IMTS 2026 returns to McCormick Place in Chicago September 14–19, bringing together manufacturers, machine shops and technology suppliers from across the metalworking industry. Several of the manufacturers represented by JMI CNC Tooling & Automation will be exhibiting, giving attendees an opportunity to see the latest developments in cutting tools, CNC workholding, deburring, Swiss machining and manufacturing automation.

Here are nine JMI principals to put on your IMTS 2026 show plan.

AB Tools manufactures high-performance rotary cutting tools for milling, holemaking, deburring and other CNC machining applications. The company is particularly well known for its Shear-Hog® line of aluminum roughing cutters, designed for aggressive material removal in non-ferrous materials, along with Accu-Hold tooling and custom cutting-tool capabilities.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432264 — Tooling & Workholding

ARNO USA offers a broad range of indexable cutting tools for turning, grooving, parting, drilling and milling, with tooling engineered around productivity, chip control and process reliability. IMTS visitors can explore ARNO solutions ranging from its SHARK drilling systems and parting and grooving tools to advanced tooling with precision coolant delivery.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431585 — Tooling & Workholding
  

Blue Photon provides an alternative approach to holding complex, delicate and difficult-to-clamp components during machining and manufacturing. Its photo-activated adhesive workholding technology can secure parts without conventional clamps obstructing critical surfaces, making the system particularly interesting for 5-axis machining, aerospace components and other challenging workholding applications.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431446 — Tooling & Workholding

Brush Research Manufacturing, BRM, is the developer of the Flex-Hone® tool and manufactures a wide range of abrasive nylon brushes and industrial brushing products for deburring, edge blending and surface finishing. Its tooling can be integrated directly into CNC machining operations, making it possible to perform processes such as cross-hole deburring and surface conditioning as part of the machining cycle.

• North Building, Level 3 — 237148 — Abrasive Machining/Sawing/Finishing
  

Jergens is a major supplier of CNC workholding, quick-change fixturing and 5-axis machining solutions, including Ball Lock® mounting systems, Zero Point Systems, self-centering vises and modular workholding components. At IMTS 2026, Jergens will showcase workholding technologies aimed at reducing setup and changeover time while improving part accessibility, repeatability and opportunities for machining automation.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431910 — Tooling & Workholding
  

Masa Tool is the developer of the Microconic™ workholding system, a precision collet system designed to improve sub-spindle workholding on Swiss-type CNC machines and other small-part turning applications. Microconic provides highly accurate, repeatable gripping close to the workpiece while offering interchangeable collets across compatible cartridges and machine configurations.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432163 — Tooling & Workholding
  

Pratt Burnerd America and Atlas Workholding provide a broad range of precision lathe chucks and engineered workholding systems for CNC turning applications. Their product offering includes manual and power chucks, collet systems, special chucks, mandrels and custom workholding solutions for applications ranging from general machining to demanding production environments.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431384 — Tooling & Workholding
  

Soph specializes in magnetic workholding and material-handling solutions designed to simplify setups and provide unobstructed access to workpieces. Magnetic chucks and related systems can be particularly valuable for grinding, milling and other applications where conventional clamps may interfere with machining access or increase setup complexity.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432184 — Tooling & Workholding
  

Tapmatic has been developing tapping attachments and secondary machining tools for more than 70 years, with solutions for tapping, marking, deburring and related manufacturing operations. Its product range gives manufacturers options for improving thread production and adding secondary operations to CNC machines and other production equipment.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431322 — Tooling & Workholding
  

From high-performance cutting tools and Swiss machining workholding to 5-axis fixturing, magnetic workholding and automated deburring, JMI's manufacturing partners will have a wide range of technologies on display at IMTS 2026.

If you're attending the show and would like help identifying which tooling or workholding solutions make sense for a particular machining application, contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation or visit our principals at their booths throughout McCormick Place.

by Bernard Martin

Pneumatic workholding occupies a position between conventional manually operated vises and more complex hydraulic workholding systems. It provides powered, controllable clamping using a resource already available in most machine shops—compressed air.

