Consider the entire system — along with your goals — when deciding between a full five-axis or a 3+2 approach.
Mazak and Mastercam worked together to demonstrate the viability of hybrid additive/subtractive machining techniques at a recent event held in Florence, Kentucky.
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.
Kennametal global product manager Katie Myers explains how cutting tool features can impact machining strategies for different materials.
Global Tungsten & Powders, part of the Ceratizit Group, sheds light on the processing steps that convert a shop’s used inserts into new tools and other applications.
Moving to a robust line of indexable drills enabled this shop to dramatically alter the manufacturing process for a problem part, doubling its profitability.
To monitor drilling operations for smart manufacturing solutions, torque and thrust force can be measured.
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.
Programming advanced tool paths used to be a complex, time-consuming task. Canned cycles in CAM software have now made them more accessible than ever.
Adopting machine monitoring helped LeClaire Manufacturing boost its vertical CNC utilization rates 38 percentage points and gain millions in revenue.
Russ Bukowski has been appointed to the position of interim president.
The 2024 Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF) showed how the manufacturing industry is adapting to the needs of electric vehicle manufacturing and adopting new technology including AI and autonomous robots.
Woodward Inc. spent over a year developing an API to connect machines to its digital factory. Caron Engineering’s MiConnect has cut most of this process while also granting the shop greater access to machine information.
Programmable, touchscreen-controlled indicators like Starrett’s W4900 can perform a wider range of tasks than either dial or traditional digital counterparts while proving simpler to use.
How tight-tolerance gaging and in-process automation can converge to streamline manufacturing processes.
The form and surface finish of individual gears are becoming more demanding. Automated double-flank rolling tests are a particularly realistic measurement that simulates the behavior of the gears in operation.
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.
TASC is our industry’s premier peer-to-peer automation stage where America’s shop leaders refine the art of metalworking and CNC machining. For conference speakers, it's also an opportunity to showcase your skills and gain exposure for your business. Here are five why stepping into the spotlight at TASC could be your smartest move toward elevating your shop.
Multiaxis Intelligence will feature user-based digital twin for the manufacturing workforce.
Agile Robotic Systems are well suited for CNC machine-tending applications, automating metrology systems and more.
TASC 2025 takes place in Indianapolis this August. Attendees will be able to learn automation strategies from their peers: All information—no bluster.
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.
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.
As machine shops navigate economic and political uncertainty, Modern Machine Shop offers a chance to share their stories, influence the conversation and seize new opportunities.
Think of additive and subtractive as complementary processes, rather than being in opposition.
In the latest installment of our “View From My Shop” series, explore Marathon Precision’s multi-process approach to manufacturing, where blacksmiths and hand-forged dies meet state-of-the-art CNC machining. Discover how restoring classic muscle cars and building custom art projects creates a dynamic shop culture — and draws top talent to this unique and innovative metalworking facility.
From repairing aircraft interiors to manufacturing medical implants, Superior Joining Technologies excels at CNC machining, TIG welding, laser welding, and NADCAP-accredited nondestructive testing. Discover how this Rockford-based company supports the aerospace industry through a combination of advanced technologies.
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."
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?
Modern Machine Shop's Top Shops Benchmarking Survey is now open, offering metalworking and machining operations actionable feedback across several shopfloor and business metrics.
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.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
Mastercam has acquired MCAM Northwest, ShopWare and the CAD/CAM solutions business line from OptiPro Systems.
PMTS 2025: GH-K tooling is well suited for conventional milling of chamfers around the perimeter of larger holes or entire parts.
PMTS 2025: The BNA-42SY5 lathe features an integrated auto-compensation system to automatically adjust tooling based on measurements taken at the inspection station.
Diatool’s custom, three-step monoblock reamer features uneven spacing of cutting edges, which produces highly cylindrical and round bores at faster feed rates.
PMTS 2025: The company’s retention knobs are magnetic particle tested and then pull tested to 2.5 times the pulling force of the drawbar it is designed for.
The Discover More With Mazak event — which features live cutting demonstrations, automation technology and application displays — takes place from May 6-8, at the company’s Midwest Technology Center in Schaumburg, Ill.
Is your current CAM system meeting your needs? Are you considering a new solution but unsure where to start? Finding the CAM system that aligns with your specific needs requires consideration of several factors, such as CNC machine types, software functionality, time constraints, level of support and budget. This webinar is designed to help you navigate the complex landscape of CAM software and make an informed decision about the CAM system that aligns with your specific needs. Agenda: Receive expert tips on how to approach the task of evaluating CAM software and avoid common pitfalls Get a list of helpful questions to identify your most important requirements and pain points Understand the latest technologies and functionality available in today’s CAM systems to stay competitive See a demonstration of fully integrated CAD/CAM to understand how it could fit your operations
Join SYSPRO and Frost & Sullivan for an exclusive webinar to explore emerging trends and opportunities shaping global complex manufacturing in 2025. This webinar is perfect for manufacturing leaders, decision-makers and professionals seeking actionable insights into the future of complex manufacturing technology and trends. Agenda: Top 6 technologies transforming manufacturing Digital readiness vs. real-world adoption Actionable strategies for 2025
The software consolidates requirements into a checklist, syncing drawings and inspection sheets and automatically identifies bill of materials and specifications. It flags failing results and missing FAIR AS9102 data in real time, ensuring compliance. Features include renumbering balloon sequences, switching units and importing CMM data to validate results. The software also supports 3D modeling, extracting geometry and notes to create ballooned views and inspection sheets, helping to reduce quality escapes and improve efficiency. Agenda: Speed up and error-proof each FAI for accuracy and customer approval Eliminate the need for manual data entry Use your CMM output to populate FAI actuals Address your customer’s requirement for MBD
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
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, Illinois, for three days of nonstop 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.
Critical Cleaning Hands-on Workshop Do it; learn it! The one-day workshop teaches how cleaning and cleanliness testing work. By participating in hands-on exercises of techniques for cleaning and cleanliness verification, attendees gain the understanding and knowledge to make practical, effective, and sustainable manufacturing decisions. While exercises are supplemented by demonstrations and tutorials, the workshop is not death by PowerPoint! Topics include aqueous, solvent, and “non-chemical” cleaning, including cleaning chemicals and cleaning processes (spray, ultrasonics, cyclic nucleation, in-line, batch). Most manufactured product and product contact surfaces require cleaning during (and sometimes after) manufacture and assembly. Examples of areas where effective cleaning is essential include: metal fabrication, product assembly, optics, electronics, microelectronics, wafer fab, medical devices, aerospace/aeronautics, military, and additive manufacturing. WHAT DO YOU CALL CLEANING? There are many different terms for cleaning. Cleaning Precision Cleaning Critical Cleaning Safety/Critical Cleaning Surface Prep for Finishing Technical Cleanliness Residue Removal WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE WORKSHOP If you or your company fabricates, finishes, maintains or repairs product or product contact surfaces (like reaction vessels), this workshop is time well-spent. If you sell chemicals or cleaning equipment, this workshop will help you better understand and optimize the market for your products. Examples include: Manufacturing Engineers Product Designers Managers Sales and Marketing Managers Facilities Personnel Assemblers, operators Process Technicians Quality Control Personnel Regulatory Affairs Experts (industry, military, and government) Safety/environmental professionals​ ​ Participants will receive a PDF Certificate of Completion with continuing education credits from Sam Houston State University.
Determining whether to use high-density fixtures or to simplify workholding requires a deeper look into the details of your parts and processes.
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.
