Small details and features can have an outsized impact on large parts, such as Barbco’s collapsible utility drill head.
After more than 40 years in business, this shop has learned how to adapt to stay profitable. mold design for injection molding
Recognizing the demand for automation solutions in grinding and finishing applications, this abrasives manufacturer is providing free consulting services to help shops develop automated processes.
At its 2024 Music Motion Meeting, Studer AG showed off its entry-level line of grinding machines, as well as its newest universal loading system.
Thanks to ballbar testing with a Renishaw QC20-W, the Autodesk Technology Centers now have more confidence in their machine tools.
While there are many changes to adopt when moving to five-axis, they all compliment the overall goal of better parts through less operations.
A study in repeatable and flexible workholding by one OEM for another.
Intech Athens’ inventory management system, which includes vertical lift modules from Kardex Remstar and tool management software from ZOLLER, has saved the company time, space and money.
To cut out laborious manual processes like hand-grinding, this briquette manufacturer revamped its machining and cutting tool arsenal for faster production.
Adopting PCD tooling has extended FT Precision’s tool life from days to months — and the test drill is still going strong.
Moving to five-axis machining enabled this shop to dramatically reduce setup time and increase lights-out capacity, but success relied on the right combination of workholding and automation.
Emuge-Franken received the award for its specialized tool based on the new Cera-Cut end mill design.
Shops need to look at their people, processes and technology to get the most of out their automation systems.
Controlling variability in a closed-loop manufacturing process requires inspection data collected before, during and immediately after machining — and a means to act on that data in real time. Here’s one system that accomplishes this.
Wolfram Manufacturing showcased its new facility, which houses its machine shop along with space for its work as a provider of its own machine monitoring software and as an integrator for Caron Engineering.
Global manufacturer Fictiv is rapidly expanding its use of data and artificial intelligence to help manufacturers wade through process variables and production strategies. With the release of a new AI platform for material selection, Fictive CEO Dave Evans talks about how the company is leveraging data to unlock creative problem solving for manufacturers.
Implementing ProShop has led to a massive process overhaul at Marzilli Machine. From 2020 to 2021, revenue increased 64% without capital investment.
Hexagon has rearranged its software portfolio into five process-based suites, which include software for every step in the workflow as well as a new program that connects everything, increasing automation and collaboration.
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.
Fixed-body mechanical plug gages provide fast, high-performance measurement for tight-tolerance holes.
Thanks to ballbar testing with a Renishaw QC20-W, the Autodesk Technology Centers now have more confidence in their machine tools.
Tool-toolholder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique vibration response. We can measure the response by tap testing, but we can also model it.
Measuring surface finish at the point of manufacture is often done by the same machinist who is manufacturing the part. They need tools that meet test requirements and are easy to use.
Shops need to look at their people, processes and technology to get the most of out their automation systems.
Recognizing the demand for automation solutions in grinding and finishing applications, this abrasives manufacturer is providing free consulting services to help shops develop automated processes.
Controlling variability in a closed-loop manufacturing process requires inspection data collected before, during and immediately after machining — and a means to act on that data in real time. Here’s one system that accomplishes this.
With the acquisition of PushCorp, Walter aims to help customers be more productive with robotics and automation for their material removal processes.
At its 2024 Music Motion Meeting, Studer AG showed off its entry-level line of grinding machines, as well as its newest universal loading system.
AI will become a tool to increase productivity in the same way that robotics has.
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.
Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.
Fixed-body mechanical plug gages provide fast, high-performance measurement for tight-tolerance holes.
Safety commands help safeguard CNC applications from common programming or operation errors.
Global manufacturer Fictiv is rapidly expanding its use of data and artificial intelligence to help manufacturers wade through process variables and production strategies. With the release of a new AI platform for material selection, Fictive CEO Dave Evans talks about how the company is leveraging data to unlock creative problem solving for manufacturers.
While there are many changes to adopt when moving to five-axis, they all compliment the overall goal of better parts through less operations.
Moments of change shine a light on the priorities that have been consistent a long time, and on the worth we carry forward out of a rich past into the future.
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.
Verifying parts is essential to documenting quality, and there are a few best practices that can make the quality control process more efficient.
