The Value of Aligning Efforts to Promote Manufacturing Careers
Edited by Derek Korn
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.
#workforcedevelopment
Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining December 2023
By: Jan Schafer
While still contracting, Precision Machining activity in December showed its first real uptick since August 2023.
Bar Feeder Designed with Swiss-Types in Mind
By: Derek Korn
New technology enables this bar feeder to fully support the bar pusher and stock from inside the unit all the way to the spindle of a sliding headstock lathe.
#techbrief
Important Machining Factors of Carbon Steels
By: Miles Free
Learn the factors that contribute to carbon steels and their machinability as well as the 1214 steels, 1215 steels and 1018 steels, other grades, and more.
#basics
Should You Bring Tool Regrinding In-House?
By: Lucas Hale
In some situations, the potentially high investment in an in-house tool grinding process can be justified with a relatively fast ROI. (Includes video.)
German Project Yields Three New Medical Machining Processes
By: Derek Korn
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.
#techbrief
Career Transitions, Loyalty and Major League Baseball
By: Matthew Kirchner
Never bite the hand that feeds you.
#columns
Addressing Machining’s Necessary Evil
By: Derek Korn
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.
#columns
PM’s Top 10 Articles of 2023
By: Derek Korn
This batch of Production Machining articles that got the most clicks in 2023 cover a range of topics, technology and new ideas.
CNC Rotary Transfer Machine Features Ballscrew Electromechanical Tooling Units
By: Derek Korn
A CNC rotary transfer machine, a newly developed machine platform, is said to offer high rigidity, flexibility and accuracy for a range of high-volume, precision-machining applications.
#techbrief
Reaming as an Alternative to Single-Point Boring
Edited by Derek Korn
Using slip yokes as an example, reaming through holes can be more efficient and effective than single-point boring operations.
#techbrief
10 Ways AI Might Impact Manufacturers
By: John Davis
Artificial intelligence offers the promise of assisting decision-making processes and boost overall manufacturing efficiency.
#columns
Precision Machining Technology Review: December 2023
Edited by Chris Pasion
Production Machining’s December 2023 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Sandvik Coromant, Nikon Metrology, The L.S. Starrett Co., Walter USA, Kennametal and SolidCAM.
Roles of Women in Manufacturing: What I Learned
By: Carli Kistler-Miller
Over 20 women were featured in the Roles of Women in Manufacturing series, which started in January 2023.
#pmpa
Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining November 2023
By: Jan Schafer
Precision Machining activity has contracted at about the same rate for three months straight.
Machining Unleaded Materials — Reliability is Possible
By: Miles Free
Leaded steel is no longer produced in the United States. How do shops approach unleaded brass and steel machining?
#pmpa
Production Machining's December 2023 News Highlights
Edited by Chris Pasion
Production Machining’s December 2023 news highlights include new partnerships, mergers, grand openings and more.
How to Start a Swiss Machining Department From Scratch
Contributed by Brent Donaldson
When Shamrock Precision needed to cut production time of its bread-and-butter parts in half, it turned to a new type of machine tool and a new CAD/CAM system. Here’s how the company succeeded despite the newness of it all.
The Case for Higher-Performing Metalworking Fluids
By: Ryan Gates
Machine shops have the opportunity to enhance their profitability by choosing the proper metalworking fluids for each machining application.
#techbrief #metalworkingfluids
An Automation Comeback Story
By: Derek Korn
Alexandria Industries struggled with its first robotic machining cell. However, the aluminum extrusion components manufacturer — now with more than 20 robots — discovered that by simplifying and standardizing its automation strategy, it could reap the benefits of unattended machining even for relatively low batch sizes.
