inserts at Vema - cnc machine all insert name

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.

Iscar’s blade-and-block system features different pockets for the Tang Grip single-ended blade and the Do-Grip double-ended blade. Typical applications are parting off of thicker wall parts, 0.5-4.7" (12.7-119.4 mm). “We start with a lot more material under the pocket of the insert and have created a block that holds and supports the blade underneath so the cutting forces go back into the blade. In a typical block-and-blade system, the blade is sticking out and adapter systems don’t actually support the blade underneath,” East explained. “Depending on the diameter of the material, we’re starting off with three blades that are very tall compared with the industry standard of 32 mm.”

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.

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.

Greenleaf continues to regard developing the next levels of inserts for higher feed rates and better wear resistance as a priority. “XSYTIN-1 inserts can be fed at a higher rate but wear resistance isn’t as good as with the whiskered grades,” said Dillaman. “One thing that is extremely helpful for our customers when building tooling—whether ceramic or carbide—is that they fit into the same holders. They don’t have to buy multiple toolholders to handle ceramic and carbide.

Iscar’s Do Grip option is a double-ended insert like a traditional dog-bone. “What differentiates our tool is when you get up to the 4-mm width and above, we have a twisted geometry which avoids the problem with traditional dog-bone inserts. When you are parting off or plunging with the traditional dog-bone insert, once you reach a depth that is equal to the length of that insert, you’re going to start rubbing on the backcutting edges of that insert. Our twisted inserts sit in the pocket where back-side cutting edges are angled so you have clearance on either side with the result that there are no depth limits with the twisted geometry insert,” he said.

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.

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

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

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.

At this point, you can start seeing chipping of the insert. As a result, programming is very important. “Once you get within the width of the insert, it’s advisable to reduce the feed by 75 percent. What that does is give full feed rate on the width of the insert while reducing the change from compressive to tensile stresses. That will add significant life to the tool,” he said.

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.

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

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.

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.

Rucker pointed out that JCT cut-off and grooving toolholders not only direct coolant to the top or rake surface of the insert, but also from the bottom up to the flank below the nose of the insert. “The result is always having coolant hitting exactly where you need on the cutting edge,” Rucker said.

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).

For ID grooving, Kyocera’s SIGE system for small diameters with 8-mm minimum bore has two cutting edges in a unique L-shaped tool and is coolant-through capable for flushing chips. “We have added a new tool, the SIGC, for very deep reach in 8-mm minimum bores without deflection,” Rucker said. “The SIGC insert is a very sturdy, single-edged round insert that screws on to the end of the boring bar, providing excellent coolant-through capability for superior chip evacuation performance.”

Tang F Grip features a high-feed (HF) chip former that is tangentially mounted in the pocket and is performance driven. “With the high-feed chip former, we are able to push feed rates of 15 to 20 thou per revolution, which is three, four, and even five times faster than your average shop, parting off steel, alloy steel and cast iron with a 3-, 4-, or 5-mm insert. We’re testing it for other materials like Inconel 718 and getting fantastic results. We have to back off the feed rate for the Inconel 718 so instead of going 18 thou per rev we’re going 12 thou per rev but that’s still three times faster than the customer was doing before we walked in the door,” said East.

The insert range is supplemented by the SSN11 cutter, available in diameters ranging from 1.26" to 4.92" with intermediate sizes for die/mold applications.

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

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

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

In grooving and cut-off processes, stability in the pocket, predictability and tool life are the hallmarks of productive operations, according to Jan Andersson, director, indexable inserts, YG-1 Tool Co., Vernon Hills., Illinois. To achieve that stability, YG-1’s TD part-off and grooving platform uses a longer insert, 20 mm, that prevents twisting or movement of the insert in the pocket.

Chip formation and management are critical to process stability, said Andersson. “You don’t necessarily break a chip in grooving; you form the chip into a clock spring, which is slightly compressed to be narrower than the groove you are generating (to avoid chip packing). You want to steer this chip so it doesn’t wrap around the part, the tool or cause chip evacuation issues in the chip conveyor,” he said.

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.

Toolmaker Paul Horn GmbH, Tübingen, Germany, and the Kistler Group, Winterthur, Switzerland, a global producer of dynamic measurement technology, have worked together to develop the Piezo Tool System (PTS) for real-time monitoring of tools used in micro-turning applications. Developed specifically for monitoring Horn’s new WT geometry for parting-off titanium, the WT geometry has proved its practical value almost immediately for parting off titanium bone screws, according to the companies. In addition to reliable chip breaking, the adapted geometry ensures a soft cut, making higher feed rates and faster machining times possible. Horn reports that tests have shown that service life is increased by up to 60 percent.

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.

The Multi F Grip part-off and grooving tooling line introduced by Iscar Metals Inc., Arlington, Texas, in June 2019 has lived up to expectations to dramatically increase feed rates for parting and grooving, according to Clay East, national product manager for GRIP products. “The reasons are a robust design and high-pressure JetCut Coolant delivered right to the cutting edge. We’ve really changed how shops are parting off material with the Multi-F Grip family of products,” said East, noting that the tools are designed for part-off but can also be used for plunge grooving but not side turning.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Diagnosing when a tool is failing is important because it sets an expectation and a benchmark for improvements. Finding out why gives us a clue for how to fix it.

