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Machine Tools See All

18 Mar 2026
Five Strategies for Building Your Job Shop's Niche
Staking out a niche can help your job shop win repeat business and steady revenue. Discover how several successful job shops have claimed theirs.

6 Mar 2026
Mazak Open House Event Highlights Motorsports Part Production
Mazak Corp. hosts the Discover More with Mazak open house at its Dallas Technical Center on March 11-12 in Dallas, Texas. The event will feature the company’s Variaxis i-700T five-axis machining center, QT-Ez 12MY horizontal turning center, Integrex j-200S Neo multitasking machine and Syncrex 38/9 Swiss-type turning machine.

6 Mar 2026
Building a Profitable Grinding Niche
By building processes for its niche, rather than a general manufacturing approach, Grind All has developed an unusual (yet profitable) value proposition.

2 Mar 2026
Why Setups Are the Real Bottleneck in High-Mix Machining
In job shops, throughput often lives in the steps between cuts: tooling, offsets, refixturing, programming and training. The March issue features practical ways shops are cutting setup time and variation through multitasking, modular tooling, process stability and more.

27 Feb 2026
Studer Motion Meeting 2026 Emphasizes Strong Foundations
At its 2026 Motion Meeting, Studer celebrated 50 years of its machine foundations, plus a new inexpensive machine and a thriving apprenticeship program. Read on to learn what machine shops can take away from the event.

16 Feb 2026
Multitasking Machines Scale Up Setup
Job shops don’t mass produce parts — they mass produce setups. Here’s how Sanks Machining has streamlined setup in its shop.
Tooling See All

16 Mar 2026
Methods for Threading Blind Holes in Thin Materials
Struggling with blind holes in thin materials? Use these drill point strategies, tap selections and clearance tips to maximize usable thread depth and meet pull-out specs without redesigning the part.

20 Feb 2026
When ‘U’ Want to Turn on a Mill
A U-axis head can be a good option for shops hoping to perform turning and boring operations on a CNC milling machine.

30 Jan 2026
Durable Tooling Cuts Cycle Times for Tough Turn-Peeling Job
Kennametal’s KCU25B tooling proved durable enough for turn-peeling a lengthy austenitic stainless steel 1.4435 rotor while reducing cycle times.

13 Jan 2026
Shop Tour Video: How to Integrate Additive and Subtractive Machining
Addman Advanced Metals has scaled from a single 3D printer to 25 while also building out a robust array of subtractive machines. In this video, find out how the shop manages its additive and subtractive workflows — and how it combines the two into a profitable niche.

12 Jan 2026
Drill System Reduces Setup Time, Tool Inventory
Tungaloy’s DrillMeister system enables users to build drills for a range of applications with a mix-and-match set of drill heads and tool bodies.

10 Dec 2025
Skipping the Dovetail Saves Setup Time for High-End Parts
Relying on crimping and sacrificial frames instead of dovetails cuts operations from Novo Modo’s high-end, high-mix work. What’s more, it supports the shop’s tight features and tighter tolerances.
Software See All

23 Feb 2026
Quoting in a Changing Industrial Landscape
A new generation of buyers and technological advances are reshaping the quoting process. Here’s how job shops can turn these shifts into growth opportunities.

18 Feb 2026
How I Made It: Clint Smith
Learn how Mastercam senior education market specialist Clint Smith jumped into a machining program after high school with no prior experience, and why he thinks the future of manufacturing is in good hands.

21 Nov 2025
Preventing Spindle Crashes with Digital Twins
With only four machine tools, high-mix shop Novo Modo needed a surefire way to prove out programs and prevent spindle crashes. But when it adopted a CAD/CAM software with digital twin simulation capabilities, it found that its benefits ran even deeper than anticipated.

14 Nov 2025
Inspection Data Drives Engineering Insights
For Flying S, Verisurf is more than inspection software — it’s a source of data for engineering, manufacturing and customers, as well as a common platform to communicate that data.

15 Oct 2025
Scaling Up Without Starting From Scratch
In its quest to become a single source for all its customers, sheet metal fabricator GTR Manufacturing long considered bringing machining in house, but a lack of space and expertise held it back – until it found the perfect solution.

