Production Machining

Production Machining Production Machining covers the manufacturing of precision parts in high volumes.

Tungaloy-NTK America Inc. has expanded its DoFeedTri high-feed cutter series with additional tool body diameters for gre...
01/12/2026

Tungaloy-NTK America Inc. has expanded its DoFeedTri high-feed cutter series with additional tool body diameters for greater flexibility in matching tool geometry to application demands.

The DoFeedTri series features a high-rigidity body combined with double-sided inserts offering six cutting edges, providing cost efficiency and machining performance.

This expanded lineup enables users to:

- Select diameters tailored to specific workpiece geometry and machining conditions, reducing unnecessary tool overhang and cutting loads
- Prevent inadvertent overcutting and maintain surface integrity by aligning tool size more precisely with the material and operation
- Address a broader array of machining requirements by selecting from an expanded diameter range, covering situations previously unsupported

By refining diameter options, the tooling lineup enables improved process stability, longer tool life and more predictable outcomes, especially in high-feed applications where precision and repeatability are key.

Read the full article for details. https://www.productionmachining.com/products/tungaloy-cutter-series-boosts-performance-in-high-feed-operations-2

Can a dynamic standards framework transform your shop floor into an effective training resource?The idea of launching a ...
01/12/2026

Can a dynamic standards framework transform your shop floor into an effective training resource?

The idea of launching a training program often invokes visions of convoluted systems and time-consuming apprenticeships. Businesses already have access to the most effective training resource: their own shop floor.

To optimize training, integrate four levels of maturity:

- Level 1: Osmosis through exposure, leaving outcomes to time and chance without structure.
- Level 2: Structured training with goals, timelines, and policies, though outcomes vary without proven delivery methods.
- Level 3: Methodological approaches add regulations like training trainers and learning management systems, but training often occurs away from the shop floor.
- Level 4: Optimized programs integrate training into the natural flow of work, with minimal disruption to production.

Smart Training Solutions (STS) addresses challenges with on-the-job training. This framework includes job roles, performance measures with task lists and instructional strategies, and targeted KPIs. It uses your unique workflow as the basis, enabling instructional strategies per task based on shop floor activities.

STS creates a digital replication of your workflow, integrating with existing systems to track progress, detect opportunities, and generate reports. Connect KPIs to activities for measurable ROI.

Read the full article to explore implementing STS for training in the natural flow of work. https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/dont-leave-shopfloor-learning-to-time-and-chance

SW North America’s BF 12-21D machining center is optimized for large-scale automotive structural component manufacturing...
01/09/2026

SW North America’s BF 12-21D machining center is optimized for large-scale automotive structural component manufacturing.

This machine targets die-cast aluminum-body automotive parts, providing a cost-efficient solution for applications with higher manufacturing tolerances. Die-cast aluminum parts are being used more frequently in vehicle body construction, where manufacturing accuracy plays a less important role than for parts like gearbox or stator housings—but producing them economically is essential.

The BF 12-21D features a hybrid drive system, with X- and Z-axes driven by linear motors and the Y-axis by ball screws, achieving up to 120-m/min rapid traverse and 20-m/s² acceleration.

- Two spindles operate as independent three-axis units, each with its own tool magazine, in separate or combined working areas.
- This enables quasi-parallel loading during main processing time, such as automated component changeover in one area while the second spindle supports the other.
- As a twin-spindle machine, it functions like two machines in one, replacing two conventional single-spindle machines with one set of peripherals, yielding higher output in a smaller footprint.

Standardized interfaces for automation and MES systems, plus an integrated tablet, support status and remote monitoring to maximize availability.

Read the full article for details on this approach to high-volume production. https://www.productionmachining.com/products/sw-twin-spindle-machining-center-boosts-production-of-large-scale-components-2

Digitized and networked manufacturing processes are becoming a bigger part of the metal processing industry, including s...
01/09/2026

Digitized and networked manufacturing processes are becoming a bigger part of the metal processing industry, including sawing operations that can achieve higher efficiency, lower costs and improved process reliability.

