CREDIT: GIE MEDIA
From CAM programming to advanced coatings, the right cutting tool strategy can transform your operations.
At this month’s free Cutting Tool Roundtable, taking place Wednesday August 27 at 12PM ET, join experts from ISCAR and Allied Machine as they share real-world solutions they’ve used to help manufacturers across industries run faster, smarter, and more profitably. Learn how they approach cutting tool selection, custom tooling projects, and process optimization – and take away strategies you can implement immediately to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape.
Speakers

Thomas Raun
Chief Technical Officer
ISCAR USA
Thomas Raun is chief technical officer at ISCAR USA. Tom has 32+ years of manufacturing industry experience. Starting in 1991, Tom spent the next 12 years as a CNC machinist and CAM programmer, mainly working for companies within the die & mold industry. Tom joined ISCAR in 2003 and has performed various roles focused on project and product management, while engaging with manufacturing companies throughout the USA to improve CNC machining processes through implementation of cutting tool technologies.
In his current role, Tom oversees a team of product and industry specialists responsible for developing and articulating cutting tool application strategies that maximize cutting tool utilization and drive productivity improvements for the many manufacturing customers/industries served by ISCAR.
Tom achieved the highest certification in Lean Six Sigma (Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, LSSMBB) and has completed coursework through Villanova University related to Lean Six Sigma, Strategic Organizational Leadership, Finance, and Accounting.
Specialties: Process Improvement and Project Management (Lean & Six Sigma), Cutting Tool Applications, CAM Programming

Chris Best
Application Specialist
Allied Machine & Engineering
Chris Best, application specialist at Allied Machine & Engineering, has been with the company for 15 years. While he began his career at Allied as a field sales engineer for Western Pennsylvania, his current role as application specialist involves working with local field sales engineers on key accounts and projects to drive sales growth. Not only does his vast knowledge of technical information make him a valuable resource for many in the field, but Chris also works to liaise on projects requiring custom tooling. Prior to Allied, Chris gained experience in distribution sales and machining. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Penn State University as well as an MBA from Clarion University. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, snowmobiling, and riding motorcycles.
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