The Jergens Pneumatic Self-Centering Vise applies this principle to compact 5-axis workholding. Rather than simply replacing a hand-operated screw with an air cylinder, the system combines pneumatic actuation with synchronized jaw movement, adjustable clamping force and a low-profile geometry intended to preserve tool access around the workpiece.

Understanding how these elements work together helps explain where pneumatic workholding can offer an advantage in your production and automated machining.

In a conventional vise with one fixed and one moving jaw, the workpiece is referenced against the fixed jaw. A self-centering vise works differently.

Both jaws move simultaneously toward or away from the vise centerline. As the jaws close, the workpiece is positioned approximately symmetrically about that centerline.
This is particularly useful in 4- and 5-axis machining, where the center of the workpiece is frequently positioned close to the rotational center of the machine setup. Maintaining that relationship can simplify programming and allow different workpiece sizes to be accommodated without changing the fundamental work offset strategy.

Jergens' pneumatic vise replaces manual actuation with a double-acting pneumatic mechanism. Air pressure is used to positively actuate the vise in both directions—clamping and unclamping—rather than relying on a spring return for one half of the cycle.

That becomes important when the vise is incorporated into an automated process because both states can be commanded pneumatically.

A pneumatic actuator converts air pressure acting over a piston area into mechanical force. At its simplest:

Force = Pressure × Effective Piston Area
The actual clamping force at the jaws also depends on the internal mechanical geometry and losses within the vise.

For the Jergens pneumatic self-centering vise, the manufacturer publishes the following relationship between input pressure and resulting clamping force:

The nearly linear relationship is significant because it allows clamping force to be controlled through regulated air pressure.

Instead of depending on an operator to reproduce the same tightening torque with a wrench, the pneumatic system can be supplied at a predetermined pressure for each cycle.

That can improve process consistency, particularly when machining parts that can be distorted by excessive clamping force or when the same workholding system is used across several applications.

Generating sufficient clamping force is only one requirement of a precision vise. The direction in which that force is transmitted into the workpiece also matters.

One common problem in vise workholding is jaw lift. As the movable components are loaded, clearances and elastic deformation can allow the jaw or workpiece to move slightly upward rather than remaining firmly seated against the locating surface.
Even a small amount of vertical movement can affect part location, parallelism and repeatability.

Jergens addresses this with quick-change jaws incorporating a pull-down feature intended to minimize jaw lift during clamping. The objective is not simply to squeeze the workpiece horizontally, but to help maintain its seated position as clamping force increases.

For 5-axis machining—where a part may subsequently be subjected to cutting forces from several directions—maintaining that initial seating condition is particularly important.

The pneumatic mechanism provides approximately 0.220" of clamping stroke.
That number needs to be understood correctly.

Pneumatic stroke is not necessarily the same thing as the total range of workpiece sizes the vise can accommodate. The jaws are mechanically positioned for the approximate workpiece size, while the pneumatic stroke provides the final movement required to clamp and release the part.

This design eliminates requiring a large pneumatic actuator to move the jaws across the vise's entire usable range and makes it well suited to production machining using robotic part loading, where successive workpieces are nominally the same dimensions.

Workholding geometry becomes increasingly important as additional machine axes are introduced. On a 3-axis machining center, spindle access is primarily from above. In simultaneous or positional 5-axis machining, the spindle may approach the component from the side or at a significant angle.

A tall vise body or excessive material surrounding the workpiece can create interference between the spindle, toolholder, cutting tool and fixture.

The compact Jergens design is therefore about more than saving table space. Keeping the vise relatively low while elevating the workpiece above the machine table helps increase the angular access available to the cutting tool.

This can allow more features to be machined in a single setup and reduce the amount of workpiece repositioning required between operations.

