Industry News

Additive manufacturing seems to monopolize the spotlight when it comes to part production these days. Manufacturers flock to industry trade shows to see how this novel technology has advanced and learn about how it might transform and benefit their operations.

CNC Software Inc., Tolland, Conn., developer of Mastercam CAD/CAM software, is partnering with NASA's program High Schools United With NASA to Create Hardware, or HUNCH.

Techniks Industries, Indianapolis, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, rebranded to Frontline Tooling Solutions.

Oberg Industries Inc., Freeport, Pa., a full-service contract manufacturer of precision machined and stamped components located north of Pittsburgh, acquired X-L Engineering Corp., Niles, Ill.

Wall Colmonoy Corp., Madison Heights, Mich., a global materials engineering group of companies engaged in the manufacture of advanced metal coatings and components, was established in 1938 in Detroit by Albert F. Wall.

PMT Group Inc., Bridgeport, Conn., parent company of Moore Tool Co. Inc., Moore Nanotechnology Systems LLC and Producto Corp., appointed Mark Boomgarden president and CEO of Moore Tool and Moore Nanotechnology Systems.

After 9 years as a plant manager for a tool and die maker, Jason Cantrell decided to launch his own tool and die business. In 2011, he established Triple C Machine & Fab, Livingston, Tenn. Cantrell's vision for business ownership has since paid off. What started as a small job shop has expanded into a thriving company.

Bob Hudson of New South Whales, Australia, responded to my April 11 blog titled "Assisting manufacturers with augmented reality."

One of the more common problems I have seen in my years in the machine shop is a general lack of readily available and handy information on machine shop math, specifically on feeds, speeds and related formulae, writes Kevin Mulhern. "Whether you are programming a 5-axis CNC machine or turning handles on a 60-year-old knee mill, the numbers don't lie. However, one very important lesson I have learned is to respect the variables."

Lately, a very different trend has begun to manifest itself: Manufacturers have started replacing robots with humans. This is not driven by nostalgia or from a desire to provide more manufacturing jobs. It is simple, practical self-interest on the part of manufacturers.

Swedish engineering group Sandvik will buy French software company Metrologic Group for 360 million euros ($435 million) on a cash and debt-free basis to boost its digital manufacturing capabilities. Metrologic Group's software includes automation and robotics control, as well as services for calibration and 3D measuring. It is used in the automotive, aerospace, energy and general engineering sectors, among others.

My Jan. 29 blog post, "Simple steps improve shop websites for hiring," received an insightful reply from Gerry Anger, president of Granger Sales Inc.