It’s not about flooding the shop with parts. It’s about timing them perfectly. With up to seventy critical electrical and mechanical components arriving in staged shipments, Starrag’s service team delivers each part exactly when it’s needed.
You know you’ve got the right partner when uptime is built into their entire service philosophy! That’s what Starrag is all about.
In today’s podcast, MTDCNC’s Arthur Field talks with Rob and Steven of Starrag about how their team classifies parts, manages everything through their ERP system, and ships critical replacements straight from their Kentucky warehouse.
From a flooded vertical turning center to modernizing a 1970s machine to 2025 standards, their service stories are proof that Starrag keeps customers’ machines running. Tune in to learn how smart stocking, global technician coordination, and precise ticket tracking help Starrag react fast when customers need them most.
With regular on-site visits and predictive maintenance built in, Starrag focuses on spotting potential issues before they interrupt production. It’s this proactive support that keeps machines running smoothly and gives customers confidence with more predictable operating costs.
Full episode out at 1pm!
Starrag’s commitment doesn’t end when the machine is installed. A clearly structured spare-parts strategy, focused on part criticality and machine uptime, helps customers stay productive long after the sale. Because in manufacturing, it’s not if something goes wrong - it’s when, and Starrag is built to support customers for the long haul.
New MTDCNC Podcast coming Monday!
As 2025 draws to a close, Steve Finn sits down with Paul to provide his candid view on the state of UK manufacturing. From industries that are thriving to the challenges facing many businesses, this conversation offers a detailed snapshot of the current landscape.
In this video, they discuss:
Steve shares his perspective on the industries that are performing well, where opportunities exist, and the hurdles that manufacturers are navigating in today’s market. This is an essential watch for anyone interested in advanced manufacturing, technology, and the future of UK industry.
Ever wondered what life is really like behind the scenes in manufacturing? In this episode of MTDCNC Uncut, Lyndsey Vickers, Paul Jones, Joe Reynolds, and Tom Skubala share everything from globe-trotting factory visits to the quirks and challenges of running high-tech shops. Hear about the extreme “sausage incident,” plus how smaller companies are using automation and smart scheduling to outpace the big brands in the race for talent. Tune in for a mix of industry insights, travel stories, and the kind of candid conversations you won’t hear anywhere else!
They don’t just sell a machine and drop it on your shop floor — Starrag runs the entire journey as a full project.
In this MTDCNC podcast, Arthur Field sits down with Udo and John of Starrag to unpack how the company delivers almost 24/7 cross-continental project management, structured kick-off meetings, and deep technical support.
With around 70% of their North American business in defence and ITAR and over 70 machines supporting programs like the F-35, Starrag brings the engineering strength to handle everything from tooling and turnkey programming to massive foundations.
Tune in to learn how Starrag becomes a long-term partner, long after the machine is installed.
Listen to some of the best stories of the November 2025 edition of the MTD magazine. This edition's theme is UK manufacturing with a technology focus on software!
Read the full magazine here - https://mtdcnc.com/digital/november-2025
If you’re seeking unparalleled insights into the world of machining and manufacturing, look no further than MTD Magazine. We offer distinctive content that sets us apart. Our magazine is not only a compelling read but also a captivating listen. Explore our articles, or tune in to our audiobook for a comprehensive experience.
What if your oil-mist system didn’t just trap oil — but actually separated it and sent it back to your machine?
In this podcast, MTDCNC’s Paul Jones sits down with Brad Eicher of 3Nine, the company using centrifugal disk-stack technology born from the milk-processing industry to achieve 99.9% separation down to one micron.
The result? Customers recover 50 to 200 millilitres of cutting fluid per hour and often save two to four barrels a year, with HEPA filters lasting up to 18,000 hours.
With over 18,000 units installed and a completely different approach from traditional multi-filter systems, 3Nine is proving why true oil-mist recovery beats oil-mist collection every time.
What does it take to introduce a globally recognized manufacturing powerhouse to the U.S. market?
MTDCNC’s Arthur Field sits down with industry veterans Andy and Armando from LK Machinery to talk bold ideas, brand-building, and the culture that’s driving their success.
From 20,000-ton Giga Press installations to powerhouse partnerships with industry leaders like Rego-Fix, this conversation dives into the innovation and ambition shaping LK Machinery’s journey across the Americas. Tune in for real talk, big machines, and even bigger challenges!
From compact series machines and powerful five-axis platforms to the revolutionary Matrix Tool Magazine holding up to 828 tools, Starrag is delivering complete solutions for the shop floor.
MTDCNC’s Arthur Field sits down with Udo Herbes and Jim Stolo at Starrag’s Kentucky HQ to unpack everything new for the North American market: RCS CAM software, more hands-on factory training for service techs, expanded support across North America and Mexico, and more.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep high-end manufacturing ahead of the curve, this MTDCNC podcast with Starrag is one you can't miss! Interested in hearing some amazing customer success stories? Starrag North America's YouTube channel is about to bring lots of content—stay tuned!