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.
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.
Verifying parts is essential to documenting quality, and there are a few best practices that can make the quality control process more efficient.
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.
Zeiss Quality Innovation Days brings together quality and metrology experts from all over the world to take part in industry-specific sessions.
The KMR-MX 200 Manual Video System is well suited for a range of industries such as medical, aerospace, defense and others that require traceable and secure measurement data.
The company has expanded its Auburn Hills facility with a 30% increase in facility space.
CoroCut QD Y-axis parting tools feature upgraded blades with no Y offset, providing easier programming and increased stroke.
Joining Moduleworks’ Strategic Partner Program enables Kennametal to improve service to small and medium-sized general engineering shops.
The new High Rail Gantry Machines offer high-speed cutting capabilities, high precision rates and the ability to handle high-volume machining tasks.
Prepare for a transformative journey into the future of your manufacturing. Join ECI Solutions for a dynamic panel discussion featuring change management and manufacturing ERP experts. This webinar will equip you with the essential tools and tactics to navigate the human side of change and ensure a smooth, high-impact rollout of your new ERP system. The presenters will cover their expert insights on ERP implementation, some pitfalls during the implementation process and how to manage them, and recommendations on building a culture of change. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of your ERP investment and propel your manufacturing business forward. Register now for a transformative discussion on change management for manufacturers. Agenda: Gain perspectives from leading change management professionals on strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by manufacturers during ERP implementation Navigate the common roadblocks associated with change and discover practical solutions to overcome resistance, boost buy-in and user adoption, and maximize the ROI of your ERP as soon as it is in your business Learn how to foster a culture of openness, communication and collaboration within your organization, laying the foundation for a successful ERP transition Walk away with a clear roadmap for change management excellence in your manufacturing operations
Adding robotic automation to machine tool processes can bring a level of apprehension and confusion on how, when and where to begin. Kuka offers a wide range of automation technology and industrial partnerships to efficiently and effectively bring a project from conception to completion. Considering automation early on in your machine tool buying process can not only save you money and time but it can also ensure that your machine will be efficient when it arrives at your shop. Agenda: Save time and money by automating before you get your machine tool Simplify the process: simple PLC programming, mobile robots, articulated robots and planning simulation Finding the right automation integration partner What to expect out of your automation supplier and the questions to ask Example applications and use cases
This two-part webinar series will explore various levels of AI automation available in today’s manufacturing software. HCL CAMWorks will explore technologies in CAD and CAM software – along with presentations of workflows that save time during both programming and machining processes. This series will focus on ways to improve delivery times by speeding up your part programming and decreasing part machining time. Agenda: Learn about technologies that allow you to decrease machining time and simultaneously increase tool life Watch a presentation of revolutionary toolpaths generated by CAMWorks VoluMill, VoluTurn, and Sandvik Coromant’s PrimeTurning See details on the time-savings experienced on a variety of machines
Join Phillips for an illuminating webinar on the transformative impact of integrating 3D printing technologies into CNC machining operations, featuring insights from industry experts Jesse Cranfill, application engineer at Phillips Corporation, and Nate Samson, application engineer at Markforged. This session will delve into the substantial benefits of 3D printing, including accelerating prototype production, expanding service offerings and facilitating more intricate designs. The speakers will explore how 3D printing offers a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for creating prototypes, drastically reducing the development cycle and enabling faster iterations. Attendees will learn about the potential for new market opportunities through expanded offerings, allowing shops to cater to a broader range of client needs with enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the webinar will cover how 3D printing overcomes traditional manufacturing constraints, empowering designers and engineers to realize complex geometries and designs easily. Whether you're looking to diversify your manufacturing capabilities, streamline your prototyping process or unlock new levels of design complexity, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical advice. Take advantage of the opportunity to hear from leading experts in the field and discover how adding a 3D printer to your CNC shop can revolutionize your operations. How 3D printing accelerates prototype production Comparison of time and cost savings with traditional methods Explore new market opportunities with 3D printing Enhance service capabilities for a broader client base How to diversify product lines and services Overcome manufacturing constraints with 3D printing Advantages in design complexity and customization Real-world examples and case studies
