Economy

Future of manufacturing

10/01/2015

Author:

CTE Editor Alan Richter visited the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute at Chicago’s Goose Island in September for a peek into the future of manufacturing at an event coordinated by Blaser Swisslube Inc.

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Private equity funds, venture capitalists partner with precision parts manufacturers poised for growth

10/01/2015

Author:

Alan Richter

Running a successful machine shop takes more than having advanced machine tools, high-performance cutting tools and machinists that boost productivity. A manufacturer of precision metal parts might also need a strategic partner that has the network, expertise and — last but not least — capital to penetrate new markets, overcome capacity constraints and make investments to help the business grow.

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DOE report highlights collaboration behind 3D-printed car

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) produced this video report to highlight some of the backstory behind building a 3D printed electric car in full view of everyone who attended IMTS 2014 in Chicago. The video notes that the collaboration among Local Motors, Cincinnati Inc., the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and DOE's Advanced Manufacturing Office helped spur the advancement of 3D printing technology.

Center to train workforce for additive manufacturing

The University of Louisville and UL (Underwriters Laboratories), a global safety science organization, in May announced plans for a 3D printing training facility—named the UL Additive Manufacturing Competency Center—that is set to open this fall adjacent to the university campus.

Midwest Industrial Tool Grinding wins 2015 Minn. Image Award

Midwest Industrial Tool Grinding Inc., Hutchinson, Minn., recently received the Image Award in the Minnesota Business Magazine2015 Manufacturing Awards. A two-time recipient, MITGI was recognized for work done to enhance the industry’s image and the appeal of careers in manufacturing, according to a company news release.

Manufacturing growing at slower pace

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in August for the 32nd consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 75th consecutive month, according to the nation's supply executives in the latest "Manufacturing ISM Report On Business" released Sept. 1.

PRAB acquires Puckmaster

Industrial material handling equipment manufacturer PRAB Inc., Kalamazoo, Mich., has completed its purchase of Puckmaster Co., manufacturers of briquetting machines for metal compression and coolant collection.

Smalley donates waterjet machine

Smalley Steel Ring Co., a designer and manufacturer of retaining rings and wave springs, donated an OMAX 2652 to the College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake, Ill.. The abrasive waterjet machining center is the college's first and broadens the CNC/Machine Tool Trades Department's ability to offer the waterjet technology skills sought by many employers recruiting CLC graduates, including Smalley.

Airline industry lifts manufacturing

Industrial Info Resources, a market research company based in Sugar Land, Texas, reported Aug. 5 that demand for aircraft parts has helped give rise to U.S. manufacturing plant expansions.

Okuma expands warehouse, increases service

Charlotte, N.C.-based Okuma America Corp.‘s newly-expanded warehouse increases the company's capacity for mechanical repair and exchange service, providing faster spindle and cam box replacement service, according to the company.