Articles

CAD/CAM

Can ChatGPT Create Usable G-Code Programs?

Since its debut in late 2022, ChatGPT has been used in many situations, from writing stories to writing code, including G-code. But is it useful to shops? We asked a CAM expert for his thoughts.

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Top 10 Modern Machine Shop Articles of 2023

Tips, custom macros and automation topics highlight the top articles published by Modern Machine Shop in 2023.

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5 Benefits of Having a Manageable Backlog

Shops must effectively deal with workloads and not let the backlog grow too large in order to keep customers satisfied.

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Holemaking

Custom PCD Tools Extend Shop’s Tool Life Upward of Ten Times

Adopting PCD tooling has extended FT Precision’s tool life from days to months — and the test drill is still going strong.

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An Open Letter to Kids About Machines and the World of Making Things

This is an open letter to middle- and high-school students about choices they’ll soon face. It is also an introduction to Career and Technical Education (CTE), the world of CNC machining, and a reminder that there are options outside of the traditional four-year college path.

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Workholding

Medical Shop Performs Lights-Out Production in Five-Axes

Moving to five-axis machining enabled this shop to dramatically reduce setup time and increase lights-out capacity, but success relied on the right combination of workholding and automation.

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Large Plants Plan High Rates of Capital Spending in 2024

Gardner Business Media’s Capital Spending survey projects a modest decline of 7.4% in machine tool spending next year. While job shops are taking a wait-and-see posture, large plants plan robust spending with machining centers leading the way.

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Controlling Extreme Cutting Conditions in Large-Part Machining

Newly patented technologies for controlling chatter and vibration during milling, turning and boring operations promise to drastically reduce production time and increase machining performance.

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economics

Metalworking Activity Remained on a Path of Contraction

Steady contraction of production, new orders and backlog drove accelerated contraction in November.

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Automation

Hermle Event Encourages, Educates on Five-Axis Machining

Hermle’s first Five-Axis Summit was designed to show beginners the benefits of five-axis machining and demonstrated how more advanced users can take their capabilities to the next level with automation.

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Random Thoughts on Manufacturing, Innovation, What We Appreciate, and More

Here are several mini-columns merged into one. Take these thoughts all at once or in small doses.

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Cutting Tools

High-Feed Machining Dominates Cutting Tool Event

At its New Product Rollout, Ingersoll showcased a number of options for high-feed machining, demonstrating the strategy’s growing footprint in the industry.

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IMTS 2024
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