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Innovating Workplace Culture in Precision Machining Companies

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.

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.

Precision Machining Technology Review: July 2024

Production Machining’s July 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Marubeni Citizen-Cincom, Horn, Index, Schwanog and SMW Autoblok — all on display at IMTS 2024.

Production Machining's July 2024 News Highlights

Production Machining’s July 2024 news highlights include new company facilities, industry events, sustainability efforts and more.

Index Corp. Turnkey Solutions Provide Flexible Manufacturing Performance

IMTS 2024: Index's C200 FANUC features powerful twin spindles that achieve rapid material removal.

CAM-Driven Lathe Questions

There can be hidden issues using legacy cam-driven lathes that can be overcome using new CNC technology. Here are three to keep in mind.

Index Appoints New National Service Manager

Erik Hutchinson has been appointed to the position of national service manager.

How To Select a Solutions Provider

As companies have worked to meet new challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities, many have discovered the need to radically rethink fundamental aspects of how they do business.

The Value of Aligning Efforts to Promote Manufacturing Careers

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.

German Project Yields Three New Medical Machining Processes

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.

Index Corporation Lathes Feature Upgraded Toolholders

The Index B400/B500 and Traub TNA400/TNA500 lathes are equipped with the VDI40 radial turret with 18 toolholders.

New Cutting Tool Technology Discovered at Paul Horn Open House

During a tour of the company’s campus in Tubingen, Germany, I and more than 3,000+ others were introduced to a number of new advances the company has made in cutting tool technology particularly as it relates to the medical industry.

Seeing Multitasking, Automation and Digitalization at Index’s 2023 Open House

A mini trade show of sorts, the event held earlier this year in Germany offered an opportunity to see the machine tool builder’s equipment in action as well as take tours of its various manufacturing plants.

‘Twas the Season for Equipment Manufacturer Open Houses

I’ve recently traveled to Germany three times to attend four separate manufacturer open houses. Here’s a taste of what I’ve seen.

Compact Headstock Lathe With High Power Density

This sliding headstock automatic lathe offers simultaneous machining with up to 3 tools — each tool with a variable feed rate.

Accessory Speeds Centering Align Drills on CNC Multi-Spindles

The CenterMaster accessory is designed to streamline the setup and changeover process for CNC multi-spindle lathes.

Index Develops Training Program for Junior Technicians

Although the current training class is made up of individuals pursuing a career change, Index plans to expand the ITDP later this year to include internships and apprenticeships for current high school students and recent graduates.

Choosing the Right Machine for Turned and Milled Medical Parts

The medical market is known for exceptionally tight tolerances and difficult materials, which means that selecting the proper machine is necessary to ensure a job is profitable.

Index MS32-6 Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe Features Flexible Tool Slide

Six-spindle machine with a flexible tool slide platform is said to easily handle a wide variety of complex parts.

How Fast Can You Change Over a Multi-Spindle?

Today’s CNC multi-spindles feature design elements that enable these high-production machine tools to be effective for lower-volume jobs that require more frequent setups.

Index's G220 Turn-Mill for Flexible Cutting

IMTS 22: Index’s G220 turn-mill center is said to produce a wide variety of parts in a single setup.

How Advancements in CNC Multi-Spindles Can Put You Ahead of Current Trends

Growing economic and labor pressures are making CNC multi-spindle turn/mill technology more viable than ever. This real-world comparison to a single-spindle lathe shows how.

Index Corp.’s Sliding Headstock CNC Lathe for Small Parts Machining

The frontworking attachment and counterspindle are now housed on separate slides, which is said to eliminate potential interdependence between front-end and counter-spindle machining, enabling greater programming flexibility.

Is the German Apprenticeship Model the Answer for U.S. Manufacturing?

This machine tool builder president and CEO is an ardent proponent of the German apprenticeship model and believes this concept could be applied here in the United States to address the skilled labor shortage.

