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Machine Tools See All

31 Dec 2025
4+2 Machining Cuts Cycle Times From Days to Minutes
By moving from legacy jig bores and tilt tables to a milling and boring machine, Highland Manufacturing cut cycle times from days to minutes on high-tolerance, large-diameter parts.

26 Dec 2025
The Value of a Third Turret for Multitasking Machines
A third turret might be the solution to achieve a 50/50 cycle-time balance between a machine’s main and sub-spindles.

22 Dec 2025
10 Tips for Dressing Your Grinding Wheel
Dressing a grinding wheel alters surface conditions on ground parts in accordance with the parameters used. But what parameters lead to which outcomes? Arianna Smith of Norton | Saint-Gobain guides us through the options in this article.

7 Nov 2025
How I Made It: Walter Minehart
The 24-year-old mechanical engineer and machinist just founded his own one-man shop, Minehart Machine, in San Luis Obispo, California.

3 Nov 2025
Incorporating Automation into EDM
Adding automation to EDM can provide long periods of unattended machining or be used in a closed-loop cell, while EDM control features can automate electrode design and process parameters.

31 Oct 2025
Multitasking: Where High Requirements Meet High Volumes
Metri-Tech first bought a multitasking machine to handle complicated turning geometries. Two decades later, it uses them for gear cutting, five-axis work and more.
Tooling See All

31 Dec 2025
4+2 Machining Cuts Cycle Times From Days to Minutes
By moving from legacy jig bores and tilt tables to a milling and boring machine, Highland Manufacturing cut cycle times from days to minutes on high-tolerance, large-diameter parts.

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.

1 Dec 2025
5 Tips for Machining Nickel-Based Alloys
Choosing the right tools and processes can maximize tool life and reduce production time when machining these tough materials.

17 Nov 2025
Roughing First: New Strategies for Blisk Machining
Aerospace shops looking to cut cycle time and tool wear on integrally bladed rotors often focus on finishing. But rethinking the roughing stage can increase how much material can be safely removed while accelerating throughput.

10 Nov 2025
Reducing Chatter and Strain Through Pressure Monitoring
Loss of fixture pressure can cause problems from chatter to thrown parts. Pressure monitoring helps keep fixtures stable and operations on target.

19 Sep 2025
Mate Precision Technologies Appoints New President
Mate Precision Technologies welcomes Joe Schneider as president, bringing over 31 years of experience to lead growth in metalcutting and forming solutions.
Software See All

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.

17 Sep 2025
How to Succeed as a Small Swiss Shop: Top Shops 2025
Can small shops succeed with advanced machine tools and software? If so, how do they do it? Read on to learn the strategies that have helped Midway Swiss Turn, our 2025 Top Shops Honoree in Shopfloor Practices, thrive.

5 Sep 2025
Collaborative Event Showcases Advanced Technology
Emuge-Franken USA, Okuma America Corp. and Open Mind Technologies collaborate to demonstrate the Evogrip Modular Workholding System at Okuma’s Charlotte, North Carolina facility on September 11, 2025.
Measurement See All

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.

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.

5 Nov 2025
An Indicating Snap Gage Primer
The variable snap gage, with its built-in features and combined with modern digital readout devices, offers a sound and easy-to-use tool for controlling critical diameters.

8 Oct 2025
Measuring Distance With Surface Texture Systems
Defining and monitoring the surfaces of mated parts is crucial to ensuring they function properly together.

29 Aug 2025
Gear Surface Texture Is More Important Than Ever
The interactions of gear surfaces are becoming increasingly important in applications such as automotive electric motor drive systems and aircraft turbines.

27 Aug 2025
Machined Part Geometry Measurement
Uncertain about uncertainty? Having trouble remembering the difference between accuracy and precision? Read on to review key metrology terms relevant to the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (ISO GUM).
Automation See All

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.

3 Nov 2025
Incorporating Automation into EDM
Adding automation to EDM can provide long periods of unattended machining or be used in a closed-loop cell, while EDM control features can automate electrode design and process parameters.

27 Oct 2025
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
Taiwan Machine Tool Industry Showcases AI Innovations at EMO 2025
The Taiwan External Trade Development Council highlighted AI-powered solutions for precision and sustainability in manufacturing.

29 Sep 2025
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
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 Automation
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
DN Solutions America Unveils Impressive Chicago Technical Center at IMTS 2024
New tech center is serving as a cutting-edge showroom and a technological hub for advanced machining applications.

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.
Columns See All

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.

5 Jan 2026
Scaling Under Constraint: Machining Technology Investment Strategies for 2026
Many machine shops are entering 2026 with a mix of opportunity and pressure — volatile costs, lingering tariff impacts and tight labor. But there is a way to scale under constraint by connecting operations and finance and getting more from the technology you already own.

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.

3 Dec 2025
Why Some CNC Shops Outperform Others With the Same Equipment
Five very different machining stories, one theme: top performance comes from process knowledge, not just equipment.

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.