24 Sep 2025
Legacy After Loss: Writing the Next Chapter of a Family-Owned Machine Shop
When a beloved machinist’s passing left his shop in his children’s hands, the three siblings stepped up, transforming the business to honor his legacy and build a new future.
Measurement See All

9 Mar 2026
Achieving More Versatility from Three-Point Gaging
Advancements in digital three-point micrometers enable more precise bore measurements with a self-aligning design, interchangeable heads and wireless data collection.

6 Mar 2026
Building a Profitable Grinding Niche
By building processes for its niche, rather than a general manufacturing approach, Grind All has developed an unusual (yet profitable) value proposition.

2 Feb 2026
How Confocal Technology Revolutionizes Optical Metrology
Confocal technology takes optical measurement to the next level, enabling nanometer precision for roughness, topography and form measurements.

23 Jan 2026
Putting the "Plate" Gage to Use
How do you measure tight-tolerance parts on a plate gage without stumbling into subtle errors? George Schuetz explains his process.

14 Jan 2026
Making the Most of Your Metrology
Metrology peripherals can help your shop develop useful new capabilities and improve your throughput. But effective improvements require more than just equipment — Ken Myers of Mitutoyo discusses the technology, software and philosophy behind better metrology workflows.

7 Jan 2026
Surface Texture Measurement for the Unseen World
With newer structures frequently requiring nanometer-scale dimensions, more surface analysis is required. Optical noncontact surface analysis can provide the magnification required for these measurements during development and for in-process measurements.
Automation See All

4 Mar 2026
Physical AI Eases Automation of High-Mix Manufacturing
A partnership between military shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries and AI-powered robotics company Path Robotics promises to reshape high-mix manufacturing in shipyards and beyond.

6 Feb 2026
Defining Key Concepts of Smart Manufacturing
Smart manufacturing is the integration of IIoT, Industry 4.0, AI and digital twins to enhance efficiency, flexibility and sustainability in modern factories.

30 Jan 2026
OnRobot Open House Showcases Practical Automation Solutions
OnRobot's free Build Your Automation Roadmap event, which takes place in Dallas on Febrauary 19, features live robot demos and sessions on overcoming manufacturing labor shortages.

28 Jan 2026
High-End Machines Deserve High-End Support: Inside DMG MORI’s Cleveland Facility
Tech Days are only the beginning for DMG MORI’s Cleveland office as its team prepare to provide training and support for customers from Kentucky to western New York.

5 Dec 2025
Can AI Automate Automation?
New hardware and software releases from Vention’s 2025 Demo Day, including some powered by AI, are designed to make advanced automation more accessible to manufacturers.

7 Nov 2025
Muratec USA Leadership Changes Drive Innovation, Growth
Murata Machinery USA Inc. appoints new president and CEO along with division heads to strengthen commitment to automation and customer success in North America.
TASC See All

27 Oct 2025 Top Shops
The Strategy Gap: Why U.S. Job Shops Must Close It From the Ground Up
The “Made in China 2025” plan transformed China into a global automation supplier. What will the U.S. do to compete?

13 Aug 2025 Automation
What CNC Taught Us About Adopting AI in Manufacturing
Modern Machine Shop was early to cover CNC when others weren’t. Now, as AI pushes into programming, optimization and robotics, we need to separate production-ready tools from overpromised tech.

2 Jul 2025 Automation
Last Chance for the TASC Early-Bird Discount!
TASC is a one-of-a-kind, two-day automation conference designed to drive efficiency, quality and scalability at U.S. job shops. Register now through July 11 to receive early-bird pricing and discover practical automation solutions tailored for small-and mid-sized shops.

18 Jun 2025 Workforce Development
Lessons That Matter for the Future of Automated Job Shops
The Automated Shop Conference (TASC, August 12–13) is designed for job shop leaders looking to implement automation in practical, high-impact ways — from lights-out machining to AI-driven programming and front-office integration. Here are 10 standout sessions led by shop owners, engineers and innovators who are pushing automation forward without massive budgets or unrealistic expectations.

