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Productivity Starts Before the Spindle Turns As manufacturers prepare for IMTS 2026, one message seems to connect much of the technology being presented: produce more with the resources you already have. Automation, unattended machining, five-axis and multitasking machines, AI-assisted programming, advanced workholding, tool management, connected manufacturing, and automated inspection all address the same fundamental challenge, […]

I don't know about you, but I consider myself a work in progress. Whether it's in my personal life or in business, I'm always looking for ways to improve. Sometimes those improvements are big, but more often they are small adjustments that, over time, make a meaningful difference. I have a feeling many of you […]

The metalworking industry is doing better than it has for the last four years. Now is the time to make the most out of this growing opportunity. But at what cost? When demand rises, machine shops face a familiar tension: how to increase throughput without overextending capital budgets. While new machines and automation systems can […]

After more than 3-years of contraction and one of the longest slumps in the metalworking industry, things are looking up. Personally, I have felt the energy in the market building over the last few months, and now the January numbers are in and it’s official. The metalworking index is in growth mode at 53%. Now what? […]

Thank You. It’s a simple phrase, but it carries a lot of weight. “Thank You” acknowledges effort, signals connection, and recognizes that whatever was accomplished, we accomplished it together. This time of year, we say those words more often - to family, friends, coworkers, customers, vendors, and pretty much everyone we interact with. And they […]

Top 10 Industries that Rely on CNC Machining (by Market Size) This report ranks the top 10 industries that rely most on CNC machining, based on market size, precision requirements, and manufacturing intensity. Data reflects the latest available global industry research from 2024–2025. Key Market Insights • The global CNC machine tools market is estimated […]

Purpose The following process guide is designed to identify value-added and non-value-added materials steps to improve machining operations, eliminate waste, and streamline material flow for improved efficiency, cost reduction, and consistent quality. Once steps one through eight are completed, compare your areas of improvement to the benefits of Machine-Ready Blanks (listed at the end of […]

A secret sauce isn’t just for cooking; it’s an essential ingredient for any process-based business, including manufacturing. Every successful shop has one, and it’s crucial to identify and maximize it as your point of difference. In today’s highly competitive manufacturing landscape, knowing what sets you apart and nurturing that advantage is key to sustained success. […]

Let me start by saying thank you; every one of us at TCI Precision Metals appreciates you. To our customers, thank you for trusting us with your business; for those who have not yet worked with us directly, thank you for following us and for considering us when you have a need. Every day is […]

Based on a recent plan to buy survey for 2025 conducted among job shops and OEM manufacturers, the following were selected among the top reasons to invest in new technology and equipment: Improve productivity and efficiency Reduce costs Increase capacity Improve quality These investment objectives may be attainable by adding more costly equipment to an […]