Powered workholding also introduces a consideration that manual vises do not have: how the energy reaches the fixture. The Jergens vise provides both bottom pneumatic ports for manifold-style plumbing and side ports for external air-line connections.

Bottom plumbing can be advantageous when designing a dedicated fixture or pallet because air passages can potentially be routed through the fixture structure rather than having hoses surrounding the work envelope.

Side connections provide a more straightforward approach when adding pneumatic workholding to an existing machine or when a manifold is unnecessary.

This flexibility becomes increasingly important when multiple vises are installed on a tombstone, rotary table, trunnion or automated pallet.

The vise itself is only one component of a pneumatic workholding installation.  Air pressure must be filtered and regulated, directional valves must control airflow, and the system requires appropriate fittings, hoses and gauges. Automated installations also need a method for the CNC, PLC or automation controller to command the valves.
Jergens addresses this with its 130mm Pneumatic Self-Centering Vise Kits.

Depending on configuration, these packages can incorporate filtration and regulation, pressure gauges, pneumatic valves, fittings and color-coded air lines. Versions are available with manually actuated valves as well as 24VDC solenoid valves for electrically controlled installations.

Jergens also offers high-pressure booster configurations for applications requiring greater pneumatic pressure.

For CNC automation, the solenoid-controlled configuration is particularly relevant. Instead of requiring an operator to open or close the vise, an electrical command can actuate the pneumatic valve, allowing clamping and unclamping to become part of the machine or automation sequence.

Pneumatic workholding does not replace every manual or hydraulic vise.The available clamping force, workpiece geometry, cutting forces, required rigidity and failure-mode requirements still need to be evaluated for the specific machining process.

Where pneumatics become particularly attractive is in applications requiring frequent and repeatable clamp/unclamp cycles without necessarily requiring the force density and infrastructure of a hydraulic system.

That can include robot or cobot loading, repetitive production machining, palletized workholding and operator-loaded processes where reducing manual intervention is valuable.

The Jergens Pneumatic Self-Centering Vise combines that powered actuation with the geometry of a compact 5-axis vise. More importantly, its regulated clamping force, double-acting operation, self-centering jaw movement and pneumatic control options make the workholding itself something that can be integrated into the machining process rather than treated as a purely manual fixture.

For shops moving toward automated machining, that distinction can be just as important as automating the loading of the part.

Ready to Put Pneumatic Workholding to Work?Whether you’re automating part loading, improving clamping consistency or looking for a more efficient workholding solution for 5-axis machining, the right vise and pneumatic configuration depend on the application. Contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation to learn more about Jergens pneumatic self-centering vises and find the right workholding solution for your CNC machining application.

by Bernard Martin

Shrink-fit toolholding is widely used in high-speed machining because it creates a rigid, concentric connection between the toolholder and the cutting tool. The process relies on controlled heat to expand the bore of a shrink-fit holder so the tool can be inserted.  As the holder cools, it contracts around the tool shank and forms a uniform clamping interface with excellent runout control and high holding force.

The Bilz ThermoGrip® ISG1200 is designed as a compact entry-level shrink-fit machine that allows shops to implement shrink fit technology quickly and cost effectively.

The ISG1200 uses energy-efficient induction heating to generate localized heat directly in the toolholder. Induction heating reduces thermal stress on the holder and limits heat exposure to surrounding components. The controlled heating cycle expands the holder bore just enough to allow tool insertion while maintaining dimensional stability. That's a round about way of saying that consistent shrink cycles contributes to long toolholder service life.

Bilz designed the ISG1200 to simplify operation in everyday shop environments. Shrink parameters can be entered quickly by scanning barcodes, allowing operators to select the correct heating cycle without manual programming. The system centers the cutting tool precisely during the shrink process, helping maintain the runout performance required for high-speed roughing and finishing operations.

