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Machine Tools See All

10 Sep 2024
Carbon Fiber Spindles Aim to Eliminate Grinding Variance
These spindles available on Tschudin CNC centerless grinders are designed to minimize the heat transfer factor while optimizing dimensional stability and material removal rate.

5 Sep 2024
Striving for Faster Changeovers for Multispindles
A multispindle platform designed to combine the high production speed of a cam-driven machine with the precision and repeatability of CNC also includes technology to speed set ups for new jobs.

2 Sep 2024
Where Machining Precision is a Family Tradition
This century-old manufacturer is a case in point of how company culture and openness to adopting new technology paves the way to success.

30 Aug 2024
Precision Machining Technology Review: August 2024
Production Machining’s July 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from SW North America, Tsugami, Siemens, Select Manufacturing Technologies, Hurco and ECI Software Solutions — all on display at IMTS 2024.

29 Aug 2024
Digitalization and Done-In-One Reign Supreme at BIEMH 2024
European manufacturers may have a different balance of markets than their U.S. counterparts, but the practical challenges they must overcome are often similar — as are the solutions.

12 Aug 2024
A History of Precision: The Invention and Evolution of Swiss-Style Machining
In the late 1800s, a new technology — Swiss-type machines — emerged to serve Switzerland’s growing watchmaking industry. Today, Swiss-machined parts are ubiquitous, and there’s a good reason for that: No other machining technology can produce tiny, complex components more efficiently or at higher quality.
Tooling See All

12 Sep 2024
Calculate the Value of Thread Rolling for Yourself
Recent testing has shown that thread rolling can be more economical than thread cutting when producing 4,000 parts or more. A newly created calculator can help you to determine which might be the better option for your threading applications.

16 Jul 2024
The Value of Swiss-Types Milling Rectangular Medical Parts
High-speed spindle technology was key to effective milling of small cardiac monitoring components complete on a CNC sliding-headstock machine platform instead of running them across two mills.

12 Jul 2024
The Workholding is the Hardest Part
Finding a way to fixture contoured marine propellors proved to be this shop’s biggest challenge in developing an effective automated machining and turning cell.

13 Jun 2024
Machining’s Impact on Sustainability
Individual elements of the machining process such as machine tools, tooling and even CAD/CAM software play a role in overall machine shop sustainability. Observing the entire process especially when it comes to their influences on energy usage is key.

4 Jun 2024
Replaceable-Insert Spade Drill Basics, Advantages
Although solid carbide and indexable-insert drills have their place in a machine shop, replaceable-insert spade drills offer specific advantages for various holemaking operations on machining centers and lathes.

3 Jun 2024
Chuck Jaws Achieve 77% Weight Reduction Through 3D Printing
Alpha Precision Group (APG) has developed an innovative workholding design for faster spindle speeds through sinter-based additive manufacturing.
Software See All

19 Sep 2024
Avoid the 7 Deadly Sins of Manufacturing
Identifying and preventing these manufacturing sins will reduce or eliminate unnecessary waste, improve efficiency and productivity as well as protect profitability and cash flow.

9 Sep 2024
Paperless Parts Expands into Canadian, Mexican Markets
The company is bringing its quoting and estimating software to new markets, aiming to help manufacturers throughout North America improve win rates, drive operational efficiency and improve buyers’ experience.

6 Sep 2024
Sustainability Analysis Tool Aids Data-Driven Decision-Making
Can increasing productivity and reducing carbon emissions go hand-in-hand? For its high-volume machining customers, Sandvik Coromant offers a tool for data collection and comparison to aid sustainability-minded process decisions.

30 Aug 2024
Precision Machining Technology Review: August 2024
Production Machining’s July 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from SW North America, Tsugami, Siemens, Select Manufacturing Technologies, Hurco and ECI Software Solutions — all on display at IMTS 2024.

14 Jun 2024
Lone Shop Machinist Benefits From Five-Axis CAM Modules
This California shop owner applies five-axis strategies for more efficient milling of parts with challenging geometries, free-form surfaces and deep cavities.

16 Apr 2024
Standard Control Functions with Swiss-Types in Mind
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.
Measurement See All

6 May 2024
Verisurf Sign Solutions Agreement With Hexagon
Verisurf will offer complete metrology solutions that combine its model-based inspection and measurement software, training and live technical support with Hexagon CMMs.

