Julia Hider Senior Editor

Julia Hider graduated from Ohio State University in 2014 with a B.A. in journalism, after which she became an author, freelance writer and content specialist. She joined Gardner Business Media as an assistant editor with Modern Machine Shop in 2017. In 2018, she joined Production Machining as an associate editor, where she wrote about the precision machining and was involved in the PMPA’s NextGen committee. She returned to Modern Machine Shop in 2020, and joined Additive Manufacturing Media in 2021, splitting her time between the two brands before becoming fully dedicated to AM. In 2022, she returned to Modern Machine Shop as a senior editor.

CAD/CAM

Can ChatGPT Create Usable G-Code Programs?

By: Julia Hider 12/22/2023

Since its debut in late 2022, ChatGPT has been used in many situations, from writing stories to writing code, including G-code. But is it useful to shops? We asked a CAM expert for his thoughts.

Five-Axis Machining Centers

Hermle Event Encourages, Educates on Five-Axis Machining

By: Julia Hider 12/4/2023

Hermle’s first Five-Axis Summit was designed to show beginners the benefits of five-axis machining and demonstrated how more advanced users can take their capabilities to the next level with automation.

Machines

The Keys to Combining High- and Low-Volume Production

By: Julia Hider 11/27/2023

Process expertise and precise production planning enable the Kinetic Company to produce both high- and low-volume jobs requiring machining, grinding, heat treatment and other processes.

Additive

JTEKT Technology Days Showcases Synergies

By: Julia Hider 10/13/2023

The event took place following the company’s completion of its new showroom and decision to merge several of its brands under the JTEKT name.

Job Shops Can’t Do Everything, And That’s OK

By: Julia Hider 9/27/2023

Deciding to narrow down its jobs and customers was a turning point for 2023 Top Shops Business Strategies honoree Manda Machine that has led to improvements in the front office and on the shop floor.
#topshops

Automation

4 Lessons Your Shop Will Take Away From TASC

By: Julia Hider 9/21/2023

The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.

Additive

Digital Thread Enables First-Time-Right 3D Printing

By: Julia Hider 9/18/2023

Connecting all stages of manufacturing, from design to postprocessing, helps break down barriers to industrializing additive manufacturing.

Toolholders

Five Common Mistakes Shops Make with ER Collets (And How to Prevent Them)

Edited by Julia Hider 9/15/2023

Collets play a crucial role in the machining process, so proper tool assembly and maintenance is important. Here are five potential pitfalls to avoid when using ER collets.

Automation

DN Solutions Responds to Labor Shortages, Reshoring, the Automotive Industry and More

By: Julia Hider 8/28/2023

At its first in-person DIMF since 2019, DN Solutions showcased a range of new technologies, from automation to machine tools to software. President WJ Kim explains how these products are responses to changes within the company and the manufacturing industry as a whole.
#workforcedevelopment

Automation

Kicking RaaS with Robotics as a Service

By: Julia Hider 7/17/2023

Robotics as a service (RaaS) enabled Behrens Manufacturing to quickly address a severe worker shortage while maintaining its ability to invest in new metal forming equipment.

Manufacturing Technology and Training in Europe

By: Julia Hider 6/26/2023

NTMA’s European Tech Tour exposed attendees to the latest technology and traditional training methods used by European manufacturers.
#workforcedevelopment

Machining Centers

Does a Five-Axis Machine Increase Business?

By: Julia Hider 5/15/2023

Five-axis machining is enabling custom fabricator Meyer Tool to take on more complex work and helping it produce less complex jobs more efficiently.