This two-part webinar series will explore various levels of AI automation available in today’s manufacturing software. HCL CAMWorks will explore technologies in CAD and CAM software – along with presentations of workflows that save time during both programming and machining processes. This series will focus on ways to improve delivery times by speeding up your part programming and decreasing part machining time. Agenda: See how you can maintain the digital thread through fully integrated CAD/CAM software Watch a presentation of SolidWorks and SolidWorks CAM programming with intelligence based machining Learn about powerful application programming interfaces (APIs) that streamline programming Hear how other machine shops have experienced dramatic time-savings by implementing CAD/CAM AI automation
Manual data capture continues to plague manufacturers. This band-aid approach to data-driven manufacturing not only forces operators and other personnel to capture and compile data but also leads to delayed and inaccurate information. In this webinar, a leading medical device manufacturer, Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, will share their story of transitioning away from paper-based documentation to automated production monitoring. Get an inside look at how the Orchid team is automating data capture and leveraging advanced analytics to drive daily operations with MachineMetrics. Agenda: The negative impact of manual data collection efforts How a leading medical device manufacturer transitioned to paperless data collection The value of automated data collection and advanced analytics for daily operations
CCAI is offering a comprehensive Industrial Finishing Safety Seminar developed by industry experts well-versed in safety for finishing operations. This day-and-a-half seminar focuses on NFPA 33, the Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials and will deliver important and critical information on how to safely operate an industrial finishing line. Topics Covered: An introduction to safety Overview and definitions General requirements and electrostatic spray equipment Ventilation Storage handling and distribution Fire protection Operations, maintenance and training Drying and curing Liquid and powder coatings Authority Having Jurisdiction panel discussion Who Should Attend? Manufacturing, staff and environmental engineers (industrial health & safety) Lead painters Maintenance leads and personnel Finishing equipment designers System controls and project engineers Facility managers Finishing industry distributors Injuries, fire and explosions DO happen. Be prepared and don't let them happen to you! Register for this seminar today. Date: April 24 - April 25, 2024 Time: Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Thursday: 8:00 AM - Noon Cost: $550 - CCAI Members / $695 - Non-Members
SUR/FIN is the primary conference and trade show dedicated specifically to the surface technology industry. It is where leading surface technology companies connect, collaborate and contribute. And because it is the only conference and trade show sponsored by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF)—representing the $28 billion finishing industry—it attracts noted business leaders and prominent thinkers to a forum where relevant issues are addressed and technologies presented. Join noted business leaders, visionary thinkers and the who’s who of the industry as we delve into the most pressing issues and explore the latest cutting-edge technologies. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of networking opportunities, enriching education and unbeatable collegiality. 2024 Show Dates: Wednesday, June 5: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, June 6: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday, June 7: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Explore integrated solutions that make manufacturing more efficient at ZOLLER Inc.'s 2024 Open House and Technology Days. This two-day event June 12 and 13, 2024, at the company's North American headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will highlight real customers who have leveraged ZOLLER technology to optimize their manufacturing processes and boost profits.
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.
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.
Consider these spindle attributes to make a choice that is balanced, usable and compliments your processes as best as possible.
While nearly all ER systems will have cross compatibility, they’ll have small differences across manufacturers that make their implementation at the shop level not as standard.
Hermle’s first Five-Axis Summit was designed to show beginners the benefits of five-axis machining and demonstrated how more advanced users can take their capabilities to the next level with automation.
Shops may have once thought five-axis machining is too complicated or unnecessary for their business, but as parts become more complex and shops are challenged to produce more parts with fewer people, interest in five-axis machining is soaring. “I think it's the right time for us to be good stewards of our customers and good stewards of five axis,” says Cullen Morrison, regional sales manager at Hermle. The five-axis machine tool supplier held its first Five-Axis Summit October 3-5 at its North American headquarters in Franklin, Wisconsin, which it intends to hold going forward in non-IMTS years.
