Videos

At IMTS 2024, Chris Halter showcased Oerlikon Balzers' latest innovations in PVD coating technology, featuring the new INVENTA system with Advanced Arc Technology for enhanced productivity and sustainability. Highlights included the BALINIT® ALCRONA EVO coating, offering superior wear resistance for gear cutting and forming applications, and the Domino Kila flex system for small-scale operations. Attendees also explored cutting-edge solutions from Oerlikon Metco and Oerlikon AM, emphasizing thermal spraying, metal additive manufacturing, and sustainable, high-performance surface technologies.

Explore System 3R's latest advancements in manufacturing automation. Anders Hagström introduces the Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR), built to streamline material handling and boost production efficiency. The video also highlights the updated WorkShopManager 5.0 software, offering an improved user interface, advanced fixture management capabilities, and real-time dashboards to monitor equipment performance.

Join us for a special year-end episode of Bourbon With The Editor as we sit down with Ed Tichelaar, Michigan Application Engineer at Vargus USA, to explore the latest breakthroughs and innovations for 2025. From cutting-edge tooling like Mach Supersonic Threading, to the revolutionary new VT10 grade and the debut of new helical threading solutions, this conversation dives deep into how Vargus continues to push the boundaries of machining excellence.

In this episode, Dennis Spaeth and John Treese discuss Master Fluid Solutions over a glass of bourbon, exploring the company’s journey, products, and contributions to the industry. Established in 1951, Master Fluid Solutions has built a reputation for innovation in water-soluble cutting fluids, offering patented technologies and trusted advisory services to optimize customer operations. The company emphasizes community involvement, product development led by chemists, and robust training programs for new employees and distributors. At IMTS 2024, Master Fluid Solutions highlights industry advancements and its enduring commitment to excellence under its rebranded name while maintaining the legacy of the Trim brand, reintroduced in 2017.

Explore the advancements in gripping technology at the SMW Autoblok booth during IMTS 2024, focusing on a programmable movement gripper for clean environments. This technology enhances production efficiency with controlled grip force and movement. It features inductive couplers for rotation, electrically actuated systems, and feedback mechanisms for monitoring. The modular design and innovative clamping solutions cater to diverse applications, ensuring all workholding needs for automation are met.

James Sabatino, a sales engineer from Marubeni Citizen-Cincom, explains thread whirling technology used in CNC machining. This process is crucial for creating complex threads, especially in medical applications. It utilizes a spinning ring for controlled cutting, which is effective for tough materials like titanium. The modular units from MCC adapt to various machines, and innovations like tandem thread whirls enhance versatility. The A320 Swiss machine supports this technology for intricate part production.

NSK America Corporation manufactures high-speed precision spindles and micro grinders, offering adaptable systems for various machines. Their spindles reach speeds of 50,000 RPM and 80,000 RPM, suitable for micro and nano machining. The iSpeed series allows for quick tool changes, while the E3000 series features a 30mm straight spindle for specialty applications. NSK also provides electric micro grinders with multiple RPM options and compatibility with various attachments.

The United Grinding booth at IMTS 2024 features key innovations led by Simon Manns. The Walter Power Diamond machine celebrates its 30th anniversary with advanced erosion packages. The Helitronic Mini Plus includes a laser contour check and video conferencing. The Helitronic G 200 is an entry-level machine designed for lights-out operation. Precision measuring is showcased with the Helicheck Nano and Helicheck Plus, while automated tool production is demonstrated with a robot for efficient tool transport.

ZCC USA showcases its efficient cutting tools, including solid drills and milling products. New for 2024 are the GMX Series Universal End Mills and XML-12 high-feed mills, designed to enhance material removal efficiency. The company also introduces chip breakers and high-efficiency milling cutters for improved tool longevity, along with the YBH053 turning grade for hardened materials and the FMR11 milling cutter series for fast material removal. ZCC USA celebrates 20 years in the American market.

Cullen Morrison introduces the C 650 machine at the Hermle USA booth during IMTS 2024. He demonstrates its capabilities through a project involving a Volkswagen T1 Bus, highlighting the challenges in manufacturing and the solutions provided by partners. The process involves various tools, transitioning from roughing to detailed work, and extensive surfacing for a quality finish. Cullen appreciates the partnership with Moldino Tool Engineering and anticipates future collaborations.

