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

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

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.

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.

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

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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

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.

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

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

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.

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!

A roughing operation on high alloy steel CMC 02.2 was demonstrated at cutting depth of 3.0 mm, feed of 0.8 mm/rev and cutting speed of 300 m/min. In comparison, a standard insert (CNMG 120412-PR) cut the material at half the feed and at a lower speed (200 m/min). A finishing run was performed at the same cutting speed as roughing, and reduced cutting depth of 0.5 mm and reduced feed of 0.35 mm/rev.

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.

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.

An equally radical invention, also developed in-house, poses a simple question: do cuts have to be directed toward the chuck, and toward a turned part’s centre of rotation? Sandvik Coromant’s answer is no: its two ‘CoroTurn Prime’ toolholders, for roughing and finish machining, are said to be the first ever that can profile forward and backward, and carry out facing operations, in the same cycle, using the same cutter.

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

The cutting edges of the circular, self-rotating discs are worn down completely uniformly along their circumference, eliminating the need for manual insert readjustment. This reduces labor and cuts down on machine downtime and other nonproductive times, the company says. The tool system is said to provide increased durability and removal speeds for machining productivity as well.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Pairing a shoulder mill with a five-axis machine has cut costs and cycle times for one of TTI Machine’s parts, enabling it to support a niche racing community.

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

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To help improve its machine and tool monitoring capabilities (which now include tool breakage), the company acquired German firm Prometec in January 2016. And Sandvik continues to recruit data analysts to help build its own internal competence for sales and support of the system. Said Magnus Ekbäck, Sandvik Coromant vice president, business development, at the press event: “We will assist customers with the technology to make it [digitalisation] happen.”

Both holders take single-sided inserts; finish-machining inserts offer three cutting edges, roughing inserts two, but both types use standard modern insert construction and coatings. Grooving and parting-off inserts for the system are likely to be released in the autumn, turning product unit senior manager Mia Pålsson hinted at the event.

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

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

CoroPlus Advanced Machining Analytics, which is the name of the entire system, provides services and analysis not only at the tool and within the machine, but also scales up to cover entire factories of machine tools, and entire enterprises of factories (with security systems protecting the data at each level). The ultimate benefit is to raise efficiency, reduce waste and improve traceability of component machining.

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.

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

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.

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.

This Industry 4.0 vision is almost as new to Sandvik Coromant as it is to its customers. Since 2015, the company has been developing a CoroPlus monitoring network across its factories; it is now connected to two machines in Gimo, Sweden; seven in Mebane, North Carolina; and in March 2017 the company connected three machines at its factory in Langfang, near Beijing, China. Not yet available as a service on the open market, Sandvik Coromant has only reached the point of choosing its Advanced Machining Analytics launch customers.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 CoroBore+ toolholder takes tool-operator interactivity a step further by including an actuator that adjusts the extension of the cutter when it receives a wireless signal. That enables the tool to be adjusted during cutting, adapting on the fly to the needs of the process; automation being the goal here

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Pokolm’s Spinworx milling system is designed to reduce operating labor time with self-rotating cutting inserts. Among the cutting materials available for the Spinworx system are the new P25, P40, K10 and M35 grades offered in high-precision and ground variants. The M35, the company notes, is effective for cutting temperature-resistant metals, titanium alloys and stainless steels. In addition, the company has developed an improved seat and broader race for higher process safety.

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.

Vahid Kalhori, Sandvik Coromant digital machining manager, said that it was the difficulty detecting potentially damaging in-process vibration using Silent Tools that lead to the idea of installing sensors in the toolholder. The sensors can provide data that indicates cutting performance – surface finish and depth of cut – as well as data relevant to tool maintenance. They also assist tool set-up. For example, insert centre height can be adjusted by rotating the tool in the holder; a graphical dial indication on a screen demonstrates when the correct positioning has been reached.

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.

