Machinist Weekly Brief: June 3–9, 2025
From resilient machinery orders and new tariffs impacting material costs to advancements in automation and additive manufacturing, here’s the most relevant news for the machining industry from the past week:
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U.S. Machinery Orders Show Resilient Upswing Despite April Dip
New orders for U.S. metalworking machinery reached $444.9 million in April 2025, a nearly 40% increase from April 2024, despite a typical monthly decline from March. Year-to-date orders through April 2025 totaled $1.69 billion, up 17.8% over the previous year, indicating sustained growth. Contract machine shops showed particular resilience, with orders declining by only 6.3% month-over-month, outperforming the broader market. This strong performance, despite some waning optimism from manufacturers, suggests continued capital investment in production capabilities. It signals ongoing demand for machinists’ skills and the integration of advanced equipment.
Published: June 9, 2025
https://www.amtonline.org/article/machinery-orders-continue-upswing-despite-typical-april-decline -
U.S. Implements Stiffer Steel & Aluminum Tariffs, Sparks Legal Battles
The U.S. doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, effective June 4, 2025, as mandated by President Trump. This move, aimed at bolstering domestic production, excludes imports from the UK, which remain at 25%. The tariff increase coincides with ongoing legal challenges to previous tariff actions, with U.S. courts ruling certain tariffs unlawful. However, a stay allows for continued collection during the expedited appeal process. This policy will likely accelerate reshoring and increase demand for U.S.-based metal fabrication and machining services. Machinists and manufacturers should anticipate potential material cost fluctuations due to this regulatory uncertainty.
Published: June 3, 2025
Tariff Updates: Steel and Aluminum Increases, Lawsuits and Key Dates You Need to KnowPerformance Racing Industry -
AMT Member News Highlights Industry Growth and Strategic Partnerships
The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) released its member news on June 3, 2025, highlighting significant growth and strategic partnerships in the U.S. manufacturing technology sector. Six new members from various U.S. states joined, indicating diversification within the community. New facilities, including DN Solutions’ Chicago Technical Center and Trumpf’s Smart Factory, are expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities. Strategic collaborations, such as United Grinding North America partnering with Dynamic Machine and Nikon with America Makes, aim to strengthen U.S. defense manufacturing. These developments signal new employment opportunities for machinists, particularly in areas focused on advanced gaging, automation software, and smart factory environments. They also underscore the importance of continuous learning and specialized certifications for the evolving demands of the industry.
Published: June 3, 2025
https://www.amtonline.org/article/amt-member-news-06-03-2025 -
ASTM International Launches Additive Manufacturing Certification Program
ASTM International’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) launched a new manufacturer certification program on June 6, 2025. Developed with over 25 leading OEMs like Boeing and Ford, this initiative aims to enhance quality assurance and streamline compliance in additive manufacturing (AM). The program integrates AM-specific protocols with traditional Quality Management System standards, addressing unique process intricacies and material variability. Its goal is to establish unified benchmarks, reduce redundant audits, and accelerate AM commercialization in high-performance sectors. This signifies AM’s transition to a mature production method, impacting traditional machining as AM parts increasingly require precision post-processing. Machinists will need a deeper understanding of 3D printed materials and finishing requirements for hybrid manufacturing.
Published: June 8, 2025
ASTM partners with major OEMs to launch AM certification program | VoxelMatters - The heart of additive manufacturing
Tools & Tips
- CAMWorks 2025: Enhanced CNC Programming & Simulation
HCL CAMWorks 2025, the latest CAM software release, brings significant improvements for CNC programming, seamlessly integrating with SOLIDWORKS® and Solid Edge®. Key enhancements include “Machine Aware Programming” with machine components in simulation, offering collision detection to prevent downtime. New options for Automatic Feature Recognition of Turn Features save programming time, while expanded tool options for deburring and chamfering enhance versatility. Machinists can also define milling tool orientation and utilize collets as work holding devices. These updates aim to make programming more intuitive, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency in complex machining operations, demanding a blend of traditional skill with digital proficiency.
CAMWorks 2025 | HCL CAMWorks | CAD CAM Software | CAM Software
Fun Fact
Did you know the concept of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining has surprising roots in 16th-century Swiss watchmaking? The demand for incredibly precise, consistently measured parts for these intricate timepieces led to the invention of the automatic screw machine. This early innovation, designed to produce long, slender components with exactitude, laid the foundational groundwork for today’s automated, precision-driven CNC processes. This historical connection highlights that the core driver of machining innovation has always been the relentless pursuit of higher precision and consistency. While technology has evolved, the fundamental value of machining—its ability to create highly accurate parts—remains a defining characteristic of the craft.
10 Facts About the CNC Industry
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