December 2023 Issue

December 2023

Digital Edition

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.

Features

Featured articles from the December 2023 issue of Modern Machine Shop

11 Dec 2023

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.

1 Dec 2023

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.

15 Jan 2024

How Important is Spindle Power?

Consider these spindle attributes to make a choice that is balanced, usable and compliments your processes as best as possible.

15 Dec 2023

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.

economics 10 Nov 2023

Metalworking Activity Continues its Roller Coaster Year of Contraction

October marks a full year of metalworking activity contracting, barring just one isolated month of reprieve in February.

20 Dec 2023

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.

Inspection and Measurement 22 Nov 2023

The Many Ways of Measuring Thickness

While it may seem to be a straightforward check, there are many approaches to measuring thickness that are determined by the requirements of the part.

Machining Centers 8 Dec 2023

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.

Grinding 27 Nov 2023

The Keys to Combining High- and Low-Volume Production

Process expertise and precise production planning enable the Kinetic Company to produce both high- and low-volume jobs requiring machining, grinding, heat treatment and other processes.