General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Dispense Works Inc. offers several large-format dispensing systems. The RD2500—manufactured in the U.S.—is a highly flexible large-format dispensing table.

Mitsubishi Electric, DMG Mori and Yaskawa Electric are among 100 major Japanese manufacturers set to share production data with each other to improve efficiency, using blockchain technology to ensure their information remains secure.

Bahco's new 3851 Sandflex Cobra bandsaw blade, with a powdered metal M42 high-speed steel tooth edge for higher hardness and added toughness, provides smooth, precise cuts for general-purpose and production-cutting applications.

The federal agencies funding 14 institutes created to jump-start the manufacturing industry have no set criteria to measure progress, according to a government report. The departments of Commerce, Defense and Energy need a way to gauge whether they're meeting the goals of the 2014 law that formed this nationwide network of manufacturing hubs, the Government Accountability Office announced.

Most manufacturers have invested in some type of technology to run their businesses, whether it's new equipment, robotics, software or business intelligence tools. Each year, Plex Systems Inc. conducts a survey that gathers insights on how manufacturers use technology to solve day-to-day challenges, as well as major industry challenges. The fourth annual State of Manufacturing Technology Report reveals that manufacturers investing in technologies that enable a connected environment are more resilient and optimistic about the challenges ahead.

The American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative, in collaboration with the Northeast-Midwest Institute and the Century Foundation, is a new national organization building on the foundation of the 24-region Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership initiative, helping regional communities across the U.S. devise and implement sustainable economic development plans that lead to good-paying jobs in thriving manufacturing sectors.

The struggle among manufacturers to fill open jobs is likely to continue because of the shrinking labor pool and growing need for workers with high-tech skills. Those are conclusions in a report from the National Association of Manufacturers, a trade group for manufacturers, including thousands of small businesses. In a survey in March, manufacturers said their inability to attract and retain talent was their biggest concern as it was for the previous two-and-a-half years. A quarter of those surveyed said they've had to turn down business opportunities because they didn't have the staffers needed to fulfill contracts.

A New Haven, Connecticut-based worker training organization is getting $3.45 million in state funding to expand a program to grow the workforce in the manufacturing sector. Funds will be used to build upon a program launched in February at Gateway Community College that took 19 unemployed and underemployed workers and provided them with an intensive five-week training course. "Every single one of them had a job before they graduated," said William Villano, president and CEO of Workforce Alliance. "This (is) a good program for people that want to change careers or high school graduates who aren't going to college."

Having more security, reliability and availability of its products has led Octans Aircraft, a Brazilian manufacturer of small aircraft, to adopt solutions from Siemens Digital Industries Software throughout its product development process. The company is producing its first aircraft model that will undergo the certification process, the 300A, with capacity for five seats.

JW Winco Inc. announced it has expanded its line of GN 113.10 heavy-duty ball lock pins stainless steel, with stainless steel shank AISI 630. The GN 113.10 stainless steel rapid release pins have an extreme load capacity and are used for quick fixing, connecting and locking of various parts and workpieces.

Dialight announced the launch of its 556 Series Constant Intensity Panel Mount Indicators, the company's first constant intensity product designed for rugged, outdoor applications. Combining InGaN and AlInGaP technologies, the 556 Series delivers maximum light output in a highly durable package designed for 1" mounting holes in applications ranging from instrument panels and agricultural controls to transportation, environmental monitoring equipment, display lighting and much more.

As a recent addition to its EPPINGER PRECI-FLEX modular tooling system, EXSYS Tool Inc. offers a two-collet chuck that doubles the machining capability of one turning machine tool turret station. Designed for Mazak QUICK TURN and QTU series turning centers with optional high-speed drive motors, Y-axis functionality and standard BMT turrets, the double-collet chuck can deliver speeds up to 10,000 rpm with a 1:1 ratio and 20 N-m of torque and features 1,000 psi, or 70 bar, internal coolant.