Erez Speiser has devoted his entire professional life to the world of machining, most notably his 20-plus years in senior management positions at cutting-tool manufacturer Iscar. When the Covid pandemic struck, Speiser began building his “Machining Doctor” website that not only provides technical information for CNC machinists, but also launched a new and unexpected phase of life for him — and a new career.
At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently. Prototype Cnc Machining
Practical work has served Bridgerland Technical College both in preparing its current students for manufacturing jobs and in appealing to new generations of potential machinists.
With many machine shops anticipating long-term growth in demand from the semiconductor industry, it is worth the time to heed the advice of manufacturers who have already been servicing this end-market for years.
Decade-long, multiphase automation investments lower operating costs and maintain technology lead in an increasingly competitive global market.
Cumberland Additive’s CNC programmer in Pennsylvania spends most of his time writing programs for machine tools in Texas.
At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently.
With many machine shops anticipating long-term growth in demand from the semiconductor industry, it is worth the time to heed the advice of manufacturers who have already been servicing this end-market for years.
Decade-long, multiphase automation investments lower operating costs and maintain technology lead in an increasingly competitive global market.
Alpha Precision Group (APG) has developed an innovative workholding design for faster spindle speeds through sinter-based additive manufacturing.
Pairing a shoulder mill with a five-axis machine has cut costs and cycle times for one of TTI Machine’s parts, enabling it to support a niche racing community.
A study in repeatable and flexible workholding by one OEM for another.
CAM Assist cuts repetition from part programming — early users say it could be a useful tool for training new programmers.
Open Mind is partnering its CAD/CAM software with OMIC R&D’s experience in optimizing CAD/CAM solutions.
At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently.
EPTAM Precision Plastics has achieved multiple years of 15% YoY growth by effectively applying Datanomix’s benchmarking and machine monitoring features.
Practical work has served Bridgerland Technical College both in preparing its current students for manufacturing jobs and in appealing to new generations of potential machinists.
Shops need to look at their people, processes and technology to get the most of out their automation systems.
Structured light scanning is used to create a digital twin of a manufactured part, but we must understand the measurement reproducibility to best use the data.
At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently.
Verisurf will offer complete metrology solutions that combine its model-based inspection and measurement software, training and live technical support with Hexagon CMMs.
Understanding the differences between measurement methods means their discrepancies can be explained and used as an advantage to produce better correlation.
Zeiss Quality Innovation Days brings together quality and metrology experts from all over the world to take part in industry-specific sessions.
Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.
CAM Assist cuts repetition from part programming — early users say it could be a useful tool for training new programmers.
DMG MORI’s Chicago Innovation Days event featured technologies designed to address the difficulties manufacturers face today.
With the help of a 3D vision system and robotic arms from FANUC, MetalQuest was able to automate a physically challenging bin-picking task.
Christopher Clark will provide sales, service and support for the full range of Stäubli customers in North America.
Decade-long, multiphase automation investments lower operating costs and maintain technology lead in an increasingly competitive global market.
Robotic applications are expanding thanks to rubber and silicone-based systems that can handle fragile materials or parts in varying sizes and shapes.
Across a range of technical presentations aimed at small and mid-sized job shops, the first-ever Automated Shop Conference (TASC) offered insights into several automated technologies, implementation strategies, shopfloor training tips, and even the untapped power of automated coolant delivery.
Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.
The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.
Looking to automate your shop floor? The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect shops with experts who can advise them through this transition.
Attend TASC, The Automated Shop Conference, in Novi, Mich on Oct. 11, 2023 for a comprehensive look into how to use automation to transform your machine shop.
Staying adaptable and leading through change for 95 years and counting, Modern Machine Shop celebrates its 95th Anniversary since its first publication in 1928.
The advance toward increasingly automated machining can be seen in the ways tooling, workholding, gaging and integration all support unattended production. This is the area of innovation I found most compelling at the recent International Manufacturing Technology Show.
The renewal of collaborations, partnerships and networking opportunities created a new level of excitement at IMTS 2022 for 86,307 registrants.
Manufacturing has a multi-talented bunch of people, but who knew so many were adept in the facial hair industry? Check out the best of the beards at IMTS!
This year’s show celebrates 10 years of co-location between IMTS and Hannover Messe.
Brent Donaldson of Modern Machine Shop sits down with Supertec's Don Staggenborg to discuss what the IMTS veterans brought to this year's show.
Meet NASA mission system engineer Mike Menzel and learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope at Mitsui Seiki USA’s booth (338700) in the South Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 15.
In an industry facing perennial shortages of skilled labor, shop owners must leverage every competitive advantage at their disposal in their efforts to attract talent. One small shop in Bridgewater, Massachusetts is experimenting with a new staff schedule that the owners say is already reaping major benefits: a four-day work week.
