The amount of advanced CNC equipment in Micron Product's orthopedic machining work cell has doubled in the past 5 years, while the number of programmer/machinists has remained about the same due to the use of more efficient, advanced CAM technology.
Shops today are more aware of environmental conditions. Mist collectors and electrostatic air cleansers are not uncommon and many manufacturers realize there's little chance of attracting high-caliber work from customers when the shop is a pigsty.
My first experience with welding was when my dad taught me to stick weld in the basement of our home. When I was about 9 years old, he came home with a new welding hood. I remember asking him who the hood was for and being mortified when he said it was for me.