Kyocera Precision Tools Inc., Hendersonville, N.C., has developed its JCT (Jet Coolant Through) toolholders for ID and OD grooving for improved chip evacuation, better surface finish and longer tool life, according to Todd Rucker, technical center engineering manager, Indexable Tools Division. “For ID or OD grooving, getting sufficient coolant to the cutting edge is critical. The deeper you go, the more chance there is that coolant can be shielded from the cutting edge,” Rucker explained. “Part-off is a little different animal. When you part off, you’re always going to leave a little nub on one side or the other. As you get close to center, centrifugal force will separate what you are cutting, sometimes requiring secondary processing like facing to produce a clean part with a good finish.”

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

One thing that’s certain in developing the most cost-effective solutions for part-off and grooving applications is that there is not just one way to approach the problem and meet basic process requirements for chip evacuation, tool life and surface finish. The end result, whether in ID or OD grooving or part-off, depends on matching the right cutting tool and toolholder and coolant delivery system with the right material application.

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.

Walter USA LLC, Waukesha, Wis., has added Walter Capto toolholders and insert widths to its Walter Cut MX grooving system. Capto toolholders feature enhanced rigidity and modularity, while the tapered polygonal shape easily handles both torsional and bending forces, according to Walter. This interface can be used for lathes, and for turning/milling centers.

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.

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

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“With ceramics, you can’t generate a chip form as you can with carbide inserts,” he continued. “Most ceramic inserts will just have a flat top on them without a chip form. Typical applications include high-temperature alloys for aerospace applications that can be run at higher surface footage with decent feed rates to achieve high levels of productivity. Materials include Inconel, Hastelloys and Monels, materials that are very difficult to machine with carbide. Carbide can be used for finishing at a slower speed where there may be sensitivity to the heat generated by ceramics, switching the carbide insert in the same holder.”

The PTS consists of a force sensor inserted into the turning tool that provides information on its condition during machining. The extremely small piezo sensor can measure even the tiniest cutting forces to a high resolution, allowing the machine operator to identify a defect in the material being cut or tool breakage immediately, resulting in minimum waste and maximum quality.

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.

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.

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

“The advantage of coolant-through toolholders lies in achieving good chip evacuation that curls chips nicely and directs them away from the workpiece. Keeping the cutting edge cool minimizes edge wear and maximizes tool life by keeping normal flank wear from progressing too quickly,” Rucker explained.

Kyocera has also developed a line of JCT holders for small parts machining with widths from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. The KGD-JCT series for external grooving and the KTKF-JCT holders for Swiss-style automated lathe machining are for applications like turning, grooving, back turning and cut-off. “The challenge with Swiss-style machines is to keep coolant directed at the various machining processes, some of which, like cut-off, grooving and back turning, are usually done away from the spindle. It’s possible for coolant to be blocked by the subspindle. The farther they are from the coolant source, the less coolant they are likely to get,” Rucker said.

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

With new Walter Capto monoblock tools (C3–C6), the MX system can now also be used on machines with Capto interfaces. In addition, new parting blades work with automatic lathes and multi-spindle machines. Walter has completed the range with new grooving inserts and toolholders for larger insert widths. Where previously only 0.031" (0.80 mm) to a maximum of 0.128" (3.25 mm) were possible, the insert width now ranges up to 0.222" (5.64 mm)—including the very common dimensions of 0.125" (3.18 mm), 0.157" (4 mm) and 0.196" (5 mm). Maximum cutting depth is 0.24" (6 mm). These extensions are intended to make new applications possible for users of the MX grooving system, from small-parts production, where a high degree of precision is needed, to job shops, where the focus is on fast, precise tool changes and cost efficiency.

The double-sided SNGX11 insert from Dormer Pramet is capable of high-feed milling with a depth of cut ranging to 0.07". A strong main cutting edge promotes durability and process security, especially when machining corners inside a pocket, the company says. The square-shaped insert has eight cutting edges.

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

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

Greenleaf’s whisker-reinforced ceramics include WG-300 for machining nickel and cobalt-based super alloys; WG-600 with thermal properties and shock resistance for rough and finish turning; and WG-700 whisker-reinforced Al2O3 ceramic substrate for machining difficult-to-machine materials. The newest addition is the XSYTIN-1 phase-toughened ceramic for machining steels, cast and ductile irons, high-temperature alloys (interrupted cuts), scale and abrasive casting materials.

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.

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.

The Walter Cut MX grooving system uses dowel pin location to prevent improper assembly of inserts into the holders. The dowel pin location along with the horizontal seating surface provide positioning accuracy and diameter repeatability for the inserts. This eliminates the need for “test cuts” after every change of the cutting edge of the insert, according to Walter. The four-edge indexable inserts can be used even after one or more cutting edge breaks. The inserts also have Walter-specific precision cooling and the Tiger·tec Silver coating grades, which extend tool life, according to the company.

