General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Allied Machine & Engineering Corp, Dover, Ohio, recently announced updates to its Product Selector online recommendation tool, according to a Feb. 8 company news release. The web-based selector tool , which customers can use to find new tools to meet their needs or access critical data about their existing equipment, now includes more drilling products from the Allied catalog as well as several new optional machine constraints.

Simonds Saw, Fitchburg, Mass., recently reintroduced two bi-metal band saw blade lines that combine new features with advanced manufacturing methods that reportedly increase cutting rates in production metal sawing applications by up to 20 percent, according to a Feb. 5 company news release.

The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), Chicago, announced Feb. 10 that it has issued $15 million in national contract research awards that include funding to test and aid compliance with the nation's cybersecurity standards for digital manufacturing, according to a news release from the group. The money will be distributed among six new projects with 27 DMDII partners in 17 states.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Coherent Inc., which began as a laundry room startup in Palo Alto, Calif. Now widely considered a world leader in laser technology headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., Coherent invites those attending the upcoming Photonics West Exhibition to help celebrate this milestone at a champagne reception from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Coherent booth, No. 1101.

New Steel Cut Burs from PFERD Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., reportedly provide up to 50 percent higher stock removal rates for applications on steel and cast steel compared to conventional burs with double cut, according to the company. The company's high-performance line of burs are said to deliver a smooth, but aggressive operating action, generating large chips and very high removal rates. Along with increased productivity, users experience better handling, reduced vibrations and less noise.

PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P., Auburn, Mass., a leader and solution provider in motion control and positioning components and systems, this week announced the promotion of James Deichmann to director of sales for the U.S. Western region. His experience gained in 15 years with PI USA will be beneficial in leading, managing and training the company's West Coast sales engineering organization with the goal to grow the company and further develop customer relationships.

Cleaning Technologies Group LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio, this week announced the promotion of Greg Allen to the position of innovation engineer, according to a Feb. 2 company news release. In his new role, Allen will lead Ransohoff Innovation efforts as well as coordinate R&D.

Houghton International Inc., Valley Forge, Va., recently announced the appointment of Kevin Smith to the positions of senior vice president of Houghton International and president of the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and global automotive and aerospace markets. Effective Feb. 1, Smith is based in the company's Manchester, U.K. office, and reports to Houghton International CEO Mike Shannon. Smith will assume responsibility for the general management of Houghton's EMEA region and the global leadership of Houghton specialty product lines for the major transportation industry segments, including automotive and aerospace. He also becomes a member of Houghton's executive committee.

What started out as a little tool and die shop 50 years ago has evolved into an industry powerhouse in the design and building of low profile conveyor platforms, and Dorner Mfg. Corp. is still going strong, the company reported in a Feb. 1 news release recounting the company's history. To commemorate its 50th year in business, Dorner will hold an open house and other celebratory events in June.

Matrix Design LLC, South Elgin, Ill., opened a new sales office in Indianapolis, which will be lead by Tim Fenner, who recently joined Matrix as a sales specialist. Matrix Design develops, builds and installs robotic automation systems worldwide. The Indianapolis office gives the company a more focused presence to better serve industries in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and surrounding regions.

The Sandvik Coromant Co., Fair Lawn, N.J., named Sean Holt as the company's new president of the Americas market area, according to a Jan. 28 news release. With the promotion, which took effect Jan. 1, Holt is now part of the company's global sales management team. An experienced executive in the manufacturing industry, Holt was a key member of the Americas management team as the vice president of engineering. He joined Sandvik Coromant in 2000 as a sales engineer in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Since then, he has held several positions, including application development specialist and aerospace manager for the Americas market area before taking on the vice president of engineering position in 2014.