Industry News

Manufacturers’ most valuable data is generated daily on shop floors, bringing with it the challenge of analyzing it to find prescriptive insights fast. This is an ideal problem for machine learning to solve.

In 2019, we expect a continued strong, robust manufacturing sector. Even if there is some slowdown, the challenge for many companies this year remains, “How do we generate more with less?” as they face labor and talent shortages and increasing prices for labor, energy and cost of materials.

The fact that polycrystalline diamonds (PCD) could “show profile” in October 1978 could be attributed to random chance, but could it have something to do with “luck”? But how did golf professional Tiger Woods answer when a journalist pointed out that he often had a lot of luck during his games? “The more I train, the more luck I have.”

The Manufacturing Institute announced they will award Danielle Allen with the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award. The STEP Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C suite.

The market performance of the machine tool sector is highly dependent on commodity prices, macroeconomic conditions and sector performance (e.g., automotive, construction, aerospace, and ship building). According to IHS Markit Economy and Country Risk (ECR) information, a global recession is highly unlikely to occur in 2019. However, due to weaker global trade, pollical uncertainties, and other headwinds, global machine tools production revenue will only begin to improve late in 2020 or early in 2021.

To address the often-vexing questions about Industry 4.0, there is a new smart Manufacturing blog named Ask the Machine Whisperer? This blog is intended to educate the manufacturing community about all things DNC, machine monitoring and IT networking. The blog is interactive, as there is a dedicated page where readers get to ask their own questions of Steven “the Machine Whisperer” Anderson.

Boeing Co. has begun a sweeping transformation of its quality system, including the use of smart tools and automation. It also will eliminate thousands of quality checks because they are no longer necessary. The company told its union that it will cut about 450 quality inspector positions this year and potentially a similar number next year.

Micro-Laser Assisted Machining Technologies Inc. makes laser-based tools to improve machining for ceramics, silicon and metal. The lasers generate heat of about 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit at a tiny point a tenth the width of a human hair, softening the target, greatly reducing cutting time and decreasing cutting tool wear.

When it comes to cost-saving techniques, many manufacturers instinctively look toward making cuts; this could mean anything from laying off employees to pulling back on new technology. However, these methods can bring down morale and quash innovation, which allows competitors to get ahead.

With words like quality, innovation and superior service defining this global manufacturer, it was only natural that the company would seek a partner with equally high standards when it came time to source its new centerless grinder.

Avon Machining LLC in Shelby Township, Michigan, needed enterprise resource planning that would integrate seamlessly across manufacturing operations and provide easier access to real-time information. The company decided to implement ERP from Plex Systems Inc.

Manufacturing is in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, and constant plant floor changes are forcing companies to keep up with the rapid pace or risk becoming lost and falling behind.

Master Fluid Solutions continues its commitment to its customers across the globe with the announcement of its new precision machining center. Known worldwide for its TRIM, long-lasting, premium-performance and aerospace-approved metalworking fluids, Master Fluids Solutions continues to invest in the development of state-of-the-art cutting and grinding fluids to surpass their worldwide customers’ ever-increasing needs for more efficient metalworking fluids that deliver exactly what is needed directly to the point of cut.

CNC Machines announced that it has chosen Kevin Bruffet of Orlando, Florida, as the recipient of its first-ever Veteran to Machinist scholarship. CNC Machines, a Florida-based used CNC machine dealer, established the veteran-exclusive scholarship program late last year as a means of supporting both the longevity of the American manufacturing industry and veterans returning to civilian life who want to start new careers.

MAPAL Frhenosa, a joint venture by the MAPAL Group, is stepping up its activities in Mexico. The company has built a second branch in Santiago de Querétaro, giving it an operation right at the heart of the country for the first time.

KMC Global, a group of wholly owned, autonomous companies—including PRAB Inc.—that manufacture equipment designed to enhance how industries process material, announces the expansion of its Controls & Automation division to serve outside markets.

One of the best parts of my job is visiting factories where metal parts are machined. In connection with the feature article I wrote for our April issue about machining large parts, I traveled to Romulus, Michigan, and visited Lincoln Park Boring Co.

Before dying at the age of 100 in December, James Galuppo, founder and owner of Etna Tool & Die Corp., urged his only child, Flavia, not to sell the company headquarters. She might have considered that a significant sacrifice. New condos surround the building, 42-44 Bond St., a chic block in Manhattan. A triplex is going for $13.5 million in one of them. Another condo is home to Chuck Close and Warren Beatty.

The United States had as many people working in the manufacturing sector in December as 69 years earlier. The 32,000 positions added in that month took the number of jobs in manufacturing to 12.84 million. In November 1949, there were 12.88 million manufacturing workers at the end of a sharp recession. But the economy in 1949 was unlike that of the U.S. in 2019. Then, some 30 percent of American civilian workers outside the farm sector were in manufacturing. Now, that percentage stands at just 8.5, about as low as ever.

ARCH, a Strength Capital Partners and Main Post Partners platform company that is focused on manufacturing precision cutting tools, precision-machined industrial components, and medical implants and instruments has acquired American Tool Service and OrthoGrind (“ATS” and “OrthoGrind”), with locations in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Indianapolis.