The ISG1200 supports a broad range of shrink-fit tooling used in modern CNC machining centers. The system accommodates tool diametersfrom Ø3 mm (1/8") to Ø32 mm (1-1/4"), making it suitable for both small end mills and larger milling tools.

The clamping range covers all Bilz shrink-fit chuck styles including T, TSF, TB, and TER. High-speed steel tools can be clamped in the Ø10–20 mm (3/8"–3/4") range, while carbide tools are supported from Ø3–32 mm (1/8"–1-1/4").


Tool length capacity is also designed to accommodate typical machining center configurations. The maximum tool length measured from the taper zero line reaches 390 mm (15.35") when using HSK-A63 holders, allowing longer assemblies to be installed and removed without difficulty.

Efficient cooling is an important factor in shrink-fit systems because it reduces cycle time and protects the dimensional accuracy of the holder. The ISG1200 includes integrated air cooling to accelerate the cooling process after tool insertion. Additional cooling solutions are optionally available for applications that require even faster turnaround. The system provides a cooling length of up to 200 mm (7.87"), allowing effective temperature control across a wide range of toolholder sizes.

The compact design of the ISG1200 allows it to fit easily into tool preparation areas where space may be limited. Its small footprint supports mobile use within the shop, making it possible to position the machine near tool presetters or assembly benches.

Despite its compact size, the shrink-fit connection delivers high holding force and long-term clamping stability, even in environments where toolholders may be exposed to residual cutting fluids or oil.

Bilz ThermoGrip shrink technology has been used in production environments for more than two decades. During that time the system has become known for its ability to deliver repeatable clamping performance, minimal runout, and reliable toolholding strength. The ISG1200 extends those capabilities to shops that want a compact and accessible entry point into shrink-fit toolholding.

The below video demonstrates the Bilz ThermoGrip® shrink process and shows how the ISG1200 performs rapid heating and controlled cooling to install and remove tools from shrink-fit holders.

For more information about the Bilz ThermoGrip® ISG1200 shrink unit or to discuss how shrink-fit toolholding can improve precision and rigidity in your machining operations, contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation. Our team can help you evaluate the right ThermoGrip system for your shop.

by Bernard Martin

Firearm components frequently incorporate modular mounting interfaces that allow accessories to be attached without permanent modification to the platform. One of the most widely adopted standards is the M-LOK interface, which uses a series of precisely sized slots with controlled chamfer geometry to secure accessories using T-nuts. Producing these features consistently requires tooling that can machine the slot profile and edge condition in a predictable and repeatable manner.

AB Tools manufactures a dedicated solid carbide M-LOK Slot and Chamfer Cutter designed specifically for this application. The tool combines slot generation and chamfering in a single operation, allowing manufacturers to machine the interface geometry directly in the machining center without secondary finishing steps. The result is a controlled feature profile that meets the dimensional requirements of the M-LOK standard while maintaining efficient cycle times.

Tool Geometry Designed for the M-LOK Interface
The geometry of the cutter is built around the functional requirements of the M-LOK mounting system. Each slot must provide a flat-bottom pocket with precise length and width, along with a chamfer that allows the accessory T-nut to rotate and lock properly against the underside of the mounting surface. Deviations in slot width, corner condition, or chamfer angle can affect the clamping force and alignment of the mounted accessory.

AB Tools addresses these requirements with a solid carbide cutter that integrates the slotting and chamfer features into a single tool body. The cutting edges generate the slot while simultaneously producing the required chamfer geometry along the slot edges. This approach eliminates the need to index multiple tools or perform secondary deburring operations, which reduces the potential for tolerance stack-up between machining steps.

Solid carbide construction provides the rigidity required for machining aluminum receiver components, handguards, and accessory rails. The tool maintains consistent edge integrity under high spindle speeds and feed rates commonly used in firearm component production. Stable cutting conditions help maintain consistent slot dimensions across production batches.