When revising part designs, investigate the 3D CAD, the 2D drawing and the part’s functional requirements to determine which details should be tightened up.

The value of this integrated connected network of sensors and computers goes way beyond individual cutting tasks. It can be used for automatic tracking of tool utilisation, management of tool inventory, cost-per-part estimations, monitoring of spindle load, prevention of tool-machine collisions and even prediction of remaining tool life using deterministic or machine-learning algorithms. Software systems also included in the CoroPlus family are the digital ToolLibrary database (based on its existing Adveon service) that links into CADCAM systems, plus a tool application selection advisor called ToolGuide.

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

The advantages are said to be speed, longer insert life, plus the creation of a thinner, wider chip that breaks more easily – particularly relevant to tough materials such as heat-resistant superalloys and titanium (ISO category S), one of the three materials originally covered. The other two are steel (P) and stainless steel (M). Also, the PrimeTurning process avoids chip jamming in corners, such as at the bottom of a partial face, as the cutter can start in the corner and move away.

Electronics and combined software-hardware packages for turning dominated a March press event held at tooling company Sandvik Coromant’s Sandviken, Sweden, technical centre. Will Dalrymple was there

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?

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 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."

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.

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

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

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.

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 system, launched last month and demonstrated at the event, consists of the toolholders, application development and proprietary software, called PrimeTurning code generator. In addition, development partner Mastercam (in the UK sold by ETG, 01926 818418, supported by 4D Engineering, 01285 650111) will probably be the first CADCAM supplier to support PrimeTurning capability, said to be scheduled for release this month.

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.

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

Handling tool communications – including vibration, deflection and temperature data via Bluetooth – is the Promos3+ networked computer appliance, described as the head and the heart of CoroPlus. As the heart, it pumps data around its mini-network of tools and machine sensors; as the head, it performs computational functions and analyses the data.

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.

Three types of turning tools were highlighted: a Silent Tools+ damped toolholder for long-reach internal turning (likely to be first to market); a CoroBore+ fine boring cutting head; and a Capto C5 insert toolholder demonstrated on a Mazak Integrex i-300S mill-turn (01905 755 755).

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

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Although a standard three-jaw chuck is said to offer sufficient grip, PrimeTurning is best suited to short, compact parts, so a tailstock may be required. Water-soluble coolant is recommended, and finishing toolholder Type A features over- and under-coolant supply for chipbreaking and cutting lubrication, respectively, while roughing holder Type B has under-coolant alone.

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."

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.

Pairing automation with air-driven motors that push cutting tool speeds up to 65,000 RPM with no duty cycle can dramatically improve throughput and improve finishing.

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

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

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

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).

Tool developer and manufacturer Sandvik Coromant (www.sandvik.coromant.com/uk) released more details about sensor-incorporated tooling for lathes, which will launch later this year (probably at EMO in Hanover in September), following publication of the concept last year (see also Machinery October 2016, p19). They form a vital part of its CoroPlus Industry 4.0 offering (https://is.gd/M1L1b6).

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.

Testing continues on the additively manufactured (AM) 390 milling cutter (below, right) built from maraging steel powder. There’s no release date, but it has performed well in tests, the company says. Thanks to a special design that minimises the use of material, so-called topology optimisation, its weight has been reduced by more than 60%. That allows it to run at greater speeds, said Camilla Engbrink, Sandvik Coromant vice president, product management and R&D. Another advantage of AM in toolmaking is its ability to incorporate internal cooling channels. The company’s AM business operates seven machines for mainly prototyping in a sister operation to Sandvik Coromant within the Sandvik Machining Solutions division (http://is.gd/iyadub).

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.

Tools and toolholders will soon start to arrive in new grey packaging that relegates the familiar Sandvik yellow to the multiple self-adhesive part identification labels, which now contain an image of the part inside. Toolholder boxes, in particular, now incorporate a moulded mounting for an insert changing wrench held in its own torque-limiting handle.

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

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.

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

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

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.