5 Nov 2025
An Indicating Snap Gage Primer
The variable snap gage, with its built-in features and combined with modern digital readout devices, offers a sound and easy-to-use tool for controlling critical diameters.
View From My Shop See All

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.

4 Mar 2025
Shop Tour Video: Inside a Family-Owned Machine Shop Specializing in High-Precision Plastics
In this episode of “View From My Shop,” East Coast Precision Manufacturing guides us through their plastics job shop. Learn how this shop has quickly and inexpensively built out its shop floor, as well as how it formed a niche for itself during difficult business conditions.
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

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 Top Shops
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

17 Sep 2025 Top Shops
How to Succeed as a Small Swiss Shop: Top Shops 2025
Can small shops succeed with advanced machine tools and software? If so, how do they do it? Read on to learn the strategies that have helped Midway Swiss Turn, our 2025 Top Shops Honoree in Shopfloor Practices, thrive.
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Videos See All

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 Automation
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 View From My Shop
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 Aerospace
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: 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.

25 Mar 2025 Turn/Mill
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.
News & Products See All

9 Jan 2026 Shop Management Software
Hexagon Software Integration Enables Faster Programming for Complex Parts
The integration of Hexagon’s WorkNC CAM software and the cloud-based tool library is said to strengthen how CAM programmers apply validated tooling data and proven machining methods.

9 Jan 2026 Turning Machines
Mazak Turning Machine Enhances Part Processing Versatility
Mazak Corp. introduces the Quick Turn 450MY multitasking CNC turning center with an extended bed length option for processing extra-long workpieces.

7 Jan 2026 Machines
Axiom Precision Desktop CNC Provides High Power in Small Footprint
Axiom Precision introduces the 2X2 CNC, designed for makers seeking professional-grade power and convenience in a compact footprint.

7 Jan 2026 CAD/CAM
ModuleWorks Software Update Enhances Machining Simulations
ModuleWorks GmbH introduces the ModuleWorks 2025.12 release, featuring capabilities for three-axis machining, feed control, adaptive roughing, deburring and swarf machining.

5 Jan 2026 Metalworking Fluids
Iron Bull Fluid Reclaim Hoppers Facilitate Waste Liquid Separation
Iron Bull Manufacturing introduces fluid reclaim hoppers designed to separate cutting fluids, oils and water from waste streams for reuse or disposal.

2 Jan 2026 Laser & Waterjet
Prima Power 3D Laser Cutting Range Supports Versatile Performance
Prima Power introduces the Laser Next Core, offering cost-effective solutions with a compact design for flexible manufacturing environments.
Webinars See All

3 Feb 2026
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
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

On Demand
Cutting Tool Synergy: Integrating Next-Gen Tooling with Modern CNC Machines
Exploring the powerful synergies between next-generation cutting tools, modern CNC machines and other advanced manufacturing technologies — such as high-pressure coolant systems — is an ongoing endeavor for both the end users using these technologies and between the companies providing these technologies. This informative webinar will delve into how manufacturing technology providers are working together on better designs and the integration of their technologies, and how this approach can dramatically enhance productivity, tool life and part production on the shop floor once in the hands of end users. Iscar will explore how smart tooling designs — featuring machine specific solutions, advanced coatings, geometries, and integral designs — are optimized to perform with today’s CNC machines and peripheral technologies. Additionally, the presenter will highlight the game-changing benefits of high-pressure coolant delivery, which provide superior chip evacuation, thermal control and lubrication — especially when paired with tooling designed specifically to leverage high-pressure coolant capabilities, such as 3D printed tools that optimize coolant flow/pressure. Whether you're a shop floor manager, manufacturing engineer, decision-maker or CNC programmer/machinist looking to stay competitive, this webinar will provide valuable insights into how the latest technologies complement one another and where gains are being achieved. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how a system-based approach to tooling integration can transform your machining strategies. Agenda: How to align next-gen tooling with CNC capabilities for maximum performance The role of high-pressure coolant in improving machining productivity Practical strategies for integration and profitability Real-world case studies and results

On Demand
How Harvey Performance Boosts Schedule Attainment with Real-Time Machine Data
In today’s hyper-competitive environment, real-time data isn’t just nice to have, it’s the backbone of decision-making, automation, and AI. Yet too often, disconnected systems lead to ERP plans that don’t match production reality. The result? An execution gap that leads to excessive machine downtime, manually driven processes and missed production deadlines. In this webinar, George Burleson, director of manufacturing analytics and process engineering, will share how Harvey Performance — after attempting to build their own MES — ultimately turned to MachineMetrics to achieve real-time production and operational visibility with job tracking, scheduling and machine monitoring solutions. By integrating real-time production data with Epicor, Harvey Performance has unlocked visibility across machines, processes, and business systems, turning raw production data into actionable insights that drive profitability — in Harvey’s case, doubling schedule attainment. Whether you’re an operations leader, plant manager or continuous improvement professional, this session will give you a practical look at how production intelligence can align ERP plans with shop floor reality to dial in scheduling and maximize your capacity. Agenda: What production intelligence is and why it matters now How Harvey Performance integrated MachineMetrics with Epicor Kinetic to unify machine and business data Practical use cases: improving OEE, schedule attainment and process efficiency Steps you can take to move from data collection to decision-making

