Automotive

FANUC America Marks 35 Years of Manufacturing Robots in the U.S.

FANUC America has marked the 35th anniversary of manufacturing its line of painting robots at the company’s Rochester Hills, Mich., headquarters. In 1982, FANUC America produced its first NC Painter, a hydraulic paint robot using key components from parent company FANUC Corp. in Japan. Now, 35 years later, FANUC America remains globally responsible for all paint robots and door openers of the FANUC robot lineup.

Shop Profile: MTU America implements lean initiatives

MTU America, Graniteville, S.C., which machines parts for large diesel engines, shares a glimpse into the shop's machining operations and lean manufacturing initiatives in this brief shop profile video report filmed by Cutting Tool Engineering Editor Alan Richter.

See also the cover story in the April 2017 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine, "MTU America: Machining parts for large diesel engines."

Allied video podcast explores automotive holemaking technology

Todd Cox, field sales engineer with Allied Machine & Engineering Corp., discusses the changes in the holemaking technologies for the automotive industry during this 8-minute video podcast. Cox addresses the important role holemaking technology plays in automotive manufacturing, then delves into the changes in holemaking technology—particularly with regard to what separates traditional cutting tools from the cutting-edge technology now available for automotive applications.

Opinion: 'Smart Manufacturing? Dumb Idea'

In a guest editorial, CEO and author Steven L. Blue argues that “Smart manufacturing should start with people, not machines” and that companies should “start by building a workforce that is engaged, enlightened, and empowered. A workforce that trusts in its leadership.”

Manufacturing groups to Trump: Think hard about trade threats

Reuters reports that America's manufacturers are urging President-elect Donald Trump to back off from his most threatening trade rhetoric and pursue a more nuanced approach to trade with China and Mexico, avoiding unilateral tariff actions and focusing on negotiations. Corporate lobbying groups, some chief executives and pro-trade lawmakers also say they eventually even hope to persuade Trump that free-trade agreements can help grow the U.S. economy and create jobs.

LA Times: Mexico's manufacturing boom lifting U.S. workers

Los Angeles Times reports: Factories south of the border are fueled by American goods and services—creating a silver lining for at least some workers in the U.S.

Non-profit engineering research group adds electron beam system to toolbox

EWI, a Columbus, Ohio-based non-profit organization dedicated to innovating and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies for industry, soon will add an Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) system to its R&D toolbox. Chicago-based Sciaky Inc. announced the sale of its EBAM system in a news release issued July 20.

GM plans 'positive' manufacturing announcement at Bay City plant

General Motors officials are expected to make a "positive plant manufacturing announcement" at the Bay City Powertrain factory this week.

P/M powers auto parts

09/01/2010

Machining P/M steels for powertrain parts is tough, but answers abound.

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Washed Away

04/01/2011

With a substantial portion of the U.S. manufacturing base in earthquake-prone California, we would be wise to study how Japan orchestrates this recovery, suggests CTE Editorial Director Alan Rooks in his April 2011 Lead Angle editorial.

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