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!

Head to Flagship Brewery this Sunday from noon to night for their debut Flea Market! Explore a variety of handmade crafts, skincare products, and more from local vendors. The event is free, pet-friendly, and suitable for all ages.

New U.S.-based event announced in 2021 finally debuts next year: focuses on complete additive manufacturing value chain. More at formnextchicago.com.

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

The Mill A Groove tool can be used to cut step grooves, convex and concave radius grooves, chamfered edges, angles and special profiles with a single insert.

Staten Island’s weekend family fun: Inaugural New York Road Runners dash for kids, Italian Festival, and moreOct. 10, 2024, 9:30 a.m.

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.

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Keeping vibration in sync to avoid negative consequences does impose certain requirements on the machining process. According to Mr. MacArthur, the tool must be used with flood or through-tool coolant to keep chips from interfering with the action of the Mirror Edge. The tool works best in aluminum, because the high spindle speeds used for cutting this material tend to create higher cutting frequencies than those encountered at lower spindle speeds when machining harder materials such as steel or titanium. (However, Mr. MacArthur notes that the Mirror Edge can be added to end mills customized for specific applications in these materials, although other vibration-control techniques are likely to be needed for full effectiveness in these cases.) End mills with Mirror Edge can be used at the machine tool’s highest spindle speed in aluminum without any chatter. This enables the feed rate and metal removal rate to increase substantially. Stepovers that are 50 percent of the tool radius are recommended, along with chip loads equal to the tool diameter times 0.016-inch per flute.

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

Celebrate summer with NYC Parks at the Greenbelt Nature Center! Enjoy water experiments, demonstrations, and STEAM activities for families. Ideal for children ages 6-12 with an adult chaperone. Register here.

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.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

Perhaps a more significant benefit is the substantial increase in metal removal rates that Mr. MacArthur reports for these end mills in aluminum. “A fivefold increase in metal removal rates compared to traditional end mills is possible,” he says. “Removing as much is 42 cubic inches of material per minute can be attained with significant increases in tool life to boot,” he adds, noting that walls thinner than 0.020 inch limit removal rates to accommodate the smaller stepdowns in Z that are required.

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

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.

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.

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.

Ceratizit USA has promoted Troy Wilt from national sales manager to managing director of Ceratizit USA, cutting tools division.

This out-of-sync condition can occur instantly, and once it starts, the tool and workpiece begin bouncing off one another more forcefully with each passing of the flutes across the workpiece. This worsening condition is detectable as chatter. “A machinist can hear the rise and fall in the sound of this chatter as the frequencies go in and out of phase,” he says.

As the demand for faster production cycles continues to grow, the ability to produce high-quality parts quickly and efficiently has become increasingly important. High-speed 3D printing has emerged as a key solution to reduce lead times and increase productivity across industries. However, like any advanced technology, it comes with its own set of challenges. In this webinar, Forward AM will explore both the opportunities and hurdles of adopting high-speed printing with a particular focus on overcoming those challenges. It’ll start by discussing the fundamentals of high-speed 3D printing and how it differs from conventional 3D printing methods. It’ll then move on to the key factors that influence successful implementation, including the impact of materials, equipment and design considerations. One of the main hurdles in high-speed 3D printing is ensuring the right balance between speed and part quality. Different materials behave differently under high-speed conditions — and not all equipment is optimized for this process. Forward AM will showcase some validated materials and equipment that are proven to perform well under these conditions. In addition, the presenters will look at real-world examples and applications where high-speed 3D printing has been successfully implemented, highlighting the collaboration between designers, engineers and manufacturers. By the end of this webinar, you'll not only have a clearer understanding of high-speed 3D printing with FFF but also the practical steps and considerations needed to make the most of this cutting-edge technology. Agenda:  Introduction The power of high-speed printing Know the process The practical side

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

The ability to cut thin walls that are straight, smooth and accurate is one of the benefits of using an end mill that damps vibration effectively.

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.

Currently, the Mirror Edge preparation is available on RobbJack’s A1-303 and FM series aluminum end mills in diameters from 1/8 to 1 inch on standard tools, and on tools as small as 0.010 inch in diameter on special order.

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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."

Grant funding for workforce training or the purchase of new equipment is an undervalued but complex resource for machine shops. We enlisted an expert to help navigate the process.

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

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

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

Dive into the science of sound waves and craft your own flutes, discover diverse foods and how to prepare them, browse a flea market with handmade crafts, and more!

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.

Rob Guiao, Chris Hall and Bassanio Peters will demonstrate relatable situations to equip you with data to improve predictability, future-proof operations and maximize ROI. Agenda:  Explore the importance of data in decision-making, especially for facility upgrades or new projects Learn how comprehensive solutions for manufacturing and construction projects can improve predictability and ROI See real demonstrations of machine integrations, facility layouts and automations to ensure proper throughput and integration

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

According to RobbJack, the Mirror Edge feature helps stabilize the end mill’s contact with the workpiece surface to synchronize the vibration of the cutting tool and the workpiece.

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.

This photo and the next compare a pocket showing the effects of uncontrolled chatter (next photo) with a pocket machined with an end mill that controls chatter with the Mirror Edge feature.

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.

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

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

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.

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).

Consistency is key for beryllium manufacturing, so the data visibility granted by Harmoni has swiftly become a vital, profitable tool in the shop’s arsenal.

Mike MacArthur, vice president of engineering at RobbJack, explains that the end mill design includes a special edge preparation that creates an additional surface along the trailing side of each spiraled flute. The company calls this additional feature the Mirror Edge, because it is highly polished and shiny. This added edge is 0.001- to 0.002-inch wide, so it can barely be discerned by holding the tool and slightly turning it in the light. The first photo in the slideshow above captures the slender band of light reflected by this edge as indicated by the arrow. The other reflections alongside it are, respectively, the land and the cutting edge of the flute normally found on a spiraled end mill.