10 Jun 2025
Register for TASC: The Automated Shop Conference

4 Feb 2025
Why Add TASC to Your List?
TASC 2025 takes place in Indianapolis this August. Attendees will be able to learn automation strategies from their peers: All information—no bluster.
IMTS See All

13 Sep 2024
Coming to McCormick Place in April: Additive FOR Manufacturing at Formnext Chicago
New U.S.-based event announced in 2021 finally debuts next year: focuses on complete additive manufacturing value chain. More at formnextchicago.com.

12 Sep 2024
Chiron Group Unveils Virtual Showroom & Live Demos at IMTS 2024
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.

12 Sep 2024
JTEKT Debuts Eight Machines at IMTS
Half of the 16 machines in the company’s booth are world or North American debuts.

12 Sep 2024
Go Big or Go Home: Hwacheon Displays a Wide Variety of Machinery at IMTS 2024
Learn more about the variety of technology and machinery Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc. is featuring at its IMTS 2024 booth.

12 Sep 2024
FANUC Details Robotic Vision, ROBODRILLS and More at IMTS 2024
FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

11 Sep 2024
AI, Data and the Digital Manufacturing Future
AI has the potential to reshape manufacturing software — but first, it will require data.
Columns See All

16 Mar 2026
Methods for Threading Blind Holes in Thin Materials
Struggling with blind holes in thin materials? Use these drill point strategies, tap selections and clearance tips to maximize usable thread depth and meet pull-out specs without redesigning the part.

9 Mar 2026
Achieving More Versatility from Three-Point Gaging
Advancements in digital three-point micrometers enable more precise bore measurements with a self-aligning design, interchangeable heads and wireless data collection.

2 Mar 2026
Why Setups Are the Real Bottleneck in High-Mix Machining
In job shops, throughput often lives in the steps between cuts: tooling, offsets, refixturing, programming and training. The March issue features practical ways shops are cutting setup time and variation through multitasking, modular tooling, process stability and more.

13 Feb 2026
7 Steps to Optimize Aggressive Roughing Operations
Follow these guidelines to get the most out of aggressive roughing while improving cycle times and keeping quality intact.

9 Feb 2026
Why Manufacturing Leaders Shouldn't Wait for “Normal” to Come Back
A year of shifting tariffs and strained capex budgets exposed a split among manufacturing leaders: those waiting out the storm, and those designing strategy around it. Here’s why the second group is pulling ahead.

2 Feb 2026
How Confocal Technology Revolutionizes Optical Metrology
Confocal technology takes optical measurement to the next level, enabling nanometer precision for roughness, topography and form measurements.
View From My Shop See All

13 Jan 2026
Shop Tour Video: How to Integrate Additive and Subtractive Machining
Addman Advanced Metals has scaled from a single 3D printer to 25 while also building out a robust array of subtractive machines. In this video, find out how the shop manages its additive and subtractive workflows — and how it combines the two into a profitable niche.

22 Oct 2025
Setting the Stage for Swiss Machining Success: Shop Tour Video
Nine machines, two machinists. What technologies have enabled Midway Swiss Turn to operate at this level of lean staffing? Find out in this shop tour.

22 Jul 2025
Video Interview: Programming Faster and Winning Jobs with AI CAM Software
Part programming can become a bottleneck, one that only gets longer as part complexity increases. MSP has cut down this bottleneck through AI-powered CAM software. Get the details inside.

26 Jun 2025
OEM Tour Video: Lean Manufacturing for Measurement and Metrology
How can a facility that requires manual work for some long-standing parts be made more efficient? Join us as we look inside The L. S. Starrett Company’s headquarters in Athol, Massachusetts, and see how this long-established OEM is updating its processes.

6 May 2025
Shop Tour Video: Inside an Aviation & Defense Machine Shop
Grants. Software. Process consolidation. These three pillars can bring new life to a shop, enabling it to take on more complex jobs with faster turnarounds. In this shop tour, find out how MSP Manufacturing has used each pillar to solidify itself as a reliable partner for defense and aerospace companies.

25 Mar 2025
View From My Shop: The Challenge of a One-Man Machine Shop
Mason Montalvo took up the challenge of starting his own shop running manual machine tools to produce complex parts.
Made in the USA Podcast See All

11 Apr 2023
Made in the USA - Season 2 Episode 6: Why, and How, Hardinge is Reshoring Machine Tool Production
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.

7 Mar 2023
Made in the USA - Season 2 Episode 4: A Measured Approach
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.

21 Feb 2023
Made in the USA - Season 2 Episode 3: The Robots Come Home
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.

7 Feb 2023
Made in the USA - Season 2 Episode 2: Man, No Smoke!
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.

24 Jan 2023
Made in the USA - Season 2 Episode 1: A Return From China
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.

12 Jan 2023
Made in the USA – Season 1 Episode 6: The Way Forward
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?
Top Shops Benchmarking See All

26 Jan 2026 Top Shops
Modern Machine Shop’s 2026 Top Shops Benchmarking Survey Goes Live Feb. 1
Modern Machine Shop is proud to announce the 2026 Top Shops Benchmarking Survey, opening February 1 through March 31, 2026.

15 Dec 2025 Top Shops
Proactivity Generates Success: Takeaways from Top Shops 2025
What sets a Top Shop apart from other shops? Industry leaders explored this question at the 2025 Top Shops Conference and found a common answer: proactive, intentional purchases and systems planning.

12 Nov 2025 Aerospace
Machining with a Mission
Learn how veteran-owned shop Win-Tech not only excels in aerospace and defense manufacturing with CMMC level two compliance, but also transforms lives by hiring veterans and encouraging students to explore manufacturing.

27 Oct 2025 Automation
The Strategy Gap: Why U.S. Job Shops Must Close It From the Ground Up
The “Made in China 2025” plan transformed China into a global automation supplier. What will the U.S. do to compete?

1 Oct 2025 Top Shops
Inside the Top Shops Program: How Benchmarking Identifies Industry Leaders
Discrete parts manufacturing is defined by complexity and tight margins. The 2025 Top Shops honorees show how leading shops turn those pressures into strengths, using technology, culture and strategy to compete. Join them in Charlotte, North Carolina, this November to see what the top 20% are doing differently.

29 Sep 2025 Automation
Vertical Thinking: Strategies That Pay Off in Precision Manufacturing
How Marathon Precision’s mix of vertical integration, lights-out automation and cultural investment earned it a 2025 Top Shops Award for Business Strategies
Suppliers See All

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Videos See All

13 Jan 2026 Workholding
Shop Tour Video: How to Integrate Additive and Subtractive Machining
Addman Advanced Metals has scaled from a single 3D printer to 25 while also building out a robust array of subtractive machines. In this video, find out how the shop manages its additive and subtractive workflows — and how it combines the two into a profitable niche.

22 Oct 2025 View From My Shop
Setting the Stage for Swiss Machining Success: Shop Tour Video
Nine machines, two machinists. What technologies have enabled Midway Swiss Turn to operate at this level of lean staffing? Find out in this shop tour.

22 Jul 2025 View From My Shop
Video Interview: Programming Faster and Winning Jobs with AI CAM Software
Part programming can become a bottleneck, one that only gets longer as part complexity increases. MSP has cut down this bottleneck through AI-powered CAM software. Get the details inside.

26 Jun 2025 Inspection and Measurement
OEM Tour Video: Lean Manufacturing for Measurement and Metrology
How can a facility that requires manual work for some long-standing parts be made more efficient? Join us as we look inside The L. S. Starrett Company’s headquarters in Athol, Massachusetts, and see how this long-established OEM is updating its processes.

6 May 2025 View From My Shop
Shop Tour Video: Inside an Aviation & Defense Machine Shop
Grants. Software. Process consolidation. These three pillars can bring new life to a shop, enabling it to take on more complex jobs with faster turnarounds. In this shop tour, find out how MSP Manufacturing has used each pillar to solidify itself as a reliable partner for defense and aerospace companies.

26 Mar 2025 How I Made It
How I Made It: Jared Doerfler
Jared Doerfler quit his comfortable job and taught himself CNC machining to launch his boutique putter company in small-town Iowa. With zero prior machining experience, Doerfler poured his life savings into a dream — crafting high-quality, American-made golf putters in his own machine shop. A story of risk, resilience and turning passion into reality.
News & Products See All

20 Mar 2026 Workforce Development
IACMI Workforce Development Program Advances Talent Pipeline for Manufacturing Industry
America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) eclipses 20,000 online students and 5,000 in-person participants, underscoring the resurgence of interest in American manufacturing jobs.

