Columns

CNC Tech Talks

How to Modify Feed Rate for Circular Motion Commands

Maintaining a constant feed rate between linear and circular milling easily leads to chatter — for most applications, increase feed rate on external arcs and decrease it for internal.    

Read More

Five 3D Printing Trends Mirrored in Machining

The underlying drivers of additive manufacturing’s advance are increasingly easy to spot on automated CNC machine shop floors.

Read More
Workholding

How to Save Time When Mounting Jaws on Three-Jaw Chucks

Precisely placing jaws on three-jaw chucks for CNC turning machines is difficult, but a laser pointer and clever programming can ease the issue.

Read More
Basics

Beginning the AM Journey: An Uphill Battle

Faster machines, cheaper feedstocks, new standards — with all of these advances, why is additive manufacturing still “an uphill battle” for so many?              

Read More
Basics

What to Know About Decoding Surface Finish Gages and Parameters

Long-wavelength waviness and short-wavelength roughness require a wide variety of instruments and parameters for proper measurement — and lower numbers aren’t always better.

Read More

Introducing Our New Podcast, “Made in the USA”: The Show for This Moment in U.S. Manufacturing

Join us as we talk about jobs, the supply chain, generational transition and other important themes that will shape the way forward for U.S. manufacturing. Hosted by Modern Machine Shop editors Brent Donaldson and me.        

Read More
Basics

How to Match Thickness Gage Types to Proper Applications

Different thicknesses require different gage types during inspection — four common ones are handheld indicators, handheld micrometers, opposed air streams and gage blocks.

Read More

Manufacturing E-Commerce Expands with Expectations

Whether by automating on their own terms or joining a vetted network, manufacturers are responding to demand for easy online part ordering.

Read More
Basics

Choose the Correct ID/OD Gage for the Task

Benchtop and portable comparator gages each have their place, but the differences are more than surface deep. 

Read More

Avoiding Costs while Adding Value with DFAM

Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) is as much about finding value as it is about avoiding costs with AM. 

Read More
Measurement

Confirming Dimensional Accuracy of a Precision Ball

A single diameter isn’t the only measurement parameter that can be used to ensure accuracy.

Read More
CNC Tech Talks

T Codes Simplify Tool Length Confirmation Process

CNC users can program custom macros and T codes to ensure cutting tools are the proper length for tool length compensation in machining centers.

Read More
RazorStar
YCM Alliance
SolidCAM
DN Solutions
Starrett W9400 Touch Screen Indicator
Paperless Parts machine shop software
Metal Forming Complex Parts
JTEKT
Paperless Parts machine shop quoting software