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Metalworking Fluid Management and Best Practices

By: Brett Reynolds and Doug Fecher , Senior Applications Engineers, Blaser Swisslube Inc.

Cutting metal is a complex process involving many critical factors to be successful. Correctly applied metalworking fluids, including oils or coolant, is one of these critical factors.
#basics #metalworkingfluids

Software

Precision Machining Technology Review: January 2024

Edited by Chris Pasion

Production Machining’s January 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Monaghan Tooling Group, Okuma America, Tungaloy, Cortec Corp., Fixtureworks and T.J Davies Co. Inc.

Automation & Robots

The Promise of a New Access-to-Capital Model

Contributed by Tim Heaton

A free online loan prequalification tool currently offered in Colorado with the potential for introduction to other U.S. markets can enable manufacturers to more easily finance new technologies including automation equipment.
#columns

A No/Low-Cost Solution to Employee Retention

By: Carli Kistler-Miller

Studies show a little employee recognition goes a long way. Here are the 5Ws to consider for success.
#pmpa

New Thinking from the New Generation for the New Year

By: Miles Free

“We have to learn to think in a new way.” –Albert Einstein
#pmpa #workforcedevelopment

Production Machining's January 2024 News Highlights

Edited by Chris Pasion

Production Machining’s January 2024 news highlights include new leadership, acquisitions, reshoring updates and more.

The Value of Aligning Efforts to Promote Manufacturing Careers

Edited by Derek Korn

Successfully building the next generation of manufacturers requires a team effort between employers, educators and parents. Each of these three groups has a tremendous impact on young people’s career decisions. Without the support of all three, we are unlikely to bridge the skilled labor shortage that threatens the future growth of our industry.
#workforcedevelopment

Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining December 2023

By: Jan Schafer

While still contracting, Precision Machining activity in December showed its first real uptick since August 2023.

Workholding

Bar Feeder Designed with Swiss-Types in Mind

By: Derek Korn

New technology enables this bar feeder to fully support the bar pusher and stock from inside the unit all the way to the spindle of a sliding headstock lathe.
#techbrief

Important Machining Factors of Carbon Steels

By: Miles Free

Learn the factors that contribute to carbon steels and their machinability as well as the 1214 steels, 1215 steels and 1018 steels, other grades, and more.  
#basics

Machines

Should You Bring Tool Regrinding In-House?

By: Lucas Hale

In some situations, the potentially high investment in an in-house tool grinding process can be justified with a relatively fast ROI. (Includes video.)

Medical

German Project Yields Three New Medical Machining Processes

By: Derek Korn

Recent research has resulted in a new mix of high-speed turn whirl milling, polygon turning and rotational turning for manufacturing medical bone screws and out-of-round nails.
#techbrief

Career Transitions, Loyalty and Major League Baseball

By: Matthew Kirchner

Never bite the hand that feeds you.
#columns

Measurement

Addressing Machining’s Necessary Evil

By: Derek Korn

Many view quality control as such, but integrating new measurement technologies and approaches can ultimately minimize QC’s impact on throughput and a company’s bottom line.
#columns

PM’s Top 10 Articles of 2023

By: Derek Korn

This batch of Production Machining articles that got the most clicks in 2023 cover a range of topics, technology and new ideas.

Transfer Machines

CNC Rotary Transfer Machine Features Ballscrew Electromechanical Tooling Units

By: Derek Korn

A CNC rotary transfer machine, a newly developed machine platform, is said to offer high rigidity, flexibility and accuracy for a range of high-volume, precision-machining applications.
#techbrief

Tooling

Reaming as an Alternative to Single-Point Boring

Edited by Derek Korn

Using slip yokes as an example, reaming through holes can be more efficient and effective than single-point boring operations.
#techbrief

Shop Management Software

10 Ways AI Might Impact Manufacturers

By: John Davis

Artificial intelligence offers the promise of assisting decision-making processes and boost overall manufacturing efficiency.
#columns

CAD/CAM

Precision Machining Technology Review: December 2023

Edited by Chris Pasion

Production Machining’s December 2023 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Sandvik Coromant, Nikon Metrology, The L.S. Starrett Co., Walter USA, Kennametal and SolidCAM.

Roles of Women in Manufacturing: What I Learned

By: Carli Kistler-Miller

Over 20 women were featured in the Roles of Women in Manufacturing series, which started in January 2023.
#pmpa