Industry News

Methods Machine Tools Inc. today named Benjamin Fisk general manager of Methods' 3D Additive Manufacturing business. The move follows a partnership agreement announced Oct. 20, 2015, between Methods and 3D Systems, a provider of 3D digital design and fabrication solutions, including 3D printers, print materials and cloud-sourced custom parts. The partnership allows Methods to enhance its portfolio of leading-edge precision machine tools and solutions for traditional manufacturing with advanced 3D printing solutions for additive manufacturing (AM).

Methods Machine Tools Inc. recently promoted Robert Nakash to general manager of the company's operations in Phoenix, where he has held the position of sales engineer since 2007. Prior to that, Nakash was at Mori Seiki USA Inc. in New Jersey for 17 years in various positions.

Fives Machining Systems is set to open a service center in Seattle today as the company expands to meet the needs of its customers nationwide, according to a news release issued by the Fives Group. The Seattle center will stock spare parts, repair unit assemblies and dispatch service engineers to customers in the Northwest.

When the Fullerton Tool Co., Saginaw, Mich., says it is "a growing industry leader in quality solid carbide cutting tools," the claim isn't just poetic prose from a public relations agency. The privately owned business, which has been located in Saginaw for almost 75 years, recently opened a second plant—Fullerton West—located in Thomas Township in the Great Lakes Technology Park.

Star SU, Hoffman Estates, IL, recently appointed Dave Rydberg to the engineering team for its Cutting Tool division. In his new role as a gear tool technology engineer, Rydberg will help with continued development of gear tool applications, tool design, manufacturing and advanced engineering.

Steven Smith has been named president of CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies, Mason, Ohio. He will be responsible for managing CNC Indexing's daily operations as well as building a new national distribution network in the United States.

Abtex Corp., Dresden, NY, a leading manufacturer of brush/machine deburring solutions for the manufacturing industry, recently promoted Damian Clemens to Systems Group Manager. Clemens joined Abtex in 2014 when his company—Nihmble Technologies—was acquired by Abtex.

Okuma America Corp., Charlotte, N.C., recently named Ted Winkle as coordinator of the company's Houston Tech Center (HTC). Winkle will oversee management of all HTC activities as well as support sales and Okuma's distribution partner Hartwig.

The United States Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), a leading trade association for the North American cutting tool industry, recently launched Careers In Manufacturing, a website that promotes careers in manufacturing and provides resources for students, educators, parents and manufacturers.

Meister Abrasives USA Inc. in December 2015 added an advanced CNC manufacturing system to its lineup, making it possible for the North Kingstown, R.I., company to manufacture large diameter external wheels in the United States using equipment, materials and a manufacturing process identical to those used by its parent corporation in Switzerland. The new CNC system is said to be capable of producing large vit CBN and diamond abrasive wheels up to 1,225mm (about 4') in diameter.