20 Mar 2026 CAD/CAM
SmartCAM Software Release Enables Advanced CNC Capabilities
SmartCAM v2026's new features include enhanced tool home positions, group functions, mask/hide options, CTK/MCL improvements, rotation support and more for improved productivity.

20 Mar 2026 Inspection and Measurement
InnovMetric, Faro Creaform Integration Enables Direct Data Acquisition
InnovMetric, in collaboration with Faro Creaform, provides data acquisition from metrology-grade 3D scanners directly in PolyWorks|Inspector, preserving workflows and unlocking advanced inspection capabilities.

18 Mar 2026 Metalworking Fluids
Exair Fluid Filtration System Maintains Optimal Coolant Efficiency
Exair’s Chip Trapper lid rebuild kit enables users to bolster performance on older units.

18 Mar 2026 Cutting Tools
Star SU Gear Tools Feature Specialized Coating for High-Volume Production
Star SU LLC introduces Alcrona EVO coating technology across its gear cutting tool portfolio, improving wear resistance and tool life.

16 Mar 2026 Holemaking
Seco Boring Bridges Optimize Deep-Hole Operations
Seco’s BB732 boring bridges are designed to provide vibration-free performance, optimal coolant flow and high-quality surface finishes.
Webinars See All

12 May 2026
Take an Early look at Mastercam 2027
Get an exclusive early look at what’s coming in Mastercam 2027. In this preview webinar, we’ll highlight upcoming innovations designed to make CNC programming faster, smarter and more connected across your manufacturing workflows. Join our product experts to see how Mastercam continues to evolve to meet the real-world needs of modern shops and programmers. Discover what’s next and how it can help you stay competitive.

On Demand
Inside Fusion for Manufacturing: Advanced Capabilities for Modern Production
Programming bottlenecks, scrap and machine downtime cost CNC shops time and money every day — whether you’re handling frequent design changes, juggling multiple setups or pushing machines to run more complex parts. In this webinar, you’ll learn practical CAM techniques for programming CNC parts faster, reducing setup time and avoiding costly shop-floor issues, using workflows built for real-world manufacturing environments. Rather than a high-level product overview, this session focuses on how CAM programmers and shop teams actually work. You’ll see how Fusion for Manufacturing connects design, CAM programming and simulation in a single platform, making it easier to manage change, program complex parts with confidence and validate toolpaths before they ever reach the machine. During this webinar, you will learn how to: Automatically update CAM toolpaths when CAD geometry changes while preserving machining intent Apply advanced roughing and finishing strategies — including adaptive clearing, steep and shallow, and high-efficiency machining — to reduce cycle time and improve tool life Program 3+2 and full five-axis milling operations to improve tool access, reduce setups and handle complex geometries Verify toolpaths using stock, holder and machine simulation to prevent collisions, scrap and rework Who should attend: CNC job shops managing high-mix, frequently-changing work Shops running multiple machines, controls and setups that need consistent, repeatable programming CNC programmers responsible for complex parts, tight tolerances and short lead times Shops looking to reduce programming time and setup complexity without adding more software Teams planning to expand into multi-axis or five-axis machining and want more confidence at the machine By the end of this webinar, you’ll walk away with practical CAM workflows you can apply immediately to program faster, reduce setups and keep machines cutting — so your shop can take on more work with confidence and consistency.

On Demand
Modern Milling Techniques for Tough Metals
Achieve faster cuts and longer tool life in titanium, superalloys and stainless. Join Ceratizit for this technical deep dive into the machining strategies that shape today's most demanding metal cutting applications. This webinar focuses on next-generation solid carbide end mills engineered for titanium and heat-resistant superalloys. The tools also prove highly effective in stainless steel milling. This session delivers practical, actionable guidance for shops and operators looking to optimize tool performance and cycle times in tough materials. As manufacturing sectors continue to increase their use of titanium, superalloys and other difficult-to-machine materials, shops need tooling and strategies that deliver predictable results. Ceratizit's end mills are backed by a vertically-integrated supply chain that ensures quality substrates and production scalability. Agenda: Trochoidal milling: improve material removal efficiency while reducing heat and tool wear High efficiency milling (HEM): leverage low radial engagement to maximize tool life, stability and throughput Helical interpolations: stable entry and pocketing in difficult materials Ramping: versatile non-traditional entry techniques to extend tool life Full slot milling: how modern six-flute geometries enable aggressive slotting in titanium and superalloys

