/ FactoryLink Friday
Field notes from the floor.
Application stories, tooling breakdowns, and the occasional rant from the team that spends every week inside Midwest machine shops.
/ Archive
Recent posts.
Chatter Isn't Always a Speeds and Feeds Problem
You've backed off the feed and the chatter is still there. Chatter is a system problem — here's where we look when speeds and feeds aren't the cause.
Gummy Aluminum and the Finish You Can't Explain
The finish you can't explain usually has a name: built-up edge. Here's how holding, cutting, coolant, finishing, and measuring work together to beat gummy aluminum.
How to Diagnose a Machining Problem the FactoryLink Way
Most machining problems don't have a single cause. Here are the five questions we ask — in order — before we recommend anything, so you can run the same process yourself.
We Tore Apart Our Website. Here's Why We Rebuilt It.
We rebuilt our website around how we actually work: problem-solving first, products second. Two doors—one for tool makers, one for facilities.
Look Around Your Shop Floor. That’s the Story.
There’s a story American manufacturing doesn’t tell often enough, and you can see it from where you’re standing. Look around the shop floor. The machinist dialing in a tolerance, the setup hand who can hear a cut going wrong before the…
Earned in Steel and Sweat: Honoring the American Worker This Labor Day
Every craft has a founding story. Labor Day is ours. On the first Monday of September — this year, September 7 — the country pauses for a holiday that the American worker didn’t inherit. They earned it. The first Labor Day was marked in…
The Rapid Mill Precision Ecosystem
There is a cost in your process you are almost certainly not counting. It doesn't show up on any one tool's spec sheet. It lives in the gaps between tools — the runout a holder introduces before the cutter ever engages, the forty-five…
Air or Iron: Choosing Between a Pneumatic or Mechanical Vise
A vise that's wrong for the job doesn't announce itself. It shows up as a cycle-time bottleneck nobody can quite explain, a thin-wall part that scrapped for no obvious reason, or an operator fighting a setup that should take seconds. And…
Nearly a Century Under One Roof: The Show That Built the Trade
Every trade has a place where it goes to see itself clearly. For manufacturing technology, that place has a name and a schedule: the International Manufacturing Technology Show, back at McCormick Place this September for the first time…
When Long Threads Won’t Hold Form: Fixing Deflection on Small-Diameter Swiss Parts
Ask anyone who runs bone screws, dental implants, or long aerospace fasteners on a Swiss machine what keeps them up at night, and thread quality on small-diameter parts is near the top of the list. The longer and thinner the part, the…
AME, Factory Link, and the Brush that Works Like a Cutting Tool
The Advanced Manufacturing Expo 2026 at DeVos Place was, by any measure, a strong show. The floor was full of genuine technical innovation — new automation platforms, smarter robotic cells, and a leve
Advanced Manufacturing Expo: Why Grand Rapids Matters
Every week, shop owners in West Michigan get pitched something new. AI-driven analytics. Predictive maintenance. Digital twins. Cobots that program themselves. The promises are big and the language is
Why Stainless Eats Your End Mills (And What to Do About It)
Stainless steel is one of the most common problem materials in Midwest machining shops, and the path to solving it is rarely obvious. When tool life drops on stainless, adjusting speeds and feeds or t
Why Broaching Fails: Fit, Force, and Tool Selection
Broaching is one of the most reliable ways to produce a precise internal shape in a single pass. Squares, hexagons, keyways, sized round holes — when the setup variables are dialed in, a push broach c
The Machine Never Ran Itself: How American Machinists Built an Industry of Automation
Eight Decades of Partnership Between Skilled Workers and the Technology They Mastered There's a story that gets told about automation — that it replaces workers. That every new machine is a step towa
The Rapid Mill Precision Ecosystem: When Five Tools Work as One
Factory Link's Rapid Mill Precision Ecosystem pairs 5th Axis, PFERD TOOLS, GS Tooling by Sowa, ESS, and INSIZE into a coordinated production system — from workholding to verified part.