When revising part designs, investigate the 3D CAD, the 2D drawing and the part’s functional requirements to determine which details should be tightened up.
Machine tool industry stalwart and friend Barry Rogers will be remembered for his passion, kindness and community spirit. A reflection on Barry’s remarkable career and the impact he had on countless individuals.
Modern electronic height gages are computer-based, touchscreen-operated systems that enable automated measuring routines, error correction and multiple probe offsets, much like a CMM.
These oddities in the way a CNC naturally behaves can help explain some rather unusual situations that may occur during machining.
As part of its commitment to replace its aging submarine fleet, the U.S. Navy is investing heavily in building America’s manufacturing base, including free education and assisting suppliers in modernizing their facilities.
In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."
Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.
Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.
Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.
Explore Tech-Max, a CNC machine shop that specializes in precision machining large and complex parts ranging from 10 in. to over 10 ft.
Jrlon, Inc. is recognized as a dependable source and leading supplier of plastic and specialty metal products. They are one of the premier PTFE processors in the United States. Jrlon's expertise also covers a wide range of other performance plastic materials and alloy steels for custom molding, machining, gear manufacturing, technical industrial coatings, welding, and sheet metal fabrication. Driven by innovative designers and engineers, Jrlon manufactures unique products vital to a wide variety of industries.
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?
The Top Shops 2024 survey for the metalworking market is now live, alongside a new homepage collecting the stories of past Honorees.
To combat the skilled labor shortage, this Top Shops honoree turned to partnerships and unique benefits to attract talented workers.
Doubling sales requires more than just robots. Pro Products’ staff works in tandem with robots, performing inspection and other value-added activities.
From cobots to machine monitoring, this Top Shop honoree shows that machining technology is about more than the machine tool.
Deciding to narrow down its jobs and customers was a turning point for 2023 Top Shops Business Strategies honoree Manda Machine that has led to improvements in the front office and on the shop floor.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."
Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.
Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.
Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.
Explore Tech-Max, a CNC machine shop that specializes in precision machining large and complex parts ranging from 10 in. to over 10 ft.
Jrlon, Inc. is recognized as a dependable source and leading supplier of plastic and specialty metal products. They are one of the premier PTFE processors in the United States. Jrlon's expertise also covers a wide range of other performance plastic materials and alloy steels for custom molding, machining, gear manufacturing, technical industrial coatings, welding, and sheet metal fabrication. Driven by innovative designers and engineers, Jrlon manufactures unique products vital to a wide variety of industries.
David Chesnutt assumes responsibility for all national product sales through Methods’ direct offices and dealer network.
IMTS 2024: Heidenhain showcases the TNC7 CNC control platform, providing graphical instruction for the positioning of clamping devices and individual customization capabilities for users and machines.
IMTS 2024: Mazak features advanced machining solutions designed to boost productivity in automation, multitasking capabilities and machine tool technology.
The GC1205 and GC1210 PVD insert grades are designed to make surface requirements for aerospace engine components easier to achieve.
IMTS 2024: Jergens Inc.’s lineup focuses on quick-change workholding solutions and automation capabilities, such as the custom MT-S spindle gripper for continuous machining.
Kaeser Compressors introduces its Kaeser Measurement Technology, designed to improve compressed air system performance and reduce energy consumption.
Investments in technology have fueled manufacturing growth with digital transformation. This has helped organizations of all sizes improve the efficiency of their end-to-end processes. Where should you prioritize your technology investments and what considerations should you consider when evaluating your technology mix? Agenda: Discover different strategies for reducing the daily production challenges today’s manufacturers face Navigate how to use cloud-based collaboration tools to quickly coordinate with key external and internal stakeholders and seamlessly transition from product design and engineering to manufacturing Learn how to ensure simulated designs exceed the necessary product requirements Understand how implementing a combination of software and intelligent processes can help streamline business performance and accelerate time to market
In this webinar, SolidCAM will show how to greatly improve the performance of any CNC machine with iMachining. SolidCAM’s iMachining provides 70% or more savings in cycle time, increases tool life by five times or more, and with its Technology Wizard, offers optimal feeds and speeds for every point of the toolpath, taking into account the stock material, cutting tool properties and CNC machine parameters. Agenda: How iMachining uses material properties, tool characteristics, part geometry and machine kinematics to fully optimize toolpaths How iMachining automatically produces ready-to-run CNC programs for first part success Why the iMachining Technology Wizard automatically provides eight independent combinations of Feeds, Speeds, Step-downs, Stepovers and Cutting Angles The physics behind extended tool life and how iMachining protects small tools How iMachining increases your profits by reducing machining time, saving tool life and virtually eliminating scrap How iMachining enables you to take on more jobs by maximizing the performance of your current CNC machines
Join us for Fagor's insightful discussion featuring a seasoned CNC retrofitter with over three decades of experience. We will explore the detailed case studies and discuss the advantages of upgrading existing machine tools with modern control systems — highlighting the economic and operational benefits. This webinar is designed to provide valuable insights for manufacturers, integrators and anyone interested in enhancing their CNC capabilities through retrofits. Agenda: Understanding CNC retrofits: when to invest in a retrofit verse purchasing a new machine and expert Insights on CNC systems Detailed case studies and applications: common challenges faced during retrofits, effective solutions and strategies and features and benefits of Fagor CNC controls Valuable insights for other integrators in the industry
Workholding is essential to part quality — and vise jaw design is critical to workholding performance. Join Mate Precision Technologies for a discussion on the vital characteristics of jaw design. Learn when to consider custom jaws and how they can enhance your operations.