12 Apr 2024
Zeiss Holds Digital Measurement, Metrology Event
Zeiss Quality Innovation Days brings together quality and metrology experts from all over the world to take part in industry-specific sessions.

11 Mar 2024
The Value of CMM Controller Retrofits
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.

4 Mar 2024
How Well do You Know Granite Surface Plates?
Here are some tips for choosing, maintaining and customizing a granite solution that will best meet your shop’s particular inspection needs.

16 Jan 2024
Verisurf Announces Software-Integrated CMM Sales Platform
The platforms enables customers to source new and pre-owned CMMs powered by Verisurf software.

28 Dec 2023
Addressing Machining’s Necessary Evil
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.
Automation See All

30 Aug 2024
Precision Machining Technology Review: August 2024
Production Machining’s July 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from SW North America, Tsugami, Siemens, Select Manufacturing Technologies, Hurco and ECI Software Solutions — all on display at IMTS 2024.

9 Aug 2024
Automate 2024 Recap: Software Accelerates Robotics
One of the biggest themes at Automate 2024 was the use of software to make robots easier to use and more efficient.

15 Jul 2024
Custom Automation for a Multi-Spindle Turning Center
Machine tools capable of performing multiple functions and machining parts to completion are becoming the standard rather than the exception. Incorporating automation into these systems allows for extended periods of operation without the need for operator intervention.

8 Jul 2024
A Means to Streamline Automation Communication
This software-centric technology aims to facilitate the connection between a robot and various other key elements of an automated, machine-tending process.

17 Jun 2024
Simulated Complete Machining of EV Aluminum Inverter Cases
At EMO 2023 in Hannover, Germany, FANUC presented an automated manufacturing cell simulating the complete production and measurement of aluminum electric vehicle (EV) inverter cases.

3 Jun 2024
Chuck Jaws Achieve 77% Weight Reduction Through 3D Printing
Alpha Precision Group (APG) has developed an innovative workholding design for faster spindle speeds through sinter-based additive manufacturing.
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15 Jul 2024 Automation
Custom Automation for a Multi-Spindle Turning Center
Machine tools capable of performing multiple functions and machining parts to completion are becoming the standard rather than the exception. Incorporating automation into these systems allows for extended periods of operation without the need for operator intervention.

28 Jun 2024
Precision Machining Technology Review: June 2024
Production Machining’s June 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Siemens, Ceratizit, Walter, Kennametal and more.

17 Jun 2024 Automation
Simulated Complete Machining of EV Aluminum Inverter Cases
At EMO 2023 in Hannover, Germany, FANUC presented an automated manufacturing cell simulating the complete production and measurement of aluminum electric vehicle (EV) inverter cases.

13 Jun 2024 Toolholders
Machining’s Impact on Sustainability
Individual elements of the machining process such as machine tools, tooling and even CAD/CAM software play a role in overall machine shop sustainability. Observing the entire process especially when it comes to their influences on energy usage is key.

29 Apr 2024
You're Almost Out of Time to Take Top Shops Benchmarking Survey
The Top Shops 2024 survey for the metalworking market is now live, alongside a new homepage collecting the stories of past Honorees. This year's survey ends April 30, though.

27 Feb 2024 Automation
A Tale About an Automation Solution Discovered in Production Machining
A CNC Swiss production supervisor took to LinkedIn to describe how he discovered a rotary parts collector in the pages of our publication and has since purchased and benefited from it.

9 Aug 2024 Automation
Automate 2024 Recap: Software Accelerates Robotics
News & Products See All

19 Sep 2024 CNC & Machine Controls
CGTech Software Update Features Interactive Capabilities
CGTech releases version 9.5 of its independent Vericut software, designed with a custom tool summary, heat display, interactive simulation timeline and more.

19 Sep 2024
Mollart Machinery Operations Transition to Bourn & Koch
Mollart Machinery has transitioned its operations and field service support to Bourn & Koch out of Rockford, Illinois, aiming to cut down on service response time for customers located in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

17 Sep 2024
Sunnen Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Sunnen Products Co. is celebrating its 100th anniversary, highlighting the history of its line of honing and precision solutions.

17 Sep 2024 Software
Unisig Operating System Enhances Productivity for Small-Diameter Gundrilling Machines
Unisig introduces a next-generation operating system, featured on its UNE6-2i-750-CR small-diameter gundrilling machine, suitable for a range of applications, including medical part manufacturing.

