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July U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $170.95 million according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report (CTMR) collaboration, was down 8.4% from June’s $186.57 million and up 16.0% when compared with the total of $147.43 million reported for July 2016. With a year-to-date total of $1.266 billion, 2017 is up 7.1% when compared with 2016.

The first day of Makino Corp.’s two-day 2017 Die/Mold Technology Expo included technology seminars, economic prognosticators, and demonstrations on more than 23 state-of-the-art machines at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. The company also unveiled a new vertical machining center for true 5-axis continuous processing.

Synova SA, Duillier, Switzerland, a provider of advanced laser-cutting systems, has developed a CNC machine with 5-axis capability to satisfy stringent technical requirements in the aerospace and energy sectors. As engine manufacturers continuously seek to improve performance, high-quality machining of turbine engine components and process stability in production are critical to success. The new MCS 500 with waterjet-guided Laser MicroJet (LMJ) technology allows precise, fast 2D and 3D laser cutting and drilling of hot section components used in modern jet engines and industrial gas turbines with high repeatability.

The cutting of intricate profiles and odd angles is the domain of wire EDM machining processes, capable of creating ultraprecise shapes and superior finishes that are near-impossible to machine by other means. However, just because a shape is difficult to machine does not mean it should be hard to program.

Containing large-size cargo for transport is challenging yet necessary to keep bundles intact for individual orders and to keep them from flying off the beds of 18-wheelers at high speeds. Allstrap Inc., Upper Arlington, Ohio, specializes in the manufacture of the steel and poly straps that hold these sizeable loads together, as well as the pneumatic and battery-operated tensioning tools that keep the straps taut.

The online magazine Fast Company reports that while the rest of the auto industry increasingly uses robots in manufacturing, Toyota has taken a contrarian stance by accentuating human craftsmanship: "The central role that people play in this corner of [Toyota's] Georgetown plant is repeated throughout the factory and exemplifies the uniqueness of Toyota’s manufacturing philosophy."

Kentucky-based startup MakeTime announced the launch, and participating industry partners, of the MakeTime Shop Advantage Program. The first-of-its-kind program is designed to make technology, sophisticated hardware and business services more accessible to the U.S. manufacturing base, which contributes over $2 trillion to the U.S. economy annually.

Vision Engineering Ltd. announces the loss of founder Rob Freeman, MBE, who passed away on Aug.19, aged 84.

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in August, and the overall economy grew for the 99th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. At 58.8 percent, the August PMI showed an increase of 2.5 percentage points from the July reading of 56.3 percent.

The global metal cutting machine market is expected to reach $9.79 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research Inc. Increasing demand from automotive industry has been a key factor driving market growth, globally. In addition, robust growth in various application industries such as electronics, defense, marine, construction and aerospace is also fueling the demand.

Dignity Medical Solutions, Inc. (DMS), a group of doctors, scientists and engineers focused on developing technologies that improve the health and dignity of patients worldwide, has partnered with Quest Specialty Products, Inc. to manufacture the TIMO Solution (TIMO), a safer, healthier, and more cost-effective method to manage urinary incontinence. The two companies recently signed an agreement that will provide DMS with the manufacturing, service and support infrastructure needed to market TIMO along with shipping, receiving and inventory management services. The first product release is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Workers in the hardmetal industry are not at increased risk for lung cancer or any of 63 other potential causes of death, concluded the largest and most definitive study on this population to date. The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health-led study of more than 32,000 workers in five countries was performed after smaller studies indicated that tungsten carbide with a cobalt binder—the primary ingredients in hardmetal—may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. Hardmetal is a human-made substance second only to diamond in hardness. It's used in metal cutting tools and drill bits.

Concurrent Technologies Corp. celebrated its 30th year with a luncheon Friday outside its main facility in Johnstown. The R&D company of about 550 employees works primarily with military contracts and advanced manufacturing techniques. Current projects include friction stir welding, which can strengthen joints in thicker metal, additive manufacturing for repairs of temperature-sensitive or hard-to-reach parts, and laundry and shower wastewater recycling for military outings.

Ivy Tech Community College has secured a $15,000 grant with which to support scholarships and credentialing for the machine tool technology program at the East Chicago location of its Lake County campus.

Etna opened in 1946, and until recently was one of the last remaining tool and die shops in Manhattan. After years of watching the neighborhood grow and transform from its Bond Street location for 70 years, James Galuppo, the owner, has reluctantly closed the shop’s doors.

The global ceramics market is expected to reach $287 billion by 2022, according to a recent report by Grand View Research Inc. Furthermore, advanced ceramics are expected to be the fastest-growing segment in terms of volume at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 9 percent through to 2022.

Business conditions continued to improve across the US manufacturing sector in August, albeit at a weaker pace. At 52.5, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) remained above the 50.0 neutral value, but fell from 53.3 in July to signal only a modest rate of improvement.

Stents and tubes are used in countless medical devices, with new ones added every day, fueled in part by the growth of minimally invasive surgery and the commonplace use of stents. The number and diversity of devices is rapidly increasing, as well as demand for more and more laser-cut stents, flexible tubing, cannulas and microcannulas, needles, biopsy devices and other minimally invasive tools. While legacy stent- and tube-cutting systems have performed well in recent decades, cutting technologies entering the market offer faster, better cuts with higher production rates and unique cutting capabilities.

Additive manufacturing developer HP Inc. and professional services company Deloitte together will work to accelerate the digital reinvention of the $12 trillion global manufacturing industry. The two companies will collaborate on the implementation of HP’s 3D printing systems in large-scale manufacturing environments, applying their digital operations experience to help enterprises accelerate product design and production, create more flexible manufacturing and supply chains, and enhance efficiency across the manufacturing lifecycle.

Micro Technology Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., makes parts that are used to mount to automotive engine blocks to be robotically transported through assembly lines. The company uses HAAS VF-3 with CAT40 taper tools. One part is 6061 Aluminum with a tolerance requirement of +/- 0.002" and was being machined with a face mill at 3,000RPM 120IPM with 1.25" axial and 1.2" radial depth of cut. The challenge: Improve productivity without sacrificing quality and accuracy. OSG Tap & Die describes their solution in a recent web feature: