Industry News

News • November 1, 2018 • Alan Richter

A reader’s musings on safety

At the facility where I spent the bulk of my machining career, we had two components to the operation: the surface refinery where I worked and the underground portion where the ore was mined before being sent up to the refinery. The mine was 1,570 feet deep, so it wasn't just a simple jaunt when folks were in a bind. In addition, there were restrictions on who entered the mine, and the hazard training required for both the underground (MSHA) portion and the methane presence in the mine atmosphere. This mine generated about 2½ million cubic feet of methane on a daily basis.

News • November 1, 2018

Automation 101: A step-by-step guide to getting started

From assembly and pick-and-place to material handling and packaging, the use of robots is on the rise in factory automation. Extremely customizable in even the most complex applications, automation systems are beneficial for a variety of reasons. Taking the plunge into automation, however, can be confusing and daunting. With so many factors to consider, you may be wondering where to start. This guide is a broad overview, but can serve well as a starting point for those new to automation.

News • October 31, 2018

Walter USA LLC partners with MachiningCloud Inc.

Waukesha, WI—Walter, a cutting tool manufacturer, now has product data available on MachiningCloud.

News • October 31, 2018

Manufacturing data readiness: The good, bad and ugly

Being a data-driven manufacturer is all the rage. Sight Machine engages daily with global manufacturers looking to better use production data to predict machine failure, optimize processes or increase output. Yet many of these manufacturing analytics projects stumble out of the gate. Here's why.

News • October 31, 2018

Internet-of-things solutions for manufacturing: Build or buy?

If you're a manufacturer wanting to take your first steps toward the internet of things and you're overwhelmed by the plethora of vendors and IoT platforms in the IoT space, you're not alone. IoT is still a new space with many moving parts and products. This makes it hard for organizations to know exactly where and how to get started.

News • October 30, 2018

Technical tip: Maximizing waterjet orifice life

As with any industrial equipment, there are certain components of waterjet cutting systems that are expended during operation. These consumables will need regular replacement to keep the machine running efficiently. In an abrasive waterjet, garnet will account for the bulk of consumable expenditure. However, both abrasive and water-only machines contain parts in the pump and cutting head that are constantly exposed to extreme conditions, causing them to eventually wear out. One such part is the waterjet orifice, a small metal disk containing a gem that focuses the waterjet stream.

News • October 30, 2018 • Chad Storlie

Digital technology drives excellent customer experience

The challenge racing across businesses today is how to improve, scale and sustain an excellent customer experience (CX). CX is the sum of all the customer's interactions, good, bad or indifferent, with a company's products, services and other support services that the customer encounters in their pre-, during and post-purchase activities.

News • October 26, 2018

Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center Research and Development adds 21st member

Scappoose, Oregon; September 21, 2018 – The Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center Research and Development (OMIC R&D) continues to grow its company membership with the recent addition of IMS Software, based out of Haverhill, Massachusetts.

News • October 26, 2018

Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center Research and Development adds 20th member

Scappoose, Oregon; September 20, 2018 – The Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center Research and Development (OMIC R&D) continues to grow its company membership with the recent addition of global cutting tools manufacturer Seco Tools, LLC.

News • October 26, 2018

Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute hires Chandra Brown

CHICAGO (Sept. 19, 2018) – The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) announced today that former federal executive and startup trailblazer Chandra Brown has been named executive director effective Sept. 26, 2018.

News • October 26, 2018

Saint-Gobain Abrasives Inc. creates innovation team

WORCESTER, MA, USA (September 6, 2018) – Saint-Gobain Abrasives, one of the world's largest abrasives manufacturers, announced the introduction of its new division, Performance Grinding Solutions (PGS).

News • October 26, 2018

5 questions for Rachel Ciullo

CTE Managing Editor Greg Bartlett spoke with Rachel Ciullo, owner and president of toolmaker Composite Cutter Technology Inc., Volo, Illinois, about her business and life. The company manufactures PCD cutting tools, PCD wear parts and precision-machined parts for customers in automotive, aerospace, electronics, optical and other industries.