Published 12/27/2024

Modern Machine Shop's Top 10 Articles of 2024

Reflect on 2024 with us as we take at the most-viewed articles published this year.

Cara Ready

Digital Editor, Modern Machine Shop & Production Machining

As 2024 draws to a close, it is great to look back on the articles that piqued our audience’s interests the most. Here, we have compiled a list of the top ten most-viewed articles of 2024. Topics include eliminating productivity-draining variations, improving machine accuracy, streamlining setup processes, leveraging automation in part programming, and more.

10. U.S. Navy Invests Heavily in Shoring Up Manufacturing Base

Source: Canva

As part of its commitment to replace its aging submarine fleet, the U.S. Navy is investing heavily in building America’s manufacturing base, including free education and assisting suppliers in modernizing their facilities.

9. Where Micro-Laser Machining Is the Focus

Source: Production Machining

A company that was once a consulting firm has become a successful micro-laser machine shop producing complex parts and features that most traditional CNC shops cannot machine.

8. Orthopedic Event Discusses Manufacturing Strategies

Source: MMS

At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently.

7. How to Achieve Unmatched Accuracy in Very Large Workpieces

Source: Dynamic Tool Corporation

Dynamic Tool Corp. purchases two bridge-style double-column CNCs to increase the cutting envelope and maintain 5-micron cutting accuracy in the long term.

6. Ballbar Testing Benefits Low-Volume Manufacturing

Source: Autodesk Inc.

Thanks to ballbar testing with a Renishaw QC20-W, the Autodesk Technology Centers now have more confidence in their machine tools.

5. How to Successfully Adopt Five-Axis Machining

Source: Way of the Mill LLC

While there are many changes to adopt when moving to five-axis, they all compliment the overall goal of better parts through less operations.

4. Cutting Part Programming Times Through AI

Source: CloudNC

CAM Assist cuts repetition from part programming — early users say it cuts tribal knowledge and could be a useful tool for training new programmers.

3. 6 Ways to Streamline the Setup Process

Source: Getty Images

The primary goal of a setup reduction program must be to keep setup people working at the machine during the entire setup process.

2. 4 Ways to Establish Machine Accuracy

Source: Way of the Mill LLC

Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.

1. 6 Variations That Kill Productivity

Source: Getty Images

The act of qualifying CNC programs is largely related to eliminating variations, which can be a daunting task when you consider how many things can change from one time a job is run to the next.