Video: Machine Shop President Explains Advantages of Tool Presetters

When contract shop MetalQuest purchased its first multi-spindle, it also purchased a dedicated tool presetter for the machine. Learn why the company president feels shops of all sizes can benefit from measuring tools offline.

Why a CNC Multi-Spindle Machining Center Makes Sense for MetalQuest

An early adopter of multitasking equipment, this Nebraska contract manufacturer has taken what it feels is the next logical step to diversify by adding a multi-spindle for greatly reduced cycle times on an existing high-volume job.

Precision Machining Technology Moving Shops Forward

New equipment and software continue to be developed to support the needs of production machine shops like yours. Here’s a sample of technology now on the market that can help you grow your operation and become more efficient.

Index Corp.'s MS32-6 Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe Offers Flexible Tool Slide

Index Corp. launches next-generation MS32-6 multi-spindle automatic lathe.

Index Hires New Service Manager to Oversee US and Canada

Matt Voyles will be responsible for overseeing the 22 field service engineers that respond to customer needs across the U.S. and Canada, as well as coordinating with personnel at Index’s network of 19 distributors.

Manufacturers Connect with Next Generation Workforce on MFG Day

MFG Day offers manufacturers an opportunity to connect with students, teachers and parents while dispelling inaccuracies about the industry.

Index Integrates iXcenter Automation Cell with C Series Turning Centers

Docked to the machine and easily slid aside to enable access to the work area, the cell supports automatic machine operation and manages raw material and finished parts.

Trip to Germany Offers Mix of Business and Pleasure

A recent trip to Germany for Index’s Open House 2019 event proved the perfect opportunity to catch up with the company’s latest news and technology while also taking in some nice tourist activities.

VIDEOS: PMTS 2019 In-Booth Demos, in Case You Missed Them

Find videos from in-booth demonstrations from Absolute Machine Tools, Edge Technologies, Gosiger, Hardinge, Index Corp., Marubeni Citizen, Tsugami, and ZPS.

Index G420 Turn-Mill Center Provides Single Setup Machining

Index G420’s stability and response are said to make it a good choice when completing large, complex parts in a single setup.

Multi-Spindles Bring Flexibility to Automotive Supplier

To remain among the top players in a highly competitive market requires innovative minds and efficient, flexible production equipment. This Germany-based automotive supplier possesses both and supports its extraordinary growth with a growing number of CNC multi-spindles.

Index Hires Midwest Sales Rep

Mark Smith has almost 30 years of sales experience within the metalcutting industry.

TNL20-11 Swiss-Lathe Capable of Independent Machining

PMTS 2019: Index’s TNL20-11 Swiss-type lathe applies as many as four tools simultaneously, and the lower turret is equipped with a backworking attachment capable of independent machining of the rear of a part.

Giving New Methods of Thread Cutting a Whirl

Two new forms of thread whirling promise to make the thread cutting process more efficient.

Questions about Precision Machining? Ask Index

At this IMTS, Index Corp. is challenging show visitors to Ask Index key questions, the answers to which can help them ready their businesses for the next five years or more.

Webinar Covers Analyzing Costs, Benefits of Transformative Tech

Many companies will be considering investments in equipment that will significantly alter their operations at IMTS 2018. This webinar from Index Traub will cover how to evaluate these technologies, which questions to ask and how to finance such technologies.

More Productive than CNC Swiss-Type Lathes

More than 40 percent of the parts cut on CNC Swiss-type lathes can be made on CNC multi-spindle lathes at a fraction of the cost. While more expensive, CNC multi-spindle machines can turn and mill parts up to six times faster and from standard barstock.

Index Eyes US, Chinese Automotive Market, Focuses on Digitalization

Preparing for the future means to keep pace with current trends, including highly productive multi-spindle machines, automation and Industry 4.0. As a result, the Index open house, held from April 24-27, in Reichenbach, Germany, was all about digital integration.

Digitalize for Big Possibilities

Plants can collect Big Data, data analytics and artificial intelligence to create the foundations for new business models so that customers and vendors can reach new levels of productivity.

