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.
A third turret might be the solution to achieve a 50/50 cycle-time balance between a machine’s main and sub-spindles.
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.
The 24-year-old mechanical engineer and machinist just founded his own one-man shop, Minehart Machine, in San Luis Obispo, California.
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.
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.
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.
Choosing the right tools and processes can maximize tool life and reduce production time when machining these tough materials.
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.
Loss of fixture pressure can cause problems from chatter to thrown parts. Pressure monitoring helps keep fixtures stable and operations on target.
Mate Precision Technologies welcomes Joe Schneider as president, bringing over 31 years of experience to lead growth in metalcutting and forming solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Defining and monitoring the surfaces of mated parts is crucial to ensuring they function properly together.
The interactions of gear surfaces are becoming increasingly important in applications such as automotive electric motor drive systems and aircraft turbines.
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).
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.
Murata Machinery USA Inc. appoints new president and CEO along with division heads to strengthen commitment to automation and customer success in North America.
The “Made in China 2025” plan transformed China into a global automation supplier. What will the U.S. do to compete?
The Taiwan External Trade Development Council highlighted AI-powered solutions for precision and sustainability in 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
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.
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.
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.
TASC 2025 takes place in Indianapolis this August. Attendees will be able to learn automation strategies from their peers: All information—no bluster.
New tech center is serving as a cutting-edge showroom and a technological hub for advanced machining applications.
New U.S.-based event announced in 2021 finally debuts next year: focuses on complete additive manufacturing value chain. More at formnextchicago.com.
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.
Half of the 16 machines in the company’s booth are world or North American debuts.
Learn more about the variety of technology and machinery Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc. is featuring at its IMTS 2024 booth.
FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.
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.
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.
Five very different machining stories, one theme: top performance comes from process knowledge, not just equipment.
Considerations for planning tool orders and material removal sequences to keep parts stable, accurate and clean.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mason Montalvo took up the challenge of starting his own shop running manual machine tools to produce complex parts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
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.
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.
Mazak Corp. introduces the Quick Turn 450MY multitasking CNC turning center with an extended bed length option for processing extra-long workpieces.
Axiom Precision introduces the 2X2 CNC, designed for makers seeking professional-grade power and convenience in a compact footprint.
ModuleWorks GmbH introduces the ModuleWorks 2025.12 release, featuring capabilities for three-axis machining, feed control, adaptive roughing, deburring and swarf machining.
Iron Bull Manufacturing introduces fluid reclaim hoppers designed to separate cutting fluids, oils and water from waste streams for reuse or disposal.
Prima Power introduces the Laser Next Core, offering cost-effective solutions with a compact design for flexible manufacturing environments.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Despite the best intentions in the virtual world, the manufacturing process is limited to what survives the handoff from screen to spindle.
As the industry continues to move toward a digital future, be sure to reinforce the core fundamentals right alongside it.
Spring, TX matt@mdimachinetools.com mdimachinetools.com
United Grinding North America collaborates with MDI Machine Tools to bring advanced grinding and machining solutions to key Texas industries like aerospace and automotive.
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