Q: You recently spoke about digital machining and one of Kennametal’s key AI partnerships at the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Conference 2025. Can you share more about that?
A: Kennametal has been on a journey to transform the future of machining by developing streamlined, AI-powered manufacturing solutions for our customers. One of our strategic partners is Toolpath Labs, an AI-focused start-up providing new solutions for the manufacturing industry. They provide a subscription-based digital service where customers upload part models to receive optimized machining strategies using existing shop tools. The system recommends any additional tools needed, calculates cost estimates based on material and shop rates, and generates AI-driven toolpaths for each feature. These toolpaths can be uploaded directly to other programs, like Autodesk Fusion for example, and posted to a machining center.
Q: How is this helpful to the customer?
A: The digital machining journey is all about giving our customers choices and improving their productivity. Having all the data at their fingertips to easily and quickly make decisions and parts right the first time is our goal.
Q: How is Kennametal leading the evolution of digital machining in the manufacturing industry?
A: It depends on the customers that we are serving! For large OEMs, our Global Solutions Engineering team uses digital tools to deliver quotes faster for more efficient solutions. Shops with CAM systems and recurring or long-term orders benefit from Kennametal and ModuleWorks SmartRoughing software component, a physics-based add-in that optimizes feed and speed for productivity. Through our Autodesk partnership, machinists can use the Fusion CAM add-in and Kennametal’s “Solution Finder” on our website to select tools for each operation. For small shops, Toolpath Labs enables quick job completion using existing tools and purchasing only what’s necessary. Kennametal leads by tailoring solutions to each application and investing in partners to meet evolving global supply chain demands.
What’s Next:
Kennametal continues to expand its digital machining partnerships to better serve its customers. Most recently we announced integration with Hexagon’s cloud-based Tool Library empowering machinists with instant access and verified Kennametal digital tooling data. Read more: https://investors.kennametal.com/news-releases/news-release-details/kennametal-and-hexagon-jointly-deliver-faster-smarter-machining
About Our Team:
Kennametal Vice President Engineering, Ed Rusnica, is a 28-year Kennametal veteran, leading the company’s Global Solutions Engineering, Design Engineering, Additive Manufacturing and Virtual Machining Teams. He is a mechanic at heart and loves to solve problems, learn and help others succeed. When asked what advice he would give to someone considering a career in engineering, he said, “stay focused, be patient and help others to succeed. Build your personal brand every day – because you are whether you realize it or not!”
This story is part of our new series, Built to Lead, about how our people are transforming how everyday life is built.