Running a successful subcontract precision engineering business isn't just about investing in machines - it's about having the right systems in place.
In this MTDCNC Podcast, host Colin Griffiths sits down with Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack and Alan Riley, Owner of Newtech High Speed Turning Limited. Alan shares his journey of finally taking the plunge with PSL Datatrack in 2017 - and why he now calls it a "godsend" for his business. What once felt like a leap turned out to be a simple, cost-effective decision that transformed the way Newtech operates:
• Replaced spreadsheets with an all-in-one production management software system
• Created fast, accurate quotes using cost centres and stored materials
• Increased win rates by getting quotes out within minutes, not days
• Simplified repeat orders and streamlined admin to free up shop floor time
• Achieved full ISO 9001 traceability with certificates, job sheets and inspection records all stored in one place
• Boosted shop floor visibility with live, paperless Status Boards
• Scaled seamlessly with modular ERP/MRP software for precision engineers
Alan admits he wishes he'd adopted PSL Datatrack years earlier - and urges others not to wait. As he puts it: "If you're looking at it, just go for it - it's a must for subcontract precision engineers."
Whether you're a small shop just starting out or a growing engineering business, this conversation shows why PSL Datatrack is trusted across the UK as the subcontract manufacturing software that helps firms streamline processes, boost efficiency and focus on what matters most - machining parts and winning more work.
Steel, stainless, or high-temp alloys—what if you didn’t need a dozen insert grades to cover it all?In this MTDCNC Podcast, Greg Sage of Kennametal joins MTDCNC’s Arthur Field to reveal why the KCP25C, KCU, and KCS10B turning grades are reshaping how job shops approach productivity.From edge-holding coatings that stay sharp under pressure to inserts built for longer life and consistent performance, it’s all about cutting costs while keeping the spindle turning.Oh, and stick around—because Kennametal is giving away a custom $4,000 toolbox packed with holders, inserts, and even a voucher for more tooling!
You can’t just walk into a company and instantly know how to do the job. That’s why apprenticeships and training programs are so important. In this clip, Ben from Cromar discusses the value of providing young engineers with hands-on experience, sharing talent across companies, and truly practising what we preach. Mechanical, Electrical, and Fabrication apprentices all play a role in shaping the future of engineering; collaboration is key.
Full ep here - https://youtu.be/5wmo6oEdNr4
Cromar builds swarf conveyors, coolant filtration, mist extraction — anything that surrounds a machine tool.
A family business spanning generations with a focus on mastery, their systems are scalable, traceable, and backed by responsive engineering and service teams.
Join Tom Skubala of MTDCNC as he chats with Ben from Cromar to see how they manage orders for conveyors from start to finish, why a skilled workforce is still beneficial in today’s era of automation, and what they’re doing to prepare the next generation of machinists.
You can’t just walk into a company and instantly know how to do the job. That’s why apprenticeships and training programs are so important. In this clip, Ben from Cromar discusses the value of providing young engineers with hands-on experience, sharing talent across companies, and truly practising what we preach. Mechanical, Electrical, and Fabrication apprentices all play a role in shaping the future of engineering; collaboration is key.
Full ep here - https://youtu.be/5wmo6oEdNr4
Join the MTDCNC team as we recap our unforgettable week at EMO 2025. One of the world’s biggest manufacturing and engineering trade shows! From 25,000 daily steps on the show floor to late-night industry parties, we cover it all!
In this episode, we discuss:
➢The latest breakthroughs in automation, 3D printing, and CNC control systems
➢Insights on global manufacturing trends and visitor attendance
➢Wild behind-the-scenes stories (including one unexpected sausage incident 😅)
➢A look ahead at humanoid robots and the future of AI-driven machine shops
Whether you’re a machinist, engineer, or tech enthusiast, this EMO Washdown is your backstage pass to innovation, hard work, and a few laughs along the way!
From long days on the show floor to late-night laughs, the MTDCNC team had plenty to do at EMO Hannover. Catch Arthur Field, Paul Jones, Joe Reynolds, and Lyndsey Vickers of MTDCNC Monday at 1pm to find out all about it!
Whether it’s fabrication, turning, or ultra-compact precision work, ETG is helping shops manufacture smarter, faster, and more flexibly.
Whether it’s fabrication, turning, or ultra-compact precision work, ETG is helping shops manufacture smarter, faster, and more flexibly.
Advancements across Durma, Quaser, Nakamura-Tome, and Mitsubishi machines are all about slashing cycle times while keeping skilled operators in control. From AI-enhanced Durma lasers and V-model Nakamura upgrades to the flexible Quaser Flex and precision Mitsubishi EDMs, productivity and efficiency are moving fast.
Join Paul Jones of MTDCNC and Steve Brown of ETG in a special podcast to see how these new developments are transforming the UK manufacturing landscape.