Tuesday, June 19, 2018
All News
Video: Free Kit for Hosting a Manufacturing Day Event
September 26, 2017
The Edge Factor has produced a turnkey package with media and interactive resources to help companies create an exciting event showcasing manufacturing. Blog Post: 8/4/2015 Peter Zelinski Editor-in-Chief, Modern Machine Shop Manufacturing Day this year is October 2. On that date, businesses and schools across North America will respond to the
Why (and How) to Benchmark Your Machining Business
September 26, 2017
Doug Woods, president of AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology, shares the importance of benchmarking your manufacturing business and how the Top Shops program and conference can help. Continuous improvement should be a goal for any machining business, but “unless you know what you’re shooting against, unless you have
Video: Building Your Business Through Benchmarking
September 26, 2017
Learn how this shop leverages the Top Shops program to build its business, boost company morale and better direct its improvement efforts. Blog Post: 7/5/2017 Derek Korn Executive Editor, Modern Machine Shop Matt Wardle is the President and CEO of Ogden, Utah’s JD Machine. In this video, he describes ways he uses Top Shops benchmarking data
Video: How Are We Doing? How Could We Do Better?
September 26, 2017
The presidents of three Top Shop manufacturing companies explain why benchmarking their businesses is important. It is a valuable tool that "shows how well or how bad you are doing." It pinpoints what to work on in order to emulate other top shops. It helps identify metrics for evaluating operations compared to your peers. Blog Post: 8/15/2017 Mark
3 Must-See Top Shops Conference Sessions
September 26, 2017
Our Top Shops Conference is an extension of our annual Top Shops benchmarking program, which uses data from leading CNC machining businesses to identify best-in-class operations, processes and business-management strategies. Learn who is speaking at this year’s event. The Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Conference is an extension of our annual
Video: Top Shop Tour Caps Conference Program
September 26, 2017
The upcoming Top Shops conference in Indianapolis will conclude with a visit to local manufacturer Major Tool & Machine. Blog Post: 8/2/2017 Matt Danford Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop Education and networking opportunities at the upcoming Top Shops conference won’t be limited to conference rooms at the JW Marriott Hotel in
Top Shops: Live in Indianapolis
September 26, 2017
This year, we’re taking the next logical step in moving our Top Shops benchmarking program forward by hosting our inaugural Top Shops Conference, September 5-7, at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Indiana. During initial discussions about the presentations, panels and keynotes we’d offer at the event, we knew exactly what we
Top Shops Profile: Land Sea Air Manufacturing
September 26, 2017
Land Sea Air was 2017's Top Shops Honors Program winner in the category of business strategies. Article Post: 9/1/2017 Derek Korn Executive Editor, Modern Machine Shop Land Sea Air Manufacturing recently gave each of its manufacturing team members fully stocked toolboxes that are identically configured with tools from MSC. Carl Livesay, Land Sea
Top Shops Conference: Learn How to Improve Your Business
September 26, 2017
Dave Tilstone, National Tooling & Machining Association president, says this event is important for owners, executives and engineers at machining facilities to attend so they can learn what aspects the industry views as important for becoming a top shop. Blog Post: 8/30/2017 Emily Probst Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop When you are working
Read Our Benchmarking Summary, Attend Our Benchmarking Conference
September 26, 2017
2017 marks the seventh edition of our Top Shops benchmarking program. Read survey results in our Executive Summary, and consider attending our first benchmarking event this September. Blog Post: 8/25/2017 Derek Korn Executive Editor, Modern Machine Shop 2017 marks the seventh edition of our Top Shops benchmarking program. Read survey results in our
HPC-1000 Coolant System Matches Different Environments
September 26, 2017
CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies’ HPC-1000 is a high-pressure coolant system that offers wide versatility in applications on horizontal and vertical milling machines as well as lathes, and can be used in conjunction with other manufacturing equipment. New Product Post: 9/11/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor,
Understanding the Different Choices in Metal and Fluid Recycling
September 26, 2017
