These end mills share the CC6060 grade designed for nickel alloy machining. The negative geometry provides a tough cutting edge. The six-flute geometry enables highly productive side milling operations, while the four-flute geometry eases face milling, according to the company. The choice between the two depends on machine conditions and the application. Those seeking solutions for difficult-to-reach applications or the extra flexibility of the exchangeable-head system can opt for the CoroMill 316, while those requiring better stability are advised to select the CoroMill Plura.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

With a long part it’s always a good idea, especially with a small diameter, to try to grab it with the secondary spindle. While this may add a little bit of time, gripping and not letting the part hang out adds the stability needed to ensure tolerances are met.

Q-Mark has built its metrology business by providing what customers need, when they want it. This goes for its IMTS booth, too, with free drinks alongside custom technology.

"Automation for small parts has historically been a challenge, but we are really starting to see some new and exciting advancements in automation," said Mara.

MaxiMill 491 features eight cutting edges per newly expanded 9-mm insert size, a precise 90° profile and a durable, nickel-coated tool body.

Incremental mode can be more advantageous when programming sculptured surfaces or for certain hole-machining canned cycle applications.

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.

Standards for surface finishes and profiles are not static; they change as technology changes or new processes come along that need to be considered.

Succeeding in aerospace manufacturing requires high-performing processes paired with high-performance machine tools. IMTS can help you find both.

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.

Wingman is powered by a secure AI model developed to extract critical information from quote packages so that estimators can work faster, automate administrative aspects of setting up quotes and minimize the risk of missing important details.

Beyond shoulder milling and face milling, the new end mills can also be used for pocket milling, helical interpolation, ramping and slot milling.

"When working with anything less than 0.250 in. dia., it becomes difficult to reach the correct speed for normal steel material," said Tonne. "And with RPM limitations on the machine, sharp cutting edges and very lubricious coatings are helpful. When it comes to depth to cut, typically the machine will perform a single finish pass. This needs to be balanced with tool pressure. First and foremost, keep your feeds very modest. Form tools and special tooling can help claw back some of the time."

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"Everyone wants to automate their process," said Mara. "We can’t get skilled people, so the logical step is to automate. End-of-arm tooling is not typically as dextrous as it needs to be for small parts, and robot accuracy may not be sufficient. It’s difficult to hold very small parts with a robot, especially for loading and unloading."

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Horn USA’s new booth concept is designed to enable attendees to (literally) get a better feel for its various tooling offerings.

"Many of today’s new machines come equipped to handle smaller parts," said Bill Mara, president, EMEC Machine Tools Inc., Mississauga, Ont. "One of the biggest challenges machine shops face when dealing with small-part turning is the machine’s capability to hold the parts effectively without damaging or distorting them, but that’s not really a problem anymore. For shops looking to get into parts that are smaller than 0.250 in. dia., a Swiss-style lathe is the way to go."

For shops looking to take on small-part turning operations, there are a number of things that can be done to ensure success.

JD Machine, 2024’s Top Shops Honoree in Human Resources, embodies its “Education for Life” core value with a robust apprenticeship program and significant continuous improvement efforts.

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

The enemy of precision machining is vibration and heat. Rather than heavy, deep cuts, small, higher-speed cuts can keep the workpiece as cool as possible, reducing heat deformation in the part. Any sort of deformation can make it difficult to maintain proper tolerances. According to Mara, Swiss machines usually use high pressure up to 2,000 PSI with water-based coolant to help keep the heat out of the part.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Luminoso has a bachelor of arts from Carleton University, a bachelor of education from Ottawa University, and a graduate certificate in book, magazine, and digital publishing from Centennial College.

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.

Chip control is essential for effective small-part turning where the chip needs to be directed away from the workpiece. Kyocera Precision Tools

Chip control and evacuation can be cumbersome in small-part turning. For the most part, the biggest tool possible is the better option, but it’s important to remember that there must be enough room, especially in boring operations, for chip evacuation. High-pressure coolant can be a huge help with this.

