Metalworking

A cornerstone of the $11 billion U.S. manufacturing industry, metalworking transforms raw materials into essential products – from semi-conductors to pacemakers. Metalworking technologies like CNC machining and precision tools drive technological innovation and economic prosperity for thousands of businesses. This vital industry shapes our world and sustains American economic growth.

Metalworking Quick Facts

Metalworking is the foundation of manufacturing, turning raw materials into finished products.
Encompasses a wide variety of technologies from milling and drilling to turning, grinding and more.
Most of the world around us has been shaped by machines tools in some way. The birth of the precision machine tool industry was at the Robbins and Lawrence Armory and Machine Shop which is said to be the first U.S factory to produce precision interchangeable parts.
Global MT consumption sits around $75 Billion and projected to grow over the next several years. In the United States, consumption is around $11B.
Job shops make up the largest customer segment/consumer of machine tools.

Meet the People Building Metalworking Solutions

Kaio Dutra

Operator at S-Cubed

From Tinkering to Programming

Not every career path is a straight line. Have you ever taken a detour that led to something greater? That's exactly what Kaio Dutra did. Watch Now

Kennametal

Meet New Friends, Win Fabulous Prizes, Attend IMTS 2026

IMTS 2024 turned a chance encounter with Kennametal into greater productivity when Tim Drinkwater won a DN Solutions machining center, upping his capabilities and proving IMTS sparks real growth. Read More

Erik Gershwind

President & CEO at
MSC Industrial Supply Co.

Optimism and an Insatiable Desire for Excellence

From its humble origins in 1941 – cutting tools sold from the trunk of car – MSC Industrial Supply now carries over 2 million SKUs representing more than 3,000 suppliers. CEO Erik Gershwind is optimistic that manufacturing will continue to power the economy. Read More

Drew Crowe

Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance

Blueprint for Transforming Manufacturing's Talent Pipeline

Drew Crowe shares bold strategies to attract and retain top talent in manufacturing, challenging outdated hiring practices and embracing digital-native, diverse, and skilled workers. Read More

Dive into the Latest Metalworking Processes

Powering America's Submarine Fleet: How BuildSubmarines.com is Securing Our Nation's Future

Imagine you're a NASCAR fan, waiting for your favorite driver to pass by on the track. As they turn and roar past, you recognize a new eye-catching logo that curiously says “BuildSubmarines.com”.

By Bonnie Gurney

Modern CNC Turning Services: Where Precision Meets Possibility

Modern CNC turning blends multi-axis precision, live tooling, and automation to deliver complex, high-quality parts for industries from medical to aerospace to automotive.

21 Domestic Supply Chain Resources for Machine Shops and Contract Manufacturers

Explore trusted organizations and tools that help manufacturers find reliable U.S. suppliers, improve sourcing strategies, and build stronger connections across the industry.

By Cathy Ma

In Case You Missed It

How to Avoid Costly Downtime and Repairs with CNC Machine Maintenance

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From Machinist to Leader: The Technologist

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Alternative Materials Planning for Supply Chain Uncertainty

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Why CNC Machine Training Should be Non-Negotiable

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Explore Solutions for Your Business

Passion Project: The Harmony of Art & Technology

Art and technology blended harmoniously in a collaboration between legendary music manufacturer C.F. Martin & Co. and manufacturing technology giants Mazak and Renishaw – resulting in an improved guitar fabrication process.