On Demand
From Spreadsheets to Shop-Floor Superpower: Modern Workflow Management
If your shop still relies on spreadsheets, paper travelers or an ERP that can't adapt to how your work really flows, you're likely losing time and capacity. This webinar shows how modern workflow management helps machine shops streamline processes, improve communication and gain control — whether on its own or alongside existing systems. Agenda: The state of the shop: key pain points facing modern machine shops and how workflow automation can solve them Case study: how a leading manufacturer modernized their processes and gained real-world results Steps to pivot and scale: a practical three-step roadmap for machine shops looking to streamline operations Metrics you wish you had: a single source of truth for all the metrics you need (and then some)

On Demand
Will Your Shop's Capabilities Unlock Exclusive Defense Contracts?
The American aerospace and defense industry depends on the most capable manufacturing shops and their ability to adapt to changing requirements. Regardless of manufacturing process focus or shop size, the digital thread and model-based definition (MBD) are once-in-a-generation adaptation challenges. Federal agencies and the top-tier OEMs who contract with them are implementing the goal of complete digital connectivity, including planning and production data. Join Kubotek Kosmos for an engaging webinar to discover the key process improvements and up-skilling strategies suppliers must adopt to secure upcoming contracts. Plus, learn actionable steps you can implement right now to stay ahead of the competition. Agenda: Understand the drivers behind the move toward MBE in the aerospace and defense sector Assess the primary obstacles shops face adapting to these changes Learn about the resources and tools that can help your shop stay relevant

On Demand
Simplify Swiss Machining with AI in SolidWorks
Swiss CNC machines are ideal for producing small, high precision parts by performing multiple milling and turning operations simultaneously, but programming these machines can be challenging and complex. Learn how software fully integrated with SolidWorks provides AI technologies and a user-friendly approach to streamline and accelerate Swiss machine programming. Agenda: Learn how AI technologies and full integration with CAD software saves times with Swiss machining Watch a demonstration of synchronization and simulation options with machine aware programming See intuitive programming for long parts with new segmentation manager options View efficient programming tools such as folders for data management and synchronized display of NC code

28 Apr 2026 New & Upcoming
Scaling Robot Integration Through AI-Native Frameworks Register Now
Events See All

13 Apr 2026
Rapid + TCT 2026
RAPID + TCT lands in Boston from April 13-16. The event’s show floor features hands-on 3D printing technology exhibits from over 400 of the industry’s leading product and service providers. Each morning, at the Executive Perspectives Keynote Series, industry leaders candidly examine the present while charting a course for the future of additive.

27 Apr 2026
2026 Emerging Leaders Conference
A gathering of the best and brightest up-and-coming industry leaders to network, share knowledge and brainstorm about tomorrow’s manufacturing industry. This event targets the leaders of the next generation, and showcases new technologies and processes.

3 May 2026
PMPA National Technical Conference
The PMPA National Technical Conference is the largest precision machining conference in the United States, bringing together hundreds of manufacturing professionals for three days of deep technical learning and real-world problem solving. With more than 40 expert-led sessions, the conference covers everything from hands-on shop floor challenges to best practices in processes, training, quality and management — all focused squarely on precision machining. Attendees walk away with practical insights, new ideas and those “ah-ha” moments that improve performance back at the shop. Just as valuable are the connections: opportunities to learn from peers, talk directly with suppliers and build relationships that last well beyond the event.

13 May 2026
Zoller Technology Days + Smart Manufacturing Summit
The Zoller Technology Days & Smart Manufacturing Summit will be held May 13-14, 2026, at the Zoller North American Headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This annual gathering of manufacturers, innovators and industry leaders is designed to showcase the technologies, strategies and automation solutions shaping the modern toolroom and manufacturing processes. Discover how a data-driven, automated toolroom and production process can transform your operation — saving time, reducing costs and increasing quality and competitiveness — through live demonstrations, expert insights and technical sessions.

