Machine Shop Media: A Beginner's Guide

Do you like talking shop?In the fast-paced world of machining and manufacturing, staying informed is crucial to success. With rapid advancements in technology and ever-evolving industry standards, professionals need reliable sources of information to keep their operations competitive and efficient. Machining media plays a vital role in bridging the knowledge gap, offering a platform for industry experts to share best practices, innovative solutions, and success stories. And, let’s be honest, it’s also entertaining. Whether you're a shop owner, machinist, engineer, or industry enthusiast, machining media is an essential tool for staying ahead in this dynamic field.This article highlights some of the leading machining publications and media outlets that provide invaluable insights, from the latest industry trends to in-depth analyses of cutting-edge techniques.

The Job Shop Show

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Image courtesy of The Job Shop Show[/caption]The job shop is a staple of American manufacturing. If you want to hear about the secrets of the most successful companies then look no further than The Job Shop Show. “We talk with the owners, suppliers, partners, and customers of custom manufacturers. Listen and learn the secrets of top performing Job Shops. The tools, techniques and backgrounds that have made them successful. All in the quest for raising the bar for Custom Manufacturing.”Our favourite: Purchasing a Job Shop“In this episode, we introduce a mysterious guest who is currently navigating the complex process of acquiring a job shop. To protect their identity due to ongoing employment, our guest remains anonymous, but their experiences and wisdom are anything but hidden. Our guest initially set out to find a small shop, but soon expanded their search to larger ventures. They share their strategies for financing a significant purchase despite limited funds and reveal what makes a shop truly appealing to them. Moreover, they candidly discuss deal-breakers that would prompt them to walk away.”Why we love it:At AMFG we always appreciate a look behind the curtain and a glimpse into the machine shop floor. This episode offers us a rare look at one shop owner’s journey into owning their own business. With insights about how potential buyers value a shop, this episode is valuable for owners and buyers alike.

TITANS of CNC

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Image courtesy of Titans of CNC[/caption]Titans of CNC needs no introduction. Of all the machining media out there, it would be difficult to pinpoint creators that are louder or prouder about machining than Titans of CNC. Nevertheless, for those not in the know, here’s a bit about these giants of the industry.“TITAN America began as a premiere job shop, delivering mission-critical parts for the world's top aerospace, sub-sea, medical, automotive, and other companies covering a vast consortium of industries.Today… TITANS of CNC has evolved into a multifaceted organization offering comprehensive resources for machinists, engineers, and enthusiasts. We have successfully embraced the digital era, leveraging social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to disseminate educational content, engage with our community, and showcase the latest advancements in machining technology. Our commitment to accessibility is evident in the user-friendly interfaces we create, and the availability of free educational materials, making high-quality CNC education accessible globally.”Our favourite: 3D Printing a Titanium Part Created By Artificial Intelligence“Trevor walks us through the process of metal 3D Printing a Titanium part on the TruPrint 2000. The ONA AV35 was used cut this part off the build plate (which was also Titanium). This part is different from previous prints because this part is not designed by a human, but instead an A.I.”Why we love it:At AMFG we love thinking about how AI will shape machining and manufacturing. Aside from data-driven decision-making, AI designed parts offer a fascinating glimpse into what could be the future of machining. If that wasn’t enough, there’s rarely a dull moment on the Titans of CNC shop floor.

Practical Machinist

“With more than 1.1 million monthly visitors, Practical Machinist is the most visited site for metalworking professionals. Practical Machinist is the easiest way to learn new techniques, get answers quickly and discuss common challenges with your peers. Join the industry’s best peer-to-peer resource today at PracticalMachinist.com.Our favourite: Inside Spire Manufacturing's High Speed Workshop“Check out Spire Manufacturing’s tour, where the roar of NASCAR engines meets the precision of cutting-edge machining. Mark Petivic, Spire Manufacturing’’s manufacturing engineer, shares the seamless integration of NASCAR-inspired techniques into their manufacturing processes. From optimizing setups to enhancing cycle times, Spire Manufacturing’s dedication to excellence is evident in every precision part they produce.”Why we love it:As AMFG has previously discussed, job shops produce parts for a vast array of industries - including motorsports. If you’re like us, you’ll find what happens on the shop floor almost as exciting as what happens on the racetrack. Nevertheless, no two job shops are the same and it’s always fascinating to see each shop’s unique approach to machining.

