PM Blog

Workforce Development 16 May 2006

Reliable Monitoring For Small Tools

Continuous developments in sensor technology for machine tool monitoring open new possibilities and solutions for in-process tool breakage and tool wear detection. This article looks at effective ways to approach the problem of in-process tool monitoring.

16 May 2006

PMPA Member Profile: Permac Industries

Founded in 1966, Permac Industries started out as a small screw machine shop with a few Brown & Sharpe machines. Today, the Minnesota-based company is a custom manufacturer of precision machined products for a range of industries.

Measurement 16 May 2006

Optical Measuring System For Shaft-Type Parts

For instant results in measuring form, dimensional and positional tolerances of shaft-type parts in submicron detail, Detroit Precision Hommel has introduced the Opticline non-contact CNC shaft gaging system.

Workforce Development 16 May 2006

Training–Perform, Document, Manage Effectiveness

The need for training in our shops and businesses is indisputable. No one graduates from high school with the skills and knowledge to perform as a journeyman machinist. If your company is ISO 9001:2000, Section 6.2.2 describes the records of training that must be maintained; if you are TS16949:2002, the requirement is found in Section 6.2.2.2. If you are FDA Medical Device-compliant, 21CFR, Part 820.25 describes the training requirements for your company.

Parts Cleaning 16 May 2006

A Vacuum Cleaner For Machined Parts

The traditional process for removing cutting oils from parts has involved the use of chlorinated solvent-based cleaning systems. While such open-tank vapor degreasing with solvent-based cleaning technology works quite well, it is increasingly subjected to environmental regulations for emissions and disposal.

16 May 2006

Forget About Parts--We Are Really In The Satisfaction Business

Several times this year, I have presented a "Cost of Quality" talk to local meetings of PMPA districts or chapters around the country. This program makes the case for why we have to adopt Lean Manufacturing techniques in our shops.

18 Apr 2006

PMPA Member Profile: Mansfield Screw Machine Products

Mansfield Screw Machine Products Company has been providing precision machined components to customers since 1945. That was when Joseph L. Witchey and two partners founded the manufacturing operation in a small garage in downtown Mansfield, Ohio. In those early days, the company produced parts for two local thermostat manufacturers.

Measurement 18 Apr 2006

In-Machine Gaging Automates Part Inspection

SPC Innovations' line of in-machine gages may provide an automated solution to some of the issues with post-process inspection.

Single & Multi-Spindles 18 Apr 2006

Competing On A Multi-Spindle

For many high-volume applications, multi-spindle automatics are the right technology for production machining. Increasingly, that production efficiency has been pressured by changes in the needs of shops in the form of shorter run jobs and higher tolerances. This article looks at some of the steps one OEM has taken to address quick change-over issues on its multi-spindle machines and their tooling.

18 Apr 2006

Will My Products Go? The Real China Question

There is no doubt that the impact of China's entry into the World Trade Organization and its growth as "workshop to the world" in global manufacturing has had a dramatic impact on manufacturing in North America and worldwide. Demand for essential raw materials continues to drive up the prices of machining materials to unprecedented new heights.

Automation 18 Apr 2006

Measure Roundness, Roughness And Form With One Instrument

For those in the market for accurate and reliable roundness measuring instruments, here’s a line-up designed to offer the right balance of capability, automation and capacity for a range of applications and budgets.

Workholding 18 Apr 2006