22 Jun 2026
Automate 2026
As the largest robotics and automation event in the Americas, this is the place for anyone working with or curious about automation. Join us in discovering what’s next – for you and the world.

24 Jun 2026
CONTRAX Austin 2026
CONTRAX events connect buyers and suppliers of American contract manufacturing services. From concept to contract, CONTRAX showcases North America’s premier industrial parts producers and service providers – leaders in design engineering, 3D printing and prototyping, CNC machining, casting, metal forming and fabricating, injection molding, surface treatment, parts finishing and systems integration. CONTRAX mission is to grow North American manufacturing by showcasing suppliers equipped to support the growing demand for advanced manufacturing production and services. Businesses looking to expand their supply base, take product to market or address production, services, reshoring, onshoring or nearshoring needs can turn to CONTRAX to find the companies, content and insights for solving and staying ahead of supply chain challenges.

25 Mar 2026 New & Upcoming
TMTS 2026 - Taiwan International Machine Tool Show Register Now
Ask the Expert See All

16 Mar 2026 Holemaking
Methods for Threading Blind Holes in Thin Materials
Struggling with blind holes in thin materials? Use these drill point strategies, tap selections and clearance tips to maximize usable thread depth and meet pull-out specs without redesigning the part.

13 Feb 2026 Basics
7 Steps to Optimize Aggressive Roughing Operations
Follow these guidelines to get the most out of aggressive roughing while improving cycle times and keeping quality intact.

21 Jan 2026
Troubleshooting Processes Experiencing Drift or Shift
Most troubleshooting fails for a simple reason: rather than conducting true root cause analysis, people start assigning causes before they properly classify behavior.

17 Dec 2025
What Makes High-Volume Machining Different?
The same principles that make a good low-volume process also make a good high-volume process. The difference is that production requires you to be intentional everywhere you used to rely on instinct.

24 Nov 2025
Order Of Operations Is Where Geometry Meets Judgement
Considerations for planning tool orders and material removal sequences to keep parts stable, accurate and clean.

29 Oct 2025
Machining for Downstream Success
Understanding the connection between surfaces, shapes and tolerances, and then designing your process with these nuances mind, is what separates a vendor from a partner.
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How I Made It 20 Mar 2026

How I Made It: Joseph Alonso, Founder of Novo Modo Machining
Large Part Machining 18 Mar 2026

Five Strategies for Building Your Job Shop's Niche
Holemaking 16 Mar 2026

Methods for Threading Blind Holes in Thin Materials
Economics 13 Mar 2026

No Slowing Down – Metalworking Index Continues Climb
Workforce Development 11 Mar 2026

4 Key Growth Opportunities to Boost the CNC Machining Workforce
Measurement 9 Mar 2026

Achieving More Versatility from Three-Point Gaging
Grinding 6 Mar 2026

Building a Profitable Grinding Niche
Automation 4 Mar 2026

Physical AI Eases Automation of High-Mix Manufacturing
Turn/Mill 2 Mar 2026

Why Setups Are the Real Bottleneck in High-Mix Machining
SPONSORED 1 Mar 2026

Tool Presetters Reduce Downtime, Human Errors and Scrap

Published 01/10/2012

Top Shops for 2011

Learn more about the 10 companies that were named “Top Shops” from last year's benchmarking survey.

Top Shops

Derek Korn

Editor-in-Chief, Production Machining magazine

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Leaders-In background

The Top Shops benchmarking initiative included an Honors Program to highlight a few of the shops that comprise the top 20-percent benchmarking group. Vetted by Derek Korn, Modern Machine Shop’s senior editor, these shops represent a quality cross-section of U.S. machining businesses relative to location, size and industries served.

Congratulations to the following Honors Program winners for 2011. Click on the company names to learn more about them.

Air Flow Research (Valencia, California)

Altech Machining, Inc. (Santee, California)

BDE, Inc. (Hillsboro, Oregon)

Bley LLC (Elk Grove Village, Illinois)

C&R Manufacturing (Shawnee, Kansas)

High Tech Turning (Watertown, Massachusetts)

Hyper-Tech (Oxnard, California)

K Tooling LLC (Hancock, New York)

McCay Tool & Engineering (Saint Louis, Missouri)

Millat Industries (Dayton, Ohio)

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