Turning small parts is nothing new for many machine shops. Industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, firearms, and medical are pushing the envelope when it comes to small-part production. Typically, any application requiring a workpiece smaller than 1 in. dia. is considered small-part turning.

"Common mistakes can include incorrect cutting conditions like incorrect surface footage, too high feed rate, and too heavy depth of cut, which can result in incorrect tolerances that include part bending and poor finish," said Easterday.

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.

According to Sandvik Coromant, ceramic tools retain their hardness at the high temperatures associated with milling heat-resistant superalloys (HRSAs). As a result, 20 to 30 times the speed can be achieved in comparison to solid-carbide tools, delivering considerable potential for increased productivity. A stable setup is advised without the use of coolant, as coolant would simply burn at such high temperatures.

After experiencing process stalls in the finishing stage of production, Bryan Machine Service designed an air-powered twin spindle and indexable rotating base to effectively double its production of small parts.

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

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.

Women in Manufacturing is excited to announce that the 2024 SUMMIT will be a hybrid event — both an in-person and virtual experience. Both program offerings will enable you to grow through education and connections that are insightful, meaningful and actionable. Join Women in Manufacturing Oct. 6-9, 2024, in Boston or digitally for an event filled with plant tours at leading manufacturing facilities, professional development sessions, roundtable discussions on important topics, and inspiring keynotes.  All while engaging and interacting with peers through social and networking events! __PRESENT __PRESENT

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.

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

Looking to automate your shop floor? The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect shops with experts who can advise them through this transition.

SSP’s commitment to adopting the latest machining technology benefits not only the business, but its employees as well.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

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.

With small components, tool pressure is a primary concern. Very small parts can easily deform during turning operations.

Ceratizit USA announces it has appointed Carlos Garza as its business development leader for the oil and gas industry sector.

Refined machines at EROWA are handling heavier loads, while its precision workholding enhances stability and rigidity.

Join Mahr for an informative webinar to discover the latest advancements in precision measurement, designed to elevate your quality assurance processes and unlock peak productivity. It'll explore cutting-edge technologies — such as modern height gages and contour measuring systems — along with their applications, benefits and technical capabilities. Discover the power of height gages: Learn how intuitive and sophisticated height gages can revolutionize your measurement processes, enabling quick and accurate results in inspection and production areas. Explore the practical functions and ease of use that make height gages an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking high-performance and reliable measuring technology. Examine sample applications and industries where height gages excel, such as qualifying first parts, inspecting incoming parts and measuring series of parts in industries like aerospace, automotive and medical. Unlock efficient contour measurement: An introduction to the latest contour measuring technologies that enable fast, simple and comprehensive contour measurement in the production environment. Discover how these innovative solutions ensure reliable measurements, saving time and increasing efficiency while measuring a wide range of workpieces. Learn how to streamline your contour measuring process with speed and simplicity, achieving fast and precise measurements with incredible versatility. Register now and discover how to unlock peak productivity with new innovations in precision measurement. Agenda: Insights into the latest precision measurement technologies and their applications Understanding of how to improve quality assurance processes and increase productivity Knowledge of how to select the right measurement solutions for your specific needs Tips on how to optimize your measurement processes for maximum efficiency

A conventional CNC lathe is good for general-purpose turning but usually has spindle speeds of only about 3,000 to 5,000 RPM, whereas a Swiss-style lathe can be in the 10,000- to 15,000-RPM spindle range. That higher RPM enables the machine to generate the surface speed needed to cut small-diameter parts efficiently.

Because of the low cutting speed required, built-up edge can be a problem. On larger parts burrs can be removed easily with the secondary processes, but it’s more difficult with small parts.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

"The No. 1 thing to consider is chip control," said Easterday. "Having the correct chipbreaker is key. The chip needs to be directed away from the workpiece."

