General Shop Equipment & Supplies

TRAUB, a brand of the INDEX Group, Reichenbach, Germany, has introduced the sliding/fixed-headstock automatic lathe TRAUB TNL20 that adds numerous improvements in productivity, precision and automation to the TNL line. It can be equipped to use up to four tools simultaneously.

INDEX has developed a new generation of its multispindle automatic lathe series, this time with eight CNC spindles, two back-working spindles for rear-end machining, deploying up to 18 CNC slides (X and Z) and additional Y axes if required. The machine is suitable for high-volume precision work in the automotive, fastener, connector and aerospace industries.

Kitagawa North-Tech Inc., Schaumburg, Ill., reportedly will open a new office and warehouse facility in Queretaro, Mexico, on April 7. Kitagawa North-Tech, which makes standard chucks, advanced chucks, cylinders, steady rests, custom-engineered workholding and workholding accessories, described the new facility as a demonstration of the company's "commitment to Mexican customers," according to a March 17 company news release.

TechTool, a mobile app that offers technicians a way to quickly enter all coolant maintenance related data, features pH readings, refractometer readings and the amount of waste, recycling and inventory shops have in stock, according to Houston-based Fluid Service Technologies.

GF Machining Solutions this month appointed two new regional managers in the Western Region to support growing sales of the company's machines, automation solutions and services, especially for the tool and moldmaking industries, according to a March 15 company news release.

In October 1977, the Cortec Corp. developed vapor phase corrosion inhibitors (VpCIs) that allow clean, dry, more environmentally friendly methods of corrosion protection for multi-metals. At a time most companies still relied on inorganic chemistries, Cortec established its first groundbreaking technological platform of organic corrosion inhibiting chemistries.

U.S. factory output increased for a sixth straight month in February while consumer sentiment rebounded in early March, underscoring the economy's resilience even as growth appears to have slowed significantly in the first quarter. That was supported by other data on Friday showing a gauge of future economic activity rose in February to its highest level in more than a decade.

SMTCL USA Inc., City of Industry, Calif., received an award at the Digital Manufacturing Showcase event Feb. 10 from Galesburg High School for the machine tool builder's part in a new partnership bringing manufacturing training to high school students. This program gives students an opportunity to learn CAD, CNC programming and CNC operation. Students from six local high schools will be able to take the classes.

Donald Trump promises to bring factory jobs back to the U.S. from overseas, but many blue-collar workers are hurt more by a lack of skills than by globalization.

At Manufacturing Tomorrow, Greg Dyer of Randstad Commercial Staffing writes about "The hottest jobs in manufacturing in 2017." He notes "new technology, innovative production systems, a growing preference for American-made goods and a decline in offshoring are transforming U.S. manufacturing. There is an increased demand for technology-savvy workers to not only capitalize on the next industrial revolution, but to fill a critical void left behind by retiring workers." The hottest manufacturing jobs this year are: "production supervisor, maintenance mechanic, driver, machine operator and warehouse supervisor."n

The new SORALUCE PXG-W was presented at the company's production plant from Jan. 30 to 3 Feb. 3. In the course of the week, numerous customers were able to visit the assembly and testing facilities and technology center to see at first hand the technical characteristics of the machine and the advantages and benefits that it can bring them.

U.S. toolmakers should "claim the origin of [their] products," he said during a speech at an industry event hosted by the grinding-machine and EDM builder Vollmer. Viaud-Murat pointed out, though, that manufacturers should not claim a product is U.S.-made if it isn't. Doing so could result in legal action against the offending company, initiated by the Federal Trade Commission.