Effective for vibration-sensitive machining, the chipbreaker features a highly positive geometry with narrow peripheral land. This is said to reduce chatter and to enable smoother cutting action without burrs on the machined wall. It also supports lower cutting forces, which not only reduces energy consumption, but also prevents work hardening for increased durability and longer tool life.

In a groove turning operation, the operator should plunge down to depth and then retract up to 0.01" (0.254 mm) and then do side turning, according to Andersson. “In groove turning, you actually want the blade to deflect, creating clearance and reducing the cutting forces,” he said. “With deflection, the leading corner will dig in the material. By retracting, you basically go to depth, retract a few thousandths, side turn, go to depth and do that in a zig-zag motion from left to right, right to left utilizing both corners. That’s the most efficient way to get the best quality part and maximize tool life.”

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.

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!

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?

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

Kyocera offers JCT technology across many of its product lines. For example, the KGD standard dog-bone style, two-ended cut-off tooling is offered with coolant through in the universal 3 mm and 4 mm widths for grooving and cut-off. KGD toolholders without coolant-through are available in widths from 1.3 mm up to 8 mm in two styles, a single piece integral or switchblade style that can use one body for many different blades for facing, face grooving, etc.

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

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

Greenleaf Corp., Saegertown, Pa., offers ceramic and carbide inserts for grooving and cut-off that can be used interchangeably in its toolholders. The benefits of having the choice are obvious for meeting one of the most important customer metrics—lowest cost per part, according to Martin Dillaman, manager applications engineering. “To achieve the best value, the highest productivity and highest metal removal rate by application, Greenleaf offers a full range of PVD- and CVD-coated carbide and coated whiskered ceramic grade inserts that are designed consistently to deliver the longest tool life.

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

“What is probably most important in groove turning is that you plunge you turn, you plunge you turn,” he continued. “And you must have sufficient feed rate to get deflection in the blade to create clearance, without moving the insert. That’s always been the challenge in those operations.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

The double-sided SNGX11 insert from Dormer Pramet is capable of high-feed milling with a depth of cut ranging to 0.07".

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

“In parting and grooving, you can’t have torsional twist or movement in the pocket,” said Andersson. “That will show up in tool wear. If you see an insert with significant flank wear on the outside of the radii or flank wear that is further back on the insert on the lower side below the cutting edge, that’s almost always due to torsional twisting. You can tell from how the insert actually wears what is happening in the pocket. A longer insert gives additional contact area and stability to avoid insert movement.

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.

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

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

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

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

Challenging applications range from machining difficult-to-machine materials like superalloys; micro-sized turning part applications; deep, heavy-duty grooving; and small-part machining. Small-diameter Swiss-style part-off and small-diameter ID and OD face grooving applications pose their own challenges.

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.

Suitable for copy milling, helical interpolation, ramping, progressive plunging and face milling, the SNGX11 is available in two geometries. M is for machining steel as well as hardened steel and cast iron. MM provides a smoother cut and is more suitable for stainless steel, soft steel and superalloys.

“Once you get within the width of the insert, the force is going to be much greater than the tensile strength of the material being machined so basically that means you are going to break the component off. So you get the pip at the very end. Also, carbide is extremely strong in compressive stresses but not in tensile stresses. In cut-off, you have compressive stresses all the way to when the part breaks off and now you go from compressive to tensile stresses,” Andersson explained.

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.

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

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

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

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."

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Kyocera’s KGBF-JCT triangle platform for shallow grooving delivers coolant through the top clamp. “The main grooving depths from 0.6 mm to 3 mm maximum are much less than that possible with a dog-bone style, but there are three edges and the insert can be flipped in case of damage, so there are still two usable edges,” he said.

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 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."

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.

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

What follows are examples of product families that allow insert blades to be easily changed out and a look into the future of real-time tool monitoring for micro turning applications.

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

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

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 new PTS solution is compatible with selected standard turning toolholders offered by Horn. It doesn’t require any adjustment to be made at the control and can be used on any machine. Sensors can be replaced quickly and easily, according to Horn. Type 224 inserts with the new WT geometry are available in increments of 2, 2.5 and 3 mm in grade IG35. They are designed for type H224 holders.

The new PTS system is suitable for use in micro range turning applications where alternative measurement methods aren’t practical and can’t detect minute variations in the drive power of the main spindle motors. Even measuring acoustic emissions would not deliver satisfactory results consistently when small workpieces like bone screws are being machined. Visual monitoring also has to be ruled out due to the use of coolant and the high rotational speeds involved in the machining process.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

“Ceramics are used mainly for grooving,” he continued. “You can’t use ceramic for turning cut-off except for certain diameters. Material that breaks off during the cut-off operation can be catastrophic for the ceramic. Depending on the material, whiskered grades offer high wear resistance but with some limitations on feed rate.”

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.