Hexagon Software Enhances Measurement of Complex Geometries
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division launched Quindos 2026.1, a metrology suite that adds full CMM Check 3.0 compliance, variable high‑speed scanning, and rotary‑table workflow support for multiaxis measurement, while expanding gear‑analysis tools. The update also brings E57 point‑cloud handling and UI enhancements to speed inspection planning and execution. In parallel, RoboDK introduced RoboDK CAM, software that automatically converts CAD models into robot code, integrates with major CAD/CAM platforms, and claims up to a 40 % reduction in testing time. Both releases aim to accelerate precision manufacturing and lower engineering overhead.
Sandvik Coromant Sensorized Turning Adapter Provides Real-Time Insight for Turning Operations
Sandvik Coromant introduced the CoroTurn Plus sensorized turning adapter, which captures cutting forces, vibration, chatter and incut status in real time. The data streams to CoroPlus Viewer for passive visualization or to CoroPlus Connected for active machine‑level protection. By flagging...
Three Ways to Succeed in a New Market
Three precision‑machining shops illustrate distinct pathways to capture new markets. Coastal Machine pivoted from oil‑gas to aerospace by investing in DMG MORI five‑axis machines and real‑time monitoring, achieving a 60/40 aerospace‑oil‑gas mix. Aerotech Machining paired its large‑part aerospace business with a...
Starrett Digital Comparator Streamlines Part Inspection
Starrett introduced the HDV250 digital comparator, replacing traditional projection screens with a high‑resolution camera, LED‑ring illumination and fully digital traceability, delivering micron‑level accuracy and easier training for small‑to‑mid‑scale shops. Mitutoyo launched the Crysta‑Apex V Plus CMM, which adds real‑time temperature...
WEBINAR: From Machine Data to Guided Action: How Modern Shops Are Closing the Execution Gap
MachineMetrics hosted a webinar titled “From Machine Data to Guided Action,” highlighting how manufacturers can close the execution gap that separates real‑time machine data from actionable decisions. The session featured Product Manager Josh Fish and Pindel Global Precision’s Thomas Deslongchamps,...
When Buffers Do the Work and When Your Process Should
Manufacturers have long relied on buffers—inventory, cycle‑time slack, inspection delays—to absorb variability, much like Apollo 11’s fuel reserve. Recent shop‑floor innovations are shrinking those cushions by tightening process control, from single‑piece implant production that slashes lead times to high‑speed machining...
Machine Monitoring Boosts Five-Axis Utilization by 46%
Coastal Machine and Supply, a Louisiana shop that shifted from oil‑gas to aerospace and defense, launched a Datanomix pilot in early 2025 to monitor its five‑axis DMG MORI DMC 85. Real‑time dashboards on the shop floor revealed utilization far below expectations, prompting...
RoboDK CAM Solution Cuts Robotic Machining Deployment Times
RoboDK launched RoboDK CAM, a software that auto‑generates robot code from CAD designs, cutting robotic machining deployment from days to minutes and reducing testing time by up to 40%. The solution offers both a standalone interface and integrated add‑ins for...
Single Pair Ethernet Provides a Single Digital Communication Technology for Industry
Single‑pair Ethernet (SPE) is emerging as a unified communication layer for industrial automation, replacing the traditional mix of fieldbus and multi‑pair Ethernet. By using just one copper pair, SPE reduces cable bulk, extends reach up to one kilometre without repeaters,...
Top Shops Conference Expands, Adds Products Finishing
The Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Conference is expanding to co‑host the Products Finishing Top Shops Conference on October 6‑7, 2026 in Cleveland’s Huntington Convention Center. Presented by Gardner Business Media and GROW Industrial Intelligence, the joint event merges the CNC machining...
WATCH: 3-Flute Solid Carbide 90º End Mills for Maximum Performance in Aluminum Alloys
Ingersoll has introduced a new line of premium 3‑flute solid‑carbide 90º end mills aimed at high‑speed aluminum alloy machining. The tools feature variable‑pitch and variable‑helix geometry to suppress vibration, and coolant‑through capability on diameters .250″ and larger for better chip...
How I Made It: George Schuetz, Director of Precision Gages, Mahr Inc.
George Schuetz, Director of Precision Gages at Mahr Inc., reflects on a five‑decade career that began in electronic engineering and evolved through Federal Products’ diverse gage lines. He highlights how his "Gaging Tips" column was created to teach shop‑floor technicians...
Tungaloy Exchangeable-Head Systems Reduce Carbide Consumption
Tungaloy Corp. introduced exchangeable‑head solid carbide systems, letting manufacturers replace only worn cutting heads to curb carbide consumption amid rising tungsten prices. The DrillMeister drilling and TungMeister milling platforms provide modular heads for diverse high‑precision operations, reducing inventory and waste....