Modern Machine Shop is the leading publication and media brand in North America devoted to CNC machining. MMS combines unprecedented editorial access to manufacturing facilities with decades of experience to provide long-form content that is both insightful and impactful. About Us

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Another thing to consider is keeping plenty of extra hardware for the holder around because typically the screws holding the insert tend to be very tiny.

The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

With small tools, a high-quality modular system, like Horn’s W&F Micro precision modular tooling, will allow operators to keep a close eye on the tool wear. Horn

Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of Canadian Fabricating & Welding.

"One big mistake is not checking the alignment of the machine," said Tonne. "Alignment is everything."

Misapplication of these important CNC features will result in wasted time, wasted or duplicated effort and/or wasted material.

Another area of importance is measurement and inspection. Small components require different inspection methods than their larger counterparts, especially because of the microtolerances and tiny features.

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."

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?

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.

Sunnen Products Co. is celebrating its 100th anniversary, highlighting the history of its line of honing and precision solutions.

Swiss-style CNC machines even can perform other operations like this tapping of a small-diameter brass shaft. Phuchit/iStock/Getty Images Plus

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.

From quadruped robot dogs, to an in-booth putting green where you can test out a new golf putter, to a 3D-printed car and more, attendees enjoyed cutting-edge technology and innovations all week long. Take a look to see what (or who!) you might have missed this week!

Emuge-Franken received the award for its specialized tool based on the new Cera-Cut end mill design.

Depending on the size of the parts and specifications needed, small-part turning can be done on a conventional CNC.

In this webinar, industry-leading experts will demonstrate how additive manufacturing can revolutionize your operations and answer the question: Can you afford not to? From rapid prototyping to robust fixturing and specialized custom tooling, it’ll showcase the diverse applications that can drive your business forward in a time where cost and time saving can be crucial. Discover how to reduce costs, accelerate production cycles and achieve unparalleled design freedom through the strategic integration of 3D printing technology. Phillip’s panel of seasoned professionals will share real-world examples and practical insights to help you understand the potential of additive manufacturing. Learn how to overcome production challenges, improve product quality and gain a competitive advantage. It will explore the cost-benefit analysis of 3D printing — including material and labor savings — as well as the potential for increased revenue. Join this webinar to discover why additive manufacturing is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for success. Agenda:  Prototyping example: quick-change prototype Custom tooling real-world example: press brake, tube bending die CMM fixturing and workholding example: CMM fixture and soft jaw

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

New tech center is serving as a cutting-edge showroom and a technological hub for advanced machining applications.

ANCA CNC Machines is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a global producer of CNC tool and cutter grinders.

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.

"For shops looking at turning long and thin parts, a conventional CNC lathe has its limitations and probably wouldn’t perform as needed," said Mara. "A Swiss-style machine offers the rigidity in the setup required to turn very small or long parts by doing the cutting as close as possible to the spindle nose and by feeding the material through a stationary tool as opposed to the tool moving across the part as on a conventional lathe. Choosing a Swiss-style machine is definitely the best option, if possible, for turning long, thin parts."

Thoughtful considerations will set you on a shortened path to the most optimized solution once cutter meets metal.

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.

Operators need to be mindful of the cutting edge at all times. It needs to be sharp, and damage can occur very easily from general wear, handling, or even indexing.

A machine needs to have a rigid setup, regardless of whether it’s a conventional or Swiss machine, and it is vitally important that the correct tooling be used for small-part turning. EMEC

New tech center is serving as a cutting-edge showroom and a technological hub for advanced machining applications.

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.

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.

User-friendly inspection software for CNC machining centers is shown monitoring measurements between and after machining while performing SPC based on recorded measurement values.

The choice between buying a new machine or refurbishing the current one will become clear after a thorough assessment of the machine.

Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of Canadian Metalworking.

Sandvik Coromant is releasing two series of ceramic end mills for optimal performance in nickel-based alloys: The CoroMill 316 and the CoroMill Plura.

