Columns

Basics

2 Secondary Coordinate Systems You Should Know

Coordinate systems tell a CNC machine where to position the cutting tool during the program’s execution for any purpose that requires the cutting tool to move.

Read More

Is Grant Funding Available for Your Machine Shop? Here's How to Find Out.

Grant funding for workforce training or the purchase of new equipment is an undervalued but complex resource for machine shops. We enlisted an expert to help navigate the process.

Read More

A Balancing Act for Differential Gaging

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.

Read More
Tooling

Tips for Fine-Tuning RPM

Thoughtful considerations will set you on a shortened path to the most optimized solution once cutter meets metal.

Read More
CNC Tech Talks

2 Applications When Using Incremental Mode is Better

Incremental mode can be more advantageous when programming sculptured surfaces or for certain hole-machining canned cycle applications.

Read More
Top Shops

Machine Shop Mastery: Insights from America’s Top Shops

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.

Read More
Basics

Tips for Monitoring Spindle Loads and Cutting Stability

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.

Read More

Using Air to Measure Squareness

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Read More

4 Commonly Misapplied CNC Features

Misapplication of these important CNC features will result in wasted time, wasted or duplicated effort and/or wasted material.

Read More

Sustainability at IMTS and Beyond

As sustainability becomes more critical for domestic manufacturing, European and Asian companies are bringing this politicized topic to the American market. 

Read More
Measurement

Understanding New Surface and Profile Standards

Standards for surface finishes and profiles are not static; they change as technology changes or new processes come along that need to be considered.

Read More
CNC Tech Talks

A User-Created Canned Cycle for Porting Tools

FANUC’s version of parametric programming, Custom Macro, enables you to create your own canned cycles tailored to whatever the application requires.

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