One-Tool Machining of Slot and Edge Condition
Traditional machining of M-LOK interfaces may involve separate tools for slot milling and chamfering. Each tool change adds cycle time and introduces the potential for positional variation between operations. The AB Tools design allows the entire slot feature to be machined in one pass, maintaining positional accuracy between the slot floor and chamfer edges.

This integrated approach simplifies CNC programming as well. The machining path generates the complete slot profile in a single toolpath sequence, allowing programmers to maintain consistent geometry across multiple slots along a handguard or mounting surface. Shops producing large quantities of firearm components benefit from reduced setup complexity and predictable machining results.

The tool geometry also supports smooth chip evacuation during slotting operations. Effective chip control is important when machining long rows of slots in aluminum components, where chip recutting can affect surface finish and dimensional consistency. The cutter design promotes stable chip flow while maintaining the structural strength required for the chamfering edges.

Consistency in High-Volume Firearm Manufacturing
Production machining of firearm components often involves large batches of identical parts with repeated interface features. M-LOK slots are typically arranged in evenly spaced patterns across handguards, receiver extensions, and accessory mounting plates. Maintaining dimensional consistency across dozens of slots on a single part requires tooling that can maintain edge stability over long production runs.

AB Tools solid carbide cutters are manufactured with tight tolerances that support repeatable slot geometry from the first part through extended production cycles. The integrated slot-and-chamfer design reduces cumulative variation because the critical interface geometry is produced in a single operation with one tool.

For manufacturers producing AR-pattern components and other modular firearm platforms, this tooling approach supports reliable accessory mounting while reducing machining time per part. The result is a stable production process that balances dimensional accuracy with efficient throughput.

Application Across Modular Firearm Components
The M-LOK interface is used across a wide range of firearm components, including handguards, rail sections, mounting plates, and accessory adapters. Each application requires the same controlled slot geometry to ensure proper engagement of the locking hardware. Dedicated tooling simplifies production by providing a repeatable method for generating these features.

AB Tools’ M-LOK Slot and Chamfer Cutter provides manufacturers with a purpose-built solution for machining this standardized interface. By combining slot milling and chamfering into one tool, the cutter supports efficient CNC machining while maintaining the dimensional precision required for secure accessory mounting.

Shops producing firearm components can integrate this tooling into existing machining programs with minimal changes while benefiting from reduced tool changes, simplified programming, and consistent feature geometry across production runs.

Manufacturers producing firearm components that incorporate M-LOK mounting interfaces need tooling that can maintain consistent slot geometry while supporting efficient CNC machining. The AB Tools Solid Carbide M-LOK Slot and Chamfer Cutter provides a purpose-built solution that simplifies the machining process by generating the slot and chamfer in a single operation.

If you are producing M-LOK interfaces or evaluating tooling options to improve cycle time and feature consistency, the JMI team can assist with selecting the correct cutter and implementing it in your machining process. Contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation to discuss your application and tooling requirements.

by Bernard Martin

Todays' CNC machining environment requires fast access to technical information, configuration tools, and documentation. EWS Tool Technologies developed the My.EWS portal to provide a centralized digital platform for customers working with EWS live tooling, angle heads, and static toolholders.

The My.EWS portal explains how machinists, engineers, and technical staff can use the system to access product data, configure tooling, manage spare parts, and generate CNC programs. The platform consolidates information that would traditionally require multiple catalogs, drawings, and technical support inquiries. The result is a more efficient workflow for configuring tools, maintaining equipment, and preparing machining programs directly from verified manufacturer data.

The videos below demonstrate several core functions of the My.EWS platform and show how users can register, manage projects, obtain spare-part information, and download basic CNC programs.

This video demonstrates how the Spare-Part Manager within the My.EWS system helps users identify replacement components for EWS tooling.

The walkthrough shows how assemblies are structured in the portal and how individual components can be located quickly within exploded diagrams.

Users can generate part lists and ensure that the correct replacement items are specified when servicing or maintaining tooling systems.

