Intense global competition is forcing the manufacturing industry to reduce costs so as to maintain profitability. Since a major component of manufacturing cost is machine tool time, attention is focused on cycle time reduction through greater machining productivity. Advances in machine tools, development of stronger workpiece materials, new machining methods, and environmental regulations with regard to safe disposal of cutting fluids are providing additional challenges to the cutting tool industry. In response to these challenges, the industry has made significant innovations in every class of tool materials. This paper discusses the role of tooling advances in enhancing metalcutting productivity.