Join Hexagon to learn how you can transcend traditional CAM systems to revolutionize your discrete part programming. Hexagon's comprehensive approach integrates design, manufacturing and inspection processes to streamline production workflows and achieve operational excellence. Discover how its advanced suite of CAD/CAM, process optimization and automation technologies empowers manufacturers — from medical to aerospace — to seamlessly transition from prototyping to full-scale production. This session is designed for professionals seeking to enhance precision, efficiency and quality in CNC machining operations, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in manufacturing technology. Agenda: Optimizing part preparation for error-free manufacturing Simplifying complex part machining through advanced CNC programming Enhancing safety and efficiency with collision avoidance and process verification Leveraging shop-floor production intelligence with automated machine monitoring Driving manufacturing success through effective automation and collaboration
First article inspection (FAI) creation is an essential element of quality control programs but can consume a significant amount of time. In this webinar, Rebecca Keller will discuss a tool that consolidates all requirements into an accountability checklist, keeping drawing and inspection sheets in sync. Automatically capture sheet and zone and identify bill of materials (BOM) and specifications for a complete and accurate report. This software exports a professional ballooned print as a PDF and can output to your customized Excel spreadsheet. In this session, Discus Software will go over how to reduce quality escapes that occur from overlooking requirements. Failing results are flagged in real time and any missing FAIR AS9102 data is also flagged for compliance to the standard. Easily renumber balloon sequencing and change between imperial and metric unites as required by your customers. Learn how to seamlessly import your coordinate-measuring machine (CMM) data to validate each result and easily flag non-conformances. Use any CMM in your shop to create result data and automatically populate the designed tooling. The tool to discuss will assist you in keeping up with the growing prevalence of 3D modeling in manufacturing. Using the product manufacturing information (PMI) of the model, this software extracts the geometry and notes from the model to create views with ballooned data and exports to the inspection sheet. Agenda: Error-proof each FAI for accuracy and customer approval Eliminate the need for manual data entry Use your CMM output to populate FAI actuals Address your customer's requirement for model-based definition (MBD)
RAPID + TCT is returning to the west coast after a decade away! For more than 30 years, RAPID + TCT has defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and empowered the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. SME and Rapid News Publications have teamed up to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event, which takes place June 25-27 in Los Angeles, California. The event is for those who provide technology and for those who need to understand, explore and adopt 3D printing, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection technologies.
Laser powder bed fusion is the most widely used additive manufacturing method for metal part production, and electron beam melting is a closely related technology. For metalworking facilities contemplating a move into metal AM using technologies such as these, here is a road map for success. Speakers will cover materials, safety, part design, production workflow and differences between laser and electron beam metal powder bed fusion systems.
FABTECH 2024 will be held October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. There is no better opportunity to network, share knowledge and explore the latest technology, all here in one place. Future U.S. Show Dates and Locations 2025 – September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL 2026 – October 21-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV 2027 – September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).
When revising part designs, investigate the 3D CAD, the 2D drawing and the part’s functional requirements to determine which details should be tightened up.
The choice between buying a new machine or refurbishing the current one will become clear after a thorough assessment of the machine.
Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.
While there are many changes to adopt when moving to five-axis, they all compliment the overall goal of better parts through less operations.
Consider what types of implementation your shop prefers when deciding between workpiece-handling and pallet-handling automation solutions.
When getting a grip on stainless steel, make sure you are very specific in how you talk about it and understand the pertinent information you need.
IMTS 2024: Mazak features advanced machining solutions designed to boost productivity in automation, multitasking capabilities and machine tool technology.
Mazak HQR 200MSY NEO multi-tasking turning center Source: Mazak Corporation
Mazak VC-Ez 20X model Source: Mazak Corporation
Mazak is showcasing its technology for job shops, multitasking, advanced manufacturing and high-production with live demonstrations processing real-world, industry-specific parts.
