Industry News

News • August 14, 2018

The latest material trends for CNC machining

3D Hubs releases its quarterly report that shows real world data on which CNC materials and surface finishes are requested the most by engineers globally.

News • August 10, 2018

Grinding medical tools with Eric Schwarzenbach, president of Rollomatic Inc.

CNC tool grinder manufacturers can offer application support to find the perfect mix for effective processes. Eric Schwarzenbach, president of Rollomatic Inc., discusses how the right partner can help.

News • August 10, 2018

Machining titanium, molybdenum and other hard-to-cut materials

Many materials appear almost impossible to machine. A component with a combination of materials represents a special challenge. High-positive indexable inserts from ARNO Werkzeuge achieve convincing process reliability and finish quality in turning operations. Siemens Healthcare GmbH is delighted with a tenfold increase in tool life.

News • August 9, 2018

How virtual reality is changing the manufacturing game

It's no longer just for gaming! Virtual Reality (VR), sometimes referred to as Augmented Reality (AR), is shaking things up across all industries, including manufacturing. While the technology is currently being employed mainly by large manufacturers, like additive manufacturing and the cobots before it, growing acceptance of the technology is likely to cause prices to drop, allowing small and medium-sized manufacturers to take advantage of its powers as well. So what do you need to know about VR before it comes your way?

News • August 9, 2018

Workcred releases manufacturing credentials report

To help strengthen the quality, value and effectiveness of manufacturing credentials in the U.S., Workcred, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) affiliate, has released a report funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) examining how credentials are currently used in hiring and retention practices, and how credentialing can be improved to advance the manufacturing industry.

News • August 8, 2018

Game shop takes 3D printing, laser cutting into “infinite realm”

A game and hobby shop in Girard, Ohio, has taken 3D printing and laser cutting into an "infinite realm." The business, Infinite Realms, started with three men making pieces like rock formations, oil pits and satellites, which were sold online. Sales were so good that the owners decided to open a physical location to sell more than 100 different items that they make.

News • August 8, 2018 • Rick Raber

Proven ROI in the tracking of tools, production tooling and fixtures

For a business owner or manager it's a frustrating and difficult task to track, manage and keep records on the hand-held tools, production tooling and fixtures, dies and castings that are the lifeblood of your operation. Each category of tool has specific tracking and accounting issues that when addressed have been proven to show a significant return on investment.

News • August 7, 2018 • Al Youngwerth

Automation for high-mix CNC manufacturing: What are my options?

When I'm visiting CNC operations around the country, shop managers often start our conversations like this, "Labor is killing us. We can't find enough good operators and we're losing some of our experienced operators to competitors. What are my options?" The manager often goes on to describe operational issues related to labor that are typical in high-mix CNC manufacturing. This article describes automation options for CNC shops, specifically focusing on those processing parts in CNC milling machines with batch sizes between 10 and 1,000 pieces.

News • August 6, 2018 • Doris Schulz

Ultrafine parts cleaning system with robotized loading

High quality and productivity are key success factors, not just in machining but also in the production of cutting tools. Accordingly, exacting demands on cleaning quality, capacity and process reliability had to be met when Sandvik Coromant invested in new equipment for its in-process and final cleaning of drill bits, milling cutters and indexable inserts. The company chose several solvent-based cleaning machines made by Ecoclean (formerly Dürr Ecoclean) plus one highly automated ultrafine cleaning system from UCM AG.

News • August 3, 2018 • Alan Richter

Wondering and ranting

Every wonder what it would be like to sell machine tools for living? Rantings of a Machine Tool Salesman by Scott Walker provides a flavor of that wonderland career. Semiretired, Walker is chairman of Mitsui Seiki USA Inc., Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, where he started as vice president of sales in 1991. The company specializes in building heavy metal and mother machine tools.

News • August 3, 2018

Weiler Abrasives Group expands U.S. operations

CRESCO, Pa. — July 17, 2018 — Weiler Abrasives Group, a provider of abrasives, power brushes and maintenance products for surface conditioning, will expand operations at its Cresco facility as a result of investments in lean manufacturing and factory automation that opened space and capacity at the location.

News • August 3, 2018

Tom Daggett wins lifetime achievement award

Hutchinson, Minnesota – July 16, 2018 – Hutchinson Manufacturing proudly announces that its President Tom Daggett is being honored with the 2018 Made in Minnesota Manufacturing Awards Lifetime Achievement Award from Minnesota Business magazine.