This recorded presentation discusses options including separators, shredders, briquetters, centrifuges, and above- and below-ground chip handling. Blog Post: 9/6/2017 Peter Zelinski Editor-in-Chief, Modern Machine Shop Why would a company choose a chip wringer system for metal recycling over a briquetter system that compresses the chips into
Milpro Process Oils are Formulated for Multiple Applications
September 26, 2017
Milacron Holdings Corp.’s Cimcool brand releases a series of Milpro  Process oils, formulated for slide-way, hydraulic, and gear oil applications. These include Milpro Way oils, Sure-Way 68, hydraulic oils and gear oils. Milpro Way oils are clear colored lubricating oils designed to reduce friction and stick-slip on machine tool
Grinding Fluid Lasts Years without Regeneration, Exchange
September 26, 2017
Gear Expo 2017: Oelheld will feature its DiaGrind 535-15 high-speed grinding fluid, a blend of additives and base oils designed to go years without requiring regeneration or complete exchange. New Product Post: 9/4/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop
Wet-Machining of Composites Crosses Boundaries
September 26, 2017
It is part of human nature to cross boundaries and set new records—to run a 100-meter dash faster than ever before, to fly even further into space and enter new realms. Speed can be an addiction. Like mountain climbing, going faster is its own reward, and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) play a key role in reaching top speeds for
1/2 NPT Siphon Fed Spray Nozzle Atomizes Variety of Liquids
September 26, 2017
Exair Corp.’s 1/2 NPT siphon fed atomizing spray nozzle atomizes a variety of fluids in a round spray pattern where no liquid pressure is available and heavy application of liquid is needed.  New Product Post: 9/26/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining Exair Corp.’s 1/2 NPT siphon fed atomizing spray
NPV Series Miniature Pinch Control Flow of Liquids and Gas
September 26, 2017
Clippard’s NPV Series Miniature Pinch Valves are solenoid-operated devices designed to open and close tubes for controlling flow of liquids and gases. Other valve types have internal passages that may cause small amounts of fluid to remain in the valve. Pinch valves, however, have no areas or dead volume where fluid can become trapped, the
Spray Units Reduce Costs, Fluid Volume
September 26, 2017
The MinaMizer spray unit from LSP Industries is intended to enhance low-volume, low-pressure spray technology by dispensing fluids in a consistent, continuous and controlled manner. New Product Post: 9/20/2017 Edited by Kyle Stone Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop The MinaMizer spray unit from LSP Industries is intended to enhance low-volume,
Wastewater Treatment: Why Companies Should Care and What They Can Do About It
September 26, 2017
Shops and plants should be concerned about wastewater treatment for many reasons, and the best way to turn genuine concern into effective solutions starts with an awareness of current options for wastewater-treatment equipment. Shops and plants should be concerned about wastewater treatment, says Tim Hanna, vice president of business
DMG MORI, Fuchs Petrolub Partner to Advance Machine Tool Lubricant Technology
September 26, 2017
The cooperation agreement’s goals also include production digitization and condition monitoring, among other things. News Post: 9/11/2017 Edited by Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop DMG MORI and Fuchs Petrolub are building on their successful cooperative efforts by signing a collaboration contract. The agreement ensures close
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence to Host Two “HxGN Local” Summits
September 26, 2017
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence has announced that the company’s first HxGN Local Automotive and Aerospace Summits will be held mid-October 2017. On Tuesday, October 10, Hexagon will host the day-long HxGN Local Automotive Summit at Novi, Michigan’s Suburban Collection Showplace and the company’s Wixom, Michigan, Solution
Scanning Probe Application on a Swiss-Type
September 26, 2017
A German machine shop uses a scanning touch probe on a Swiss-type to ensure 2-micron parallelism of machined slots on a compressed-air coupling component. Blog Post: 9/16/2017 Derek Korn Executive Editor, Modern Machine Shop The following case study provided by Blum-Novotest describes how Karlheinz Lehmann GmbH in Oberwolfach, Germany, is able to
Xenos Coordinate Measuring Machine Helps Research
September 26, 2017
Zeiss’ Xenos coordinate measuring machine (CMM) will be used by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at their Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) to help scientists make a measurement of the universal constant of gravitation. News Post: 9/11/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production
Surface Finish Probe Expands CMM Capability
September 26, 2017
