Guide to Machine Tools News and Trends

Keep up with the latest machine tool technology

By Denise Brown

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay informed with articles about machine tools

You can find articles from respected machine tool dealers and leading manufacturers to help keep you abreast on the news and trends within the machining industry.

I recommend: You can find several articles on machine tools at Machine Tools Online. You can change the search parameters from machine tools news and trends to downloads or products to get a better idea of the new industrial machine tools available. Automation.com provides a number of articles and white papers on the latest machine tool technology.

Sign up for newsletters on machine tools

The majority of newsletters are free online. They often provide a number of theoretical articles regarding machine tools news and trends. Additionally, they also frequently provide a number of hands-on tips and techniques you can use to make your automatic machine tools operate more efficiently.

I recommend: Modern Machine Shop offers a newsletter about industrial machine parts and machinery tools. You can also find a collection of articles from past issues. You can read the current issue of American Machinist online to find machine tools news and trends. You can also subscribe to the paper magazine.

Find practical information about using machine tools on blogs

While you may find some blogs that are biased, they are more likely to offer information regarding the day-to-day usage of your industrial machine tools. From these blogs, you can keep track of a number of trends within the industry.

I recommend: Check out the blog from TheFabricator.com. The articles, written by experts in the field, provide current machine tool information. You can use the search function to find machine-specific information. GlobalSpec offers a machine tools and metalworking blog as well.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  People who work industrial machine tools follow economic news closely because they know their jobs are often dependent on how well the economy is faring. In a tight economy, the machine tools news and trends are more likely to focus on ways to make machining profitable with existing equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Figure out what kind of machine tools your shop needs

What your shop makes will determine the machine tools you need. Take stock of your best-selling products and the ones you plan to produce in the future, and look for machine tools made for those needs.

I recommend: Go to MachineTools.com and click on the name of the machine to get the specs for the type of machine tools they have for sale. Industrial Machinery also offers a catalog with thumbnails that lead to your selection.

Familiarize yourself with industrial machine parts and their suppliers

Know where to go for the right parts for your machine tools. Suppliers have access to machine parts from all over the world.

I recommend: MacRAE's Blue Book provides information on more than 250 industrial machine parts companies. ThomasNet offers links to more than 1000 companies that make and distribute machine parts.

Compare what the major machine tool dealers offer

Some manufacturers specialize in particular areas of machine design. Shop around to make sure you know which manufacturers make machine tools that best fit your needs. Check out the competition to compare costs and products.

I recommend: Findamachine.com offers an online database that lets you search hundreds of machines currently for sale, either by company name or type of machine. American Machine Tools Corp. lists links to types of machines and shows prices, capabilities and manufacturers.

Look into buying used machine tools

Machine tools aren't cheap. If you don't need the latest tool fresh off the factory floor, consider buying used CNC tools. You could save thousands of dollars.

I recommend: A. Green Company, Inc. provides up-to-date information on used machine tools for sale. Premier Equipment carries a large inventory of used machine tools.

Consider leasing machine tools

Leasing lets you acquire machine tools without an up-front cash payment, so your cash flow can continue uninterrupted and you can build good credit. Ask your financial and tax adviser about whether leasing machine tools is the right choice for you.

I recommend: Calculate your lease payments with the emachinetool.com machine leasing company's online calculator. Fidelity Leasing specializes in machine tool leasing.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you make complex parts, you may need a five-axis machine. Whatever you choose should make producing your industrial machine parts more cost-efficient.
• •  Choose industrial machine tools your employees are comfortable with. User-friendly software will cost much less in training time.
• •  Training employees to operate, program and set up five-axis machines is challenging. Operating this type of industrial machine tool requires the skill to visualize a three-dimensional component.
• •  If you've been using manual lathes to make small parts such as gears, consider upgrading to a two-axis turning center. You probably won't need anything more complex.
• •  A five-axis machine tool or multitasking turn/mill center can handle most jobs that fit within their part volume.
• •  Multi-axis machining centers can do the work of two older machines and save time, which makes them cost-effective.

Guide to Making the Most of Machine Tools

Learn how to make your machine tools last longer

By Denise Brown

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Begin making the most of machine tools by knowing more about them

Read operator's manuals periodically, regardless of how familiar you are with a machine. You can always learn more machine tool information and it's easy to forget information if you don't use a piece of equipment daily.

I recommend: American Machine Tools has detailed information on running many industrial machine tools, including information on how to safely operate a metal lathe. MachineToolsOnline.com offers extensive information on a variety of machine tools. Just search for the specific machine parts or machinery tools you want to know more about. From there you can find machinery parts, in addition to articles and other downloads.

Practice safety to make your machine tools last longer

Safety must come first at all times for your workers. But safe operations also means your machine tools are going to last longer. Set down strict rules and make sure your workers obey them.

I recommend: Harvard has a list of simple procedures to follow in a machine shop to make sure you are safe. You can easily adapt the directions provided to help with making the most of machine tools in your shop. You can find a discussion of safety related issues in this article from TheFabricator. It addresses industrial machine parts usage and safety according to OSHA standards.

Quickly identify machine parts when a repair is necessary

The quickest way to do that is to keep operator's manuals handy. Unfortunately they wear out or get lost. Find operator's manuals online so you can quickly figure out what parts you need to get repairs done in a timely manner.

I recommend: Enco provides a number of operator’s manuals for automated machine tools on their website. Gallery Of Machines has an extensive listing of operator’s manuals you can order.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Visit with machine tool dealers regularly. Of course they want to sell you something, but a good dealer can give you information and tips to help you get more value from your machine tools.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Machine tool and machining

A machine tool is any powered mechanical device. Most commonly, machine tools selectively remove metal from an object to form the desired shape. This process is called machining.

I recommend: Learn about the history of machine tools at emachinetool.com.

Drill press

The drill press, also known as a bench or pedestal drill, is used to punch holes in metal, wood, or other materials. Drill presses are typically upright devices that operate when the drill bit is lowered by means of a set of handles.

I recommend: Lowe's has a handy guide that describes how to select a home drill press. It also covers the basic operation of a drill press.

Milling machine

A milling machine shapes wood or metal by moving drills or cutting heads around a piece of material that may be moved or held stationary, depending on the cutting procedure being performed. These complex and expensive machine tools are often operated by computer.

I recommend: American Machine Tools has an excellent "How to use a Milling Machine" guide that illustrates several types of milling machine.

Lathe

A lathe works by rapidly turning an object between two spinning surfaces. While spinning, the object (usually wood or metal) is shaped by means of extra-hard cutting tools. Lathes are used to form everything from baseball bats to camshafts.

I recommend: Learn more about lathe basics at Sawdust Making 101.

Grinder or grinding machine

A grinder, or grinding machine, uses a spinning abrasive grinding wheel to smooth, shape, or cut metal or wood.

I recommend: Global Sources shows a variety of grinding machines, including bench grinders, angle grinders and wheel grinders.

Hobbing machine or gear hobbing machine

A hobbing or gear hobbing machine is a specialized milling machine that cuts metal gears. It is typically a high-volume machine used in industrial situations to cut gears from blanks.

I recommend: Modern Machine Shop has photos and specifications for several impressive hobbing machines.