Industry News

News • January 5, 2018 • Alan Richter

Automated deburring lab at Matrix Design

For our February issue's Industry Briefs department, I'm writing an article about the Deburring Application Laboratory at Matrix Design LLC. The company designs, builds and installs robotic automation systems for deburring parts, as well as machine tending and material handling.

News • January 3, 2018

Why coding will be the next generation’s manufacturing

While manufacturing jobs dominated in the 20th century, many believe that coding will have a similar impact during the 21st century. "I think we've lost the ability to make things," said Adam Enbar, co-founder of Flatiron School, on Fox Business' "Wall Street Week." "Americans love to build and create and make things. This is that new wave. The new form of manufacturing is making software." Flatiron School, which is located in New York City, is a coding boot camp that trains people of all skill levels on how to code.

News • January 1, 2018 • Alan Richter

Focus on metalworking fluid filtration

In connection with the article I'm writing about metalworking fluid filtration equipment for our March issue, I spoke with Irvin Kaage, president of Transor Filter USA, Elk Grove Village, Ill. The company provides the One Micron Filtration system, which removes particles larger than 1µm from oil, primarily for grinding.

News • December 27, 2017 • Alan Richter

Considerations when bringing waterjetting in-house

In connection with the abrasive waterjet machining article scheduled for our March issue, I spoke with Jim Draper, owner of Rocky Mountain Waterjet, Greeley, Colo., who said when a parts manufacturer finds that waterjetting is a suitable process for a part or family of parts, the decision to outsource that work to a waterjet job shop or buy a waterjet machine for in-house production depends on the part quantity.

News • December 27, 2017

$500,000 simulation lab will be used to train manufacturing employees on-site

Marion Technical College's new $500,000 mobile training lab has the potential to train hundreds of workers each year throughout central Ohio, writes Hasan Karim in The Marion Star. The vehicle's 400-sq.-ft. simulation center accommodates eight students, each with a laptop and other training equipment, officials say. Bob Haas, the college's chief strategy officer, says the purpose of the mobile lab is to provide on-site training to local manufacturers.

News • December 27, 2017

Is universal basic income the answer to automation?

In addition to helping counteract any automation-caused unemployment, writes Brad Jones for the website Futurism, a universal basic income could provide a huge boost to the U.S. economy. A study from the Roosevelt Institute predicts that 8 years of universal basic income would result in a $2.48 trillion increase in the nation's gross domestic product.

News • December 22, 2017 • Michael J. Hicks, Ph.D.

Guest column: Manufacturing growth in transition

In the decade since the beginning of the Great Recession industrial production (e.g. manufacturing, mining and electricity production) has been a political football of both the left and right. It's time to stop playing that game, and a good way to start is to review some facts about these industries, which continue to provide a significant share of the Midwestern economy.

News • December 22, 2017

Chromium-6 controversy continues in California

Residents and activists in California continue to fight business interests over exposure to the carcinogen chromium-6, made famous by the 2000 film "Erin Brockovich." One issue involving the substance concerns its use at metal-treating companies. They oppose tightening air regulations. The metal-finishing industry provides about 9,000 jobs in the state, with more than half of them in Southern California.

News • December 21, 2017

Niigata Machine Techno USA Inc. opens new North American headquarters

Machine tool builder Niigata Machine Techno USA Inc., Elk Grove Village, Ill., opened its North American headquarters.

News • December 21, 2017

LMT Onsrud LP partners with MachiningCloud Inc.

LMT Onsrud LP, Waukegan, Ill., and MachiningCloud Inc., Camarillo, Calif., are partnering to provide LMT Onsrud product data in the cloud.

News • December 21, 2017 • Alan Richter

Building a giant telescope to look back further in time

Imagine a beam of light traveling unimpeded for 13.5 billion light years, only to get deflected and distorted just before being captured by a telescope. That is something the builders of the Giant Magellan Telescope are working hard to avoid.

News • December 20, 2017

NAP Gladu acquires Eide Saw & Tool Service Inc.

Jasper, Ind.-based toolmaker NAP Gladu, a Techniks Industries company, acquired Eide Saw & Tool Service Inc., Minneapolis.