Industry News

Machine tool distributor Kaast Machine Tools Inc., Ardmore, Pa., appointed Ebony Goldsmith office manager.

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.

Florence, Ky.-based Mazak Corp. hosted the Midwest Technology + Education Event May 1-3 at its Midwest Regional Headquarters and Technology Center in Schaumburg, Ill. The machine tool builder exhibited and demonstrated an array of equipment, including milling, turning, 5-axis and multitask machines, and nine of the company’s Value Inspired Partners exhibited at the event.

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.

Sidney Pimenta Paiva, 60, took over management of the U.S. subsidiary Mapal Inc. effective April 1.

The precision tooling company founded by Heinz Kaiser in Rümlang, Switzerland, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

Mahr Inc., Providence, R.I., and NanoFocus AG, a German manufacturer of 3D surface metrology, have signed a cooperation agreement.

Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center Research and Development continues to grow its company membership with the addition of California-based CGTech and the Oregon-based manufacturer Summit.

The Swedish investor Indutrade AB, which is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, is the new owner of the tool manufacturer Inovatools Eckerle & Ertel GmbH from Kinding-Haunstetten, Germany, which is also represented in English-speaking regions such as the U.S. by Inovatools USA LLC and the sales partner Fast-Tools LTD in Great Britain.

Rego-Fix Tool Corp., Whitestown, Ind., announced that Pascal Forrer joined the company’s Tenniken, Switzerland-based management team as its global sales and marketing director.

SIC Marking’s headquarters in France have recently started a building expansion to create more production and office space to efficiently handle market demand.

ANCA Inc., which makes CNC tool and cutter grinders and manufacturing software, invites the industry to attend the opening of its plant expansion May 23 and 24 in Wixom, Mich.

Mazak Corp., Florence, Ky., made organizational changes aimed at empowering customers with rock-solid services and support.

United Grinding North America Inc., Miamisburg, Ohio, appointed two regional sales managers to further strengthen applications, service and sales support for the company’s full array of cylindrical solutions.

Knuth Machine Tools USA Inc. is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Precision Drive Systems LLC, Bessemer City, N.C., a global provider of high-speed precision spindle motors, support and spindle repair, promoted Calvin Stiles to national sales manager.