Editorial, News, and Products
United Grinding Expands Distribution Network in Mexico, US
United Grinding North America expands its distribution network in Mexico and U.S. with Intermaq in Mexico and adding two more states to Method Machine Tools’ coverage in the U.S.
Methods Machine Tools Hires New General Manager
William Keim leads Methods’ sales, services and operations throughout Texas and Louisiana.
Nakamura-Tome SC-100X2 Optimized for Complex Part Production
Turn-mill is designed to reduce cycle times and cost per piece with superimposed machining.
Methods’ MV-1000L Vertical Machining Center Offers Heavy-Duty Construction
The MV-1000L weighs 15,432 lbs and features a sturdy construction and premium components, enabling it to handle demanding machining challenges.
Method Machine Tools’ JobShop Cell Pro Offers Multiple Infeed, Outfeed Options
System includes a RoboDrill D21SiBadv Vertical Machining Center Series, which has several different pre-engineered end-of-arm and infeed/outfeed options for a range of part and capacity requirements for medium-volume applications.
The Story Behind a Machining Background Photo
The photo I added to my LinkedIn page shows the application of nifty CNC technology enabling a turn-mill to machine a complex medical device complete. It certainly seemed appropriate.
Nakamura JX-250 Offers Large Machining Area Envelope
Unit allows maximum part length and performing left and right simultaneous machining
MX-100 Multitasking Machining Center Equipped with 15-hp Upper Tool Spindle
An 8,000-rpm milling turret offers 12 tool stations with 24 indexing positions.
Methods Machine Tools Partners with OKK Corporation
Machine tools from OKK Corporation Effective October 1, 2019, Methods Machine Tools, Inc. is representing OKK Corporation in North America.
Machining Center Creates More Efficiency for Aerospace Part Manufacturer
A new precision horizontal machining center helped a shop increase throughput of a complex part by reducing setups and automating inspection while freeing up employees.
Production Machining Industry News, October 2019
Company partnerships, new hires, new credentials for CAM, a grand opening, and more are among the news in the precision machining industry this month.
Turning Machines Help Firearms Supplier Achieve Rapid Growth
Working closely with its machine tool supplier, this firearms manufacturer has quickly expanded its lineup of turning machines to deliver quality products and faster delivery.
Methods Introduces its Own Brand of VMCs
Methods Machine Tools Inc. line of Methods branded three-axis vertical and five-axis bridge-type machining centers are all engineered and built to Methods' highest specifications and quality standards.
RoboDrill EcoPlus Offers Large Tool Capacity and Increased Speed
These high-speed machining centers offer milling, drilling, tapping, deburring and chamfering.
Methods Appoints General Manager for Memphis Tech Center
Methods Machine Tools Inc.’s Jon Dobosenski has been appointed as general manager of Methods' new Memphis Technology Center.
Methods Holds Ribbon Cutting at New Memphis Tech Center
Methods Machine Tools Inc. recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the opening of its new 7,000-sq.-ft. technology center in Memphis, Tennessee.
Methods Machine Tools Partners with Company to Offer EDM Drills
Methods Machine Tools Inc. has recently partnered with Ocean Technologies Ltd. Inc. to offer EDM drills throughout the U.S. and Canada, including Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
New Tech Center to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Customers and attendees will have the opportunity to speak with Methods' application and engineering personnel during the open tour of the new facility.
Methods Machine Tools Appoints New Product Manager
Sergio Tondato stepped into the role as Richard Parenteau retired after 29 years of service with the company.
Methods Machine Tools Names New Director of Financial Services
“Matt has a skill set that is exemplary in the areas of industrial finance, communication, customer service and professionalism ‒ all which complement and strengthen our department in order to meet and exceed customers' expectations.”
Methods Machine Tools Announces Key Management Appointments
Company President Jerry Rex has been named president and CEO, and Dale Hedberg has been promoted to vice president of operations.
Methods Machine Tools Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Methods Machine Tools Inc. is celebrating its 60th anniversary by hosting open houses, holding technology events and introducing new product lines throughout the year.