Mazak’s booth features a wide range of machines from its Ez, Syncrex, Quick Turn, NEO and Integrex series. Booth visitors can also see Mazak’s recent automation and digital technology and discover Mazak MPower Complete Customer Care as well as Mazak Capital Equipment Financing (MCEF) for streamlined equipment financing.
Mazak expands its Ez Series of machines with the addition of a 50-taper VC-Ez 32 with its 32" Y-axis, and a new five-axis model — the VC-Ez 20X — which is processing parts in the job shop area of the booth. The VC-Ez 32/50 vertical machining center (VMC) is said to be configurable with a full range of options to meet a variety of production needs. The machine features the Mazatrol SmoothEz CNC that gives shops both Mazatrol conversational and EIA/ISO G-code programming capabilities.
Mazak is also featuring its Quick Turn 250MSY CNC turning center that is designed to deliver significant reductions in production lead times and costs. The Quick Turn 250MSY CNC turning center provides milling and Y-axis capability, a direct-drive turret and a rotary tool milling spindle as well as a second turning spindle for “done in one” part processing.
Mazak also provides multitasking capability in its portfolio of machining solutions. Visitors to the Mazak booth can see the Integrex i-100H ST multitasking center with a gantry loader. The machine is designed to combine the capabilities of a high-powered turning center with those of a full-function machining center to boost productivity. It also gives shops the ability to simultaneously machine with two tools using a 6,000-rpm second turning spindle and a lower turret with optional rotary tool capability.
The advanced manufacturing area also showcases several of Mazak’s next-generation NEO Series machines. The HQR 200MSY NEO Series machine is the company’s first turning center in the NEO Series line.
The HQR-200MSY NEO multitasking turning center features two spindles and three turrets — two upper and one lower — for part processing opportunities and high-volume throughput in a single setup. The machine’s main spindle can handle 4" bar stock while the second spindle is capable of processing bar diameters up to 76 mm.
Visitors can also see the HCN-4000 NEO horizontal machining center (HMC) with a Palletech system for automated lights-out production. Designed to maximize productivity for any type of part material, the machine’s enhancements can improve overall performance from stability and accuracy to power consumption and maintenance.
For high production, attendees can experience custom models in Mazak’s full line of SyncrexSeries Swiss-type machines. Mazak’s Syncrex line encompasses machine barstock capacities ranging from 10 to 38 mm.
“Today’s manufacturers continue to struggle with a lack of skilled labor, surging production demands and an ever-changing economy, and they depend on advanced technology to overcome these challenges and maintain their profitability,” says Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corp. “Mazak has always been front and center at IMTS and in the manufacturing world, and our presence there gives shops the opportunity to learn more, do more and make more despite the headwinds the industry is facing.”
Adding to the exhibit is Mazak’s Ez Loader and other standard and customized automation solutions designed to enhance employee skills and combat the ongoing labor shortage. The Ez Loader is a standalone, plug-and-play cobot that uses a pallet, programmable logic controller and all necessary equipment for machine integration. Mazak Automation Solutions experts are on hand to discuss ways to efficiently and effectively integrate this and other Mazak automation into production.
Additionally, Mazak showcases its development and integration of artificial intelligence and smart features into machine tool technology. The company showcases digital solutions like its Spindle Health Monitoring System. Using real-time continuous data, the system compiles a machine profile and “learns” to assess its health and performance. The machine’s health assessment allows the system to proactively diagnose pre-failure conditions before downtime occurs.
Every Mazak machine is backed by Mazak MPower Complete Customer Care, the company’s machine support program.
Mazak will be exhibiting new technology at IMTS 2024 in Chicago, IL this September.
Plan to meet up with their team or get registered here!
Even as the benefits of five-axis machining stack up year by year, the barrier for entry crumbles.
5-axis machining has taken over the metalworking industry, but what goes into a high-functioning 5-axis machining cell?
Almost any shop can automate at least some of its production, even in low-volume, high-mix applications. The key to getting started is finding the simplest solutions that fit your requirements. It helps to work with an automation partner that understands your needs.
Pairing a shoulder mill with a five-axis machine has cut costs and cycle times for one of TTI Machine’s parts, enabling it to support a niche racing community.
You cannot begin to take advantage of an available feature if you do not know it exists. Conversely, you will not know how to avoid CNC features that may be detrimental to your process.
With the help of a 3D vision system and robotic arms from FANUC, MetalQuest was able to automate a physically challenging bin-picking task.
Despite enhancements to manufacturing technology, there are still issues today that can cause programs to fail. These failures can cause lost time, scrapped parts, damaged machines and even injured operators.
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