Industry News

The cutting of intricate profiles and odd angles is the domain of wire EDM machining processes, capable of creating ultraprecise shapes and superior finishes that are near-impossible to machine by other means. However, just because a shape is difficult to machine does not mean it should be hard to program.

Containing large-size cargo for transport is challenging yet necessary to keep bundles intact for individual orders and to keep them from flying off the beds of 18-wheelers at high speeds. Allstrap Inc., Upper Arlington, Ohio, specializes in the manufacture of the steel and poly straps that hold these sizeable loads together, as well as the pneumatic and battery-operated tensioning tools that keep the straps taut.

The online magazine Fast Company reports that while the rest of the auto industry increasingly uses robots in manufacturing, Toyota has taken a contrarian stance by accentuating human craftsmanship: "The central role that people play in this corner of [Toyota's] Georgetown plant is repeated throughout the factory and exemplifies the uniqueness of Toyota’s manufacturing philosophy."

Kentucky-based startup MakeTime announced the launch, and participating industry partners, of the MakeTime Shop Advantage Program. The first-of-its-kind program is designed to make technology, sophisticated hardware and business services more accessible to the U.S. manufacturing base, which contributes over $2 trillion to the U.S. economy annually.

Vision Engineering Ltd. announces the loss of founder Rob Freeman, MBE, who passed away on Aug.19, aged 84.

Rockford (Ill.) Systems LLC and Master Lock Co. LLC, Oak Creek, Wis., have a new joint initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of safety technologies throughout the North American manufacturing sector.

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in August, and the overall economy grew for the 99th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. At 58.8 percent, the August PMI showed an increase of 2.5 percentage points from the July reading of 56.3 percent.

Schütte LLC, Jackson, Mich., appointed Jeffrey Reinert CEO for North American operations.

Haimer Mexico, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, brought in Alonso Acevedo as general manager.

Cincinnati Inc., Harrison, Ohio, named industry veteran Rakesh Kumar vice president of sales, marketing and service.

Okuma America Corp., Charlotte, N.C., a manufacturer of CNC machine tools, welcomed Kitchener, Canada-based Praemo, which is in applied industrial internet of things and artificial intelligence, to Partners in THINC.

The global metal cutting machine market is expected to reach $9.79 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research Inc. Increasing demand from automotive industry has been a key factor driving market growth, globally. In addition, robust growth in various application industries such as electronics, defense, marine, construction and aerospace is also fueling the demand.

Dignity Medical Solutions, Inc. (DMS), a group of doctors, scientists and engineers focused on developing technologies that improve the health and dignity of patients worldwide, has partnered with Quest Specialty Products, Inc. to manufacture the TIMO Solution (TIMO), a safer, healthier, and more cost-effective method to manage urinary incontinence. The two companies recently signed an agreement that will provide DMS with the manufacturing, service and support infrastructure needed to market TIMO along with shipping, receiving and inventory management services. The first product release is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Workers in the hardmetal industry are not at increased risk for lung cancer or any of 63 other potential causes of death, concluded the largest and most definitive study on this population to date. The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health-led study of more than 32,000 workers in five countries was performed after smaller studies indicated that tungsten carbide with a cobalt binder—the primary ingredients in hardmetal—may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. Hardmetal is a human-made substance second only to diamond in hardness. It's used in metal cutting tools and drill bits.

Drake Manufacturing Services Co. LLC, Warren, Ohio, has been sold in a court-ordered receivership.

MachiningCloud Inc., Camarillo, Calif., and Colibri Spindles Ltd., Lavon, Israel, have partnered to provide Colibri Spindles product data in the cloud.

Concurrent Technologies Corp. celebrated its 30th year with a luncheon Friday outside its main facility in Johnstown. The R&D company of about 550 employees works primarily with military contracts and advanced manufacturing techniques. Current projects include friction stir welding, which can strengthen joints in thicker metal, additive manufacturing for repairs of temperature-sensitive or hard-to-reach parts, and laundry and shower wastewater recycling for military outings.

Ivy Tech Community College has secured a $15,000 grant with which to support scholarships and credentialing for the machine tool technology program at the East Chicago location of its Lake County campus.

Etna opened in 1946, and until recently was one of the last remaining tool and die shops in Manhattan. After years of watching the neighborhood grow and transform from its Bond Street location for 70 years, James Galuppo, the owner, has reluctantly closed the shop’s doors.

The global ceramics market is expected to reach $287 billion by 2022, according to a recent report by Grand View Research Inc. Furthermore, advanced ceramics are expected to be the fastest-growing segment in terms of volume at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 9 percent through to 2022.