Metalworking Index Continues Expansion Into March
The Gardner Business Index (GBI) Metalworking sector stayed in expansion for a third straight month, posting a reading of 55.3 in March 2026. Production remained robust, staying above the 60‑point threshold, while most sub‑indices slipped slightly but stayed in positive...
10 Minutes to Influence U.S. Manufacturing Policy
The Reshoring Initiative and Regions Recruiting have launched a 10‑minute survey aimed at original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers to capture current reshoring and foreign direct investment trends. The questionnaire also probes how upcoming 2025 federal manufacturing policies could influence...
How to Scale Production With the Right Adjustments at the Right Times
Scaling volume machining requires timing adjustments to the data the machine provides. The first part should be used only to validate the setup, correcting gross errors and chatter while ignoring subtle deviations. Between parts two and ten, a small population...
Automated Single-Piece Workflow Revolutionizes Implant Manufacturing
Orthopedic implant maker Mach Medical has introduced an automated single‑piece workflow that slashes lead times from 20 weeks to three. By standardizing castings and using a Flexxbotics cell with a Universal Robots cobot, vision system, five‑axis machining and in‑process inspection,...
LK Metrology Bridge-Type CMMs Enable Precise Measurement of Large, Heavy Components
LK Metrology introduced the Maxima and Maxima R bridge‑type coordinate measuring machines, offering the industry’s largest granite‑table measurement volume of 12–72 m³. The machines achieve repeatable accuracy down to 3 µm thanks to advanced ceramic guideways, low‑gap air bearings, and a high stiffness‑to‑weight...
Cut Cycle Times Through an HPC and HSM Ecosystem
High‑performance cutting (HPC) and high‑speed machining (HSM) are reshaping metal‑removal strategies by pairing aggressive feeds with rigid machines or rapid, light cuts with high spindle acceleration. Sandvik Coromant’s latest tool geometries, unequal‑helix designs and heat‑resistant PVD coatings enable both approaches while...
Star Cutter Double Pilot Reamer Provides Optimized Size Control
Star Cutter Co. introduced its Double Pilot Reamer, a fully guided cutting tool that delivers ten‑times longer tool life and superior surface finishes for deep‑hole, high‑precision barrel machining across aerospace, defense, and medical sectors. The reamer’s stabilized design eliminates chatter,...
Chiron Group Appoints New CEO
Chiron Group SE announced Roman Gaida as its new chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2026, with the added responsibility of leading global sales. Gaida brings extensive experience from roles at Wieland, OC Oerlikon Balzers, Mitsubishi Electric and most recently as chief sales officer at...
Do Shops Need More Machinists or Better Tooling?
Machine shops face a growing shortage of skilled machinists, prompting owners to seek ways to sustain productivity. One practical solution is upgrading to high‑accuracy, precise, and stable cutting inserts that minimize offset adjustments. Horn’s inserts, manufactured to tolerances as tight...
HCL CAM Software Update Adds Swiss-Type Functionality
HCL Software released CAMWorks 2026, adding native Swiss‑type CNC functionality that automates complex programming, synchronizes multiple machine axes, and includes a segmentation manager for long‑part machining. The update also integrates tightly with SolidWorks, 3DExperience SolidWorks and Solid Edge, allowing toolpaths to update...
How White-Light Interferometry Enables Nanometer Surface Height Measurement of Critical Components
White‑light interferometry (WLI) provides non‑contact surface height measurement with vertical resolution down to single‑digit nanometers and even Angstroms, surpassing LED confocal microscopy’s 10 nm limit. By analyzing interference fringes between measurement and reference beams, WLI achieves precision unattainable with traditional lens‑based...
SMW Autoblok Mechatronic Grippers Feature High Gripping Forces
SMW Autoblok has expanded its MOTIACT line with the MX‑L 335 and MX‑L 520 long‑stroke mechatronic grippers, delivering up to 40 kN of gripping force and jaw strokes of 55 mm and 99 mm respectively. The grippers feature aluminium housings, integrated absolute position sensors, and...
Integrated Metrology Solution Powers Lights-Out Aerospace Production
Acutec Precision Aerospace equipped three DMG MORI NZX 2000 nine‑axis mill‑turn centers with an inline metrology cell that combines a Mitutoyo MiSTAR 555 CMM and a FANUC robotic arm. The system moves parts directly from machining to measurement, delivering inspection results...
ESOPs and Profit-Sharing Inspire Employees to Upskill
Manufacturers adopting employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and profit‑sharing schemes see stronger workforce motivation and skill development. Companies like Astro Machine Works reported ESOP share values soaring from $1.12 to $114.50, while bonus programs tied to cash‑flow performance encourage staff...
