PM Blog

Single & Multi-Spindles 27 Feb 2004

Monitoring Perishable Tools On Automatics

Monitoring tool wear is an essential component to getting greater productivity and lower costs from a machine tool.

8 Jan 2004

Wooden Pallet Regulations Delayed

Do you produce parts for shipment overseas? Do you now or are you thinking about importing parts from overseas? Are you up to speed on the international phytosanitary requirements as they might apply to your shipments?

8 Jan 2004

Unions Sue To Force OSHA Metalworking Fluids Standard

On October 21, 2003, the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the United Steelworkers of America (USW) filed suit against OSHA to force the organization to issue a standard that would reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) by a factor of 10 for all metalworking fluid mists. PMPA has joined the suit as an intervener on the side of OSHA.

7 Jan 2004

Burnishing For Improved Part Quality And Lower Costs

In today’s cost-conscious manufacturing environment, what shop owner or production manager would not be excited about achieving accurate size and fine finish on the original machine on which parts are produced? Roller burnishing can help users eliminate secondary operations for substantial time and cost savings, while at the same time improving the quality of their product.

Parts Cleaning 7 Jan 2004

A Primer On Parts Washing—Here’s How To Get Your Parts Really Clean

Cleaning is loosely defined as the process of removing unwanted contaminants or dirt from a surface. It does not alter the surface physically or chemically. A properly cleaned surface is just the same as it was prior to cleaning, except it is missing the dirt.

Swiss-Types 7 Jan 2004

High Productivity is No Accident

Economists and other observers of manufacturing have reported with glee the recent dramatic productivity increases for U.S. manufacturing. This aggregate view of productivity is only possible because of the productivity increases made in individual shops. Here’s an example of one such shop.

7 Jan 2004

PMPA Concludes Successful Trip To China

Fifty-one intrepid PMPA members journeyed halfway around the world in late October 2003 to learn more about China and Chinese manufacturing capabilities. With the trip completed, our objectives met and everyone safely back home, PMPA is preparing a formal report to the membership.

Medical 1 Nov 2003

Vegetable Oil Improves Machining Of Medical Devices

Production management at this shop speculated that many of the materials used and operations performed might benefit from the higher level of lubricity characteristic of vegetable oils. Any consequent additional capacity and tool life would be a plus.

1 Nov 2003

Getting More Bang For Your Deburring Buck

Today, customers demand parts that are burr-free, which would suggest aggressive deburring. At the same time, they want parts that are free of scratches and dings, which calls for gentle processing. There is a non-conventional deburring process that not only completely removes burrs from even difficult-to-reach part areas, but also leaves machined features and surface finishes intact and parts free of nicks and scratches. The process is called thermal deburring.