This video explains the registration process for the My.EWS portal. It outlines the steps required to create a user account, verify access, and activate the features available within the platform.

Once registered, users gain access to project tools, technical data, spare-part information, and downloadable program resources.

The project management feature in My.EWS allows users to build and organize tooling configurations digitally.

This video demonstrates how to create a project, add components, and share the configuration with colleagues or partners.

The system simplifies collaboration by allowing complete tooling assemblies and documentation to be exchanged within the platform.

This video shows how the My.EWS portal provides access to basic CNC programs for supported tooling.

Users can select the appropriate tool configuration and download a starter program that can be integrated into their machining process.

The feature reduces setup time by providing a validated programming baseline for EWS tooling applications.

Sometimes the best way to talk about toolholders is to start with the interface itself and why it exists. AKKO’s rotary milling toolholder lineup includes the BT interface, one of the most widely used standards on CNC machining centers.

AKKO focuses on producing holders that follow the BT standard closely, with the correct geometry, balanced construction, and consistent spindle contact that shops rely on for repeatable milling performance.

AKKO BT holders are based on the ISO 7388 steep-taper standard with a 7:24 taper ratio. A defining characteristic of the BT design is symmetry at the flange—both drive dog slots are the same depth and geometry. This symmetry contributes to more consistent balance compared to asymmetric flange designs.

BT rotary toolholders are commonly used in CNC machining centers in sizes BT30, BT40, and BT50. The system traces back to the MAS 403 BT standard established by the Japan Machinery Association. While the “BT” designation is often associated with British Taper, the modern BT interface is globally recognized as a Japanese-developed, symmetrical steep-taper system designed for reliable use with automatic tool changers.

As was stated above both drive dog slots on a BT holder are the same depth and geometry. That symmetry makes BT holders inherently easier to balance compared to CAT holders, where one drive dog keyway is deeper than the other. At higher spindle speeds, that asymmetry matters. Imbalance shows up as vibration, spindle load, and reduced surface finish.

It should also be stated, that although we call the key's in the taper face "drive dogs" they don't actually drive anything. The are for orientation and the taper connection is what is doing the driving. 

Because of this, BT holders are widely used in machining centers where balance consistency is important, particularly as spindle speeds increase. AKKO BT holders follow the standard flange and taper geometry, allowing predictable seating and repeatability from tool change to tool change.

BT End Mill Holders
AKKO BT end mill holders are designed to clamp straight-shank cutters directly. The effective gripping range (DCONWS) spans from smaller tool diameters up through larger cutters, making them suitable for general milling and slotting. Based on the AKKO product pages:

• BT end mill holders accept shank sizes of approximately 6 mm to 40 mm (roughly 1/4" to 1-9/16") depending on the specific holder size.
• The smaller holders serve light to medium milling cutters; the larger sizes support heavier cutters where tool rigidity is more critical.

These ranges cover the majority of solid end mills used in standard machining center operations. Exact bore capacity should be referenced on the specific BT holder drawing.

BT ER Collet Chucks (Mini)
AKKO BT mini ER collet chucks are compact collet holders with reduced body length and smaller flange diameter compared to full-size BT ER holders. The “mini” designation reflects:

• Shorter retention length for tighter work envelopes
• Smaller overall outside diameter to clear fixturing or adjacent tooling
• Lower projected mass for reduced drawbar load

Typical ER series offered in the BT mini format include ER16 and ER20 ranges. These support shank sizes from approximately 1 mm to 13 mm (roughly 1/32" to 1/2") depending on the particular collet installed.

BT ER Collet Chucks (Standard)
AKKO BT ER collet chucks use standard ER series clamping (ER16, ER25, ER32, and ER40). These holders accept a wide range of cutter shank diameters when fitted with the correct collet. Here's a quick cheat sheet on that correct range.

