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

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.

With the market for small end mills currently experiencing exponential growth, it is clear that NS Tool tagline ‘For Crafting Tomorrow’ is more than just an empty slogan.

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.

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

The benefits of such an approach can be clearly seen in the context of the miniaturization trend currently taking place in the electronics-based manufacturing industry. A decade ago, NS Tool developed the smallest diameter end mill in the world as a standard product, measuring 0.01mm in diameter. “This is even thinner than a strand of hair, which is on average around 0.1 mm. The technology paved the way for the creation of the Micro Edge end mill,” Mr. Goto emphasizes.

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.

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

Indeed, the firm is always on the lookout for innovations that have not yet reached the market, with the recent establishment of a new facility at the company’s Sendai factory offering the perfect environment for targeted research. As Mr. Goto explains: “The new R&D center at Sendai incorporates a seismic isolation system under the building which ensures that we can achieve mirror-like finishes in our machining processes.” By shielding the factory building from vibrations such as traffic, the company’s manufacturing process is guaranteed to be consistent – and the quality of the finished product high.

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?

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

“Some people claim to be able to trace a company’s future over the next five or ten years, but they are almost always wide of the mark," he says. "Company growth is not our main purpose; our strategy is not to set goals three years down the line. Instead, we need to watch the market closely and adapt to it accordingly. I do not want to dream the impossible. I simply want to make our company stronger.”

The NEOSWISS system consists of shanks that remain installed in a machine and insert heads designed for easy removal/reinstallation. This can reduce downtime when there are frequent setups because job batch sizes are small while enabling redundant insert heads to be staged near a machine for long-running jobs.

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.

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

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

The heads seat on four precision ground contact points to assure rigidity and repeatability in the connection.

NS Tool's cemented carbide small-diameter end mills are a mainstay in the industrial world where only cutting-edge micro-precision machining will suffice.

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.

A variety of heads are available for multiple machining operations, including turning, backturning, threading, grooving and parting. In addition, X-axis and Y-axis heads can be used on the same shank. Y-axis turning or grooving can be an option for shops experiencing stability issues or chatter when performing those operations in the X-axis or if long chips are an issue because Y-axis machining directs them down and away from the workpiece.

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

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

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

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.

Currently, the emphasis is on Iscar’s new NEOSWISS quick-change heads for Swiss-type machines which were introduced in mid-2022. Also based on a modular concept, the line brings new flexibility to turning applications with a variety of heads for different operations. But perhaps the best thing about the system is the impact it can have on setup reduction. Heads can literally be swapped out in seconds, and with extremely high position repeatability via a four-point contact connection that approaches the stiffness of a solid tool.

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.

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

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.

Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.

The Worldfolio provides business, industrial and financial news about global economies, with a focus on understanding them from within.

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

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.

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

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

A company that sets great importance on the Japanese concept of monozukuri (manufacturing craftsmanship), NS Tool was established in 1954 and will shortly celebrate its 70th anniversary.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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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.

ISCAR has also developed a new lever dual lock securing mechanism for improved clamping rigidity intended for ISO turning inserts. The new design, referred to as the COMBI-D-LOCK family, combines the advantages of two conventional clamping methods by the use of a lever and a top clamp. An insert is locked in two directions from the top and the bottom. This provides better stability and rigidity and, in comparison to a conventional lever locking mechanism, improves tool life and increases productivity.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Not too long ago tooling options for Swiss-type turning centers were fairly limited. With so much to pack into a small space, there was little room for indexable tooling, and quick-change systems were largely proprietary to a machine, if available at all. Lack of tooling flexibility and lengthy tool setup or replacement times limited the throughput of this very productive equipment.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

In time, as Mr. Goto notes, “the electrification of cars and adoption of autonomous driving may turn vehicles into smartphones.” And while certain companies specializing in tools for engines are facing difficulties, thanks to the increased demand for electronic parts such as vehicle cameras, radars and sensors, NS Tool sees only “growth potential.”

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.

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.

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).

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.

Here, too, NS Tool appears well placed to respond. Huge investments are being made into both electric and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and with investment comes opportunity. CBN end mills developed by the firm are already being used to create fuel cell separators for FCVs, the application of which is widespread, encompassing trains, ships and trucks as well as vehicles that are automated with fixed tracks and stations.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Cutting tool manufacturer Iscar has been focused on solving this issue for several years, which is yielding significant results. Last year, the emphasis was on the extension of its Multi-Master line down to smaller sizes that make the use of modular, indexable milling tools possible on space-restricted machines. The tooling lines in this class range from 8 to 40 mm (0.315" – 1.575") in diameter. They are ideal for milling applications on Swiss machines as well as other multitasking turning centers.

All NEOSWISS shanks and heads are produced with Iscar’s JetCut coolant-through capabilities and can be used with coolant pressures as high as 2,000 psi. The majority of NEOSWISS heads come with two different coolant ports — one exiting above the insert and another below it — to reduce the heat in the cutting zone, improve insert life and assist with chip breakage, control and evacuation. The internal coolant ports, which are designed via computational fluid dynamics and produced with an additive manufacturing process, also eliminate the possibility of chips catching on traditional external coolant nozzles.

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

Pressed on the company’s international strategy more broadly, Mr. Goto is realistic enough to know that as a manufacturer of small parts, NS Tool cannot expect to be successful everywhere: “we need to carefully choose the markets in which we can thrive… zeroing in on those where precision tools are required, such as that for Swiss watches.”

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

The MB45 series is designed to deliver the low cutting force benefits of positive inserts and the fracture resistance of negative inserts.

The Diatool Top Speed Disc features a solid reamer body with multiple connections to produce tolerance stack up.

Owing to the current global shortage in semiconductors, NS Tool has recently gained a foothold in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and is looking to expand into the Internet of Things. The key applications for their tools, however, remain the smartphone and automotive industries. With the Japanese government phasing out the sale of internal combustion engines by 2035, the latter in particular is experiencing an unprecedented phase of transition.

Though the company’s longevity can be partly attributed to its high-quality production standards, there are other factors at play. Not the least of these is NS Tools’ forward-thinking approach to the market. “Our strategy,” NS Tools President, Hiroji Goto, confirms, “is to look ahead and prepare for future market needs, so that when these arrive, we are ready to meet them.”

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.

“More than ten years ago, when we created [the Micro Edge end mill], some said there was no market for it. But without tools, things cannot be made. Back then, we standardized the product and added it to our catalog, meaning when electronics companies reduced the size of their parts, it was readily available for use.”

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

The NEOSWISS system supports multiple machining operations, including turning, backturning, threading, grooving and parting. There is also a head designed for Y-axis turning operations.

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

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

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."

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

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.

Mr. Goto’s desire for NS Tool to grow “naturally” with the market is in keeping with his aspirations for the company more generally.

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.

Key to the NEOSWISS concept is a rotary wedge locking mechanism designed to amplify the clamping force and simplify head replacement. The connection between the tool body and head can be opened or closed with a few turns of the locking screw. The head seats on four precision ground contact points which, along with the high force locking mechanism, provide the machining performance you’d expect of a solid tool. This enables more aggressive machining with less vibration which in turn improves tool life. It’s also what provides positioning repeatability of ±0.0008 inch.

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

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

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

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.

Looking to the near future, the second half of 2022 provides several key opportunities. Already present in Hong-Kong and mainland China, NS Tool opened a new subsidiary in the U.S.A. this year to increase stock availability and provide technical support, through which the company will target medical equipment and the expanding high-precision machining industry in the American market. In September, meanwhile, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) offers the chance to forge new relationships with global clients.