PMPA - Precision Machined Products Association Suppliers Showroom

Registration Now Open for the Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) 2025

The precision machining industry’s premier event returns to Cleveland, OH, April 1-3.

IMTS, Workplace Safety, & More: Production Machining's Most-Viewed August Articles

Navigating IMTS, a historical perspective on Swiss-style machining, guidance on choosing the right fire extinguisher, and more await you in our most-viewed August articles.

Where Machining Precision is a Family Tradition

This century-old manufacturer is a case in point of how company culture and openness to adopting new technology paves the way to success.

My Journey to an Accidental Career that Became My Passion

“Machining was not the career I chose; it chose me.”

Important Machining Factors of Carbon Steels

Learn the factors that contribute to carbon steels and their machinability as well as the 1214 steels, 1215 steels and 1018 steels, other grades, and more.

A German Machine Tool Builder’s “Second Push” Into the U.S. Market

Spinner recently has taken strides to boost its presence, service and support in the United States as well as Canada and Mexico for its multifunction CNC lathes and milling machines.

‘Twas the Season for Equipment Manufacturer Open Houses

I’ve recently traveled to Germany three times to attend four separate manufacturer open houses. Here’s a taste of what I’ve seen.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 118: Put A Little Shine In Your Day

A few hours of preventive maintenance time now will save you an order of magnitude in downtime later by getting ahead of problems.

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Manufacturing Shop Owners — Adria Bagshaw and Tanya DiSalvo

Two women share their journeys to ownership and give advice to anyone seeking a career in manufacturing.

E-Mobility — Opportunity, Not Existential Crisis

“We firmly believe that e-mobility presents a significant opportunity for innovation and growth.” — Markus Horn

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 117: A Little Dab to Prevent Machine Downtime

Using anti-seize in threads can reduce torque values required by 25-30% and help reduce machine downtime.

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Marketing Manufacturing — Debra Beevers and Courtney Ortner

Two women share their journeys to manufacturing and marketing, and give advice to anyone seeking a career in manufacturing.

Turned and Polished Steel Barstock: How It Is Manufactured, How It Impacts Your Shop

Understanding the benefits provided by turned and polished steel barstock and its differences from cold-drawn steel barstock can help you and your team avoid unexpected performance issues.

Craftsman Cribsheet No.116: Twist Drills for Success

Drilling holes is one of the most fundamental operations we do in machining.

Succession Planning: Three 15-Minute Activities to Start Preparing for Tomorrow

Succession planning is planning for the future success of your business.

The Battle for Performance: Efficiency Versus Effectiveness

Does your daily activity have anything to do with your effectiveness? The answer may surprise you.

Cold-Drawn Steel Barstock: How It Is Manufactured, Benefits to Your Shop

Understanding the benefits provided by cold-drawn steel barstock can help you optimize the work you quote by maximizing benefits to your manufacturing process and customer.

Craftsman Cribsheet No.115: Paint Your Edge to Gain an Edge!

Kindergarten skills for the shop. Do you color your inserts?

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Human Resources — Brenda Diehl and Diane Ferrera

Two women share their journeys to manufacturing and human resources, and give advice to anyone seeking a career in manufacturing.

Markets Served — Who Knew?

PMPA members shared the markets they served in 2022. The top 5 may surprise you.

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Quality: Anisa Ali and Lisa Carrothers

Two women share their journeys to manufacturing and quality, and give advice to anyone seeking a career in manufacturing.

Precision Ground Barstock: How It Is Manufactured, Benefits to Your Shop

Understanding the benefits provided by precision centerless ground barstock can help you avoid false economy and optimize the work you quote by maximizing benefits to your manufacturing process and customer.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 114: Factors Influencing Machined Surface Finish in Our Shops

Surface finish is the result of our machining process on raw materials.

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Machinists Julia Dister and Sarah Grieve

Julia and Sarah share their journeys to becoming machinists and give advice to anyone seeking a career in manufacturing.

The Precision Machined Products Industry: 2022 Was a Very Good Year

The data supports continued optimism for the precision machining industry.

ICYMI: Production Machining’s Top 10 Online Articles from 2022

It’s always interesting to learn what articles resonate most with readers. Here’s an overview of which articles got the most clicks on our website last year.

Welcome to John Habe IV, PMPA’s New Board President

At the PMPA Annual Meeting held at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, in October 2022, John Habe IV was welcomed as the Board of Directors President.

Manufacturing Skills Training: Virginia Martinez and Laiken Carrillo

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: A precision machining career starts with skills. Virginia and Laiken share their journey and how they help prepare the next generation.

Training Is More Than a Skills Upgrade

Training is more than a skills upgrade. Training is a process that creates a virtuous cycle for your performers, culture and shop. Why do we train? Why do we need to train?

A Diverse Start to 2023

Our January issue presents a variety of ideas to consider that can help you become more effective, profitable businesses. That has been the plan all along and remains the plan moving forward.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 113: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Leadership

PMPA’s Speaking of Precision podcasts can be found on major platforms or on PMPA.org.

5 Ideas for Continuous Improvement

These suggestions for manufacturing process improvements are based on Kaizen ideas that call for never-ending improvement from the entire organization.

