Dec 26

Dec 26 From Blueprint to Finished Part: The Life Cycle of a Machined Component

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Precision Machining, Production Machining

Creating a flawless part with accurate measurements requires thoughtful planning, skilled engineering, and dedicated craftsmanship. This blog article outlines each stage of the process, from the initial idea to the thorough final inspection.

Dec 25

Dec 25 A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Career in Machining

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

Apprenticeship, CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Precision Machining, Production Machining

If you’ve ever marveled at the precision of an airplane engine, the smooth glide of a medical device, or the intricate parts inside your car, you’ve already seen the handiwork of machinists. Machining is the art and science of shaping raw materials, often metal or plastic into precise components that power our modern world.

Dec 23

Dec 23 The Career Path of a Modern Machinist

Erin Luke

CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Precision Machining

A modern machinist typically progresses through five career stages: apprenticeship, journeyman machinist, specialization, senior or expert machinist, and leadership or mentorship roles. Advancement depends on hands-on experience, technical training, certifications, and continuous learning as machining technology evolves.

Dec 22

Dec 22 Inside the Shop: A Day in the Life of a Precision Machinist

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CAD CAM, CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Precision Machining, Production Machining, Soft Skills

The shop floor hums before the sun is fully up. The air carries a faint scent of machine oil, and the rhythmic clatter of metal on metal is already underway. For a precision machinist, the day doesn’t just begin with a clock-in, it begins with a mindset: accuracy above all else.

Dec 18

Dec 18 Connecting a Cobot to a Vintage CNC Mill

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, Cobot, Machining, Manufacturing

A cobot can add a lot of value to the manufacturing process in a machine shop. It can increase the productivity of the CNC machine, while also contributing to process accuracy and consistency. Cobots can be easy to program and are safe to use.

Apr 14

Apr 14 What is CNC Machining?

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

CNC is an acronym for Computer Numerical Controlled. CNC is a type of machining practice. Besides CNC the other type of machining is manual machining. In CNC machining the workpiece is held in the machine and the CNC Programmer writes code so that the CNC machine can machine the workpiece. The CNC Machinist sets up and operates the CNC machine and oversees the machining process.

Jan 17

Jan 17 Machine Tools

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Machining, Machining, Manufacturing

A machine tool is a mechanical device that is used to machine metal components. The machine tool is essential in manufacturing processes and is used to cut, drill, and grind parts. A machine tool could be a lathe, mill, or a grinding machine. Machine tools are essential to making precision parts for production machining operations.

May 31

May 31 Starting a Career in CNC Programming

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT

CNC Programming, CNC Machining, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers

I recently had an opportunity to interview Phil Brown and Umair Riyas from NexGenCAM about how to begin a career in computer-aided manufacturing or CAM. They are applications engineers that specialize in CAM software. Phil and Umair have extensive backgrounds in CNC and CAM/CAD, they offer a few tips to others who may be interested in starting a career in the field.