Industry News

State sales tax bases are both too narrow and too broad.

Avantech recently added two new, large bridge-style CNC machines, significantly enhancing its capability to provide large-scale tooling for customers.

U.S. factory output rose in April, although new estimates of manufacturing and overall industrial production showed less growth in prior months than initially believed, casting a shadow over the economic outlook.

March U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $207.08 million, according to the United States Cutting Tool Institute, Cleveland, and The Association for Manufacturing Technology, McLean, Va. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was up 8.8 percent from February’s $190.32 million and up 3.5 percent when compared with the $200.05 million reported for March 2017. With a year-to-date total of $581.02 million, 2018 is up 6 percent when compared with 2017.

TechDay is a dual-location event June 7 by Datron Dynamics Inc. at technology centers on the East and West coasts to demonstrate new CNC control software. Although free and open to the public, registration is required.

The Institute for Supply Management reported that the April Purchasing Managers' Index registered 57.3 percent, a decrease of 2 percentage points from the March reading of 59.3 percent.

Mahr Inc. has partnered with the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) engineering department to offer students the opportunity to work on real-world engineering and manufacturing problems. As part of the URI capstone project, students in their senior year are selected to take part in a year-long capstone project focused on automation of submicron precision finishing of ring gages.

To celebrate Mikron Tool SA's 20th anniversary, a dozen employees will cycle from the Rottweil branch in Germany to the parent company in Agno, Switzerland, over four days. The participants are using the trip to support the Greenhope Foundation, which benefits children with cancer.

Manufacturing, which shed nearly a third of its workforce between 2000 and 2010, is rebounding as a solid path to the middle class. The industry has taken a more tech-intensive twist, making skills like practice in 3D design critical for future employment. Schools are taking notice.

Peter E. Nuskey, a Southampton, Pa.-based mechanical consultant and custom machining provider, said he had to cut 0.115"-wide clevis slots in the end of 1/4"-dia. 304 stainless steel rods. However, no commercial cutters are available for that slot width, according to Nuskey.

Google and relayr, a leading provider of industrial internet of things (IIoT) solutions, have together helped Aluvation, an aluminum heat-treatment company, disrupt the way automotive companies traditionally process aluminum components for vehicles.

Peter E. Nuskey, a mechanical consultant and custom machining veteran, wrote that he received a request for a 8.312"-dia. hole saw saw to cut holes in 1/4"-thick, multiple-wall polycarbonate. Saws this size are not commercially available.

Additive manufacturing seems to monopolize the spotlight when it comes to part production these days. Manufacturers flock to industry trade shows to see how this novel technology has advanced and learn about how it might transform and benefit their operations.

After 9 years as a plant manager for a tool and die maker, Jason Cantrell decided to launch his own tool and die business. In 2011, he established Triple C Machine & Fab, Livingston, Tenn. Cantrell’s vision for business ownership has since paid off. What started as a small job shop has expanded into a thriving company.

"One of the more common problems I have seen in my years in the machine shop is a general lack of readily available and handy information on machine shop math, specifically on feeds, speeds and related formulae," writes Kevin Mulhern. "Whether you are programming a 5-axis CNC machine or turning handles on a 60-year-old knee mill, the numbers don’t lie. However, one very important lesson I have learned is to respect the variables."

Lately, a very different trend has begun to manifest itself: Manufacturers have started replacing robots with humans. This is not driven by nostalgia or from a desire to provide more manufacturing jobs. It is simple, practical self-interest on the part of manufacturers.

Swedish engineering group Sandvik will buy French software company Metrologic Group for 360 million euros ($435 million) on a cash and debt-free basis to boost its digital manufacturing capabilities. Metrologic Group’s software includes automation and robotics control, as well as services for calibration and 3D measuring. It is used in the automotive, aerospace, energy and general engineering sectors, among others.

Celebrate the grand opening May 2 and 3 of Morris Midwest LLC's office and tech center at 2323 Corporate Drive in Waukesha, Wis. See live cutting demonstrations on CNC machines from leading builders integrated with tooling, accessories, software, automation and more. Discuss manufacturing challenges with Morris Midwest's productivity specialists, application engineers and technology partners. Learn about best practices and the latest advances in manufacturing. Network with industry leaders and peers. Enjoy a free, hot lunch; snacks; coffee; and other refreshments.

If you're an exhibitor planning to showcase a product or service at IMTS 2018, please click here to send a press release and image of the product or service to Cutting Tool Engineering Editor Alan Richter.

One benefit of expanding manufacturing employment is that workers are paid a premium. However, there is less of a pay advantage in manufacturing than there used to be. This suggests that policies to expand manufacturing employment should be accompanied by policies that maintain or strengthen compensation standards.