Production Machining's Most-Viewed April Articles

Source: (top left) Robin Rutschilling, (top right) PMPA, (bottom left) Kistler Group, (bottom right) Emag LLC

Throughout April, our discussions spanned various technologies, yet a common thread emerged: workforce development. Delve into valuable insights on improving management skills, collaborating with trade schools to acquire desired talent, enhancing your effectiveness as an employee, and mastering interview techniques for securing employment opportunities.

10. Precision Machining Technology Review: April 2024

Production Machining’s April 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Sumitomo Electric Carbide, Horn USA, Inc., Seco Tools, Tungaloy-NTK America, Inc., Edge Technologies, The L.S. Starrett Company, EMUGE-FRANKEN USA and more.

Source: (top left) Sumitomo Electric Carbide Inc., (top right) Horn USA Inc., (bottom left) Tungaloy, (bottom right) Emuge-Franken USA

9. Shop and School Symbiosis

Skills contest at Butler Tech.
Source: Robin Rutschilling

When a precision machining shop teams up with a local trade school, both benefit. Clippard, in Cincinnati, Ohio, has partnered with Butler Tech in Colerain Township for 45+ years. They provide materials, offer mock interviews, mentor students, and even hire them. Clippard's maintenance staff also assists in installing and repairing equipment. It's a successful collaboration. Read the full article.

8. My Journey to an Accidental Career that Became My Passion

David Wynn—director of technical services at PMPA: Precision Machined Products Association —gives a brief history of how he got where he is today. Read the full article.

Source: PMPA

7. Piezoelectric Sensor Technology: Moving Toward more Efficient Machine Monitoring

Source: Horn/Sauermann

Buelent Tasdelen, formerly with SKF AB, now Kistler's business development manager, leverages piezoelectric sensor expertise gained from SKF. At Kistler, he focuses on integrating piezoelectric measurements into machining monitoring. His innovations include sensor packages with specialized process-monitoring systems for automated manufacturing. Read the Q&A with Tasdelen.

6. Standard Control Functions with Swiss-Types in Mind

Features in this line of machine-specific CNCs assist setups, offer synchronized movement commands and provide other standard, not optional, capabilities to streamline Swiss-type programming. Read more.

Source: PM

5. Automated High-Production Welding of EV Rotor Shafts

Source: Emag LLC

EMAG Group offers an automated solution to “build” two-piece rotor shafts to support the growing EV market based on its Emag Laser Cell (ELC 6) laser welding machine. In addition to the machine, the process includes part handling, preheating and joining as well as a rotary table to enable timed welding operations to take place in fast succession.

4. Job Candidate Questions and What They Tell Us

Source: Getty Images

Is there an even better way to glean a job candidate’s fit for a position than asking great interview questions? To find top-notch team members during interviews, asking unexpected, thought-provoking questions is crucial. But there’s another indicator to use in assessing a potential fit—the questions asked by the interviewee. Learn how to set yourself apart in a job interview with the right questions.

3. Recognizing Signs of a Degrading Workplace Culture

Is your machine shop missing key “culture elements?” Here are ways to identify if your organization is heading in the right or wrong direction in terms of establishing a healthy company culture. Read the full article.

2. When to Use a Diaphragm Chuck

Source: SMW Autoblok

Larry Robbins, president of SMW Autoblok's commercial division, compares a diaphragm chuck to a human diaphragm, contracting and expanding to secure workpieces. Unlike traditional chucks, which use wedge and master jaw linkage, diaphragm chucks rely on elastic deformation for clamping, eliminating the need for lubrication and providing consistent grip force to within 10 microns. Read more.

1. Inside the Premium Machine Shop Making Fasteners

Source: AMPG

No one in management at Accurate Manufactured Products Group (AMPG) has a manufacturing background. Instead of viewing this as a limitation, the team sees it as an opportunity for innovation. They collaborate closely with experienced machinists, embracing experimentation and sometimes defying conventional manufacturing norms to achieve success.