Methods Celebrates 60 Years as North American Supplier
Founded in November of 1958, with three employees and a few refurbished machines, Methods Machine Tools Inc. is celebrating 60 years of supplying precision machine tools, automation and additive manufacturing products in North America.
A Beginner’s Guide to Automation
While many shops are enjoying the production benefits of robotic part handling, others are struggling to tackle the first steps of implementation. Here’s a basic guide to help provide clarity on where to begin.
Methods Machine Tools Launches Automation Center in Charlotte
To meet the demand for automation and robotics in manufacturing, Methods Machine Tools is expanding its automation capabilities with a 10,000-square-foot Automation and Integration Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Additive Manufacturing Labs Sprouting Nationwide
Methods Machine Tools has formed a subsidiary called Methods 3D, which is a partnership between Methods and 3D Systems. The new business will establish additive manufacturing labs in its Methods’ technology centers located across the country.
Multitasking Machine Produces Unique Medical Part
A turnkey multitasking center from Methods Machine Tools Inc. helped the company produce a high-tolerance, high-quality part.
Millennial Multitasking Made Easy
CNC control software is being designed with features to better fit the tendencies of younger operators.
Methods to Host Nakamura-Tome Tech Days
On May 11-12, Methods Machine Tools Inc. will open its doors to exhibit the latest Nakamura-Tome multitasking turning centers and strategies for machining precision parts.
Methods Engineer Receives 30 Under 30 Award
Brittany Speroni was chosen by SME for her exceptional talent and leadership in STEM.
A New Source for Additive Manufacturing
Methods Machine Tools Inc. has entered into a partner agreement with 3D Systems to expand its manufacturing equipment portfolio to 3D printing, immediately offering 3D Systems’ full line of professional and production 3D printers and materials.
The Y of Multitasking
The Y axis has some primary capabilities that make it extremely efficient and cost effective in multitasking operations.
Methods Sponsors Wentworth Institute Capstone Project
Methods Machine Tools Inc. sponsored a senior year capstone project for several electromechanical engineering students. The students designed an infeed system for automated cell projects.
Methods Adds Distributor
Methods Machine Tools Inc. has announced the addition of OptiPro Systems to its dealer network to represent its complete line of machine tool solutions in upstate New York.
Turning Art into High Precision Parts
Since collaborating with Methods Machine Tools Inc. and implementing its Nakamura-Tome multitasking turning centers, Honor Med Maskiner Corp. (Elgin, IL) has run more efficient processes.
CNC Programming Software Increases Precision and Speed
Programming by hand was once a reality for IM Torneria (Bologna, Italy). However, when projects with complicated components became the norm for the shop, it was obvious to the company that CAM was needed.
Methods' Metal Storm 2014
On June 11 and 12, Methods Machine Tools Inc. hosted Metal Storm 2014—an open house at the company’s recently expanded and renovated headquarters and corporate technology center in Sudbury, Mass.
New Digs for Methods
Methods Machine Tools Inc. will be holding a grand opening at its new, expanded Technology Center in Anaheim, California, on June 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day. Manufacturing professionals are welcome and encouraged to attend. The new 11,40-square-foot Methods facility supports operations in Southern California and is located at 1980 West Corporate Way.
Methods Machine Tools Partnership
Methods Machine Tools Inc. has signed an agreement to represent Yasda Precision Tools across the U.S.
Win-Win Scenario Automates a High Volume Turning Operation
What started as a sales call from Bucci Industries to Methods Machine Tools evolved into a true success story at Gardner Denver's Fort Worth, Texas facility.
Repeatability with Heavy-Duty Vertical Turning
Developments in vertical turning technology, such as multitasking functionality, have further increased these machines' relevance.
Shop Grows its Multitasking Operations
Here's a look at what this shop's expanded multitasking capabilities have meant to its success and how it plans to continue building momentum.