Heimatec Sells Tecnicrafts' Products for Swiss Turning

Heimatec Inc. is selling collets and guide bushings from Tecnicrafts Industries that are exclusively used for Swiss turning applications.

Index Corp. Webinar Focuses on Profitable Production

Michael Huggett, national sales manager for Index USA, will be speaking about profitable production during a webinar on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. EST.

Two New Twists on Thread Whirling

Thread whirling as a metalworking process dates to the 1940s. Recently, developments in production speeds, based on this increasingly popular process, are impacting thread manufacturers.

Webinar: 3 Smart Ways to Make Your Swiss Parts 4x Faster

Don’t miss your chance to learn about how to increase Swiss parts’ speeds by joining Production Machining and your colleagues for a free webinar hosted by INDEX Corp.

Preparing Precision Turning for Industry 4.0

Ready or not, Industry 4.0 is moving forward, and it’s critical for manufacturers to be ready for it. Many machine tool builders and accessory builders are equipping their products with Industry 4.0 compatibility in anticipation of its implementation by customer shops.

PMTS 2017 Slideshow

The ninth Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) opened yesterday to record crowds and the largest exhibit hall in show history. Here are some photos from the first day and a half. There's still time to attend the precision machining industry's signature event. Register Today at PMTS.com.

Multitasking is More Than Doing Two Things at Once

Combining different metalcutting operations on a single machine platform is helping shops explore better ways to manufacture.

Making Complex Parts Profitably

In a highly competitive global market, finding ways to manufacture domestically and profitably is an ongoing challenge. This Massachusetts shop has found a way using CNC multi-spindles.

VIDEO: Hard to Visualize? Animate It

This video, produced by Index, gives excellent insight into the complex workings of the company's MS 22-8 multi-spindle machines, which can be difficult to visualize in real time.

Index Offers Showfloor Demo at PMTS

Attendees of the Precision Machining Technology Show can see hands-on technology live on the show floor. On Tuesday, April 21, at 2:30 p.m., in Booth 400, Index Corp. will showcase its C100 CNC lathe with the Fanuc 31iB control.

Index Celebrates 100 Years in Business

Together with its subsidiary company, Traub, Index Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of CNC turning machines.

Making the Case for B-Axis Machining

As precision part designs become more complex and the economic pressure to complete more operations in a single setup increase, turning center designs are changing.

Index Corporation Turns 100

To celebrate this milestone, the company is hosting an open house at its U.S. headquarters in Noblesville, Ind., near Indianapolis.

Hands-On Training Offers Students Priceless Experience

Machine tool builders are hearing the cries of machine shops (their customers) desperate for skilled workers and are funding educational programs themselves.

Climbing the Ladder of Success

A shop takes advantage of CNC multi-spindle technology to reduce cost per part while meeting customer's quality production needs.

Automatic Lathes Provide Zero Defects, Three-Shift Production

Being competitive these days is essential, yet becoming more difficult.

New CNC Multi-Spindle Designed for Form Tools

Advances in technology can be disruptive. However, some advances can provide new possibilities for existing methods and tools leading to leaps forward in efficiency and effectiveness.

The Upside of Vertical Turning

Vertical turning centers that use the main spindle to load and unload themselves are finding increasing acceptance as multitasking capabilities make them efficient processing centers for producing chucked parts.

Doing More with Less

Like many other machine tool builders during the late downturn, we had to learn how to do more with fewer people, including improving customer support and service.

Manufacturing Medical Devices for Today and Tomorrow

The pace of change in medical device design and manufacturing is rapid and is fueling demand for machine tool capability that not only reduces cost per piece today, but can open doors to producing new types of parts in the future.

Six are Good, Eight are Better

At the recently completed EMO Hannover, the multi-spindle builder Index, headquartered in Esslingen, Germany, unveiled its new eight-spindle, CNC automatic production lathe.

Beefed-Up Backworking on New CNC Multi-Spindle

This CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe includes a quillstock with six tool carriers and one counter spindle opposite the main six-spindle drum, allowing machining of complex workpieces in a single process.

