General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Although the book doesn't cover machining parts, "Blowout" by Rachel Maddow, host of "The Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC, does examine an industry that's a major consumer of precision machined parts—oil and gas.

Wildeck Inc. has earned MHEDA's (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association) MVS (Most Valuable Supplier) Award for 2020. Each year, this distinguished industry honor is award to MHEDA's member companies that demonstrate a consistent, documented commitment to their dealer network, employees and community.

Amsted Seals and Forming, a global leader in sealing solutions and metal fabrication, has acquired Clark Seals Ningbo, to be renamed Amsted Seals Ningbo (ASN). The IATF-certified seal production facility, built in 2012, incorporates the latest in manufacturing, testing and quality control systems to supply oil, grease and bearing seals to customers in Asia and the wider global market.

IoT technologies have perhaps been most visible in the consumer market. Applications that once seemed futuristic are now almost commonplace. Consumers order groceries and household supplies by speaking at a voice-enabled connected device. Wearable smart watches and activity trackers help consumers meet their fitness goals. Homeowners can keep tabs on their house or apartment while they're miles away and use a smartphone to turn up the heat, arm the security system, and even feed pets.

Mitsubishi Electric Corp., an established MC Machinery automation solutions partner, has teamed up with ASTES4 to offer its laser automation solution. This multifunctional system is the first fully integrated system capable of controlling the entire production process from loading, cutting, sorting and unloading through to the storage of finished parts.

Festo offers Magswitch switchable magnetic gripping and clamping solutions to automotive and OEMs through a new distribution agreement. Magswitch automation solutions are designed to last the life of a production line. The company has shown that energy costs can be lowered by as much as 90%, throughput can be increased by up to 30%, and capital costs reduced as much as 25% compared to systems using vacuum cups and pneumatic/electric grippers or clamps.

FANUC's new collaborative arc welding robots offer the same high level of performance that FANUC ARC Mate robots are known for, including world-renowned technology and proven reliability. A built-in sensor allows the welding cobot to work safely alongside people without the need for expensive guarding.

Methods Machine Tools Inc. has introduced a new line of Methods-branded 3-axis vertical and 5-axis bridge-type machining centers, all engineered and built to Methods' highest specifications and quality standards. The Methods Machining Centers are available in North America, and offer an affordable, accurate and reliable best-in-class mid-range machining solution.

Fusion Coolant Systems, manufacturer of an advanced coolant and lubrication system for CNC machines called "Pure-Cut," has seen some of the largest automotive, aerospace and medical device manufacturers around the world come through their doors. The global emphasis on sustainable development has played a dynamic role in Fusion's recent success, with companies looking for a cleaner, safer and more efficient alternative to traditional cutting fluids. With multiple customer visits scheduled every week, Fusion has expanded its facility and capabilities to set them up for long-term success.

Certain processes and high-performance drills are especially important for guaranteeing reliability and high quality in deep-hole drilling. Tool manufacturer Inovatools supports the metalworking industry in mold and tool construction, in the automotive and supply sectors and in the aerospace industry, for example, with efficient cutting solutions for deep drilling. The new, universal VHM-Deepmax deep-hole drills (15xD to 30xD) completely replace the previous Inovatools range for deep-hole drilling and guarantee effective guidance, fast and reliable removal of chips, a long service life for the tool, and ultimately first-class hole quality even at greater drilling depths thanks to a whole host of design benefits.

Specific simulation import, a couple of additional reader translators and client viewer measurements all feature in a number of enhancements in the latest release of WORKXPLORE – the CAD viewer and analyzer from Hexagon's Production Software portfolio.

Has your workplace received low safety grade scores because it has a poor program or, worse, no written safety program in place at all? Having an expert safety manager is optimal. For companies that do not have the resources, there are outstanding online programs, such as those offered by Occupational Health & Safety and the National Safety Council, that provide excellent free and paid content and classes for Occupational Safety and Health Administration 30-hour training, first aid, CPR and more.