Choosing Work Perks

Workforce is tight and there are a lot of ideas to retain your skilled workers. How do you choose?

Reducing Variation: The Only Way to Reduce Production Cost

Hidden variation in production is what increases costs in manufacturing. Here are four tips for reducing variability.

Manufacturing in the US Economy — and Our Place in It

Manufacturing is essential to our economy and Precision Machining is just as essential to manufacturing.

The Difference Between Ra and Rz

While it is best to measure using the parameter specified in the print, there are rules of thumb available that can help clear up the confusion and convert Ra to Rz or Rz to Ra.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 112: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Business/Continuous Improvement/Workforce

PMPA’s Speaking of Precision podcasts can be found on major platforms or on PMPA.org.

You Didn’t Read My Email?

Communication between customers, co-workers and vendors needs to be clear and concise.

'It’s a Wonderful Life' Working with Precision Turned Parts

Upon his retirement, Greg Knight reflects on his cherished relationships as well as the challenges he has faced during his career in manufacturing.

Overall Organizational Effectiveness: How Do You Know?

Sales are great! I think. How do you know unless you can compare to your peers? PMPA’s Business Trends Report can help.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 111: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Quality and Shopfloor Operations

PMPA offers daily access to a full range of programs and services — including podcasts covering a wide range of safety and regulatory issues — all designed to help members meet operational challenges and focus on new business opportunities.

Don’t Mistake Movement for Advancement

Advancement is essential for a sustainable and viable shop. Make sure your shop is advancing and not just moving.

Maximizing Output: 3 Ratios to Maximize Production Revenue

Revenue is generated by machines that are running. Use these three ratios to ensure your machines are running at an optimal level.

Gardner-PMPA Partnership Continues to Reap Dividends

“Better Together” has proven as true of PMPA’s partnership with Gardner as found to be with PMPA members.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 110: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Safety and Regulatory

PMPA offers daily access to a full range of programs and services — including podcasts covering a wide range of safety and regulatory issues — all designed to help members meet operational challenges and focus on new business opportunities.

Strategy and Teamwork: Better Together

A company can have a strategy. A company culture can promote teamwork. Put those two together and you get results.

Unavailability of Bessemer Steels

Bessemer Steel is no longer produced. So why isn’t it produced and what do you do when the print says “Bessemer steel”?

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 109: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Engineering and Material Resources

The Precision Machined Products Association offers a variety of resources to its members.

Useful Emotionally Intelligent Phrases

It is not always easy to communicate your message in a way that your employee is willing to hear it. Emotionally Intelligent (EI) managers have to be able to translate.

Take Your “Economist,” Not Your Engineer, to IMTS This Year

Heresy! Of course, you should take your engineers. And your leads, and your setup and operators. Why the heck should you take your economist? Does your shop even have one?

Craftsman Cribsheet #108: OSHA Citations in FY 2021 for NAICS 332721 — Precision Turned Product Manufacturing

Watch out for the common OSHA citations listed below. Manufacturers should aim to find and fix any shortcomings in these areas to eliminate recognized hazards and reduce the risk of violations in your shop.

Thriving With You in 2022: Sharing Solutions

PMPA’s National Technical Conference 2022 (held at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 1-3, 2022) had packed sessions, excited attendees and a lot of learning, sharing and networking.

Economics of Production Machining: Are You in the Speed or Feed Tribe?

Optimizing for multiple factors, not just minimizing cost for a single factor, will lead to profitable production machining.

Craftsman Cribsheet #107: Quick Cross-Reference for Foreign Designations for Stainless Steels

This table provides a quick reference for some of the most common stainless steel grades — showing Chinese, Japanese and European/German Werkstoffe numbers and grade designations.

PMPA’s Award-Winning Mastery Program

PMPA’s Mastery Program wins ASAE 2022 Gold Circle Award for Excellence in the New Product/Service Launch category. But the real reward was realized on the tours.

5 Tips for Making Safety Part of Your Machine Shop Culture

These tips will help machine shop managers create a safety culture as well as manage and sustain it.

PMPA: Providing Ways to Meet Material Challenges

“Our PMPA members are members because they’ve witnessed the results that show we’re better together. Despite multiple significant challenges, our numbers are growing. PMPA provides services to help their members meet the challenges that they face daily.” – Aneesa Muthana, PMPA President

It’s Time: Ask Your Customers for a Price Increase

An attorney specializing in supply-chain issues suggests that rising costs for machine shops on various fronts means now is the time to ask customers for a price increase.

Craftsman Cribsheet #106: Weights of Bars

Determining the weight per foot of steel.

4 Tips to Gain Employee Acceptance to Change

Change is a good thing, right? Maybe not to all, and if you don’t have employee acceptance to change, the change is doomed to fail.

Chips — Our Real Product

We don’t make parts. Parts are the result of the chips we make. And the chips can tell you all you need to know.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 105: Yield Loss Due to Bar End Remnants

Yield loss on raw materials can become a hidden way of losing money in your shop. Using a chart and sample calculations can help you better understand why you might be better off buying longer bars for your process to reduce yield loss dollars.