How I Made It: Joseph Alonso, Founder of Novo Modo Machining
Joseph Alonso founded Novo Modo Machining in 2023, introducing standardized cells for complex five‑axis work. By the end of 2025 he projects $4 million in annual revenue, leveraging his early‑stage real‑estate investments for capital. The company plans to scale through a...
InnovMetric, Faro Creaform Integration Enables Direct Data Acquisition
InnovMetric and Faro Creaform have integrated Faro’s auto‑referencing multi‑line 3D scanners directly into PolyWorks|Inspector, allowing real‑time data capture, visualization, and dimensional analysis without switching software. The workflow streamlines training, accelerates onboarding, and ensures consistent inspection templates across global OEM plants. Meanwhile,...
Exair Fluid Filtration System Maintains Optimal Coolant Efficiency
Exair has introduced a Chip Trapper lid rebuild kit that restores worn sealing components, enabling older pneumatic vacuum filtration units to regain near‑new performance across 30‑, 55‑, and 110‑gallon models. The kit replaces bulkhead, quick‑connect, and gasket parts, extending coolant...
Methods for Threading Blind Holes in Thin Materials
Blind threaded holes in thin sections often cause manufacturability problems because the required full thread depth competes with hidden depth losses. The drill point’s conical tip, the tap’s lead‑in, and a necessary clearance zone together reduce usable thread length, threatening...
No Slowing Down – Metalworking Index Continues Climb
The Gardner Business Index (GBI) for metalworking rose 3.3 points in February, reaching 56.3 and confirming expansion. Five of the six component metrics are above the 50‑point threshold, with production and new orders both topping 60, matching early‑2022 peaks. The...
4 Key Growth Opportunities to Boost CNC Machining Workforce
The U.S. CNC machining sector faces a deep talent gap, with hundreds of thousands of open positions despite a workforce of roughly 12.7 million manufacturing employees. Median machinist age is 46.9, and retirements are outpacing new talent, risking up to 2.1 million...
Achieving More Versatility From Three-Point Gaging
Three-point micrometers, long‑standing tools for bore measurement, are being upgraded with digital readout technology. The self‑centering cone mechanism eliminates manual alignment, while interchangeable heads allow a single digital micrometer to serve multiple size ranges. Integrated features such as tolerance alerts,...
Mazak Open House Event Highlights Motorsports Part Production
Mazak hosted a two‑day "Discover More with Mazak" open house at its Dallas Technical Center on March 11‑12, showcasing a suite of high‑performance machines aimed at motorsports part production. Attendees saw the Variaxis i‑700T five‑axis center, QT‑Ez 12MY horizontal turning...
Meviy Batch Dimension, Tolerance Feature Supports CNC Milling Workflows
Misumi Group has enhanced its Meviy on‑demand parts service with a batch dimension and tolerance feature that lets engineers assign a single positional tolerance to all holes of a given type, accelerating CNC milling detailing and supporting tolerances as tight...
Why Setups Are the Real Bottleneck in High-Mix Machining
High‑mix machining shops are discovering that the true production bottleneck is not the cutting operation but the myriad setup tasks required for each part. Dustin Sanks of Sanks Machining quantifies the hidden work, showing that a 20‑minute tool‑load can outweigh...
DSI Merges With NexGen Solutions to Expand Manufacturing Software Expertise
Design and Software International (DSI) has merged with NexGen Solutions, operating under the DSI brand to create a larger CAD/CAM software and services organization. The combined entity expands its Autodesk partnership and adds expertise in simulation, additive manufacturing, robotics, and...
Methods Machine Tools Appoints VP of Aftermarket
Methods Machine Tools announced the appointment of Jon Casten as vice president of aftermarket, bringing over 25 years of post‑sales leadership to steer its service, parts, warranty and customer support operations. Casten previously drove on‑time delivery above 98% and lifted...
Studer Motion Meeting 2026 Emphasizes Strong Foundations
Studer, part of United Machining Solutions, reported a mixed 2025 performance with a slow first half but a strong Q4 that limited year‑over‑year sales decline. Machine orders rose, driven by 44% first‑time customers, and the service division set new maintenance...
Quoting in a Changing Industrial Landscape
Manufacturers are confronting a generational shift in industrial buyers who prioritize speed and digital tools, forcing job shops to overhaul their quoting processes. Data from Paperless Parts shows that responding to quotes within two hours yields a 90%+ win rate,...
Global Shop Solutions AI Tools Streamline Manufacturing Processes
Global Shop Solutions launched two AI‑driven modules—AI Accounts Payable Automation and AI Sales Order Entry—integrated into its ERP platform. The AP tool scans invoices, extracts key data and matches them to purchase orders, eliminating manual entry and reducing errors. The...