MMS Blog

Measurement

IMTS Sparks Idea for Adaptive Technology in a CNC Machine Shop

An encounter with a virtual reality demonstration at the 2018 International Manufacturing Technology Show led to the discovery of adaptive technology that gives a shop’s legally blind QC inspector 20/20 vision.

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Top Shops

Top Shops Benchmarking Survey Deadline Extended

CNC machine shops now have until February 17 to complete the online survey and score a free report of its findings.

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Measurement

Companies Need a Process for Handling Returns

Review your return policy to ensure that it is clear, covers all types of returns and is being applied consistently.

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Die/Mold

Because of the Tariff on Mold Tooling, This Indiana Mold Shop’s Business is Now Booming

U.S. molders are now buying their tooling from U.S. mold builders. Precise Tooling Solutions illustrates this, and its owner makes the case for why the tariff matters.

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Shop Reins in Lead Times with Compact HMCs

Alicat Science experienced a surge in business that drove lead times to 28 days. ​​KMH300A horizontal machining centers reduced lead times to five days and gave the shop the capacity for subsequent business growth.

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Why Use Solid-State Additive Manufacturing?

New opportunities are coming thanks to 3D printing processes where the metal doesn't melt. 

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Aerospace

Multitasking Forms Hub of Shop’s Propeller Production Efficiency

Outsourcing machining for complex hub assemblies resulted in months-long lead times and lack of control. A Mazak multitasking machine allowed Whirlwind Propellers to bring production in house.

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Communication Clears Machine Monitoring's Morale Hurdles

When pen-and-paper methods of tracking job efficiency left AccuRounds’ engineers and managers in the dark, the shop switched to MachineMetrics. But machine monitoring brought morale challenges along with it. 

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The Three Pillars of Reliable Machine Shop Productivity

This shop looks for a systematic convergence of three disciplines in production management.

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Workholding

Workholding Material Conforms to 3D Surfaces

A porous, easily sculpted material provides even vacuum gripping force throughout the entire contact area with the workpiece. 

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Top Shops

Top Shops Then and Now

Altech Machining was a Top Shops winner in our inaugural benchmarking survey in 2011. So what’s the shop up to now?

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Basics

Weep Not, Waterjet Machine. Predictive Maintenance is Here.

The versatility of waterjet cutting is well known, but its reputation as a maintenance intensive technology holds it back. Predictive maintenance may change that. 

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