Hermle’s Five-Axis Summit included presentations on various five-axis topics ranging from controls to part planning to automation. Photo Credit: Moon Landing Agency
The company’s goal was to create an event that was more than an open house — it wanted to educate users of five-axis machining at all experience levels. This was reflected in the summit’s technical agenda, much of which was designed to be agnostic to machine tool brand. It also included seven machine demonstrations on the showroom floor, along with participation from 30 partners representing tooling, workholding, software and other peripherals crucial to the success of five-axis machining.
The event included participation from 30 of Hermle’s partners in five-axis machining, representing software, controls, tooling, workholding and inspection equipment. Photo Credit: Moon Landing Agency
One of the biggest misconceptions potential users have about five-axis machining is that it’s difficult to use. While full simultaneous five-axis motion might be more complex than three-axis machining, this doesn’t represent most work that runs across five-axis machines, says Markus Puntigam, vice president of sales and marketing at Hermle. Instead, 3+2 machining is the more common and easier option. A 3+2 machining application was included among the demos on the showroom floor at the event.
Hermle had seven machine demos on its showroom floor, which included both 3+2 and full five-axis simultaneous motion.
Job shops may also think they don’t need five-axis, but Morrison encourages a different perspective. “For a lot of companies, five-axis will be their next greatest jump to profitability,” Morrison says. It can help shops become more efficient and more competitive.
This was the mindset of attendee Dylan Jackson, CEO and programmer at Proteum Machining. His quick-turnaround prototyping shop uses three- and four-axis VMCs, but doesn’t yet have a five-axis machine. “We've kind of realized that is where we need to be for a lot of our customers,” he said. “We get asked all the time for five-axis-style parts.” In addition to increasing the complexity of parts Proteum can produce, five-axis machining promises to help reduce setup times, which is crucial for a small shop like his. “Anything we can do to cut down the number of setups and the amount of setup hours is really what we need,” he noted.
Proteum has already taken steps to prepare for a five-axis machine, including implementing Lang workholding and PowRgrip toolholders from Rego-Fix (two of the partners present at the event). Jackson notes having a sustainable plan to adopt these technologies is important, because a five-axis machine and all of the necessary peripherals are a lot of money (and a lot of changes) to implement at once. Buying the tooling and workholding in advance of the machine has enabled him to gain experience and decide what works and doesn’t work before investing in the machine.
When asked what shops with five-axis machines could do to take their capabilities to the next level, Morrison was quick to mention automation. Automation isn’t just for high-volumes, he noted — it can work for batches and single pieces as well. Three of the seven machine demos on the shop floor were fully automated, each using one of Hermle’s automation systems: the HS Flex/HS Flex Heavy pallet system; the RS 05 robotic cell; and the RS 1, which incorporates a robotic arm that can handle both pallets and parts directly for maximum flexibility. “All the automation cells we offer come directly from the same factories,” Puntigam explained. “We make the machines, we make the automation cell, and we also develop the software communicating between the automation cell and the machines. So it works seamlessly together and we don't have any third-party interface.”
Three of the seven machine demos included automation, including Hermle’s RS 1 system, which can handle both pallets and individual parts thanks to its flexible grippers.
Automation is also part of Proteum’s long-term plans for five-axis machining. “I think that five-axis really lends itself to automation, specifically pallet loading automation,” Jackson said.
According to attendee Gail Plush, a manufacturing engineer at Rolls Royce, his facility has been using five-axis machines since before he joined in 2009, and has been using Hermle specifically since 2016 to make turbine discs. The facility’s customized automation solution includes pallet pools, extended tool changers and sensors that measure a variety of features (fixture pressure and RPM) to provide data to the operator. Based on the facility’s current success, he foresees the company adding more pick-and-place pallets, as well as systems to auto-identify parts using RFID chips and probes. “We're constantly advancing, mainly through measurement cycles, technology cycles and automation,” he said.
While much focus is placed on the machinery that moves parts, the features most important for automating five-axis machining are arguably found in the machine tool itself.
Weiler’s V 110 four-way precision lathe introduces features new to the U.S.
Spring-loaded grippers and adjustable programming are enabling bar pullers to fulfill their promise to save time and money in CNC turning automation.
IMTS 2022 provides visitors the opportunity to meet with product experts to design automation solutions from scratch.
Small details and features can have an outsized impact on large parts, such as Barbco’s collapsible utility drill head.
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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