The Burr That Won't Budge: Why Conventional Tools Fail on Aggressive Deburring
You ran the program perfectly. The part came out on spec. And then you spotted it — a thick, ragged burr curling out of a cross-hole, sitting right at the edge of a fluid port, laughing at you from
Four Eras That Shaped the Midwest: Why Manufacturing Is More Than an Industry
There's a reason the Midwest is called the heartland. Long before that phrase became a cliché, it described something real: a region where ordinary people built extraordinary things, and where hard wo
Why Your Tool Holder Might Be the Weakest Link at High Speed
Most shops think about tool life in terms of the cutting tool itself — grade, coating, geometry. But if the holder it’s sitting in isn’t maintaining rigid contact with the spindle at speed, the best c
The Best Tool in Your Shop Might Be Your Rep
There’s a version of a tooling rep that most shop owners know well. They show up with a catalog, leave some samples, and check in when it’s time to reorder. Helpful enough. Gets you what you need. An
Advanced Tools for Precision Deburring, Surface Finishing & CNC Automation
As manufacturers push toward higher accuracy, tighter tolerances, and automated workflows, deburring and surface finishing tools are expected to deliver more consistency, cleaner edges, and zero dimensional drift.
FactoryLink is Proud to Represent 5th Axis Modular Workholding
Modular workholding systems are becoming increasingly popular in manufacturing and machining industries, and for good reason. These systems offer a range of advantages for end-user customers, including:
Seeing Beyond the Surface
In precision manufacturing, success is measured in microns. When tolerances are tight and quality is critical,the ability to see more, measure more, and confirm more can make all the difference. That’s where Insize Digital Microscopes
Automated Deburring & Surface Finishing
E.S.S. specializes in mechanical and chemical surface enhancements. Our mission is simple: faster burr removal, better finishes, less hassle.
Champion in stock removal – the innovative CC-GRIND ROBUST
In most job shops, height gages don’t get a lot of attention — until something goes wrong. A part gets through inspection that shouldn’t have. A batch comes back. A customer calls. The reality is that height measurement sits at the center o
Consultative Selling
In the world of manufacturing, results matter — and those results are measured in chips made, hours saved, and dollars earned. Whether you're running a tight machine shop, managing uptime in a steel mill, or keeping throughput high in a fab
Cutting the Cord
In modern manufacturing, speed and accuracy go hand in hand. Inspection can no longer be a bottleneck — it needs to be as efficient and connected as the rest of the production process. That’s why Insize Wireless Hand Tools are becoming
Don’t Be Fooled — There’s Only One Contact
When it comes to industrial deburring, surface finishing, and high-precision internal tool solutions, E.S.S. (E SurfaceSolutions) remains the leader — and there’s only one official point ofcontact
FactoryLink Friday!
Dumont CNC Broaching: An Essential Machining Process and Why DuMont CNC Leads the Market
Eddie Krall's New Role: Technical Support Specialist
Please join us in congratulating Eddie Krall as he accepts his new role as FactoryLink's Technical Support Specialist! E
Employee Spotlight Jake Diekhoff
FactoryLink Announces the Promotion of Jake Diekhoff to Vice President of Sales & Marketing
🎄 Factory Link Inc. Holiday Reflections: The Season of Making, Giving, and Growing
As the year draws to a close, the team at Factory Link Inc. pauses to celebrate what makes our industry truly remarkable — the people, partnerships, and precision that drive American manufacturing forward every single day.
FactoryLink Friday
I (Eddie Krall) started my own company in the 1990s manufacturing dental handpieces, components, and accessories. At the time, most products on the market were made overseas, so I needed cost-effective manufacturing methods to remain compet
FactoryLink Friday Microdrilling by GMauvais USA
Pilot Precision Productsoffers a comprehensive range of high-precision micro drills under theGMauvaisUSA™brand, renowned for their exceptional accuracy and quality. These micro drills are meticulously engineered to achieve concentri
FactoryLink Friday: Revolutionizing Grinding with PFERD’s CC-GRIND® ROBUST
At FactoryLink, we’re always on the lookout for game-changing tools that push productivity, safety, and performance to new heights. This week, we’re proud to spotlight one of the most advanced grinding solutions on the market: theCC-GRIND
GenSwiss Ti Loc Endmill Extensions
Unlock Precision in Swiss-Style Machining with GenSwiss Ti‑Loc Endmill Extensions
Genswiss TruForm Whirling Inserts
New TruForm Whirling Inserts: Designed to fit the most common Three-sided Insert Whirling Holders for all Whirling Attachments and Swiss-CNC Machines
Go Wireless with INSIZE USA Precision Tools
At Factorylink, we’re all about bringing the future of manufacturing to your shop floor—and thisFactorylink Friday, we're highlighting an innovation that’s transforming precision measurement:[INSIZE USA Wireless Tools](https://www.i
Have you seen a cut-off wheel this big?!