Manual processes and isolated operations are becoming outdated in the metal processing industry. Kasto Maschinenbau provides solutions for sawing and storage of metal bar stock and sheet metal, enabling equipment to communicate autonomously for more efficient processes.

“When it comes to sawing, we no longer focus solely on the individual machine; we consider the entire material flow,” explains Sönke Krebber, member of the management board at Kasto. Interfaces such as OPC UA play a vital role, turning every saw cut into a component of a well-designed digital process chain.

Kasto software developments include:

- KastoLink for networking saws with other machines, storage solutions or ERP systems, providing a continuous digital process chain.
- KastoRespond for automatic sawing optimization, measuring forces on the tool to determine appropriate feed rates and accommodate material variations.
- KastoOptisaw for optimized cutting plans, assigning bar stock to orders while minimizing waste and considering parameters like kerf width.
- KastoApp for mobile control and monitoring, offering real-time status of sawing machines and prompt error notifications.

Kasto will soon introduce a new generation of machine control with smart features, intuitive operation and a role-based user guide to streamline daily operations.

Read the full article for details on these advancements. https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/why-shouldnt-sawing-be-smart-too

Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc. distributes Tecnicrafts Industries’ precision collets and guide bushings, designed fo...
01/08/2026

Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc. distributes Tecnicrafts Industries’ precision collets and guide bushings, designed for Swiss-type CNC lathes and various turning applications.

These tools are exclusively used for Swiss turning on machine brands such as Citizen-Cincom, Tsugami, Star, Tornos, Hanwha, Traub, Hardinge, Manurhin-Kmx, Miyano and Nomura.

- Collets are available in steel and carbide-lined versions with grooved, smooth and serrated bores in standard and long-nose types. Specialized options include V-line, U-line and over-grip collets for positive gripping of delicate parts without marks. Ultra-precision (XP) W-type collets suit tool grinding on machines like Rollomatic, Anca and Ewag. Other types include 5C and 16C.

- Guide bushings feature carbide lining with a super-finish bore of less than 0.4 μm roughness. Specialized versions include U-line, extended nose and long carbide bores for specific turning applications.

- Bar feeder collets support brands like Fedek, LNS, Ikura-seiki, Iemca, Citizen and FMB.

All collets and guide bushings come in standard and precision grades, with bore profiles including round, square, hexagon, rectangular and custom options per customer drawings. https://www.productionmachining.com/products/platinum-tooling-collets-guide-bushings-optimized-turning-operations-2

Given the growing acceptance of citric passivation, shops might find bringing this process in-house can lower manufactur...
01/08/2026

Given the growing acceptance of citric passivation, shops might find bringing this process in-house can lower manufacturing costs and speed delivery lead times.

The medical industry’s shift from nitric- to citric-based passivation is spurring machine shops such as Complexus Medical to bring that finishing process in house.

It sometimes makes sense for shops to outsource ancillary production processes required to complete the manufacture of parts to trusted vendors while focusing on what they know best — precision machining. In some cases, though, bringing select processes in-house might enable shops to lower production costs and shorten delivery times while ensuring quality.

The latter has been Complexus Medical’s experience. The Mishawaka, Indiana, contract manufacturer of complex orthopedic instruments brought in two processes that it previously outsourced — passivation and electropolishing.

- Passivation represented one of the company’s highest spends.
- The shop was driving to vendors an hour away upwards of three times a day.
- Nitric acid is terribly corrosive and damaging to machine tools, but citric passivation is much easier to work with and is about as corrosive as orange juice.

Complexus Medical purchased the passivation and electropolishing systems and constructed a dedicated room to meet environmental regulations, including significant ventilation and a makeup air system. Each process required customer validation through tests such as boil, copper sulfate, and salt sprays for passivation, and material removal consistency for electropolishing.