16 Sep 2024 Shop Management Software
Paperless Parts' AI-Powered Automation Tool Streamlines Quoting
Wingman is powered by a secure AI model developed to extract critical information from quote packages so that estimators can work faster, automate administrative aspects of setting up quotes and minimize the risk of missing important details.

16 Sep 2024
Walter USA Acquires PDQ Workholding
Walter USA has acquired PDQ Workholding, intending to strengthen its offering of workholding products and develop future cutting tool sales.

20 Sep 2024 Cutting Tools
Heule Tool Automates Cross-Hole Deburring Process
Tech Briefs See All

10 Sep 2024
Carbon Fiber Spindles Aim to Eliminate Grinding Variance
These spindles available on Tschudin CNC centerless grinders are designed to minimize the heat transfer factor while optimizing dimensional stability and material removal rate.

6 Sep 2024
Sustainability Analysis Tool Aids Data-Driven Decision-Making
Can increasing productivity and reducing carbon emissions go hand-in-hand? For its high-volume machining customers, Sandvik Coromant offers a tool for data collection and comparison to aid sustainability-minded process decisions.

5 Sep 2024
Striving for Faster Changeovers for Multispindles
A multispindle platform designed to combine the high production speed of a cam-driven machine with the precision and repeatability of CNC also includes technology to speed set ups for new jobs.

11 Jul 2024
High-Production Multitasking Becoming More Flexible
Rotary transfer machines remain well-suited for high-volume production, but are now more accommodating to smaller batch sizes.

8 Jul 2024
A Means to Streamline Automation Communication
This software-centric technology aims to facilitate the connection between a robot and various other key elements of an automated, machine-tending process.

1 Jul 2024
A Mill-Turn’s Value for Machining Micro Gears
This leading manufacturer of non-lubricated robotic gears uses a seven-axis turn-mill to machine components from “amorphous” metals such as bulk metallic glasses.

12 Sep 2024 Tooling
Calculate the Value of Thread Rolling for Yourself
Parts Cleaning See All

10 May 2024
Industrial Cleaning Shop Zeros In on Precision
This parts cleaning company is elevating its efforts to become a technical cleanliness expert, which presents an exciting, yet sometimes arduous, journey. The ongoing education of the team as well as significant investments in equipment and processes attribute to this shop’s success.

11 Mar 2024
Kyzen Solvents Provide Safe Parts Cleaning
The SLV901 and SLV803 solvents are formulated to maintain cleaning efficacy while providing a safe, environmentally friendly alternative to processes that use PFAS and HFCs.

25 Jan 2024
Kyzen Solvents Provide Ease of Cleaning for Medical Parts
The Metalnox line of solvent products are designed to improve reliability and increase the ease of cleaning in vacuum and vapor degreasing processes.

30 May 2023
MicroCare Creates Alternative Specialty Cleaning Fluids
MicroCare offers alternatives and expertise for replacing 3M Novec vapor degreasing fluids which are being discontinued, including fluoropolymers, fluorinated fluids and PFAS-based additive products.

25 May 2023
In-line Monitoring for Automated Immersion Cleaning Systems
Ecoclean’s Acoustic Performance Measurement (APM) system provides in-line measurement of ultrasonic frequency and power in fully automated immersion cleaning systems on a batch-by-batch basis or at defined time intervals, such as once a shift, day or week.

10 May 2023
Industry Experts Create On-Demand Aqueous Cleaning Program
Participants who pass the program quizzes earn a certificate of successful completion, as well as 4 hours of continuing education credit from Sam Houston State University.

27 Aug 2024 Parts Cleaning
A ‘Clean’ Agenda Offers Unique Presentations in Chicago
Webinars See All

On Demand
Overcoming Multichannel Mill-Turn and Swiss CAM Programming Challenges
Join this webinar and discover how to overcome multi-channel mill-turn and Swiss CAM programming challenges using SolidCAM, with amazing machine simulation and customized post-processors tailored for your mill-turn and Swiss CNCs. Darrin Bryant, SolidCAM’s applications engineer, will highlight how to utilize SolidCAM's CAM software to enhance your CNC manufacturing and demonstrate how to optimally set up your projects for guaranteed success. Agenda: Major benefits of SolidCAM's single window integration and full associativity in Solidworks Embracing the future of increasingly complex CNC machines—including five-axis, Multi-Channel Mill-Turn and Swiss CNCs Exclusive features of SolidCAM's iMachining that provides much shorter cycle times and superior tool life Using iMachining Technology Wizard takes the guesswork out of defining cutting conditions and automatically provides optimal feeds and speeds while considering stock materials, cutting tools and CNC machine properties Using SolidCAM’s Toolkit to easily create customized precision project setups Highlighting the advantages of multiple verification options in SolidCAM Utilizing SolidCAM’s operations sequence manager to simplify synchronized part creation with fewer steps and higher success
PMTS See All