Renishaw's SFP2 surface finish probe is designed for use with its REvo five-axis measurement system on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Renishaw’s SFP2 surface finish probe is designed for use with its Revo five-axis measurement system on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The SFP2 system consists of a probe and a range of
Coordinate Measuring Machines Provide a Range of Capabilities
September 26, 2017
Gear Expo 2017: Zeiss will introduce its line of DuraMax coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) for application flexibility. New Product Post: 9/6/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Zeiss will introduce its line of DuraMax coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) for application flexibility. These machines said to
SRP 5000 System Combines Encoder, Bearing, and Torque Motor
September 26, 2017
Heidenhain’s SRP 5000 angular positioning system incorporates its MRP 5000 angle encoder with accomplished bearing technology along with a ETEL torque motor with ultra-low detent torque, allowing for very high stiffness with low cost of ownership. New Product Post: 9/6/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production
Laser Displacement Sensor Includes Profile Analysis Library
September 26, 2017
MKS Instruments Inc. Ophir business unit offers the Optimet ConoPoint-10 Smart Sensor, a non-contact laser displacement sensor with built-in profile analysis library for fast, accurate product inspection and 2D profile measurements of complex parts. The built-in profile analysis library enables the sensor to measure, analyze and evaluate product
Metrology Software Communicates Results in 3D
September 26, 2017
InnovMetric Software has launched the 2017 version of its PolyWorks universal 3D metrology software, which, according to the company, can increase productivity by communicating results in 3D. New Product Post: 9/21/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop InnovMetric Software has launched the 2017 version of its
Instrument Calibrates Variety of Indicators
September 26, 2017
Mitutoyo America Corp. announces the release of the i-Checker, an inspection instrument specially designed to calibrate a variety of indicators, including bore gages, Digimatic indicators, dial indicators, dial test indicators and linear gages. New Product Post: 9/19/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Mitutoyo America
Laser Scanner Quickly Collects Detailed Data Over Large Area
September 26, 2017
Nikon’s ModelMaker H120 handheld laser scanner incorporates blue laser technology, a 450-Hz framerate and Nikon optics. With a field-of-view width up to 120 mm and a point resolution of up to 35 microns, it is designed for fast, detailed data collection over a large area. It provides 2,000 points per scan line and does not rely on
Praemo Joins Partners in THINC
September 26, 2017
Okuma America Corp. has announced that Praemo, an applied IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and AI company, has joined Partners in THINC. Praemo combines industry experience with IIoT and AI expertise to help customers increase productivity while reducing costs. Praemo’s Razor product securely connects to data sources and gathers pertinent
Control Module Provides Tool Management, Monitoring
September 26, 2017
The new TDM Systems Inc. Global Line 2017 Machine Process Control (MPC) module from TDM Systems provides accurate, up-to-date information about every tool and its status at the machine tool. Instead of deleting tool data from the control unit as soon as the tool is removed, MPC stores this information so histories can be tracked, tools can be
TruePath 2018 Software Predicts How Machines Will Behave
September 26, 2017
Camplete’s TruePath 2018 suite of tools is designed to take customers from the CAM system to the five-axis machine, and the release coincides with EMO Hannover 2017 taking place in Germany Sept. 18-Sept. 23. New Product Post: 8/22/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining Camplete Solutions,
Digital Group Force Analyzer Harvests Data
September 26, 2017
Kitagawa-NorthTech, Inc.’s Digital Grip Force Kit Analyzer software and kit serves as a digital tool for safety, process, and service diagnostics.  New Product Post: 8/21/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining Kitagawa-NorthTech, Inc.’s Digital Grip Force Kit Analyzer software and kit for Windows helps
Quality Data Management Software Improves Process Reliability
September 26, 2017
When a characteristic does not meet tolerance requirements, companies like Metabowerke GmbH of Nürtingen, Germany, must react quickly to troubleshoot the production problem. That reaction could be delayed if someone is using outdated inspection plans, or if there is an error in transferring manually captured measuring and inspection data.