These systems position the shop to accommodate further growth and potentially win new business amid industry consolidation. Read the full article for details on implementation. https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/consider-bringing-passivation-in-house

For a quarter of a century, Production Machining has presented practical process and technological information that’s of...
01/06/2026

For a quarter of a century, Production Machining has presented practical process and technological information that’s of use to precision machine shops today and in the future. That won’t change.

As the brand approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, it remains dedicated to covering the complex issues of the screw machine industry, highlighting how shops leverage new technology, processes, and ideas.

Recent additions include the Additive Insights section, covering ways additive manufacturing is being applied in production environments, often alongside precision machining and other processes.

The Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) continues to provide news on technology, general business topics, and industry advocacy efforts, with strong synergy between PM, the PMPA, and the biennial Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS).

Rising paper and postage costs—estimated increases of approximately 80% for paper and 60 to 70% for periodical class postage since 2020—necessitate a return to bi-monthly print publication starting this year.

This leaner approach maintains quality and impact by leaning harder into digital channels, including the website, PM NOW e-newsletter, and social media, for more frequent updates on precision machining technology, applications, and successes.

Subscribe to PM’s free print and digital offerings at productionmachining.com/subscribe to access these resources. https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/pm-turns-25

Grob Systems Inc.’s Vario Rotary Table is designed for accurate machining of bladed turbine parts and thin-walled compon...
01/06/2026

Grob Systems Inc.’s Vario Rotary Table is designed for accurate machining of bladed turbine parts and thin-walled components with customizable configurations.

The table provides consistent, accurate machining of bladed turbine parts as well as thin-walled, slender parts. It features a customizable modular design ranging from a basic version to configurations with two dynamic, direct-drive B axes.

These independently operating B axes have specialized drive configurations to reduce stress during roughing and to reliably prevent component distortion during finishing, producing high-quality surface finishes.

Available on Grob’s five-axis G350 and G550 universal machining centers, the Vario Rotary Table promotes optimized surface quality on challenging parts of different materials and geometries, including large parts. It offers high flexibility with a movable counter-holder axis designed for a range of part sizes up to 27.6" (700-mm) blank length.

Explore the full details in the article. https://www.productionmachining.com/products/grob-rotary-table-enhances-precision-in-turbine-part-machining-2

Decades ago, Greg Cde Baca recognized an opportunity for small-parts machining in the Pacific Northwest and started a bu...
01/05/2026

Decades ago, Greg Cde Baca recognized an opportunity for small-parts machining in the Pacific Northwest and started a business with one bar-fed Swiss-type lathe.

His shop, Pacific Swiss and Manufacturing, has since expanded to provide precision parts to customers in multiple countries using Swiss-types and only Swiss-types, some of which might run 24/7.

Focusing exclusively on CNC Swiss-type lathes since 2005, the company addresses the challenge of producing complex small and micro parts down to 0.01-inch in various metals and plastics, achieving tolerances as tight as ±0.0005 inch and surface finishes of 16 Ra.

Key to this approach is refining unattended/lights-out processes, enabling higher productivity and machines running 24/7, supported by reliable bar feeders handling stock as small as 2 mm.

- Partnerships with suppliers like Marubeni Citizen-Cincom and LNS provide consistent machine performance and support.
- Low-frequency vibration technology aids in machining materials prone to stringy chips.
- In-house solutions, such as reclaiming cutting oil from plastic chips via a washing machine, enhance efficiency.

This dedication to Swiss-type machining serves industries including medical, aerospace, and electronics, with a quality policy aimed at zero defects.

Explore the full details of Pacific Swiss and Manufacturing's growth and processes. https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/swiss-from-the-start

The TS0501 finishing grade provides optimal tool life, surface finish and reliability in demanding aerospace and energy ...
01/05/2026

The TS0501 finishing grade provides optimal tool life, surface finish and reliability in demanding aerospace and energy applications.

Machining modern high-hardness superalloys and traditional materials such as Inconel 718 presents significant challenges, particularly in achieving consistent precision during lights-out operations.

