Automotive

Coldwater Machine expands its complex-part machining capability

Coldwater (Ohio) Machine Co., an engineered solutions company that manufactures and integrates precision equipment and tools, has announced the expansion of it complex part machining capability with the addition of a DMG Mori NTX-2000 5-axis multitask machine to enhance its build-to-print and design-and-build services. The company is recognized for precision machining of workpieces with complex geometries in a variety of materials for customers in the aviation, automotive and energy industries.

Lach Diamond celebrates two anniversaries

“When I founded my diamond grindery in 1922, I never would have thought that LACH DIAMANT would one day be a pioneer in the manufacturing of diamond tools…” said Jakob Lach, the founder of LACH DIAMANT, Germany in the early 80s.

Divergent 3D partners with SLM Solutions

Divergent 3D’s Blade, the world’s first 3D-printed production supercar, was printed by the world’s fastest 3D metal printer from SLM Solutions. Video courtesy Divergent 3D.

Divergent 3D, which developed the Divergent Manufacturing Platform™, in March announced a strategic development partnership with SLM Solutions Group, a 3D metal printing equipment manufacturer.

FANUC America Marks 35 Years of Manufacturing Robots in the U.S.

FANUC America has marked the 35th anniversary of manufacturing its line of painting robots at the company’s Rochester Hills, Mich., headquarters. In 1982, FANUC America produced its first NC Painter, a hydraulic paint robot using key components from parent company FANUC Corp. in Japan. Now, 35 years later, FANUC America remains globally responsible for all paint robots and door openers of the FANUC robot lineup.

Shop Profile: MTU America implements lean initiatives

MTU America, Graniteville, S.C., which machines parts for large diesel engines, shares a glimpse into the shop's machining operations and lean manufacturing initiatives in this brief shop profile video report filmed by Cutting Tool Engineering Editor Alan Richter.

See also the cover story in the April 2017 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine, "MTU America: Machining parts for large diesel engines."

A deeper look at precision toolholders

Although toolholders are known to be critical components in the precision machining process, the unique details that differentiate a “standard” toolholder from one that is designed for more precise, high speed work can be subtle. Like the parts they are used to create, precision toolholders are machined to exacting tolerances to create the optimum fit within the spindle, concentricity and balance. The more precise the work, the more these factors come into play.

Global machine tool business set to gain momentum

Economic pundits anticipate global machine tool consumption will increase 2.1 percent in 2017, reaching a market value of $73.6 billion, according to the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The group released the machine tool business data at a March 9 press conference in Chicago for the EMO trade show, which takes place Sept. 18 through Sept. 23 in Hanover, Germany.

Allied video podcast explores automotive holemaking technology

Todd Cox, field sales engineer with Allied Machine & Engineering Corp., discusses the changes in the holemaking technologies for the automotive industry during this 8-minute video podcast. Cox addresses the important role holemaking technology plays in automotive manufacturing, then delves into the changes in holemaking technology—particularly with regard to what separates traditional cutting tools from the cutting-edge technology now available for automotive applications.

Opinion: 'Smart Manufacturing? Dumb Idea'

In a guest editorial, CEO and author Steven L. Blue argues that “Smart manufacturing should start with people, not machines” and that companies should “start by building a workforce that is engaged, enlightened, and empowered. A workforce that trusts in its leadership.”

Manufacturing groups to Trump: Think hard about trade threats

Reuters reports that America's manufacturers are urging President-elect Donald Trump to back off from his most threatening trade rhetoric and pursue a more nuanced approach to trade with China and Mexico, avoiding unilateral tariff actions and focusing on negotiations. Corporate lobbying groups, some chief executives and pro-trade lawmakers also say they eventually even hope to persuade Trump that free-trade agreements can help grow the U.S. economy and create jobs.