Derek Korn Editor-in-Chief

Derek Korn was named Production Machining’s Editor-in-Chief in 2020. Prior to that, he spent 16 years writing for Modern Machine Shop magazine and seven years with an industrial public relations company. He says visiting CNC machine shops to write about how they leverage new technology and processes to their advantage is the most enjoyable part of his job. In this role, he gets to help guide the brand as it focuses on helping niche machining businesses — many of which perform high-precision, high-volume CNC turning work — become more efficient operations. His mechanical engineering technology degree from the University of Cincinnati provides a firm foundation for understanding manufacturing technology so that he can explain its benefits to owners and managers of precision machining operations. PRESS KIT

 

Tooling

Producing Micro Screws for the Watch Industry

Edited by Derek Korn

Cutting tools play a key role in machining tiny screws on Swiss-type lathes for this Switzerland-based watch manufacturer.
#micromachining

Machines

Moldmaker Finds Value in Swiss-Type Machining

By: Derek Korn

This multifaceted manufacturer has added CNC sliding-headstock turning technology to complement its established mold tooling production and new injection molding capabilities as it continues to pursue complex medical work along a vertically integrated path.

The Importance of All of Us Getting Out

By: Derek Korn

Go visit other machine shops when possible. Go to industry events. Go where you can network with others who might share the same challenges, pain points and successes as you.
#columns

Industries

Automated High-Production Welding of EV Rotor Shafts

Edited by Derek Korn

This cell is able to perform joining, preheating and welding operations for rotor shafts used in electric vehicles.
#techbrief

Software

Standard Control Functions with Swiss-Types in Mind

Edited by Derek Korn

Features in this line of machine-specific CNCs assist setups, offer synchronized movement commands and provide other standard, not optional, capabilities to streamline Swiss-type programming.
#techbrief

Workholding

When to Use a Diaphragm Chuck

By: Derek Korn

The accuracy and repeatability of these chucks make them well suited for a number of workholding applications, including turning and grinding.
#techbrief

Toolholders

Piezoelectric Sensor Technology: Moving Toward more Efficient Machine Monitoring

Edited by Derek Korn

A new system that uses simple and compact force or strain sensors, which can be integrated inside toolholders or mounted on surfaces such as spindle housings, can facilitate CNC machine monitoring.  
#Industry40

Is a ‘Side Hustle’ on Your Horizon?

By: Derek Korn

I’ve written about machine shops that have created a separate business for fun, as a complement to their existing operation or as a means to leverage their manufacturing prowess. Here’s a bit about a few of them.
#columns

Measurement

The Value of CMM Controller Retrofits

Edited by Derek Korn

In this case, new controllers for two coordinate measuring machines — one 26 years old — with new programming software offers the possibility to enable multisensor inspection of critical, turned aerospace components.
#techbrief

Tooling

Job Shop Discovers and Fills a Fishing Need

Edited by Derek Korn

The promise of a product line for improved mounting of electronic fish finders led this Missouri job shop to an automated turning process.

Tooling

Broaching Tool Technology For Lathes Used to Slot Inconel Parts

Edited by Derek Korn

This shop finds value in using an indexable-insert-style broaching tool to create blind-hole slots in heat-treated Inconel aerospace parts on a CNC lathe.

Measurement

How Well do You Know Granite Surface Plates?

Edited by Derek Korn

Here are some tips for choosing, maintaining and customizing a granite solution that will best meet your shop’s particular inspection needs.