Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD

Pacon Mfg, Inc. has not rested on its laurels as the 2020 Top Shop Honoree for Shopfloor Practices and Performance. In the years since, it has refined its processes to continue excelling in a volatile market.

Even before inspection, Datanomix and Caron Engineering’s TMAC AI can extrapolate part quality from cut information. This information also helps shops push their tool life to its limits.

These parameters are not the whole process (hence the need for the book). In addition, the cutting tool manufacturer may be able to offer more productive and specific parameters than these, he says. However, if the shop does have a higher-performance machine with higher-performance tooling, and in the absence of experimentation or expert advice to offer more specific parameters, the ranges and equations presented below should give the shop a good starting point for applying hard milling effectively.

Determining whether to use high-density fixtures or to simplify workholding requires a deeper look into the details of your parts and processes.

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

Determining the shape of a workpiece is required in many manufacturing processes. Keep in mind these important points to ensure that you master the process.

Not only can Gelsight’s tactile sensor detect and evaluate defects, but it can also measure part features, surface roughness and even contamination.

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

Feed rate affects surface finish as well. The pass of each cutting edge as the tool advances creates a “cusp” of its own. Therefore, if a smooth surface is the goal, then the same value calculated as the limit of the radial depth should also be applied as the upper limit on the inch-per-tooth feed rate of the tool.

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

Decker Machine Works recently adopted Rego-Fix’s reCool through-coolant system for ER collets, reducing the cycle times on a nickel alloy job by 70%.

PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities.

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

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

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

Coordinate systems tell a CNC machine where to position the cutting tool during the program’s execution for any purpose that requires the cutting tool to move.

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.

Of course, the spindle speed in revolutions per minute that equates to this value in “sfm” (surface feet per minute) will be determined by the diameter of the tool. Because the tool is likely to be small, a fast spindle may be needed to realize this cutting speed range. The use of a ballnose end mill for hard milling of complex die and mold surfaces only makes the need for high speed more likely. When a ballnose tool cuts at light axial depths of cut, the tool does not cut on its full diameter. To determine the rpm value necessary to realize the needed sfm value with such a tool, use the tool’s effective diameter, which is calculated with the formula in Figure 1.

The Detroit Auto Show, formerly known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is located squarely at the intersection of technology and mobility. It’s a global event filled with tangible advances ready to hit the pavement today. Here, the software is as revolutionary as anything out there, and the hardware always looks better with a good polish. You won’t find any devices that will fit in your pocket, but you will discover machines that will move you in the most literal sense. You’ll also connect with thought leaders from around the world, both in and outside the automotive industry, whose collective visions for the future of mobility will shape the way we move for years to come.

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Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

The surface finish requirement itself can be used to calculate this lighter step-over value. That’s because the surface finish value is an indication of the cusp height between passes, and the cusp height between adjacent passes with a ballnose tool can be mathematically determined from the radius of the ball.

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.

By equipping MassRobotics with its advanced cobots, ABB aims to facilitate the creation of new and impactful solutions that address real-world challenges across various industries.

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.

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Custom workholding enabled Resolve Surgical Technologies to place all sizes of one trauma part onto a single machine — and cut days from the setup times.

Facing increasing competition from lower-cost imports, Suburban Tool made a move toward large-scale, in-house machining. By identifying a niche in large, precision angle plates and tombstones, the company has strengthened its ability to control quality and protect its reputation.

OnLogic is partnering with AI development and implementation specialists to help companies use AI-powered solutions, aiming to drive real business value.

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

Adding pallet systems brought Mach Machine success and additional productivity. The shop has since furthered its automation goals while adding new capabilities.

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.

Determining the shape of a workpiece is required in many manufacturing processes. Keep in mind these important points to ensure that you master the process.

The cosine term reflects the possibility of machining draft angles or tapered or sloped surfaces. “A” is the average angle of engagement between the tool and the angled surface. For example, if a 0.25-inch-diameter tool (0.125-inch radius) was used to achieve an RMS surface finish of 40 microinches at an average angle of engagement of 45 degrees, then the step-over would be calculated taking the square root of 8 × 0.125 × 0.00004, multiplied by the cosine of 45 degrees. This works out to 0.0044 inch, or about 1.8 percent of tool diameter. Use this equation to determine how small the radial depth of cut may need to be to meet a demanding surface-finish requirement.

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

Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.

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Facing increasing competition from lower-cost imports, Suburban Tool made a move toward large-scale, in-house machining. By identifying a niche in large, precision angle plates and tombstones, the company has strengthened its ability to control quality and protect its reputation.

