Industry News

The Manufacturing Leadership Council's 800+ members have identified the most urgent and important issues disrupting the manufacturing industry over the next twelve months as it pursues a more efficient, agile, and data-driven future. MLC bills itself as "the world's foremost executive leadership organization dedicated to driving transformational growth for the world's manufacturing companies."

When you hear the phrase "preventive maintenance" what comes to mind? Do you cringe at the thought of taking your CNC machine out of production, losing precious time and money? Or are you meticulous about taking care of your investment so it will last a very long time?

June U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $186.57 million according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report (CTMR) collaboration, was down 2.8% from May's $191.93 million and up 6.0% when compared with the total of $175.97 million reported for June 2016.

As a precision sheet metal machining technology, photo etching achieves exacting tolerances, is highly repeatable and in many instances is the only technology that can cost-effectively manufacture precision metal components with the accuracy necessary in demanding and often safety critical applications.

LNS America Inc., Cincinnati, appointed Bob Bodde regional sales manager for Michigan, Ohio, western Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Pressure and flow are two common terms when it comes to air compressor systems, but the relationship between the two is often misunderstood. Choosing the wrong compressor for your facility can lead to the inability to produce products or wasted energy that increases costs.

Carlo Lonardi, president and CEO of Kito Americas Inc., Manheim, Pa., and executive officer of Kito Corp., Yamanashi, Japan, announced the promotions of key personnel as the company continues to build its Kito Americas corporate structure.

Adoption of production-monitoring software is growing as manufacturers search for new ways to optimize machine efficiency and maximize shop productivity, writes Makino Inc. "From large manufacturing plants to small job shops, these software technologies are enabling manufacturers to accomplish more with less." A white paper from Makino provides a detailed overview of the capabilities of prominent production-monitoring software, including both common and advanced features.

From the Napa Valley Register: "I ended up taking Machine Tool Technology by accident – I didn't know what it was. When the professor started by talking about the danger of getting scalped by machines, I thought 'What am I getting myself into?' But once we got started working I fell in love with the trade and knew what I wanted to do with my life."

Fast growth in South Carolina's automotive industry is a driving force behind a new Clemson University program that gives workers an opportunity to stay on the job while learning the skills they need to advance their careers and earn higher pay.

When preparing a used machine for auction, there is always important information you should include, writes digital marketplace Machine Tool Bids. "By informing potential buyers about your machine, you will help make the sales process go more smoothly." Machine Tool Bids lists a number of things a seller should provide: machine hours; materials worked; current photos and videos; included options or accessories; machine specifications; and the seller's ability to load the machine.

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in July, and the overall economy grew for the 98th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. At 56.3 percent, the July PMI shows a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the June reading of 57.8 percent.