"With small tools, a high-quality modular system will allow you to keep a close eye on the tool wear," said Tonne. "If you have a feature that’s only 0.001 in. deep, and you lose the radius of your tool, you can have a problem on your dimensional tolerance, so keeping a close eye on the tool is very important."

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

"You may want to think about using a vision inspection system, offline gauges, and those sorts of devices," said Tonne. "These take more time than using a caliper or bench-type measurement tool. Getting the part to the right size and back up and running after tool indexing is also critical."

"Shops have been cutting small parts forever and have found innovative ways to do it effectively," said Mara. "It’s important to remember that a machine needs to have a rigid setup, regardless of whether it’s a conventional or Swiss machine, and it is vitally important that the correct tooling is used."

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.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

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

Learn more about the variety of technology and machinery Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc. is featuring at its IMTS 2024 booth.

Thoughtful considerations will set you on a shortened path to the most optimized solution once cutter meets metal.

Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.

Thoughtful considerations will set you on a shortened path to the most optimized solution once cutter meets metal.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

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).

On a conventional lathe you may be able to turn a length-to-diameter (L:D) ratio of about 10:1, and that is only if the machine has a steady rest or similar supporting device. On a Swiss-style machine, the L:D can be as much as 20:1, making it possible to produce very difficult parts.

Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.

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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.

Tonne agreed that when working with long parts, pinch turning is a great option. Pinch turning helps keep everything aligned. The external features are completed first to maintain that stability and then internal operations are performed.

"If their machine is equipped with HP coolant pumps, internal coolant through tooling is a must," added Easterday. "Make sure that the workpiece can be done on the machine you have. In many cases when you are dealing with long workpieces, adjustments need to be made. Extended guide nose bushings or the capability to pinch-turn can be helpful."

Mitsui Seiki USA Inc. appoints Joseph Farkas as its director of sales West and Terry Ritterbush as its director of sales East.

Another concern with small parts is they get washed away with chips. For example, part ejectors that put small parts into the conveyor may have issues separating them from chips. A vacuum that removes the part when the chuck opens and puts it in a separator is a good option.

Zoller’s open house in Ann Arbor, Michigan, provided attendees with a glimpse of the connectivity and efficiency the company’s products offer to users.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

Effective team collaboration is a critical component of success in today’s manufacturing world. With cloud-based technologies that make it easy for team members to brainstorm and problem solve remotely from various locations, design-to-manufacturing processes can become faster and more efficient. This webinar will demonstrate how fully integrated CAM software can be utilized with 3DExperience SolidWorks in a seamless work environment to accelerate product development. Agenda: See how HCL CAMWorks can be used as an add-in for all SolidWorks applications working with the cloud-based 3DExperience platform Learn how fully integrated CAD/CAM saves significant amounts of time during the design to manufacturing process Gain a new understanding of how software can connect users worldwide to accelerate product development Watch a demonstration of team collaboration using platform tools in the CAD/CAM software environment

"The screw could be an M2.5 or smaller, and in some cases, they can be easily lost to the bottom of the machine or conveyor system," said Tonne. "The other thing I would recommend is using torque-limiting drivers at all times. If you overtorque an M2.5 screw, you’re going to strip it, and that will add a lot of extra time getting that screw out and changing the insert."

The Walter Turn toolholder features rake-face cooling to help break and control chips, and double flank-face cooling directly at the cutting edge to extend tool life.

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

"Sharp molded and ground cutting tool inserts provide less tool pressure and freer cutting," said Steve Easterday, Swiss applications engineer, Kyocera Precision Tools, Hendersonville, N.C. "Physical vapour deposition (PVD)-coated inserts provide excellent tool life and a sharper edge."

Sandvik Coromant is releasing two series of ceramic end mills for optimal performance in nickel-based alloys: The CoroMill 316 and the CoroMill Plura. These brazed ceramic end mills are said to offer a more productive means of roughing ISO S materials compared to carbide milling cutters.

Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and technology for all things metal from our pair of monthly magazines written specifically for Canadian manufacturers!

Looking for tooling that is purposely designed for small-part turning or microturning is a good place to start. These tools tend to have tighter tolerances and are more finely ground.

Micromachining, on the other hand, is classified by part diameters that are too small to be fixtured using a standard collet. In some instances, this could mean parts that are 0.1 in. to 0.02 in. dia. all the way down to the size of a human hair, depending on the equipment.

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.

Walter USA has acquired PDQ Workholding, intending to strengthen its offering of workholding products and develop future cutting tool sales.

In this webinar, Wiscon Products President and CEO Torben Christensen will share his experiences integrating real-time machine data into daily workflows, addressing common operational challenges and achieving significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. As a MachineMetrics customer since 2018, Torben and his team have a number of key insights to share on the adoption and use of production monitoring and analytics. Learn how real-time, accurate data can drive continuous improvement, reduce waste and optimize allocation. This webinar will provide valuable insights for manufacturing leaders looking to enhance their decision-making processes and achieve greater operational efficiency.

Nesting parts for fabrication, woodworking or soft goods production saves money by optimizing material usage and reducing waste. NestingWorks is a SolidWorks add-in that can be used independently for nesting or in combination with your integrated CAM software to create CNC programs for machining of the nested sheets of parts. It automatically flattens parts and includes several advanced options to save you time in CNC programming. Join this webinar to experience the benefits of integrated nesting software. Agenda: See how integrated nesting uses full associativity with SolidWorks and automatically nests parts, assemblies and folders of parts Learn how integrated nesting provides true shape nesting, part-in-part nesting, user-specified grain direction and layouts for parts with varied thickness Watch a demonstration to see how integrated nesting produces the maximum number of parts from a single piece of raw material in a matter of minutes

Fryer Machine Systems Inc. presents its TC Series of CNC machining centers for high-performance cutting, accuracy, reliability and ease of use.

Automation is slowly making its way into all aspects of the shop floor. However, when working with small parts, automation may not be the obvious next step.

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.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

In this webinar, CloudNC Co-Founder Theo Saville reveals how U.S. machine shops are using cutting-edge AI today to accelerate their CNC machining, helping them become more efficient and save over 1,000 production hours per year. Theo will demonstrate CAM Assist, an AI solution that automates CAM programming within existing CAD/CAM platforms — and even provides working physics-based cutting parameters for your existing toolsets. Attendees will learn how the technology has developed, its current capabilities and applications, and how it is expected to progress in the near future. Agenda: How U.S. machine shops are using AI tools to automate their CAM programming and increase their productivity and efficiency How AI tools can help fill the CAM programming skills crisis What tasks AI can be successfully applied to today and what the future holds How AI can fit into machinists' workflows today without specialist training Advanced applications, such as setting cutting parameters and soft jaw fixtures with AI

"Because of this, the process needs to be planned to minimize tool pressure using sharp, positive tools," said Edwin Tonne, training and technical specialist, Horn USA Inc., Franklin, Tenn. "It’s important to look for well-defined cutting edges and a positive top rake. Fully sintered cutting tools can be problematic because they’re just not sharp enough to minimize the pressure. Look for finely ground cutting edges with plenty of clearance. A sharp wedge angle will help prevent deformation in the part. Form tools are a good choice because they can simplify the process."

Did you know that the show was postponed for WWII? Or that McCormick Place was expanded in the ’70s just to accommodate IMTS? A fascinating look at the show’s history from 1927 to today.

With very tight tolerances, it can be challenging to get the tool back to size after indexing. Monitoring and controlling the size after indexing the cutting tool is a must for small-part turning.

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."

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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.

Lindsay Luminoso, sr. editor/digital editor, contributes to both Canadian Metalworking and Canadian Fabricating & Welding. She worked as an associate editor/web editor, at Canadian Metalworking from 2014-2016 and was most recently an associate editor at Design Engineering.