• ER16 – clamping range ~1 mm–10 mm (1/32"–3/8")
  
• ER25 – clamping range ~3 mm–16 mm (1/8"–5/8")
• ER32 – clamping range ~3 mm–20 mm (1/8"–3/4")
• ER40 – clamping range ~6 mm–26 mm (1/4"–1")

These ranges reflect standard ER series capacity. Actual usable range depends on installed collet and tool shank.

BT Shell Mill Holders
AKKO BT tooling also supports larger indexable milling cutters used for heavier material removal. Face mills, or shell mills, depending on what the kids want to call it,  are typically mounted on dedicated BT shell mill holders, which locate the cutter on a precision ground pilot and, in this case, do  transmit torque through drive keys and mounting screws. 

AKKO BT shell mill holders locate the cutter with a pilot and clamp it with outer screws. The pilot bore (DCONWS) sizes correspond to:

• 16 mm (0.630") pilot – commonly paired with cutters roughly 32 mm–40 mm (1.25"–1.57") diameter
• 20 mm (0.787") pilot – paired with cutters roughly 40 mm–50 mm (1.57"–1.97") diameter
• 25 mm (0.984") pilot – paired with cutters roughly 50 mm–63 mm (1.97"–2.48") diameter
• 32 mm (1.260") pilot – paired with cutters roughly 63 mm–100 mm (2.48"–3.94") diameter
• 40 mm (1.575") pilot – paired with cutters roughly 100 mm–160 mm (3.94"–6.30") diameter
  
  

These ranges reflect typical shell and face mill offerings on the market where pilot bore size increases with cutter diameter to maintain rigidity and torque capacity.

Despite operating at elevated rotational speeds, the MAQ devibe holder effectively minimizes vibration, thanks to its integrated self-balancing mechanism and advanced STMD (Self-Tuning Mass Damper) technology.

This is particularly significant because it highlights how MAQ's tools overcome common challenges associated with extended length-to-diameter ratios (L/D), delivering superior surface finishes and achieving micron-level tolerances.

For manufacturing sectors requiring extreme precision, such as aerospace and automotive, this performance represents a major leap forward in efficiency and reliability, reducing rework and eliminating the need for secondary operations.

The latest modular parting blades from ARNO take a very practical problem on the shop floor and solve it with additive manufacturing rather than incremental geometry tweaks. The goal is simple – get more coolant to the cutting edge, faster and with less restriction, under real production conditions.

Traditional modular parting blades rely on cross-drilled coolant holes. Those passages intersect at right angles or shallow angles that disrupt flow, reduce velocity, and create pressure losses before the coolant ever reaches the insert. In difficult materials or deep part-off operations, that restriction shows up quickly as heat buildup, edge breakdown, or chip welding.

By moving to 3D printing, ARNO eliminates those intersecting drill paths entirely. The internal coolant channels are formed as continuous, smooth passages that run directly from the adaptor interface to the insert pocket. There are no abrupt direction changes, no dead zones, and no compromises driven by drill accessibility. Coolant reaches the cutting edge with higher volume and more consistent pressure.

A key detail is the flank coolant outlet geometry. Instead of a round port dictated by drilling, the 3D-printed blades use a triangular flank port. This shape spreads coolant across the insert edge and into the chip formation zone more effectively. The result is better heat extraction at the point of cut, improved chip evacuation, and a more stable thermal condition during the cut.

These blades are offered in both ARNO-specific mounts (MSA-S) and industry-standard mounts (MSA-I), making them a drop-in upgrade rather than a system change. From the operator’s perspective, setup and programming remain the same. The difference shows up in tool life, surface finish, and process reliability.

In practical terms, improved coolant delivery translates directly into more parts per edge and fewer interrupted runs. Shops running stainless steels, superalloys, or long cycle part-off operations will see the most immediate benefit, but even in carbon steels the added thermal control helps maintain edge integrity and dimensional consistency.