IMTS 2024 showcases the Koma Precision booth, featuring the KMA-60 SmartLoader. This compact and affordable loader meets the demand for efficient pallet changers with a small footprint. It operates with rotary pallets, handling up to 60 parts of various sizes, supporting both high-mix, low-volume, and high-volume production. The design focuses on affordability to enhance automation and speed up part processing in shops.

Scott Walrath showcases the OptiLine series of End Mills, offering four, five, six, and seven flute configurations tailored for diverse machining applications. These tools are available in sizes ranging from 0.005 inches to 2 inches, providing exceptional versatility and precision. Kenny Green introduces the MaxiMill 211 DC, an innovative 3D-printed coolant-through cutter designed to enhance cooling efficiency. Ideal for machining high-temperature alloys, titanium, and nickel, the MaxiMill 211 DC ensures superior performance in demanding applications.

Jason Taylor, Mazak's Product Manager, highlights the EZ Loader 20, a compact automation system featuring a collaborative robot with a 20 kg payload capacity. Designed for efficient loading and unloading, it integrates a vision sensor for precise operations and supports high-mix workpiece production. He also presents the VC-EZ 20X vertical machining center, equipped with a CAT 40 spindle capable of 12,000 RPM, ideal for precise and versatile milling tasks. Additionally, he discusses Mazak's advanced five-axis solutions, emphasizing their expansive travel capacity and spindle performance, suitable for complex machining applications​.

At noon CST Dec. 11, discover how Baker Industries, a leader in large-scale machining for aerospace, automotive, defense, and shipbuilding, is redefining heavy manufacturing. In this exclusive webinar, General Manager Brian Baker shares insights into their advanced machining capabilities, including Emco Mecof Powermill HP5 gantry machining centers, 3D printing innovations, and strategies to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure on-time delivery. Learn how Baker Industries handles massive components with precision, invests in redundancy for customer peace of mind, and maintains the highest quality standards. Join us to explore key trends, ask questions, and gain actionable insights into large-scale machining and heavy equipment manufacturing.

Step into the Vargus USA booth at IMTS 2024 to explore innovative threading solutions transforming the medical sector. Featuring advanced bone screws and dental implants, these products showcase Vargus’s commitment to precision and efficiency.

Mike Coffey, a field service engineer at Rush Machinery, showcases the RushCut, a PLC-controlled machine designed for efficient cutoffs. It features adjustable clamping, customizable work holding, and a direct coolant system for enhanced performance. The user-friendly touchscreen allows for easy programming, while safety features prevent operation with the door open. Coffey also presents the end profile grinder, emphasizing its programmable functions and convenient loading options.

Step into the future of manufacturing automation with system 3R at IMTS 2024! This year, system 3R unveiled its cutting-edge Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR), designed to boost productivity by autonomously transporting materials between workstations. Seamlessly integrating with existing systems, the AMR is a game-changer for fully automated factory environments.

Tapmatic Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer based in North Idaho, has specialized in tapping attachments since 1952. Their product lineup includes the self-reversing Drill-n-Tap 50, designed for both drilling and tapping operations, and various CNC tapping heads tailored for high-volume applications. Additionally, Tapmatic offers marking tools like the TapWriter® for dot peen marking and the ScribeWriter® for scribing, as well as innovative deburring solutions such as the DeBurr-Z floating tool holder. Their collaboration with O.M.G. Srl. enhances their product range, featuring digital angle heads and MOX series spindle speeders to improve machine performance.

In this episode of Bourbon with the Editor, host Dennis Spaeth explores the cutting-edge world of CNC machining with special guest William Nash, featuring live demos and in-depth discussions from IMTS 2024. To kick things off, Dennis raises a glass of Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon—a small-batch spirit crafted with the same precision and dedication found in high-tech manufacturing. Finished in port wine barrels, this award-winning bourbon delivers a rich, complex flavor profile, making it the perfect pairing for a conversation on CNC’s intricate capabilities.

Jim Finnerty, the Product Manager at Wintriss Controls Group, presented updates on their ShopFloorConnect software at FABTECH 2024, highlighting new flexible and affordable starting packages. These updates include scalable subscription options tailored for manufacturers seeking production tracking, OEE calculations, and real-time machine data collection.