How to Anticipate Machining Errors before Parts Are Scrapped in QA
September 26, 2017
Does the future have to look futuristic? Do its systems have to perform in a complex way? Questions like these are germane to many of the topics most relevant to the advance of manufacturing today. Take “automation,” for example. The idea is often associated with robots and entirely unattended processes. But too much bias toward that
CNC Machinist Calculator Pro Makes Quick Calculations
September 26, 2017
CNC Machinist Calculator Pro is a machining calculator app for smartphones that can be used by manufacturing engineers, CNC programmers, machinists, operators, tool and die makers, inspectors, and at-home hobbyists for quick calculations. New Product Post: 8/30/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining CNC Machinist
Control Technology Provider Demonstrates How CNC Advances Factory Digitalization
September 26, 2017
How users and builders of machine tools can benefit from factory digitalization and integration is the main theme of the Siemens booth at EMO 2017. Highlights include enhancements to the company’s Sinumerik CNC software as well as the introduction of MindSphere, a cloud-based platform for hosting applications that enable manufacturing
Tool Management System Enables Operation of Multiple CNCs
September 26, 2017
The V4.1.00.00 version of NUM’s Flexium+ CNC platform provides a tool management system for operating multiple CNCs. It is designed to provide a comprehensive and accessible database that can be installed on a server platform for use with multiple CNCs in a large production plant, or used standalone on a single CNC. The software includes PLC
Top Shops Benchmarking: Providing Direction, Gaging Performance
September 26, 2017
There are a couple of primary reasons hundreds of companies each year participate in our Top Shops benchmarking survey. One reason is because the survey highlights the technologies, processes and strategies that leading companies are applying, both on the shop floor and in the front office. Another is that the participation in the survey enables
Automated Pallet Handling Software Plans Production from ERP, Pallet Stacker Systems
September 26, 2017
EMO 2017: Fastems will introduce version six of its Manufacturing Management software for automated pallet handling in metalworking, which includes planning, controlling, visualization and monitoring capabilities. New Product Post: 8/14/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Fastems will introduce version six of its
ERP Software Applies RFID to Simplify Inventory Processes
September 26, 2017
Global Shop Solutions has incorporated radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into its manufacturing ERP software to simplify time, attendance and routine inventory processes. New Product Post: 8/11/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Global Shop Solutions helps their customers achieve higher productivity
Shop Management Software Designed for Job Shops
September 26, 2017
Shoptech is releasing its web-based E2 Shop System in the form of a software as a service (SaaS). The system is designed specifically for job shops and contract manufacturers that deals with constantly changing due dates/quantities and daily job schedule changes. The system is said to fit all types of shops, facilitating estimating, orders,
ERP Enhancements Streamline Operations
September 26, 2017
Westec 2017: Henning Software will present additions to its Visual EstiTrack ERP shop management system, which include a touch scheduling board and an add-on phone and tablet app called iVET. New Product Post: 8/4/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Henning Software will present additions to its Visual EstiTrack
ERP Enhancements Streamline Operations
September 26, 2017
Westec 2017: Henning Software will present additions to its Visual EstiTrack ERP shop management system, which include a touch scheduling board and an add-on phone and tablet app called iVET. New Product Post: 8/4/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop Henning Software will present additions to its Visual EstiTrack
E-CONNECT Solution Integrates Products into ERP and MES
September 26, 2017
LNS is implementing e-CONNECT solutions to integrate their products, in particular bar feeders, into their customers’ ERP and MES systems. This will allow LNS customers to get full transparency about the workload of each machine, production cycle times and expected production at first glance, the company says. Large and small companies
Software Duplicates Operations, Procedures from One Document to Another
September 26, 2017
EMO 2017: Missler Software will showcase new functionalities for its TopSolid’Cam CAD/CAM/ERP software, which include a feature that enables operations and procedures to be duplicated from one document to another; inclusion of machine components in a machining files for managing multiple toolholders or accessories; and simulation of
Taking Shop Management Software on the Road
September 26, 2017
Wasted time away from workcenters is what the people at Henning Software had in mind when they introduced the iVET Mobile Application. This mobile app is tied directly to the company’s popular Visual EstiTrack ERP Shop Management Software. That mobility feature was important to Precision Plus, Henning’s customer in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
ECi Software Is Acquiring Exact’s Macola, JobBoss, Max Divisions
September 26, 2017
The Dutch software company Exact Group B.V. (Exact) has announced that ECi Software Solutions Inc. (Fort Worth, Texas) is acquiring its Macola, JobBoss and Max divisions. The deal, is expected to close within the next two months. The transaction is expected to allow Exact to increase focus and accelerate growth with its global solution
CAD/CAM Tailored to Die/Mold Programming
September 26, 2017
Version 4.0 of Tebis CAD/CAM software features a redesigned user interface for improved production processes in model, mold and die manufacturing.New Product Post: 7/6/2016 Edited by Katie Cattell Editorial Intern, Modern Machine Shop Version 4.0 of Tebis CAD/CAM software features a redesigned user interface for improved production processes in