Nathaniel Fields Associate Editor

Nate Fields joined the Modern Machine Shop team as a digital editor in the summer of 2021. In September 2022, He moved into a full-time writing role as an associate editor. He graduated from Ball State University in his hometown of Muncie, Indiana, twice. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2018 and a master’s degree in public relations in 2021.

Before joining MMS, Nate was a sports journalist. He was a full-time reporter in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, in 2018, where he received second place for sports photos in the 2018 Missouri Associated Press Media Editors newspaper contest.

CAD/CAM Helps Team Win Advanced Manufacturing Competition

Edited by Nathaniel Fields 11/20/2023

Minnesota State College Southeast’s “Average Joes” team took home the grand prize at the 2023 Project MFG Advanced Manufacturing Competition.
#workforcedevelopment

Machines

Q&A: How a Self-Taught Machinist Started His Own Business

By: Nathaniel Fields 11/8/2023

This machinist found an opportunity in a niche market and decided to learn machining and create his own business. Here's how he did it.

Finding Skilled Labor Through Partnerships and Benefits

By: Nathaniel Fields 10/6/2023

To combat the skilled labor shortage, this Top Shops honoree turned to partnerships and unique benefits to attract talented workers.
#topshops #workforcedevelopment

Industries

Marposs Celebrates its Past, Eyes Future Opportunities

By: Nathaniel Fields 10/3/2023

During its open house in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Marposs presentations focused on future opportunities across growing industries such as EV and semiconductors.

Automation

3 TASC Topics That Touch on Automation Considerations for Job Shops

By: Nathaniel Fields 9/26/2023

Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.

CAD/CAM

Bringing Machining In-House to Keep up With Demand for Offroading Parts

By: Nathaniel Fields 9/13/2023

This company brought its machining processes in-house to meet annual increases in demand, utilizing CAMWorks’ multi-axis milling solutions to boost production, shorten delivery times and support growth.

Automation

Eliminating Automotive Defects Per Million With Automated Visual Inspection

By: Nathaniel Fields 9/4/2023

This automotive manufacturer virtually eliminated PPM defect complaints after implementing an automated visual inspection system at its facility.

Turn/Mill Machines

TTI Brings Specialty Gear Production In-House with Multiaxis Machining

By: Nathaniel Fields 8/21/2023

By bringing gear production in-house, this manufacturer turned a four- to ten-week lead time into a one- to two-week lead time.

CNC & Mach Controls

From Tradition to Transformation: Century-Old Manual Machine Shop Adds CNCs

By: Nathaniel Fields 8/4/2023

After 122 years of working with manual mills and lathes, this fifth-generation shop acquired assets of a local CNC machining business and hired the owner. Here’s how it’s going a year later.

Measurement

Electronic Bore Gage Automates Bore Data Acquisition

By: Nathaniel Fields 8/2/2023

This new portable gage provides precision measurement and verification of custom parts with integrated data collection.

Shop Management Software

Becoming a More Efficient Shop With the Right Processes and Software

By: Nathaniel Fields 6/12/2023

After refining its machining processes for more efficient production, this shop still needed a better way to track its data. Here's how it found a software solution.