Production Machining's Top 10 October Articles

Source: (top left) Platinum Tooling, (top right) Tezmaksan Robot Technologies, (bottom left) Olson Custom Designs, (bottom right) Blum-Novotest

From enhancing your shop's tooling capabilities to strengthening cybersecurity, predicting ROI on robotics, and revolutionizing automation for complex parts, these articles cover essential topics for staying competitive. Whether you're interested in workplace culture, open enrollment support for employees, or live demonstrations of automated workpiece measurement, these articles offer valuable guidance to help your shop thrive.

10. Thoughts About the ‘Softer’ Side of Machining

Source: PM

During a live interview at IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show 2024 —PM Editor-in-Chief, Derek Korn— talked about how the application of software and data-driven methodologies can enable shops to improve shopfloor efficiency and overall profitability. In case you missed the interview, here is what Derek had to say.

9. Helping Employees With Open Enrollment

Source: Adobe Stock

Open enrollment for your employee’s benefits is coming fast. You want to ensure that every option you have available is presented and that each employee carefully selects the one that works for them.Here is how to help your employees through a potentially tricky process.

8. Seeing Automated Workpiece Measurement in Real Time

Blum-Novotest, Inc. offered an example of automated workpiece measurement at IMTS 2024 with the company’s new FormControl X measurement software. There, visitors saw a demonstration of it monitoring part measurements between and after machining while performing statistical process control (SPC) based on the recorded measured values.

7. First IMTS as SMW Autoblok’s President and CEO

Although Larry Robbins is no stranger to the machining industry or IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show the 2024 edition of the show was his first serving as SMW Autoblok Group's new president and CEO.Read about what industry trends and insights he observed at this year's IMTS.

6. Innovating Workplace Culture in Precision Machining Companies

Source: PMPA

The future of machining isn’t just about better equipment — it’s about better cultures. Here are some ideas that can help foster the healthy company culture you desire

5. A Tooling Workshop That Was Worth a Visit

Source: Marubeni Citizen-Cincom

Marubeni Citizen-Cincom marked its 40th anniversary at IMTS 2024 with a larger booth showcasing 14 machines, including two prototypes—the Miyano BNX 65 MSY and Cincom L32-3M12B5 with an automatic toolchanger. Attendees also explored a new tooling and accessory workshop, designed to highlight engineered accessories that enhance machining efficiency for Cincom and Miyano models. Learn more about the workshop in this article.

4. Hack-Proof Your Shop: Production Machining’s 6 Must-Read Cybersecurity Articles

Source: Canva

In today’s digital age, cyberattacks are on the rise, and machine shops are no exception. Protecting your valuable data and operations is more critical than ever. To help safeguard your shop, we curated a guide featuring our top cybersecurity articles. These resources break down essential strategies to keep your shop hack-proof and ensure your business remains safe and productive in an increasingly connected world.

3. Predicting the ROI of Robotic Automation

Source: Tezmaksan Robot Technologies

In today’s fast-changing industrial landscape, CNC robotic automation has become essential for manufacturers. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Manufacturing Industry Outlook, 86% of manufacturing executives agree that smart factory solutions will be key to competitiveness in the next five years. Learn how to evaluate if robotic equipment is worth the investment for your shop with this helpful article.

2. Do You Have Single Points of Failure?

Source: Getty Images

The CrowdStrike incident highlighted how a single coding error can trigger widespread disruptions, halting services globally. In our no-fail industries, it raises an important question: Do you have any single points of failure in your operations?

1. Tooling Company Continues to Expand Offerings

Source: Platinum Tooling

Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc .offers a wide range of tooling products to optimize machining for CNC mills, lathes, and Swiss-types. IMTS 2024 marked the company's first booth, showcasing six supported brands in North America. Key products include Heimatec GmbH’s live tools and angle heads, Hommel + Keller’s knurling and marking tools, Tecnicrafts’ collets and guide bushings, Henninger’s speed increasers, and REV’s broaching tools.