Editorial Mission
The Editorial Mission of MODERN MACHINE SHOP is to promote new technology. We tell our readers about new tools and methods and show how shops are turning these innovations into a decisive competitive advantage.

Editorial Focus
MODERN MACHINE SHOP is primarily devoted to metalworking manufacturing, especially the manufacture of discrete parts produced on machine tools. We concentrate on news and information about metalcutting machine tools.

How Can You Contribute?
MODERN MACHINE SHOP is always interested in receiving information about new and useful products from suppliers in the metalworking and manufacturing field to be included in our Product Information Sections. We also accept product case histories, and a limited number of bylined feature articles. We rarely solicit articles from freelancers.

An Editorial Calendar lists monthly emphasis and spotlight topics. See "Specs" and "For More Information" sections below for guidelines on how to submit items.

Selection of material for each issue will be based on our evaluation of its interest to readers and on available space.

Systems & Software
Reserved for computer-related products that apply to machining and manufacturing:

• software for NC programming
• CAD/CAM
• shop control systems
• manufacturing engineering software
• electronic data processing
• networks and data communications

Modern Equipment Review
Covers all other product categories:

• metalcutting machine tools
• cutting tools, toolholders, inserts and coolants
• workholding and work handling devices
• machine tool components and accessories
• inspection, measuring and testing equipment
• forming and fabricating equipment

Literature
Describes free catalogs, brochures and other literature on metalworking-related products and topics.

Trade Shows
Special sections throughout the year are devoted to coverage of products on display at IMTS, Westec and Eastec. See editorial calendar for product release deadlines.

• Be concise and factual.
• Be brief—submit 200-250 words.
• Provide a contact name and company address, phone and fax numbers, and Web site.
• Include any special instructions regarding inquiry handling.
• Highlight what is new or different.
• Present the most important features first.
• Briefly explain the benefits of these features.
• Give equivalent measurements (use the native system first with metric or inch/pound equivalents in parentheses). For example: "holes with diameters of 0.374 (9.5mm)."
• IMAGES: Please include images when possible. High resolution electronic formats are preferred; however, transperancies and 35-mm slides are also acceptable.

Please contact Matt Danford, Assistant Editor at 513-527-8876 or mdanford@mmsonline.com with any questions or concerns.

Better Production is the case history section appearing in every issue. Each case history shows how a real-life shop or plant has used a specific product or commercial service to solve a problem, break a bottleneck, improve quality, increase productivity or create an opportunity.

Better Production articles focus on a particular product and show how that product made a difference in shopfloor operations at a particular customer site. If that product features new or unusual technology, a brief explanation of technology is welcome. A word count of 500 to 700 words is about right. Please include several illustrations showing the production action at the user's shop.

For more detailed information, click here.

Brief articles, generally staff-written, that analyze how metalworking technology is used and other topics directly relevant to machine shops. Choice of topics is based on significance to our readers, but we welcome suggestions.

Rapid Traverse
Significant product developments that reveal major technology trends News about advances in product design or application Breakthroughs in technology that impact users' applications

Feature Articles
Each issue of MODERN MACHINE SHOP emphasizes one or two key topics in metalworking technology or plant floor operations. A variety of major articles will be devoted to these emphasis topics. Additional feature articles may round out the issue by addressing other topics of broad or pressing interest.

Most feature articles are written by staff editors or expressly solicited from industry experts. Original, unpublished material offered to MODERN MACHINE SHOP on an exclusive basis will be considered.

Before writing or developing an article for MODERN MACHINE SHOP, it's almost always best to call MODERN MACHINE SHOP about 6 months before the issue in which you would like it to appear.

MMS Shop Talk addresses current events in the metalworking industry that are of interest to our readers. Newsworthy information includes company mergers, relocations, expansions, acquisitions and agreements; new, updated or redesigned Web sites; and unique activities, projects or events.

We encourage you to submit material via e-mail whenever possible. Otherwise, if possible, please send a disk with the item as a document file. Word (PC) format preferred.

Illustrations are important. Professional photography is recommended. Charts, graphs and other line art are also welcome. Color prints are preferred, but transparencies or 35 mm slides are also acceptable. A variety of electronic formats for illustrations such as TIF or JPEG files are also acceptable. Please save graphics files at a size of 5 inches wide and a resolution of 300 dpi minimum. Files must be smaller than 4 MB if e-mailed. Call about FTP options for larger files.

Be sure that all illustrations depict proper safety procedures and attire. Machine operators must be wearing approved eye and hearing protection.