Pictured above is our Regional Manager, Dave Lemley, testing a Pferd cut-off wheel that measures 72"!
hex-shank-drill-bits-stop-wasting-torque-in-modern-cordless-tools
In most job shops, height gages don’t get a lot of attention — until something goes wrong. A part gets through inspection that shouldn’t have. A batch comes back. A customer calls. The reality is that height measurement sits at the center o
Holding Power You Can Trust: Spotlight on Sowa Vises
At Factory Link Inc., we know that the foundation of precision machining starts with how well a workpiece is held. Reliable, repeatable, and rigid workholding isn’t just about convenience — it directly impacts tool life, cycle time, and ove
Insize RBT-QM01 robotic inspection
In today's fast-paced manufacturing landscape, precision, speed, and reliability are essential. Enter theInsize RBT‑QM01,anAutomatic Quick Measurement/Inspection System that stands out with its
Integrity Design and Engineering | Indexable Broaching Systems | Factory Link
In most job shops, height gages don’t get a lot of attention — until something goes wrong. A part gets through inspection that shouldn’t have. A batch comes back. A customer calls. The reality is that height measurement sits at the center o
The Oasis CoreX2
At Factory Link Inc., we’re proud to represent solutions that help manufacturers achieve faster, more reliable, and more efficient results. One of the standout innovations in our metrology lineup is the [Oasis CoreX2](https://oasisinspe
Keith Brown Acquires The FactoryLink, Inc.
In most job shops, height gages don’t get a lot of attention — until something goes wrong. A part gets through inspection that shouldn’t have. A batch comes back. A customer calls. The reality is that height measurement sits at the center o
More Than Salespeople—Your Strategic Business Allies
In manufacturing, partnerships matter just as much as products. At Factory Link Inc, we believe that our rolegoes far beyond simply taking an order or quoting a part number—we act as strategic allies, working side by side with you to solve
Phoenix Shield
When it comes to high-efficiency turning of steel alloys, tool life and process consistency are paramount. Palbit’s newly releasedPhoenix Shieldinsert line is engineered to meet these demands h
Pilot Precision Milling Swap Program
In most job shops, height gages don’t get a lot of attention — until something goes wrong. A part gets through inspection that shouldn’t have. A batch comes back. A customer calls. The reality is that height measurement sits at the center o
Precision at the Core
When it comes to machining, precision and reliability are non-negotiable. That’s why Factory Link Inc. is proud to represent Sowa Tool Holders, a trusted name in tool holding solutions for shops across North America.
Precision Matters
The Role of Metrology and the Advantages of Insize & Oasis Measurement Solutions
Precision, Performance, and Productivity
In metalworking, every second counts — and so does every cut. That’s whyFactory Link Inc. proudly representsPFERD, a global leader in abrasive solutions engineered for efficiency, safety, and consistency. When it comes to cutting pe
RockLock by 5th Axis
In CNC machining, time is money. What if you could transform your fixturing in seconds? Introduce the RockLock solution by 5th axis.
Sharon Cutwell - Driving Precision in Hydraulics
Manufacturers in the hydraulics industry face demanding requirements — extremely tight tolerances, smooth surface finishes, and highly repeatable processes. When your components are powering motion systems, fluid control valves, cylinders,
ShrinkSMART
In a world where every micron matters, precision tool holding isn't just a nice-to-have — it's essential. That’s whySowa Toolingdeveloped theShrinkSMARTsystem: a high-performance
Smarter Measurements with INSIZE WiFi Digital Tools
In the world of precision manufacturing, accuracy isn’t optional — it’s everything. That’s why Factory Link Inc. is proud to feature INSIZE WiFi Digital Measurement Tools, designed to take inspection and data collection to the next level of
Solid Carbide End Mills – Precision That Performs
FactoryLink is proud to spotlight PFERD’s advanced lineup of solid carbide end mills—engineered for precision, power, and productivity. Whether you're roughing, finishing, or contouring, these tools are built to outperform in demanding appl
Spotlight: History of SOWA Tool & Machine
Founded in 1960 by Gerhart Sowa Sr., Sowa Tool & Machine was built on a lifelong commitment to manufacturing excellence. Over a 75-year career in manufacturing, Gerhart Sowa Sr.—who passed away in 2025—laid the foundation for what would bec
FactoryLink Friday!
Are Your Height Gages Keeping Up With Your Shop?