The forging die (top) was machined out of 42-HRC material with tools ranging from a 12-mm ballnose end mill run at 6,000 rpm and 236 ipm, to a 3-mm ballnose tool run at 32,000 rpm and 63 ipm. This smaller tool, a finishing tool, used a radial depth of cut of 0.0039 inch. The die cast die (bottom) was machined from 60-HRC material using tools ranging from a 3-mm ballnose tool run at 19,000 rpm and 133 ipm, to a 0.2-mm ballnose tool run at 40,000 rpm and 16 ipm. This small tool took a 0.000118-inch radial depth of cut.

AI technology isn’t just a concept for the future—it’s here now, ready to transform your estimating process with the new AI BOM builder in JobBOSS². In this first-launch webinar, discover how AI can revolutionize bill of materials (BOM) entry in your shop, saving time, reducing errors and boosting efficiency. In this session, ECI will review how to use AI to build BOMs through a powerful feature that automates the extraction and input of BOM data from PDFs, Excel spreadsheets and images, all within JobBOSS². You'll have the opportunity to watch a live demonstration of the AI BOM builder in action — showcasing its ability to reduce BOM entry time from hours to mere minutes — thereby allowing you to focus on more strategic tasks. Additionally, you will learn about the real-world benefits of AI-driven BOM entry, including the minimization of manual errors, enhanced accuracy, and streamlined estimating processes — all of which can provide your shop with an immediate competitive edge. Finally, there will be a Q&A session with experts, giving you the chance to ask questions and find out how to integrate AI effectively. Agenda:  Experience AI in action in a real-world manufacturing setting Discover how the AI BOM builder can immediately impact your shop’s efficiency and productivity Get hands-on insights on implementing AI to streamline your operations

The problem with switching to a new and different method of machining is that your old and established expectations may not help you anymore.

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.

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How can shops can make informed decisions using data-driven feedback to improve shopfloor efficiency and profitability? And how will these technologies differ between high- and low-volume production?

The tool crib is the backbone of any machine shop — without the right tools, nothing moves forward. While most ERP systems overlook the tool crib, ProShop integrates it seamlessly with CNC programming, job planning, scheduling and more. Join this webinar for an exclusive look at how Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions leverages ProShop to document tool requirements, sync tool demand from CAM software and efficiently manage the tool crib and work instructions. Discover how ProShop transforms the tooling workflow to maximize efficiency and precision.

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

Pacon Mfg, Inc. has not rested on its laurels as the 2020 Top Shop Honoree for Shopfloor Practices and Performance. In the years since, it has refined its processes to continue excelling in a volatile market.

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."

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.

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

In this episode of the AM Radio podcast, Robots & Autonomy Editor Julia Hider joins Additive Manufacturing’s Executive Editor Stephanie Hendrixson and Editor-in-Chief Peter Zelinski to discuss how robots and 3D printing enable each other.

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Spanning 113,500 square feet, the facility will centralize the company’s storage and distribution, as well as enhance operational efficiency.

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.

Moving from an aging set of five-axis mills to more advanced machines enabled Hendrick Motorsports to dramatically improve its engine production.

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.

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.

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.

William G. Howard Jr., vertical machining center product line manager for Makino, wrote a book on hard milling—“High-Speed, Hard Milling Solutions” from Hanser Gardner Publications. He also detailed the process of hard milling at a recent technology expo, which took place at Makino’s die/mold headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Among the tips he offered were some rules of thumb for finding the right machining parameters for hard milling.

Verisurf’s Machine Tool Probing (MTP) suite is an in-process automated inspection solution for CNC machine tools, offering inspection and reporting capabilities.

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How fast to cut in the hard milling process depends on just how much hardness is involved. Use these ranges as starting points:

These maximum values preserve the life of the tool. However, when the aim of hard milling is also the smoothness of the surface, an even lighter radial depth may be needed.

In this webinar, director of manufacturing Phil Linscheid will discuss how Hamilton Company has transformed its manufacturing operations with real-time production data. Learn how Phil and his team have increased throughput five times since 2017, while simultaneously improving production efficiency. Phil will share his journey over the past few years making strategic decisions to grow the machine shop’s impact as well as how his team uses MachineMetrics to improve production visibility, automate cycle time tracking, increase machine uptime and enable accurate quoting and planning. Agenda: Enabling production visibility in Nevada’s largest machine shop Improving quoting, planning and scheduling with accurate cycle times The importance of integrating shop floor data with operational systems

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.

