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The whole industry seems to be discussing this topic. Here's what Modern Machine Shop has to say about "Cycle Time Is In The Cut Now". High volume machining centers have become so efficient outside the cut that the widest margin for productivity gain is within it.

The role of the toolholder in high-speed milling is really no different than its role when applied conventionally. The role of the toolholder is always to provide an interchangeable interface between a machine spindle and a cutting tool, such that the effectiveness of either component is not diminished.

"We’ve never seen a part come out so perfect," said Mark Moore, EDM manager at Norman Noble of Cleveland, Ohio, as he walked through a row of EDMs made by three different manufacturers. "We have 187 machine tools, 26 of them EDMs. But that first part out of the Makino floored me."

Contour Metrological & Manufacturing, Inc. (CMM) is a shop unlike most others. Specializing in very high-end optics, tools for optics and ultra-precision tooling primarily for military and aerospace customers, optimum finishes and accuracies are not only desired but required as well.