Industry News

News • February 21, 2017 • Evan Jones Thorne

ScULPT laser seeks tenfold increase in throughput

A joint research project known as "Scaling Ultrafast Laser Productive Precision Processing Technology", or ScULPT, was conceived to develop an efficient, powerful, ultra-short pulsed laser system with a tenfold increase in throughput on the machining of different types of glass and metals.

News • February 21, 2017 • Raymond Farrar

High-Torque Retention Knob prevents toolholder deformation

Whereas the retention knob is an unmistakably critical component of the machining process, conventional retention knobs, when installed in a toolholder, may deform the precision taper because of the elastic nature of a toolholder's thin walls. This taper deformation prevents a toolholder from properly mating with the spindle of a CNC machine. JM Performance Products Inc. has worked to overcome this manufacturing bind with its lower-deformation High Torque Retention Knobs.

News • February 20, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

GE Aviation has invested $4 billion over 5 years in US manufacturing

To maintain and grow its production levels on its newest jet engines, engine components and aircraft systems, GE Aviation investments reached $4.3 billion in its U.S. operations during 2011–2016, with another $1.1 billion invested in its international sites, the company reports. That U.S. amount includes $214 million to establish five new plants here.

News • February 20, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

As available jobs increase, manufacturers get that old school spirit

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that hiring in December 2016 was at a four-month high, while the number of manufacturing hires tied that of November for its best monthly performance since 2010. Separately, the BLS said that manufacturing companies created 5,000 new jobs in January for a second straight month of growth. That's good news for those who remember the dark days of the Great Recession—but for employers who have more work to be done than workers to do it, it's a headache. One solution has been to reach that next generation early—while they're finishing high shool.

News • February 17, 2017 • Alan Richter

Role of immigrant engineers in the U.S. manufacturing industry

In an article posted Feb. 9 at Forbes.com, Bill Conerly of Conerly Consulting LLC, Oswego, Ore., discussed how U.S. manufacturers need engineers to thrive because engineers invent products and optimize production methods.

News • February 16, 2017

Cincinnati Inc. names regional sales engineer

Machine tool builder Cincinnati Inc., Harrison, Ohio, named Kristina Frontino regional sales engineer for northern California, Nevada, Utah and southern Idaho.

News • February 16, 2017

Drake Manufacturing selects NA sales chief

Drake Manufacturing Services Co. LLC, Warren, Ohio, named Bruce Dibble director of sales for North America. Drake builds machines for producing threads and gears.

News • February 16, 2017

INDEX name regional sales managers

Machine tool builder INDEX Corp., Noblesville, Ind., named Craig Foster regional sales manager for the upper Midwest and Gino Viviani regional sales manager for the western U.S.

News • February 16, 2017

Simonds Saw names new president

Saw manufacturer Simonds Saw LLC named David Miles president. Miles will succeed Ray Martino, who will continue to serve as CEO of Simonds Saw and as president and CEO of Simonds International.

News • February 16, 2017

SPRING Technologies CEO nominated for French aerospace group

Paris-headquartered simulation software developer SPRING Technologies announced the nomination of CEO Gilles Battier as a new member of the GIFAS AERO-PME Committee. GIFAS is an economic interest group that spearheads France's aerospace industry ecosystem.

News • February 16, 2017

Bunting Magnetics names HR manager

Bunting Magnetics Co., Newton, Kan., named Suzanne Hurst human resources manager. The company makes magnetic separation and material-handling equipment.

News • February 15, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

Cutting Tool Market Report: ‘Strong finish’ for 2016

Down, but getting back up: December 2016 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $176.04 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT — The Association for Manufacturing Technology. This total was up 4.4 percent from November's $168.69 million and up 12.5 percent when compared with the total of $156.49 million reported for December 2015, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration. With a year-to-date total of $2.042 billion, 2016 is down 4.3 percent when compared with 2015.