General Shop Equipment & Supplies

Microfinishing can make a high-quality gear even better by reducing surface roughness.

Anodizing is an economical approach to resolving surface finishing challenges.

Rhode Island shop applies latest technology to increase productivity.

Using handmade tools and automated machines, Baltimore-based artist Chris Bathgate crafts precise elements that assemble into complex sculptures.

Manager's Desk: Machine shops are often small businesses where balancing the professional and personal can be difficult.

If a region is attracting new manufacturing companies, what's the fastest way to help them launch their businesses? The answer from Danville, Virginia, is the 51,250-sq.-ft. Center for Manufacturing Advancement.

In Chicagoland, most owners of manufacturing companies are not only white but at the age of retirement and lacking succession plans. The owners' kids don't want to take over, or they don't have the skills to. The likeliest fate for these businesses is to be bought by private equity firms that fire the employees, sell off some assets and move on, meaning a huge loss of jobs and revenue in the region.

One of the biggest developments in the world of technology over the last few years has been that of digital twins. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical system, process or product. The technology essentially provides a real-time look at how a physical asset is performing.

Robb Hudson is named president and CEO of Aerodyn Engineering Inc. David Lawrence, executive chairman of the company, made the announcement, saying, "I have been observing Robb in the manufacturing community for some time, and we are delighted to have him on board with us. His professional and interpersonal skills, along with his practical knowledge of the complex parts manufacturing business, match the leadership qualities we need to support and achieve our growth objectives."

JW Winco Inc. offers WN 100.1 T-handle inch size rapid release pins with stainless steel Sshank.

The following interview was conducted with Platinum Tooling's President, Preben Hansen, at the company's headquarters in Prospect Heights, Illinois. Hansen discusses the beginnings of Platinum Tooling, the transition period, changes, product lines and the future.

There's a common misconception that the manufacturing industry is almost universally male-dominated. In many people's minds, the industry is old fashioned, hanging on to dated gender biases and excluding women from managerial roles that are key to climbing the industry ladder, such as production supervisors and operations managers. But the fact is, manufacturers are more forward-thinking than ever before, and women now make up nearly one-third of the manufacturing industry workforce in the United States.