What Is Your Go-To Industry Resource?

When I started with Modern Machine Shop as an intern some five years ago, I knew exactly zip about metalworking. That changed pretty fast (editing thousands of words worth of manufacturing PR will do that to a person). But still, several years later, I often find myself referencing the wealth of information on mmsonline.com to find the answers to my technical questions.

My colleagues, especially those who have been writing for the magazine for many years, are essentially experts in residence, having visited myriad shops through the years and written about the technology they have seen. (You’ll also find articles from sister brands Additive Manufacturing, Production Machining, MoldMaking Technology and Techspex to flesh out this heavyweight resource.) 

MMS is known for focusing on real-world application stories reported by our in-house staff traveling far and wide and getting the story in person, #ontheshopfloor. That said, our site doesn’t just contain stories of shops solving interesting problems; we also highlight “101" content: articles that cover the basics of advanced technologies, processes and shop management questions. 

I’d encourage you to make our site a resource not only for insights into the complex stories of real-world job shops, but also for the basics, whether they pertain to buying a new machine tool or learning about a niche process. 

Here are some stories you should bookmark: 

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Concepts

This content clarifies and explains advanced concepts so you don’t have to cut through the hype yourself, and so you have what you need to apply the information in your own manufacturing business. 

What Is Additive Manufacturing?

What is additive manufacturing's role? What sort of parts are made through additive manufacturing? And will this process replace machining? Peter Zelinski responds to these and other questions. Read here.

What Is Electropolishing?

Manufacturers considering this non-contact finishing process should expect test runs and close collaboration with service providers before production begins. Read here.

What Is Live Tooling?

As jobs change or volume increases and the need arises for new machinery, don’t just accept the standard tooling packages provided by the builder before researching whether live tooling makes sense. Read here.

What Is Roller Burnishing?

This process enables fast and repeatable finishing of metal surfaces to mirror-like quality, but without removing any metal. Read here.

10 Things To Know About Creep-Feed Grinding

Because of the high material removal rate creep-feed grinding can deliver in challenging materials, grinding might not be just the last step in the process — it might be the process. Read here.

10 Things To Know About Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Technology advances related to collaborative robots suggest this technology will become more capable and commonplace. Read here.

7 Things To Know About the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0

As a practical matter, this pending revolution will come about in an evolutionary fashion. Companies will implement it step by step, phase by phase. The first step, of course, is to gain an understanding of what it involves. Read here.

Tips for Understanding and Buying Capital Equipment

Here are several series produced by Techspex and Modern Machine Shop about approaching the purchase of machines. 

Buying a Machine Tool

• So You’re in the Market for a Machine Tool — Start by Asking “Why?”
• Before You Buy That New Machine Tool, Consider the Workpiece
• Why Forming a Machine-Tool Buying Committee Is a Good Idea

Buying a Turning Machine

• Buying a Lathe: The Basics
• Buying a Lathe: Turrets and Live Tooling
• Buying a Lathe: Spindles and Tailstocks
• Buying a Lathe: Slant-Beds and Multitasking Configurations

Buying a Vertical Machining Center (VMC)

• Buying a VMC: Considering Structure and Stability
• Buying a VMC: The Basics of Spindle Speeds and Tapers
• Buying a VMC: Considering Toolchanger, Coolant Delivery and Chip Removal

Buying a Horizontal Machining Center (HMC)

• Buying an HMC: What Makes Horizontal Machining Centers Different
• Buying an HMC: Tooling and Workholding Considerations
• Buying an HMC: Peripheral Equipment Considerations

Buying a Wire Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM)

• Buying a Wire EDM, Part 1: How It Works
• Buying a Wire EDM, Part 2: Wire Considerations
• Buying a Wire EDM, Part 3: Speed, Accuracy and Finish
• Buying a Wire EDM, Part 4: Dielectric Fluid & Maintenance

Buying a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

• Buying a Coordinate Measuring Machine: CMMs Past and Future
• Buying a Coordinate Measuring Machine: Sorting through Standards and Probes
• Buying a Coordinate Measuring Machine: Technology Advances and Industry 4.0

Buying a Grinding Machine

• Buying a Grinder: The Appeal and Construction of a Grinding Machine
• Buying a Grinder: The Abrasive Process
• Buying a Grinder: Applications for Grinding Machines
• Buying a Grinder: Latest Technological and Process Developments