Machinist Weekly Brief: June 24–30, 2025
Hello, fellow machinists! As the gears of innovation continue to turn, the world of manufacturing is buzzing with new developments, challenges, and exciting opportunities. This past week, June 24-30, 2025, has been no exception, bringing forth significant updates that shape our trade. From the latest in smart factory technology to ongoing efforts to build our skilled workforce, staying informed is key to navigating our dynamic industry. Let’s dive into some of the most impactful news and practical tips from across the U.S. that are directly relevant to our community.
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Manufacturers Eager for Smart Tech, Face Deployment Hurdles
New research indicates that manufacturers are keen to adopt smart manufacturing technologies, including AI, automation, and IIoT, but they’re encountering difficulties in deployment. Nearly a third (30%) of manufacturers admit to having trouble integrating and deploying these new systems, often due to outdated existing infrastructure or limitations in scalability. A significant challenge highlighted is the inability to obtain real-time data for quick, informed decisions, a concern for 40% of leaders. Despite these hurdles, 80% of manufacturers are dedicating resources to AI implementation or planning to do so soon, with 40% prioritizing AI and automation for digital transformation.
Published: June 25, 2025
https://www.intelligentcio.com/eu/2025/06/25/new-research-reveals-manufacturers-eager-to-adopt-smart-manufacturing-technologies-but-face-deployment-challenges/ -
U.S. Navy Leverages Additive Manufacturing for F-35 Tool Production
The U.S. Navy is now relying on additive manufacturing (AM) to rapidly produce an O-ring installation tool for all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. This initiative, spearheaded by Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), successfully completed a batch of 2,000 tools in less than two weeks, a mere fraction of the six months it would traditionally take using conventional acquisition methods. This rapid turnaround highlights AM’s transition from a niche technology to a reliable, agile solution for enhancing supply chain resilience and enabling on-demand production in high-stakes environments.
Published: June 25, 2025
US Navy will rely on AM to produce an O-ring installation tool for all three variants of the fifth-generation fighter jet - 3D ADEPT MEDIA -
SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing Competition Spotlights Future Talent
SME and Stratasys announced the winners of the 2025 SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing Competition on June 30, showcasing how future manufacturing skills are being shaped. The competition challenged students to design and prototype next-generation electric vehicles using additive manufacturing, emphasizing innovative design principles for lightweight structures and energy-efficient features. This event highlights the growing importance of understanding design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) and sustainable production practices for machinists entering the field.
Published: June 30, 2025
SME, Stratasys Announce Winners of 2025 SkillsUSA Additive -
U.S. Manufacturing Sector Expands Amidst Inflationary Pressures
The U.S. manufacturing sector continued its expansion in June, with the S&P Global US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) indicating ongoing growth and manufacturing output rising for the first time since February. This upward trend suggests a robust and active period for the sector, reflecting increased demand and production. However, this positive growth is tempered by persistent inflationary pressures that have risen sharply over the past two months, introducing an element of uncertainty to the economic outlook for manufacturers.
Published: June 24, 2025
Member Briefing June 24, 2025 - Council of Industry of Southeastern New York
Tools & Tips
- ESPRIT EDGE 2025 CAM Software:
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division released ESPRIT EDGE 2025 on June 25, its industry-leading computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. This major update addresses productivity and skills challenges by leveraging AI services powered by Hexagon’s cloud-based Nexus platform, offering smarter CAM for smart manufacturing.
https://metrology.news/june-2025-metrology-news-magazine/
Fun Fact
Did you know that the lathe, one of the most fundamental machine tools we use today, has roots stretching back to ancient Egypt around 1300 BCE? Early versions, like the “Egyptian Bow Lathe,” were operated by two people: one turning the workpiece with a bow-like device, and the other shaping the material with hand tools. This ingenious ancient innovation laid the groundwork for all future advancements in machining, demonstrating that the core principles of shaping materials with precision have been central to human ingenuity for millennia.
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Machinist events or utilized new Machinist tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.