Modern Machine Shop

Modern Machine Shop is truly an institution of machining media. Providing machining enthusiasts with podcasts, magazines and the coveted Top Shop title, Modern Machine Shop really is a one-stop shop for all of your machining content needs. As they put it:“Modern Machine Shop is the leading publication and media brand in North America devoted to CNC machining. To report on the ways CNC machining technology is advancing and succeeding, our staff writers travel the world exploring the ways job shops, contract shops and captive operations use machining equipment, processes and strategies to become more effective and efficient. MMS combines unprecedented editorial access to manufacturing facilities with decades of experience to provide long-form content that is both insightful and impactful.We cover everything from industry news and advances in product design (including machine tools, cutting tools, workholding equipment, control systems and manufacturing software) to in-depth application stories centered around machining technology users. We report on the promise of manufacturing—its current applications, advances in technology, and the challenges of employing various machining technologies effectively to improve a company’s manufacturing operations.”Our favourite:As you might expect from a show entitled The American Manufacturing Podcast, here the MMS offers listeners a look into all things American manufacturing. Here’s the pitch: “In the United States, nothing impacts our daily lives as profoundly yet more obscurely than the health of the American manufacturing sector. Just as U.S. manufacturing began to rebound from steep job losses in the early 2000s, the worldwide pandemic lifted a curtain on deep challenges related to trade policy, global supply chains, education, automation and our ability to produce skilled workers.Season 2 explores manufacturing issues through the experiences of companies that have made intentional choices to manufacture in the U.S. With its signature focus on high-quality audio production and documentary style.”Why we love it:It’s no secret that manufacturing is often misunderstood and judged according to a set of incorrect assumptions about the industry, one of which is that international manufacturing is more significant than domestic production. We love how The American Manufacturing podcast showcases - just that.

The Manufacturer

“The Manufacturer, published by Hennik Research (part of Nineteen Group), is the premier industry publication providing manufacturing news, articles, events and insights while promoting best practice in the manufacturing industry.Covering all manufacturing sectors, The Manufacturer is an essential resource for every manufacturing boardroom and for senior management, delivering thought leadership articles, regulatory updates and best practice case studies on a monthly basis.Far from simply a print magazine, The Manufacturer has a strong digital and social presence and also offers two weekly Digital Briefing e-newsletters.”Our favourite:Keen readers of the AMFG blog may remember that The Manufacturer’s Top 100 awards recognise 100 industry professionals leading the way in manufacturing every year. Moreover, we recommend its daily news digest for anyone who wants to keep up with industry know-how.“Each day The Manufacturer compiles the top manufacturing news stories from around the web. To make your life a little easier, we trawl through all the major trade publications, broadsheets and business magazines to find you the most important manufacturing news each morning.”Why we love it:In today’s world, we’re inundated with news and current events, it can be difficult to know where to start. Every day, The Manufacturer provides a digest of the latest manufacturing news. Readers can stay informed and connected with their industry in the same amount of time that it takes to drink their morning coffee - truly the best of both worlds.

Today’s Machining World

“Today’s Machining World is a bold, creative, and unorthodox attempt to bring the drama and magic of the machining and manufacturing world to readers who appreciate something informative and fun. If you enjoy reading press releases regurgitated blandly to appease advertisers you will probably hate TMW. But if you want to read provocative, juicy, well-written and tightly edited articles that challenge your intelligence, this is an online offering worth checking out. Over 50,000 people have the blog and other materials delivered to their email box each week. We think many of them even read it.”Our favourites:Swarfcast is hosted by “Noah Graff, Editor of Today’s Machining World, and Used Machinery Dealer, interviews manufacturing company owners, equipment gurus and other brilliant folks to help professionals working in manufacturing, precision machining in particular. He and his guests discuss topics such as how to build a successful businesses and the latest machining technology.”Why we love it:When it comes to machining news, Today’s Machining World has a big attitude. We know that the machining industry is anything but boring and this media seriously packs a punch. Listening to Swarfcast offers a range of insights and fascinating conversations and with Noah Graff’s signature presenting style, you’ll be sure to have an interesting listen.

Industry Newsletters

Who knows machining better than the people working in the industry? Checking out trade association newsletters is a great way to stay up-to-date and hear from industry peers. The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) are the top trade association for machining in the United States. Their monthly publication The Record, is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of American machining. According to the NTMA, “The Record is NTMA’s Monthly Precision Manufacturing Magazine – including updates from the desk of the NTMA President, industry-focused news articles, updates on our members and chapters, and fantastic feature pieces. It also provides the information you and your shop can use on benefits, workforce development, and more.”For those looking for a global outlook, the Gauge and Tool Makers Association (GTMA) works with hundreds of manufacturers based in the UK. Their publication, Supply Chain Solutions, is an invaluable resource for keeping up to date with the latest in British manufacturing.According to GTMA, “Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) is a bi-annual publication produced by GTMA for its members and wider circulation. Each edition is themed, printed in March and September. The content is an informative mix of technical information, thought leadership, market analysis, and identification of potential manufacturing supply chain opportunities. Print copies are sent to all GTMA members and a database of key OEMs and top tier manufacturing companies across the UK. We also distribute copies at events. The page-turner online version is emailed to a validated database of 38,000 UK-based companies.

Final Thoughts

In an industry as dynamic and complex as machining, staying connected with the latest developments is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. The machining publications and media outlets we've covered are invaluable resources for professionals seeking to stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve. By regularly engaging with these platforms, you'll be better equipped to navigate challenges, embrace new technologies, and implement best practices that can propel your operations to new heights. As the machining landscape continues to evolve, these media sources will remain your trusted guides, ensuring you're always in tune with the pulse of the industry.And don’t forget, for the latest news across job shops AMFG is constantly bringing you the latest insights and trends from manufacturing as well as expert interviews from the industry’s leading figures.