.
Entrepreneur Scott Colosimo found early success in China producing parts for his Cleveland-based motorcycle company in the mid-2000s. This is the story of how IP theft issues overwhelmed the business, prompting Colosimo and his team to start over from scratch — and move production back to the United States.
So far, Made in the USA has looked into system-wide effects of broken supply chains, automation, skilled workforce issues and our perception of manufacturing jobs — examining each topic through a prism of individual experiences. For this final episode for Season 1, let’s look at one more system-wide question and bring it back to personal perspectives: Is there today a new dawn, a new moment for American manufacturing?
Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.
Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.
JD Machine, 2024’s Top Shops Honoree in Human Resources, embodies its “Education for Life” core value with a robust apprenticeship program and significant continuous improvement efforts.
Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.
SSP’s commitment to adopting the latest machining technology benefits not only the business, but its employees as well.
Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
The TMS-2G system enables the operator to change the chuck in minutes accurately and securely, making it versatile for diverse metalworking requirements.
TopSwiss Micro Boring Solid tooling and KCU25B turning inserts are well suited for the small parts and medical machining space.
SmartCAM v2025’s user interface and display features are said to improve the programmer’s efficiency and accuracy in the CNC program development process.
The TungBoreMini series includes an optimized chipbreaker and an advanced internal coolant supply system, which features two dedicated outlets for effective cooling and chip evacuation.
System 3R’s self-centering vises and accessories are designed to provide high cutting performance and centering and repeat accuracy.
Sir David founded Renishaw in 1973 with John Deer to commercialize the 3D touch-trigger probe for coordinate measuring machines. He went on to be named on over 200 patents for Renishaw innovations.
Join Soraluce’s online event to discover advanced manufacturing solutions developed to tackle the challenges of machining large lightweight aluminum and composite components as well as large molds and dies. Soraluce’s new Dynamic Line, featuring High Rail Gantry Machines, is engineered for exceptional dynamic performance, precision and cutting power. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about this groundbreaking technology firsthand. Meet Soraluce’s Dynamic Line: HGA: a machine with a large work envelope oriented to the machining of light materials, such as aluminum or composite materials that are typical in the aerospace sector HGP: a machine of smaller overall dimensions (in terms of working area) but with extraordinary dynamic performance, oriented to mold and die sector HGR: a very versatile machine with high cutting capacity that’s ideal for a wide range of applications, such as molds and dies or components for capital equipment In this application-focused webinar, you'll learn how Soraluce's new Dynamic Line featuring High Rail Gantry Milling Machines were designed to tackle a wide range of machining challenges from lightweight materials like aluminum and composites used in aerospace to heavy-duty components such as large format molds and dies. Agenda: High rail design: discover the fundamental benefits of high-rail gantry architecture that make them ideal for high-volume metal removal rates on large components Accuracy, dynamics and cutting power: learn about thermal stability technology and rigidity for extreme accuracy, high-speed cutting in terms of acceleration and speeds and high cutting power capability 5-axis machining: discover a wide variety of 5-axis milling heads, ranging from those based on electrospindles to mechanical spindles Custom solutions: explore Soraluce’s innovative approach to machine customization, including flexible workspaces, head change systems, and advanced accessories like vacuum clamping and dust extraction systems
No matter what your workholding application, automation always makes sense. Kurt Workholding helps you pick the right tool for the automation job — whether it be a single-vise setup or multiple vises holding large work pieces. This webinar will cover automation solutions using pneumatic, hydraulic and electronic actuation. Agenda: Most common types of vise automation solutions How to pick the right type of automation for an application Key differences between custom workholding and off-the-shelf automation solutions
In this webinar, director of manufacturing Phil Linscheid will discuss how Hamilton Company has transformed its manufacturing operations with real-time production data. Learn how Phil and his team have increased throughput five times since 2017, while simultaneously improving production efficiency. Phil will share his journey over the past few years making strategic decisions to grow the machine shop’s impact as well as how his team uses MachineMetrics to improve production visibility, automate cycle time tracking, increase machine uptime and enable accurate quoting and planning. Agenda: Enabling production visibility in Nevada’s largest machine shop Improving quoting, planning and scheduling with accurate cycle times The importance of integrating shop floor data with operational systems
