PM Blog
Parts Magnify The Importance Of Lean Setups
Lean setups are not “magic.” They are the result of a logical process. Lean setups are neither smoke nor mirrors. But, like the clever handout used by AMT Machine Systems to make the point during its showfloor demonstration, lean setups can be a lens to magnify the dollar value of the time saved by implementing lean thinking in your operations.
Read MoreGlobalization And How It Affects Manufacturers
Like many of you manufacturers, I have been following the transformation of manufacturing and the world economy for the past several years. We all recognize that globalization has radically impacted the competitive balance of our businesses. And, most acknowledge that this issue is the single greatest challenge we must confront to ensure continued prosperity for our industry.
Read MoreNIMS Certification Growing Rapidly
The day is coming when automakers and other major manufacturers that purchase precision machined products will base their procurement decisions, in part, on whether a company and its employees are certified and credentialed by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). The movement is already underway, according to Steve Mandes, NIMS executive director.
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'Shaving Time'
Shaving a part is primarily done to ensure that proper tolerances on a part are maintained due to reasons such as head locking issues and cutting dynamics. Shops now expect tooling to produce error-proof machining, maintain step and lateral relativity, reduce grind stock and eliminate secondary operations.
Read MoreMaking Transfer Machines More Flexible
Are your lot sizes too big for machining centers but too small for dedicated transfer machines? Here's a solution.
Read MoreSolving Subspindle Part-Ejection Problems
When parts fail to eject properly from the subspindle of a four-axis lathe or Swiss screw machine, the result can be hours of downtime and a big bill to repair the damage. If you are plagued by this problem, you will be interested in the Subspindle Part Ejection Device (SPED) made by Zenna Industries.
Read MoreDelivering What The Customer Wants
How Prince Industries Mixes Manufacturing With Off-Shore Sourcing
Read MoreSupplier Consolidation Can Create Major Problems
Consolidation among steel bar suppliers is creating a variety of issues for precision parts manufacturers.
Read MoreThe Montagues' Kindred Spirit
Almost since doctors first told them their son Jerod had severe cerebral palsy, Jim and Lois Montague have been preparing for the day when they would no longer be capable of taking care of him. What the Montagues didn’t plan for was being at the forefront of building a $2 million, 11,000-square-foot group home to house 30-year-old Jerod and seven other severely handicapped young adults.
Read MoreQuick-Change Tooling For Swiss-Style Machines
The productivity of new Swiss-style machines has increased in recent years as faster spindles, more rigid bases and improved controls have made it possible to dramatically increase metal removal rate. But while cycle times have been substantially reduced, the time required to change cutting tools has stayed largely the same.
Read MoreConverting An OD Pickoff To An ID Pickoff
It's easy to make equipment purchasing decisions when the customer commits to a fixed number of parts, but it's something else entirely when there is no such commitment and the job could go away at any time.
Read MoreAutomated Parts Washer Keeps Up With 140 Screw Machines
This company had trouble meeting stringent cleanliness specs at such a high volume with aqueous cleaning.
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