MMS Blog

Top Shops 1 Mar 2018

Collaboration with Other Shops Helps with Finding High-Value Machining Work

In a Maryland manufacturing co-op, the allied businesses sell one another’s services and support one another. The co-op even enables direct competitors to cooperate, as described in this video from the Top Shops Conference.

Automation 1 Mar 2018

Job Shop Automates Quoting and Programming

From quoting and design analysis to the application of tool paths, software automation facilitates custom-machined parts on demand and without middlemen.

Workholding 28 Feb 2018

With Face Drivers, Shop Faces Long Cycle Times Head On

By switching from jaw chucks to face drivers, a manufacturer of large shaft components was able to reduce the number of setups, cutting cycle times on some parts from days to hours.

Workforce Development 28 Feb 2018

Providing the Next Generation with Digital Fabrication Tools and Education

Equipped with machines from Roland DGA, the first 4-H Fab Lab will provide students in Lakeside, Arizona, with a chance to learn manufacturing skills at their own pace.

Automation 27 Feb 2018

Technologies for More Effective Medical Component Manufacturing Seen at MD&M West 2018

Advancements in 3D printing, automation and inspection technologies were prominent at this year's Medical Design and Manufacturing West show.

Data-Driven Manufacturing 26 Feb 2018

Smart Machining Starts with Smart Sawing

A CNC band saw manufacturer worked with a university corporate research center to develop a cloud-based predictive maintenance app to not only monitor blade life, but also to predict blade failure. It also monitors overall band saw machine health in real time.

Basics 24 Feb 2018

Why a Two-Spindle VMC? Double the Machining Without Double the Footprint

The two-spindle VMC increases output where space and other factors are constrained. With W-axis compensation for Z-height differences, setups don’t have to be perfect to use two spindles in tandem.

Rough Cutting Reinvented

High-efficiency rough cutting requires more than just high speeds and high metal removal rates. Discover how constant cutting can change the way you look at your CAM programming. (Sponsored Content)

Basics 22 Feb 2018

A.I. Will Become Our Inventor

We know how to engineer automation, but can we automate engineering? This possibility is nearer than we might expect, and it will have implications for manufacturing.

Inspection and Measurement 21 Feb 2018

Benefits of Scanning Touch Probes for Setups

Touch-trigger probes are commonly used to speed and simplify setups for new jobs, but scanning touch probes are valuable for these duties, too.

Die/Mold 20 Feb 2018

Additive, Subtractive Methods Build Injection Mold for Better Temperature Control

An injection mold insert made with a combination of metal 3D printing and machining is capable of variotherm temperature control for improved part quality.