Industry News for 09/2017

09/28/2017
Entering the workpiece is an essential part of optimizing tool life and reducing vibrations. The roll-in method allows you to softly and smoothly enter the workpiece. Inserts are eased into the cut following the golden rule of milling: a thick chip on entry and a thin chip on exit. Click on the link for more milling tips from Sandvik Coromant.
09/28/2017
Advances in technology and changing trade patterns are affecting opportunities for export-led manufacturing. Smart automation, advanced robotics and 3-D printing are new factors influencing which locations are attractive for production. While these shifts threaten significant disruptions in future employment, particularly for low-skilled workers, they also offer opportunities, according to a new report released today by the World Bank Group.
09/28/2017
If you’re lucky, the veterans in your shop will take a rookie aside and pass on their hard-won knowledge of good machining practices. Most of this information is priceless. But some of it … not so much. For example, there are a lot of myths about balancing out there that, if not refuted, can cost your operation a lot of lost time and money. In this article, Haimer USA LLC addresses these misperceptions and offers a more factual view of best practices for balancing toolholder assemblies.
09/28/2017
In 2017 robot supplies in the Americas will surge by 16 percent from 2016, according to the International Federation of Robotics. IFR estimates that by 2020 the worldwide stock of operational industrial robots will increase from about 1,828,000 units at the end of 2016 to 3,053,000 units—an average annual growth rate of 14 percent between 2018 and 2020.
09/28/2017
A new report from Kaspersky Lab found that in the first half of the year, the manufacturing industry was the most susceptible to cyberthreats – with the industrial control systems (ICS) computers of manufacturing companies accounting for almost one third of all attacks.
09/27/2017
Join thousands of manufacturers Oct. 6 as they open their doors to show modern manufacturing in action and inspire the next generation of skilled workers. Manufacturing Day is an annual celebration in which manufacturers invite their communities—including students, educators, businesspeople, media and politicians—to facilities in a collective effort to educate visitors about manufacturing career opportunities and improve public perceptions of manufacturing.
09/27/2017
If you have ever had parts or components CNC milled, you probably have a good understanding of the process. However, unless you have had custom products manufactured, you may not be aware of everything that goes hand-in-hand with custom CNC milling.
09/27/2017
In the EU-funded project SelSus, Fraunhofer scientists are collaborating in a consortium with partners from research and industry to develop maintenance technology capable of forecasting machine downtimes in production before they occur. This allows plant managers to rectify faults before the machine breaks down. The system even corrects some defects automatically.
09/26/2017
Cutting Tool Engineering (CTE) is seeking machine shop candidates to be featured in an episode of our new Shop Ingenuity video series, which debuted earlier this year. The series is open to any shop that would like to share its story of shop innovation.
09/25/2017
Top jaws should be designed to hold the workpiece as close to the chuck face as possible. Excessive jaw height reduces the effective gripping force available and is detrimental to accuracy.
09/22/2017
Engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, tested NASA's first 3-D printed rocket engine prototype part made of two different metal alloys through an innovative advanced manufacturing process. NASA has been making and evaluating durable 3-D printed rocket parts made of one metal, but the technique of 3-D printing with more than one metal is more difficult.
09/22/2017
Premier Industries’ pressure regulators are subjected to tough duty in the oil & gas, aerospace and welding industries, but their precision performance is also critical, as regulator outlet pressure determines downstream pressure. A HORN modular toolholding system allow the company to reduce cycle times by 65 percent and cost per part by 79 percent—with better finish, flatness and tool life.
09/21/2017
For many machinists, the conversation begins, “If I could have this size tool with this attachment on it, we'd be able to …” With the variety of machine taper types, sizes, differences in the flanges, draw-in thread sizes, and pull studs, finding the ideal toolholder for the job can be a difficult task.
09/21/2017
If you are in charge of production on a manufacturing shop floor, there is no doubt that you have likely come across productivity issues. Nothing is perfect, and this includes your employees and your equipment.
09/20/2017
From the founding almost 20 years ago of Mikron Tool SA, Agno, Switzerland, with a six-page brochure, the company has grown to today's 600-page catalog. In this time, Mikron Tool has morphed from a supplier of special cutting tools for transfer machines to a globally present tool manufacturer. The company's range of standardized tools includes more than 2,600 items, which now are included in a "tool book" for end users.
09/20/2017
FANUC America has selected HEIDENHAIN’s tocuh probes for use and training on its popular ROBODRILLs in its recently expanded CNC machining laboratory in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
09/20/2017
Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch joined Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen, German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (GACC Midwest) officials and other partners on Sept. 6 to recognize Hermle Machine Co. for being the first employer in the state to introduce a new apprenticeship collaboration that follows the structure of internationally renowned German apprenticeship system.
09/19/2017
A new program at Focus: Hope is designed to get Detroit-area women into fields that have historically been dominated by men. The 13-week training class was made possible by a $370,000 donation by General Motors. The training program enables women to earn four certificates required in IT and manufacturing.
09/19/2017
Machine tool manufacturer and Industry 4.0 pioneer TRUMPF has opened a new technology center in Chicago that showcases the interaction between people, machines, storage technology, automation, software and Industry 4.0 solutions. The company calls it "the first smart factory for Industry 4.0 solutions that was designed for digitally connected production processes throughout."
09/18/2017
Gallup found in its 2017 "State of the American Workplace" report that 25% of manufacturing workers are engaged at work—eight percentage points lower than the national average of 33% employee engagement, the lowest in this metric. Why, and what can be done about it? Gallup consultants offer five suggestions.