Identification is straightforward – ARNO designates these tools with a “-3D” suffix in the part number. That small detail signals a fundamentally different internal design aimed squarely at process stability rather than marketing flash.

For shops that already rely on modular parting systems, the ARNO 3D-printed blades address one of the most common limiting factors in parting and grooving operations. More coolant at the edge means lower cutting temperatures, more predictable tool wear, and fewer surprises in unattended or high-mix production environments.

For more technical details, application guidance, or to evaluate whether ARNO’s 3D-printed modular parting blades are a fit for your machines and materials, contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation. Our team can help you select the correct blade configuration and coolant strategy to improve part-off stability and tool life in your operation.

JMI CNC Tooling & Automation (JMI) has announced that it is now representing ARNO Precision Cutting Tools, expanding its portfolio of high-performance metalworking solutions for manufacturers across its assigned territories.

Since 1962, ARNO USA has been manufacturing and selling high-quality products for customers in the industrial tooling and machining markets. ARNO USA represents the US branch of ARNO Werkzeuge, headquartered in Germany. ARNO is recognized for its engineering-driven approach to turning, milling, grooving, and holemaking tools. The company designs and manufactures a broad range of standard and application-specific tooling solutions, with a particular focus on process reliability, repeatability, and long tool life in demanding machining environments.

ARNO’s product portfolio includes indexable turning systems, grooving and parting tools, milling cutters, drilling solutions, and modular tooling systems developed for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non-ferrous materials, and high-temperature alloys. Many of ARNO’s solutions are engineered to reduce cycle time, improve chip control, and maintain dimensional consistency across extended production runs.

“ARNO fits well within JMI’s technical approach to tooling and automation,” said Kennth Jones from JMI. “Their product design philosophy aligns with how we work with customers—understanding the application first, then applying the right tool geometry, substrate, and coating to achieve stable, predictable machining results.”

Through this partnership, JMI will provide local technical support, application assistance, and product access for ARNO tooling, supporting both production machining and complex problem-solving applications. JMI’s role will include on-site evaluation, tooling recommendations, and integration of ARNO solutions into broader machining and automation strategies.

About JMI CNC Tooling & Automation
JMI CNC Tooling & Automation provides cutting tools, workholding, automation, and technical support solutions for precision manufacturers. JMI works closely with machine shops to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and support long-term manufacturing performance through application-focused solutions.

For more information about ARNO tooling solutions through JMI, contact JMI CNC Tooling & Automation

WhizCut developed the WhizFix 2.0 system to address a familiar problem on Swiss-type lathes and compact turning platforms—tool changes that interrupt flow, consume setup time, and introduce inconsistency. WhizFix 2.0 approaches this problem with a modular quick-change holder that maintains the rigidity and accuracy expected from a solid toolholder while significantly reducing changeover time.

The system is built around a compact dovetail interface that allows insert heads to be exchanged directly on the machine. Locking and unlocking requires only a short rotation, with low torque values that reduce wear on both the holder and insert head.

Once locked, the insert head repeats its position consistently, eliminating the need for touch-offs after routine changes. This repeatability supports stable dimensional control across longer production runs.

WhizFix 2.0 maintains a short distance between the insert tip and the holder plate, which improves cutting stability and supports finer surface finishes. The holder geometry is intentionally compact, making it well-suited for machines where tool clearance and gang spacing are critical. Despite its modular design, the system performs with the stiffness typically associated with one-piece holders.

The system is offered in a range of configurations to support common Swiss turning operations, including turning, grooving, and profiling. Insert heads can be shared across compatible holders, reducing overall tooling inventory while increasing flexibility at the machine.

WhizCut's WhizFix 2.0 fits well into production environments where uptime, repeatability, and quick changeovers directly affect throughput. That's a marketing line that pretty much identifies anyone running a swiss machine shop. And in this particular case, its jsut true.   WhizFix 2.0 delivers in setup efficiency without adding complexity to the process, making it a practical upgrade for every swiss machine.