Seco Tools’ TS0501 Duratomic finishing grade addresses these demands with advanced wear resistance and thermal stability, enabling high-precision finishing of heat-resistant superalloys.

- Optimized edge geometry for consistent performance in unmanned operations
- Available in a range of geometries and chipbreakers to suit various finishing needs
- Fully compatible with existing toolholders for seamless integration

“When you’re machining modern, high-hardness aerospace components, there’s zero room for error. That’s exactly why we developed TS0501 — to give manufacturers a tool they can trust to deliver flawless finishes, also on superalloys, shift after shift, even when no one’s watching the machine,” says Mikael Lindholm, global product manager, general ISO turning.

Read the full article for more details on this solution. https://www.productionmachining.com/products/seco-tools-finishing-grade-extends-tool-life-2

Relocating a manufacturing facility after 75 years demands careful attention to planning, people, and purpose.Beyond fin...
01/02/2026

Relocating a manufacturing facility after 75 years demands careful attention to planning, people, and purpose.

Beyond financial and logistical considerations, W.H. Bagshaw's transition emphasized hiring expertise to guide the process. A seasoned project planner, with decades in manufacturing and relocation experience, sequenced every step to ensure clarity and manage stress. "He's seen everything that can go wrong," says Vice President Adria Bagshaw. "He's helped us sequence every step so we knew exactly who's doing what."

Employee engagement formed the core of the effort. Instead of outsourcing, the company relied on its team for tasks like cleaning, painting, and layout design. Volunteers and interns contributed, fostering a sense of ownership. "They've put their heart and soul into this building," Adria notes. "We're a family business in every sense."

Recognition and transparency further supported success. A machinist with architectural training designed the layout and will be honored on a plaque alongside others. Visual communication, such as large printed layouts with sticky notes for comments, kept everyone involved and addressed overlooked details like storage and hand washing stations.

This approach enabled W.H. Bagshaw to open on schedule, guided by experience, collaboration, and teamwork. Read the full story to explore how such moves build the next generation of a company. https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/its-a-moving-experience-part-2

Star SU’s chamfer hob is designed for burr-free chamfers and high-precision gear production with versatile applications....
01/02/2026

Star SU’s chamfer hob is designed for burr-free chamfers and high-precision gear production with versatile applications.

This chamfer hob performs like a hob tool, eliminating the need for extra finishing and offering several benefits, including:

- Burr-free, high-precision chamfers
- Long tool life and low cost
- Versatility for standard or complex gear profiles and interference limitations
- Optimized for large-scale production

The chamfer hob is tailored to individual gear geometry for maximum precision and reliability. Additionally, it addresses chamfering challenges such as shaft gear with shoulder interference, ring gear with fixture interference and inclined lateral surface gear.

Explore the details in our full coverage. https://www.productionmachining.com/products/star-su-chamfer-hob-enhances-precision-gear-manufacturing-2

Address

Newtown, OH

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15135278800

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Production Machining posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category

About Us

The Production Machining media brand covers advanced new technology, practices and processes in the manufacture of precision machined parts in high volumes. Its editors travel extensively across the country and the world to create in-depth application stories centered around real users of precision machining equipment. The brand, which features a monthly magazine, website, blog and e-newsletter, also provides industry news, information about new equipment and technical articles detailing innovative machining technology that companies can use to grow their businesses.

Production Machining is published by Gardner Business Media.

Gardner Business Media is the premier publisher for the heart of manufacturing in North America – providing unique, one-of-a-kind, relevant information of keen interest to the people who power plants, shops and factories. Gardner Business Media was founded in 1928 (as Gardner Publications Inc.) in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the introduction of Modern Machine Shop magazine. To this day, Modern Machine Shop is recognized around the world as the premier metalworking and machine tool publication in North America. Since then, Gardner has built a niche with eight titles focused on one area: manufacturing. We bring industrial buyers and sellers together through our integrated approach to media.