6 Jun 2023
The People Part of PMTS
The Precision Machining Technology Show is a great example of discovering ways shopfloor employees can become more efficient, thereby helping shops become more profitable.

20 Apr 2023
Why Are We Writing About a Shop Making Custom Baseball Bats?
I recently learned about a 153-year-old manufacturer that has produced billions upon billions of precision, metal pins which started another business making one-off wooden baseball bats. (Like I asked it to do for me and you’ll see at this year’s Precision Machining Technology Show). Here I explain why it’s worth the time to read that article.

17 Apr 2023
Carbide End Mills for Medical, General Machining Applications
PMTS 2023: The InchMax Series includes 2- and 4-flute square end mills which feature Union Tools’ UT coating and its standard Super Micro Grain carbide and tolerances.

17 Apr 2023
Dayton Coating Technologies Provides One Stop Shop for PVD Coated Tooling
PMTS 2023: Dayton Coating Technologies utilizes a distinct cleaning system to promote proper pretreatments for all parts before the coating process.

17 Apr 2023
Syncrex Swiss-Styles for Fast Tool Setup, Easy Programming
PMTS 2023: The Mazak Syncrex series comes in four bar capacities, ranging from 20 to 38 mm, and is available in 7-, 8- and 9-axis configurations as well as a 9-axis model with full B-axis contouring.

17 Apr 2023
EVO Presetter Offers Accurate, Reliable Operation
PMTS 2023: This tool management solution with Optik software is designed to help shops increase production output and decrease human error.
Emerging Leaders See All

31 Aug 2023
Swiss Rejuvenation Doubles Shop Productivity
As he progressed to CNC Swiss lead and later to his current position as CNC Swiss production supervisor, Darrin Baker helped the Swiss department at Liberty Precision double its productivity, according to his nominator.

24 Aug 2023
Emerging Leader's Tactical Expertise Shines During Move
Over the past year, Mike Gresen has led his team through the process of opening a new Benchmark Electronics location without interrupting supply to customers and within the company budget, shutting down production for only three business days.

17 Aug 2023
Emerging Leader's Dedication to Education
Instilling confidence throughout a shop floor can do wonders for company morale while increasing productivity.

10 Aug 2023
Emerging Leader Introduces CNC Swiss to Students
Mike Medeiros, production manager at North Easton Machine Co., has been advocating CNC Swiss lathes for years, attempting to persuade his local high school’s administration to add the technology to the school’s machining program. Finally, his efforts paid off.

3 Aug 2023
Emerging Leader's Problem-Solving Skills Cool Down a Hot Project
This 2023 Emerging Leader developed a product in response to a call for help from Yamaha that was a huge hit in the snowmobile industry when it hit the market in 2010. In fact, it is now a common product that most snowmobile OEMs have implemented.

1 Aug 2023
2023 Emerging Leaders Strengthen Their Staffs, Solve Problems
Superb critical thinking, top-notch leadership skills and a passion for building a strong team are a few of the common traits held by this year’s five Production Machining Emerging Leader award winners.
Upcoming See All

1 Apr 2025
PMTS
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 – everything you need to take back and immediately put to use in your own shop. __PRESENT
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Steven Kline, Jr. Chief Data Officer

14 Jun 2013

May Marks Third Month of Contraction

Production has expanded consistently for four straight months. Employment grew for the fifth month in a row.

16 May 2013

Contraction Accelerates

The lengthy contraction in backlogs, even during periods of growing new orders, indicates that there is available machining capacity at precision manufacturers.

20 Feb 2012

Growth Rate Inches Higher

With a reading of 53.1, the December MBI showed that the metalworking industry grew slightly faster compared with November, marking the 29th consecutive month of industry growth.

22 Sep 2010

Not Your Father's Recession

In a typical economic cycle, some businesses expand too rapidly.

Sharp, Durable, Innovative Diamond Powder

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