The Advantages of Ceramic End Mills: A Game-Changer in CNC Machining
Ceramic end mills have revolutionized the world of CNC machining, offering numerous advantages over traditional carbide and high speed steel end mills. Haydale’s SiC Whisker Reinforced Solid Ceramic End Mill offers the following Features &
The Cutoff tool IS the most important tool in the Swiss Lathe process
In most job shops, height gages don’t get a lot of attention — until something goes wrong. A part gets through inspection that shouldn’t have. A batch comes back. A customer calls. The reality is that height measurement sits at the center o
The Human Connection Behind Precision Manufacturing
In a world where advanced machines, automation, and cutting-edge tools dominate the conversation, it’s easy to forget that manufacturing has always been — and will always remain — a people-driven industry. Precision is not only measured in
FactoryLink Welcomes Tony Granlund
Tony is based in South Bend, IN and has dedicated his career to the metalworking industry. Tony’s expertise in programming and part processing began during his time with Maitland Engineering.
Unlocking Precision:
At Factory Link Inc., we understand that no two machining challenges are the same. Off-the-shelf tools don’t always deliver the exact results manufacturers need — and that’s where custom broaching solutions from [Pilot Precision](ht
Unlocking Productivity with 5th Axis Workholding
In today’s high-mix, high-precision manufacturing environment, speed and repeatability are everything. That’s why more and more shops are turning to 5th Axis Workholding solutions—a system built to maximize spindle uptime, reduce setup
Updates from NexGen Tooling LLC
We have updated our website www.nexgentooling.com to include all the new additions to our 2024 High Performance Product Catalog, including our new 3 Flute Variable Pitch End Mills for Non-Ferrous Materials,
What Are 5th Axis Tombstones?
What Are 5th Axis Tombstones ?
Why Manufacturer Representatives Are an Essential Piece of Your Company’s Success
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, companies are constantly searching for ways to grow sales, expand market presence, and strengthen customer relationships—all while managing leaner teams and tighter budgets. One of the most ef
Your Frontline Partners in Growth, Sales, and Support
As we reflect on the continued growth of FactoryLink , one thing is clear: our success is built on people. Not just the tools, technology, or strategies we put in place—but the dedicated network of partners who stand alongside us every day.
Are Your Height Gages Keeping Up With Your Shop?
In most job shops, height gages don't get a lot of attention — until something goes wrong. A part gets through inspection that shouldn't have. A batch comes back. A customer calls.
Stop Fighting the Cutoff
If you're cutting off parts in a Swiss machine, you already know where things go wrong. Not at the start. Not even mid-cut. At the worst possible moment—right at separation.
Stop Setting It Up Twice
Keyways shouldn't be a production bottleneck. But they still are. Not because they're complicated — because the process around them is.
Stop Compensating. Start Cutting.
If you've ever drilled carbon fiber, you've seen it. The entry looks clean. The top surface checks out. Then you flip the part — and the exit is destroyed.
Control the Process, Improve the Outcome
In manufacturing, the final finish isn't just cosmetic — it plays a critical role in performance, fit, and long-term reliability.
Fresh Starts. Better Results.
As spring rolls in, Easter is a reminder that renewal, precision, and fresh starts matter.
Coolant Chemistry Is Process Control
Experienced operators know machining instability rarely starts at the cutting edge. It starts in the sump. Foam creeping into high-pressure lines. Heat building at the tool interface. Bacteria break
Why Automotive Manufacturing Demands Custom Cutting Tools
And Why Other Industries Follow the Same Path.
Surface Finish Isn't Cosmetic. It's Functional.
Walk through any shop and you'll hear a lot about tolerances, feeds, speeds, and tool life. You won't always hear people talk about surface roughness — at least not until something fails.
Why Solid Carbide End Mills Matter in High-Performance Milling
For over 200 years, PFERD TOOLS has built its reputation on precision manufacturing and innovation in abrasives. That same commitment now extends into solid carbide end mills.
Cadillac Oil Company
Welcoming Cadillac Oil Company as Our Newest FactoryLink Principal !https://irp.cdn-website.com/ff7a54e9/dms3rep/multi/opt/Cad+oil+sq-1920w.png At FactoryLink, our mission has always been to connec
NSK America
NSK America and the Advantages of High-Speed Spindles !https://irp.cdn-website.com/ff7a54e9/dms3rep/multi/opt/Picture1-1920w.jpg Nakanishi NSK stands out in the realm of high-speed electric and pneu
Come See Us at IMTS2024
Come see us atIMTS - International Manufacturing Technology ShowSeptember 9th - 14th in Chicago, IL.
Spindles Speed Ahead
Greg Nottoli has seen a lot of changes in the manufacturing world. Prior to joining NSK in 2004, he spent about 20 years on the OEM side of the machine tool industry. As the industry speeds ahead, cus
/ Want to see it on your floor?
Every post comes from real shop work.
If something you read here looks like it could solve a problem on your floor, let's run a free, on-site demo on your toughest part.