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?

Weekend Highlights: Spooky Snug Harbor Séance, free vintage art gallery, guided meditation and moreOct. 10, 2024, 9:46 a.m.

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.

Features that save on training, programming and cycle times have enabled Speedway Motors to rapidly grow and mature its manufacturing arm.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

In a machining process, vibration causes chatter. More specifically, chatter occurs when the workpiece and the cutting tool are vibrating at different frequencies. Literally, the workpiece is moving in one direction while the cutting tool is moving in the other direction. Of course, these relative motions are slight and happen at many times a second. Chatter is the resultant sound of the workpiece and the cutting tool knocking into one another at a high rate. This knocking does more than make an irritating noise: It also damages the tool, degrades the workpiece surface, harms the spindle and may leave part features out of tolerance.

Differential gaging measures using two devices, which has advantages over standard, comparative measurements using a single sensing head. These include the ability to measure size without regard to position.

A set of donated boring bars that can be used in a 1954 boring head will enable volunteer machinists to recreate a pair of binoculars for the USS Pampanito.

This new quick-change tooling system enables shops to get more production from their Swiss turning centers through reduced tool setup time and matches the performance of a solid tool.

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.

Manufacturers continue to feel the pressure to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and meet their sustainability strategies. As the industry evolves to keep pace with these priorities, there are opportunities within metalworking processes to use less resources with advanced lubricants and technical expertise. Agenda:  An overview of metalworking lubrication Evolutions in metalworking lubrication Experience on the shop floor Key takeaways

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

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.

If you want to use a high speed milling spindle to machine aggressively, then information about chatter should be more than just background noise. Here are some basics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Mr. MacArthur says this added edge is just enough to keep the flute in contact with the workpiece until the next flute is engaged (the end mill has three tightly spiraled flutes for this reason). This highly polished edge minimizes frictional rubbing, so it creates virtually no heat and does not alter the workpiece surface. The constant contact prevents both the tool and the workpiece from “going their separate ways” in response to various forces inducing vibration. Thus, the tool and workpiece keep moving in unison to maintain synchronization regardless of the frequency of the vibration. Neither the tool nor the workpiece can “bounce away” from the other and fall into a different rate (frequency) of vibration, Mr. MacArthur says.

At the seminar, representatives from multiple companies discussed strategies for making orthopedic devices accurately and efficiently.

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

ShopRite Kidz Cook is a caregiver-and-me program designed to introduce children to diverse foods, teach cooking concepts, and develop their skills with utensils. (Staten Island Advance)STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

Dillon Manufacturing’s extra-long hard jaws feature extended reach, making them well suited for machining small diameters.

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.

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.

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

The MarSurf CD 140 AF is designed to measure many different kinds of workpieces, making it suitable for a wide range of measurement tasks.

Threading tools with the flexibility to thread a broad variety of holes provide the agility many shops need to stay competitive. They may be the only solution for many difficult materials.

Cutting tool manufacturer RobbJack has a strategy for dealing with chatter that is based on the concept of getting the cutting tool and the workpiece to vibrate in the same direction at the same rate. To this end, the company has developed an end mill design (primarily for milling aluminum at high feed rates) that gets the cutter and the workpiece to synchronize the frequency of vibrations during machining. This does not stop the vibration, but rather stops the knocking caused by out-of-sync vibrations. Apparently, when the knocking goes away, so do the other unwanted side effects.

Adaptation of the “Our Gang” shorts finds Alfalfa disgracing the He-Man Woman Haters Club by falling for Darla and possibly jeopardizing their chances of winning a go-cart race.

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.

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

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

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

ShopRite Kidz Cook is a caregiver-and-me program designed to introduce children to diverse foods, teach cooking concepts, and develop their skills with utensils. Each class allows young chefs to practice cooking techniques and prepare a fun, new dish. Workshops are scheduled at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Please pick up your tickets at the front desk upon arrival. Free with museum admission.

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

Inspired by Harlem’s rich music scene, children will delve into the impact of musicians and their instruments. They’ll create their own pan flutes and explore the science of sound waves. This fun and educational event is perfect for kids aged 5 to 12.

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.

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.

Differential gaging measures using two devices, which has advantages over standard, comparative measurements using a single sensing head. These include the ability to measure size without regard to position.

CoroMill MS 20 is designed for repeated shoulder milling, face milling, linear and helical ramping, full slotting and plunging applications.

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.

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."

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.

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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.

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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.

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

Mr. MacArthur says that applications with deep pockets and/or thin walls are the most suitable for these end mills, however, certain programming techniques are in order for machining thin walls. For example, each Z level of a pocket should be roughed and finished before proceeding to the next, lower Z level. Sufficient stock should be left on the walls for the finishing pass to maintain rigidity. This stock helps support the wall ahead of the cut. Applying constant-chip-load pocketing routines in the CAM program is also recommended. He says walls as thin as 0.005 inch and as tall as 3 inches can be produced effectively in this manner. The resulting wall will be straight and smooth.

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

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

Ceratizit USA has promoted Troy Wilt from national sales manager to managing director of Ceratizit USA, cutting tools division.

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This end mill design enables it to vibrate at the same frequency as the workpiece, preventing vibration from turning into chatter.

This presentation focuses on the vital role that linear and angular encoders play in ensuring precision in machine tools. Attendees will learn about the common challenges compromising accuracy, such as thermal expansion, mechanical misalignments and vibration. Whether you're an OEM, integrator, or machine operator, this webinar will offer valuable insights into optimizing CNC performance. Agenda: Challenges to CNC machine accuracy Understanding encoder technology How encoders address accuracy challenges

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