Turn-Mill Classics

Here are trailers for some of the classic articles on turn-mill multitasking. This is a broad showing of turn-mill technology in the form of machines, processes, programming and applications.

Cut Cycle Times in Half

Jake Grainger says he always had a mechanical bent, and 38 years ago when he first walked into a screw machine shop he was hooked.

Using Energy Efficiently Can Boost Profitability

As energy costs increase, making efficient use of kilowatts is more important than ever.

Switching to Swiss Without a Guide Bushing

When the part doesn't require a guide bushing, being able to remove that housing provides increased flexibility and often even improves accuracy.

A New Breed Of Turn-Mill Center

The turn-mill center continues to evolve its capabilities. This new machine from Index is an example.

High Production Turn-Mill Centers

The C100 series of production turn-mill centers are versatile, high production machines linked in real-time to the company’s Virtual Machine programming and simulation suite. Virtual Machine includes user software that is a mirror of the real machine configuration. The data allow users to program, set up and operate the “virtual machine” in exactly the same way as the real machine.

Investment Pays Off For Contract Shop

This shop added a CNC multi-spindle to its operation and reduced its cycle time and setup time.

Optics Maker Focuses On Flexible Production

Leupold & Stevens has found the key to successful precision machining. It operates more than 30 Index machines, primarily multifunction turning machines used to produce the bodies and tubes for the rifle scopes from aircraft-quality aluminum.

Taking Its Turn

This family-owned job shop is more interested in what its capital investments can do than how much they cost. Keeping its demanding automotive customers happy means paying attention to the details and applying the right technology to the job.

Consider A Programmable Guide Bushing

An example of the "set it and forget it" guide bushing adjustment is a programmable guide bushing available on Traub’s TNL series by Index Corp. It offers the ability to program the CNC to provide a series of guide bushing pressures on the bar based on dynamic conditions.

Sticker Shock Relief For The CNC Multi-Spindle

To bridge the gap between traditional multi-spindle technology and full CNC, Index Corporation (Noblesville, Indiana) has developed the MS22C, a six-spindle CNC multi for the medium-complex workpiece market, which has been dominated by the cam-controlled multi-spindle automatics and simple sliding and fixed headstock automatics.

Multitasking With Brand Loyalty

SureFire LLC (Fountain Valley, California) has found one name in machine tools it can trust, and therefore, has invested in several different types of machines with at least one thing in common—the name "Index" in large letters written on the machines’ bodies.

Technical Member Profile: Index Corporation

The Index Group, located in Esslingen, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of precision turning and multitask machine tools. Its products include single- and multi-spindle equipment, as well as sliding headstock machines.

Software Meets Shop's Multitasking Machine Programming Needs

Structure Medical is not new to the medical supply industry; it is a spin-off of a company called Inovo, which is a manufacturer of oxygen regulators used in hospitals, nursing homes and the like. Inovo’s principals had been looking for growth opportunities.

Online Training--A Lesson In Reality

As machines become more complex, training becomes an even greater issue. Regardless of what machine features attract a customer, if the operator does not learn how to take advantage of these features, the machine can quickly become a white elephant.

Medical Machining: Speed And Accuracy Win Orders

To handle the steady flow of incoming orders, this company has prepared itself by building facilities and purchasing equipment that are able to complete its jobs quickly and efficiently.

Rethinking The Multi-Spindle

When the Index MS line, with its open front-end design, hit the streets 4 years ago, it was obviously different. The question is why is it so different? The answer is revealing.

Meeting China's Challenge, British Style

This British shop is writing off simple, low-margin jobs, concentrating instead on tough-to-make parts in medium to high volumes for its new CNC multi-spindle machines.

No Guide Bushing On A Swiss-type?

Like much of the metalworking lexicon, often our words fail to adequately describe, or keep up with, our technological innovations. The truth is, in the business of making precision parts it really doesn't matter much if a lathe is a turning center or a mill is a machining center.

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