The digital landscape is evolving fast — are you ready for what’s ahead? Join SYSPRO Americas and Sam Gupta of ElevatIQ for exclusive insights into the key trends driving digital transformation in 2025. This webinar is perfect for business leaders, IT professionals and decision-makers across industries looking to prepare for the future. Whether you’re modernizing operations or staying ahead of industry disruptions, these trends will help shape your strategy for 2025 and beyond. Agenda: AI and automation Geopolitical shifts and cybersecurity risks Collaboration and data integration Sustainability and energy efficiency
AI technology isn’t just a concept for the future—it’s here now, ready to transform your estimating process with the new AI BOM builder in JobBOSS². In this first-launch webinar, discover how AI can revolutionize bill of materials (BOM) entry in your shop, saving time, reducing errors and boosting efficiency. In this session, ECI will review how to use AI to build BOMs through a powerful feature that automates the extraction and input of BOM data from PDFs, Excel spreadsheets and images, all within JobBOSS². You'll have the opportunity to watch a live demonstration of the AI BOM builder in action — showcasing its ability to reduce BOM entry time from hours to mere minutes — thereby allowing you to focus on more strategic tasks. Additionally, you will learn about the real-world benefits of AI-driven BOM entry, including the minimization of manual errors, enhanced accuracy, and streamlined estimating processes — all of which can provide your shop with an immediate competitive edge. Finally, there will be a Q&A session with experts, giving you the chance to ask questions and find out how to integrate AI effectively. Agenda: Experience AI in action in a real-world manufacturing setting Discover how the AI BOM builder can immediately impact your shop’s efficiency and productivity Get hands-on insights on implementing AI to streamline your operations
The tool crib is the backbone of any machine shop — without the right tools, nothing moves forward. While most ERP systems overlook the tool crib, ProShop integrates it seamlessly with CNC programming, job planning, scheduling and more. Join this webinar for an exclusive look at how Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions leverages ProShop to document tool requirements, sync tool demand from CAM software and efficiently manage the tool crib and work instructions. Discover how ProShop transforms the tooling workflow to maximize efficiency and precision.
The MFG Meeting brings together manufacturing technology industry leaders to address key business challenges and provide actionable solutions. Sessions cover a wide range of topics, including workforce, economics, supply chain, leadership, politics, and more. This unique meeting experience provides unparalleled opportunities to network with executives from companies that make, sell, service, and support MT. These peers and competitors will learn from each other, build long-lasting connections, and share insights that will benefit their business.
Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD
CCAI is offering a comprehensive Industrial Finishing Safety Seminar developed by industry experts well-versed in safety for finishing operations. This day-and-a-half seminar focuses on NFPA 33, the Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials and will deliver important and critical information on how to safely operate an industrial finishing line. Topics Covered: An introduction to safety Overview and definitions General requirements and electrostatic spray equipment Ventilation Storage handling and distribution Fire protection Operations, maintenance and training Drying and curing Liquid and powder coatings Authority Having Jurisdiction panel discussion Who Should Attend? Manufacturing, staff and environmental engineers (industrial health & safety) Lead painters Maintenance leads and personnel Finishing equipment designers System controls and project engineers Facility managers Finishing industry distributors Date: Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12 Time: Tuesday - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Wednesday 8:00 AM - Noon Location: Sames 45001 5 Mile Road Plymouth, MI 48170 Registration Fee: CCAI Members: $599 / Non-Members: $750 Registration Fee Includes: Classroom instruction; lunch on day one; a certificate of completion; and a printed copy of the NFPA 33 Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials. Registration: CLICK HERE to register. Space is limited.
PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities.
Founded in 2001, PMTS reconvenes in April 2025 to celebrate its 13th biennial event for precision machining pros. Mark your calendar now and plan to join the precision machined parts community when we once again gather in person to share challenges and insights, see new technology solutions and learn about process innovations you can take back and immediately put into use in your own shop. The Precision Machining Technology Show is centered at the intersection of the industry's newest and most advanced product technologies, process innovations, business development prospects and personal career growth opportunities.
PMPA national meetings are a great way to meet face-to-face and develop strategic relationships. PMPA members have access to dynamic speakers, informative sessions and networking opportunities. Our events are tailored so that everyone has a change to learn: owners, management, shop floor personnel, engineers, human resources, etc.
Knowing how scales will influence machine accuracy will help you decide if they’re worth the extra investment.
Coolant care can be simply managed if you know where to pay attention and which hazards to look out for.
Thoughtful considerations will set you on a shortened path to the most optimized solution once cutter meets metal.
When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.