Machine Donation Helps Students
Methods Machine Tools has donated the use of a new vertical machining center and a turning center to Ivy Tech Community College’s Orthopedic and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (OAMTC) in Warsaw, Ind. as part of the Advanced Manufacturing and Orthopedic Quality Standards and Technical Skills certificate program curriculum.
CAM for Multitasking
Even in many smaller precision parts shops, turn-mill machines have become a significant factor. While such multitasking operations can deliver the necessary faster cycle times and throughput that this type of work demands, the complex processes can require additional programming knowledge.
Succeeding Through Automation and Production-on-Demand Solutions
Momentum is still building for manufacturing in North America.
Event Faces the Skilled Worker Shortage
The lack of skilled manufacturing workers is like the weather: Everybody complains about it, but nobody seems to be able to do anything about it, either.
Software Simplifies Turn-Mill Operations
An international player in the highly competitive aeronautics, automotive, defense and optical industries makes the most of software for multitasking program verification and optimization.
Fully Automated Part-to-CAD Measurement Verification
This digital optical comparator was designed to alleviate concerns with traditional optical comparators, and in return, provides fully automated verification of a part against its CAD data.
Practical Automation for a Variety of Turning Applications
A key way to reduce labor costs on turning centers is to add automation for part loading and unloading.
The Evolution of the Y Axis on Turn-Mill Machines
Introduced to the turn-mill machine tool design in about 1996, the Y axis was first used on a single-spindle, mill-turn lathe with a subspindle. The idea of a Y axis on a CNC originated from the quality limitation of polar interpolation and the difficulty in programming, not from electronic advances in controls or servomotor technology as one might commonly think.
April 2011 PM News
A Winning PartnershipSandvik Coromant and the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team have again extended their partnership for 2 more years.
PM News: March 2011
Cleaning Technologies Group Names New PresidentTim Piazza was named president of Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics.
December PM News
News from AME, Mazak, Methods Machine Tools, NUM, NTMA, MTConnect and the Morris Group.
PM News: October 2010
Live Tooling Manufacturer Opens U.S.
August 2010 PM News
Acquisition of Mobile Robot ProviderAdept Technology Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire privately held MobileRobots Inc., a provider of autonomous robot and automated guided vehicle (AGV) technologies.
June 2010 PM News
News from AME, Hardinge, TE-CO, Methods Machining, Nikon Metrology, Star SU, MSC, SMW Autoblok and more.
Multitasking Turning Center Enables Value-Added Service
Going the extra mile for customers is something that not all shops take advantage of for one reason or another.
May 2010 News
New Sales ManagerRandy Flores has been selected to lead Hurco Companies Inc.’s direct sales initiative in Southern California.
Simplification for the Sake of Productivity
Here's a B-axis multitasking machine designed to simplify the setup process so that more people on the shopfloor will feel comfortable running it.
Twin-ATC B-Axis Turn/Mill
Methods Machine Tools’ Nakamura-Tome Super NTMX multitasking turn-mill offers dual 24-tool ATC magazines. Full five-axis milling capability via a Fanuc 31i-A5 control is said to provide high precision and accuracy for manufacturing complex contoured components in large or small volumes for the medical, aerospace and similar industries.
Three-Turret Multitasking Center
The Nakamura-Tome multitasking turning center is said to offer 100-percent stock-on turning and machining that virtually eliminates lost productivity from tool changes. The Super NTY3 has three turrets, each with a Y axis—all in a relatively small footprint (109. 45" × 77.
Concrete Reasoning On Swiss Turning
This tech brief discusses the application of polymer concrete as a machine base material for precision Swiss turning.
Swiss Precision And Flexibility Help Shop Compete
This company is so pleased with its new Swiss-type turning center's performance that the company president calls it "the best possible way to keep this work in the United States." As his research indicated, the machine reduces labor costs by completing four or more machining operations in a single setup
Economical Production With A CNC Sliding Headstock Automatic
Builders face constant pressure to deliver equipment that can reduce machining times and labor costs. An approach to help reduce cycle times is one-pass machining, which eliminates the time and expense of refixturing parts for secondary processing and eliminates inaccuracies that can occur when parts are refixtured.