Monday, April 22, 2019
All News
IMTS Technology Trends, Top Shops Data
September 26, 2017
During IMTS, Mark Albert, Pete Zelinski and I were featured in a few videos in which we offered our thoughts largely about three industry trends: additive manufacturing (AM), data-driven manufacturing and robotic automation. (You can find these videos at imts.com/imtstv.) These trends were certainly conspicuous at this year’s show as
Commerce Secretary Highlights 3-Pronged U.S. Advantage
September 26, 2017
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered a message of optimism for manufacturing during the well-attended International Manufacturing Technology Show in September. Blog Post: 9/30/2016 Matt Danford Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered a message of optimism for manufacturing during the well-attended
FFG’s Jimmy Chu Comments on Acquisitions Strategy
September 26, 2017
On September 12, we sat down with Jimmy Chu, chairman and founder of Fair Friend Group (FFG). While some North Americans may be unfamiliar with the company, Chu has acquired his way to building FFG into one of the world’s leading machine tool concerns. With last year’s acquisition of MAG IAS (Germany), the Taiwan-based FFG now ranks
Wearing IMTS Like a Badge of Honor
September 26, 2017
Throughout my week at this larger-than-life event, from hall to hall, I witnessed several attendees and exhibitors alike announcing how many IMTS events they’ve attended. Oliver Leopold, 13 (second from right), YouTube sensation, poses with his Smartforce Student Summit team, Robotronics First Lego League. This is already Oliver’s
IMTS 2016 Hosts Highest Number of Exhibiting Companies in Show History
September 26, 2017
The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) has released the final numbers for IMTS 2016, which ran from September 12-17 at Chicago, Illinois’ McCormick Place. This 31st edition of the show was the third largest in number of registrations (115,612) and in net square feet of exhibit space (1,370,256). The show hosted the highest
A Case for Trade Show “Extras”
September 26, 2017
While it is important to just walk the show floor to see what new technology is available, make sure you are checking the show for lunches, knowledge bars and other opportunities to learn. Blog Post: 12/15/2016 Emily Probst Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop SEW Eurodrive's Plant Manager Chuck Chandler shared how and why his company began
Slideshow: Trends and Technology at IMTS 2016
September 26, 2017
The size and scope of a show like IMTS makes it impossible to cover everything of interest, but here's a taste of the technology and trends we were taking note of this year. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker was the keynote speaker for the opening ceremony. “There are three key reasons why ‘Made in America’ remains the
Video: "Technology Applied"—Adventure Episode
September 26, 2017
For students who are considering a career in manufacturing, cutting tool maker Sandvik Coromant produced this virtual field trip to the International Manufacturing Technology Show, the largest event for manufacturing professionals in North America. This video—created and filmed by Underhouse Studio—shows the real-life technology used to
Manufacturing Day Producers Announce Edge Factor as New Media Partner
September 26, 2017
Edge Factor will produce a virtual event package to allow more schools to participate in the annual MFG Day. The partner organizations that produce MFG Day across North America have announced that Edge Factor has joined the production team as a Media Partner. Edge Factor is a media production company that creates high-impact media that tell
Do Your Kids Know What You Did at IMTS?
September 26, 2017
See videos aimed at young people that were filmed at IMTS and broadcast to schools while the show was underway. These videos are part of a new microsite with resources to help kids understand careers in manufacturing. Blog Post: 9/25/2014 Peter Zelinski Editor-in-Chief, Modern Machine Shop Sandvik Coromant used the recent International
Video: "Technology Applied"—Aircraft Episode
September 26, 2017
For students who are considering a career in manufacturing, cutting tool maker Sandvik Coromant produced this virtual field trip to the International Manufacturing Technology Show, the largest event for manufacturing professionals in North America. This video—created and filmed by Underhouse Studio—shows the real-life technology used to
Video: "Technology Applied"—Automotive Episode
September 26, 2017
For students considering a career in manufacturing: This virtual field trip to the biggest manufacturing event in North America shows the manufacturing technology used to make automotive parts. For students who are considering a career in manufacturing, cutting tool maker Sandvik Coromant produced this virtual field trip to the International
Edge Factor Partners with Community College for Student Design Competition
September 26, 2017
Television and educational media producer Edge Factor is teaming up with Randolph Community College (Randolph, North Carolina) to launch a student design competition “with a reality show twist” called Reality Redesigned. The project is aimed at empowering students to become makers and challenging parent perceptions of manufacturing
Manufacturing Day Producers Announce Edge Factor as Strategic Content Partner
September 26, 2017
The co-producers of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) have named Edge Factor Strategic Content Partner for MFG Day 2016. The national event supports manufacturers as they host community members at open houses to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers. Edge Factor’s role is to equip event hosts with inspirational media resources.The
Edge Factor Partners with Haas Automation to Film Virtual Field Trip, Career Profile Videos
September 26, 2017
The Edge Factor crew recently filmed at Haas Automation’s headquarters in Oxnard, California, to produce a virtual field trip of the 1 million-square-foot facility and 14 career profile videos to make available as educational resources for students pursuing manufacturing careers. The field trip video will be shared with schools and the Haas
Edge Factor, Mastercam Continue Partnership in 2016
September 26, 2017
The film “Masters of Resonance” is currently in postproduction, and the partners will work on a variety of other media and educational projects as well. News Post: 3/14/2016 Edited by Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop CNC Software Inc./Mastercam (Tolland, Connecticut) has announced its continued partnership with media
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