On Demand
Breaking Down Barriers: Program Any Touch Probe Directly in Mastercam
Join this session for an exclusive look at Mastercam Probing — the latest add-on that lets you program touch probes from Renishaw, Blum Novotest, Heidenhain and more directly within your familiar Mastercam environment. This webinar will be helpful for any Mastercam users in manufacturing, job shops and educational institutions looking to streamline their probing workflow and boost productivity. Agenda: Eliminate manual edge-finding with automated workpiece setup Detect broken tools before they ruin expensive parts Program in-process inspections without leaving Mastercam Use your machine's existing probing cycles and macros Visualize and validate probing moves before cutting Live demos of all 5 major features plus Q&A with Mastercam experts

27 Jan 2026 New & Upcoming
From Spreadsheets to Shop-Floor Superpower: Modern Workflow Management Register Now
Events See All

14 Jan 2026
Detroit Auto Show
The Detroit Auto Show, formerly known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is located squarely at the intersection of technology and mobility. It’s a global event filled with tangible advances ready to hit the pavement today. Here, the software is as revolutionary as anything out there, and the hardware always looks better with a good polish. You won’t find any devices that will fit in your pocket, but you will discover machines that will move you in the most literal sense. You’ll also connect with thought leaders from around the world, both in and outside the automotive industry, whose collective visions for the future of mobility will shape the way we move for years to come.

24 Feb 2026
Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2026
Additive Manufacturing Strategies is a 100% in-person event February 24-26, 2026 in New York City. This industry touchstone conference brings together AM stakeholders from all over the world. AMS includes panels and keynotes on topics most critical in the fast-growing world of additive manufacturing. Bringing together the industry’s leaders in a contained networking environment makes AMS the place for startups to access capital, for financial institutions and investors to sharpen their radars, and for the AM industry to focus on the business of AM.

17 Mar 2026
PTXPO 2026
PTXPO 2026 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.
Ask the Expert See All

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.

26 Sep 2025 Basics
Finding the Right Balance Between Productivity and Stability
Shop upgrades can swamp a process with change and widen the potential for chaos. To maintain stability, put a frame around your processes so your shop can keep solid wins without living on edge.

8 Aug 2025 CAD/CAM
Refining the Handoff Between the CAM Program and the Real-World Process
Despite the best intentions in the virtual world, the manufacturing process is limited to what survives the handoff from screen to spindle.

23 Jul 2025 Basics
Preserve the Craft of Manufacturing as Technology Advances
As the industry continues to move toward a digital future, be sure to reinforce the core fundamentals right alongside it.
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How I Made It 9 Jan 2026

How I Made It: David Modig, Chairman of Modig Machine Tool
Inspection and Measurement 7 Jan 2026

Surface Texture Measurement for the Unseen World
5 Jan 2026

Scaling Under Constraint: Machining Technology Investment Strategies for 2026
SPONSORED 5 Jan 2026

Zero Point Workholding: Faster Changeovers, Repeatable Results
SPONSORED 2 Jan 2026

Robotic Cells Transform Archery Bow Manufacturing Efficiency
Horizontal Machining Centers 31 Dec 2025

4+2 Machining Cuts Cycle Times From Days to Minutes
Turning Machines 26 Dec 2025

The Value of a Third Turret for Multitasking Machines
Grinding 22 Dec 2025

10 Tips for Dressing Your Grinding Wheel
Basics 19 Dec 2025

Understanding Mechanical Vibrations in Machining
17 Dec 2025

What Makes High-Volume Machining Different?

Published 05/06/2010

Device Eliminates Floppy Disk Drive

Shop Floor Automations offers a hardware product to replace 3.5" floppy disk drives and media used to store NC programs and other CNC-related files used on the shop floor.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

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Leaders-In background

Shop Floor Automations offers a hardware product to replace 3.5" floppy disk drives and media used to store NC programs and other CNC-related files used on the shop floor. The floppy drive replacement features a USB interface to transfer files from a PC with a USB port to virtually any CNC control with a floppy disk drive.

The USB-to-floppy device works with 720-K or 1.44-MB media found on older CNC machines, laser machines, flame cutters and other shopfloor equipment. The user can transfer the files onto virtually any brand USB thumb drive and plug the device into the floppy drive emulator, which instantly copies all the files from the USB to the drive’s internal memory. Files can be accessed as if a floppy drive were still connected, and no additional cables, wiring or power are required.

The device enables machines that otherwise may have been replaced or retrofitted with new controllers to continue production. Most floppy drives manufacturers no longer exist or provide support, the company says. The USB to floppy device is said to work with virtually any CNC control and has been tested with machines from Haas, Fadal, Mazak, Hurco, Okuma and others.

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