CCAI is offering a comprehensive Industrial Finishing Safety Seminar developed by industry experts well-versed in safety for finishing operations.  This day-and-a-half seminar focuses on NFPA 33, the Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials and will deliver important and critical information on how to safely operate an industrial finishing line. Topics Covered: An introduction to safety Overview and definitions General requirements and electrostatic spray equipment Ventilation Storage handling and distribution Fire protection Operations, maintenance and training Drying and curing Liquid and powder coatings Authority Having Jurisdiction panel discussion Who Should Attend? Manufacturing, staff and environmental engineers (industrial health & safety) Lead painters Maintenance leads and personnel Finishing equipment designers System controls and project engineers Facility managers Finishing industry distributors Date: Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12 Time:  Tuesday - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Wednesday 8:00 AM - Noon Location: Sames 45001 5 Mile Road Plymouth, MI 48170 Registration Fee: CCAI Members: $599  /  Non-Members: $750 Registration Fee Includes: Classroom instruction; lunch on day one; a certificate of completion; and a printed copy of the NFPA 33 Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials. Registration: CLICK HERE to register. Space is limited.

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

Flex Machine Tools’ Open House event will take place Thursday, December 5 at the company’s headquarters in Wapakoneta, Ohio. It will feature a facility tour and live machining demonstrations.

Determining whether to use high-density fixtures or to simplify workholding requires a deeper look into the details of your parts and processes.

The new space includes a showroom, office spaces and an auditorium that will enhance its work with its technical partners.

How can shops can make informed decisions using data-driven feedback to improve shopfloor efficiency and profitability? And how will these technologies differ between high- and low-volume production?

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

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?

Determining whether to use high-density fixtures or to simplify workholding requires a deeper look into the details of your parts and processes.

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.

Pacon Mfg, Inc. has not rested on its laurels as the 2020 Top Shop Honoree for Shopfloor Practices and Performance. In the years since, it has refined its processes to continue excelling in a volatile market.

No matter what your workholding application, automation always makes sense. Kurt Workholding helps you pick the right tool for the automation job — whether it be a single-vise setup or multiple vises holding large work pieces. This webinar will cover automation solutions using pneumatic, hydraulic and electronic actuation. Agenda:  Most common types of vise automation solutions How to pick the right type of automation for an application Key differences between custom workholding and off-the-shelf automation solutions

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The chip load, or feed rate in inch per tooth, can be approximated as a function of the actual diameter of the tool. For the starting point for a hard milling feed rate, use these ranges:

ModuleWorks and Toolpath announce a technology partnership that intends to utilize intelligent cloud-based manufacturing solutions for machining estimation and CAM automation.

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

These feed rates assume a standard tool length. If an extended-length tool is needed because the hard-milled feature is also hard to reach, then a lighter feed rate is likely to be warranted.

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.

Many shops have implemented hard milling through high speed machining as a way to generate intricate die and mold forms on the machining center, with less need for EDM and hand finishing. However, machining hard steel with small tools taking fast, light cuts is not the way many shops are accustomed to machining these parts. For the shop without this hard milling experience, just how fast is the cut? How light are the light passes? Assuming the shop has a machine tool and cutting tool appropriate for this process, how does the shop find the cutting parameters that will efficiently generate the smooth surfaces and precise details in hard steel?

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.

The “step-over” and “step-down” depths of cut are similarly dependent on the hardness of the material—to a point. A more significant factor affecting step-over (or radial depth of cut) may be the desired surface finish of the part. These are the maximum depths of cut that should be employed in a hard-milling process:

How can shops can make informed decisions using data-driven feedback to improve shopfloor efficiency and profitability? And how will these technologies differ between high- and low-volume production?

Founded in 2001, PMTS reconvenes in April 2025 to celebrate its 13th biennial event for precision machining pros. Mark your calendar now and plan to join the precision machined parts community when we once again gather in person to share challenges and insights, see new technology solutions and learn about process innovations you can take back and immediately put into use in your own shop. The Precision Machining Technology Show is centered at the intersection of the industry's newest and most advanced product technologies, process innovations, business development prospects and personal career growth opportunities.

Soraluce’s wide range of machine heads and the ability to have multiple heads on a single machine (with automatic changing stations) provides flexibility and reduced setups for large-format machining.

The MFG Meeting brings together manufacturing technology industry leaders to address key business challenges and provide actionable solutions. Sessions cover a wide range of topics, including workforce, economics, supply chain, leadership, politics, and more. This unique meeting experience provides unparalleled opportunities to network with executives from companies that make, sell, service, and support MT. These peers and competitors will learn from each other, build long-lasting connections, and share insights that will benefit their business.

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

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

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.

At Carnegie Mellon University’s Manufacturing Futures Institute, researchers use a robotic test bed where AMRs deliver Lego bricks to robot arms for assembly to study AI, multirobot collaboration, assembly, safety and more.

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."

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 new space includes a showroom, office spaces and an auditorium that will enhance its work with its technical partners.

Adding pallet systems brought Mach Machine success and additional productivity. The shop has since furthered its automation goals while adding new capabilities.

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.