What NFL Teams, Street Gangs and Your Workforce Have in Common

A sense of belonging is important for successful teamwork, retention and job performance.

Knowledge Retention — What’s Your Process?

Our processes and work instructions provide the information needed for our performers to understand “the who, what and how” to do the task. But where do we keep the information needed so everyone understands “the why and the reasons behind” our work?

What’s in a Name? Pride.

Titles matter to employees. Are your operators actually operators? Or do they read prints, check quality, change tooling and adjust oil lines like a machinist? Hmmm...

Workforce Is Still the Most Important Challenge

It is as true today as it was 10 years ago...workforce is top of mind for precision machining shops.

A New Year Resolution for Your Business

Need a New Year resolution that will help your business, productivity and hiring practices? Create or review your company’s mission statement, vision statement and core values.

5-S: Ask a Toolmaker

A place for everything and everything in its place. A visit to Fischer Special Tooling during PMPA’s Mastery Program provided a glowing example of the 5-Ss: Sorting, Setting in order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 103: Advantages of CNC Machining

Provided by W.H. Bagshaw Co. Inc. in Nashua, New Hampshire

SWOT for Employee Retention and Recruitment

What is your brand? Why should people want to work for your company? How can your brand improve? A SWOT analysis can help answer these questions — your employee retention and recruitment may count on it.

Meet PMPA’s New President, Aneesa Muthana

The PMPA installed its new board president, Aneesa Muthana, CEO and co-owner of Pioneer Service Inc., at PMPA’s 88th Annual Meeting held in October 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina. In this interview, Aneesa shares her history, thoughts and goals for the association and the importance of makers/manufacturers and why it is time to shine.

Economic Indicators

Miles Free III shares economic indicators that have the closest correlation to the PMPA Index.

PM’s Top 10 Online Articles of 2021

Last year, our magazine introduced readers to a range of technology and practices that precision CNC machine shops are applying or should consider applying. Here are the ones that got the most online eyeballs.

Recruiting for Manufacturing Part 3

Producing recruiting material can seem daunting, but you may be surprised at how many resources you already have in your shop.

Supply Chain or Inflation? The Real Question

The precision machined products industry is working overtime and outperforming the rest of the industry to ensure that people have the parts they need.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 101: Audit Certifications

Quality documentation can aid in problem-solving, but only if it is complete.

Recruiting for Manufacturing Part 2

Branding? Check. Stories (aka messaging)? Check. Now what should you do with them?

Smith & Richardson — 100 Years of Mastering Change

Miles Free III interviews Smith & Richardson’s co-owners Rich Hoster and Phil Cowen to discover the secret to 100 years of success.

What Attendees Experienced on PMPA’s Mastery Program

The PMPA recently hosted its new Mastery Program. The first of three tours was held in Cleveland, Ohio. Where did attendees go and how did they broaden their knowledge?

Recruiting for Manufacturing — Part 1

Recruiting is sales. Recruiting is marketing. In other words, recruiting is storytelling and your employees are your best resource.

Context — The Missing Key to Workforce Development

Upskilling your current workforce is as important as finding new talent. To expose them to experiences that encourage them to become problem-solvers is imperative.

Happy Workers are Good Workers

According to an extensive study in 2019 by the Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, a conclusive link between happiness and productivity was found — happy workers are 13% more productive.

Safe, Smart, Sustainable, Stable — Dispelling the Manufacturing Myths

Manufacturing has had a bad rap for a long time. The 3-Ds — Dark, Dirty, Dangerous — are almost a universal cultural belief wherever you go and no matter with whom you speak.

Precision Machining Jobs Account for 7 of the Top 25 High Paying Jobs — No College Degree Required

Those who hire in the precision machining industry have a persuasive point for prospective employees who don’t hold — or want to go into debt to hold — a college degree.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 99: Iron

Iron is, by mass, the most common element on Earth, right in front of oxygen, forming much of the Earth's outer and inner core

Mastery Program — Mastering our Craft

The program is designed to help precision machining professionals elevate their experience and knowledge. Miles Free III, the man behind the program, shares what he hopes attendees will gain.

Heads Up on Lead

The latest information on lead in precision machining workpieces and options as the supply chain becomes an issue.

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 98: Thread Milling

Contributed by Dave Sibinski and Roberts Automatic Products, Chanhassen, Minnesota.

August Provides Immersive Experiences for Precision Machining

The best investment in your business is in your performers. PMPA is providing three precision machining experiences that shouldn’t be missed: National Technical Conference, Mastery Program and Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS).

Wastes That Detract From Quality

Quality is the absence of waste. So what are some wastes that detract from Quality?

Stereotyping Generations Can Lead to Missed Opportunities

Our workforce consists of Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and Z. They have grown up in different worlds. But does stereotyping our employees by generation help or hurt our leadership?

PMPA Mastery Program Bus Tours Educate About Supply Chain

This unique new program offers a fun, hands-on way to learn about the precision machining supply chain.

Quality — A Better Definition for Manufacturing

Quality is a critical factor in manufacturing. Has the definition changed over the years?

Steel Defects Slivers on Rolled Steel Products

Steel defects slivers are, by their very nature, “injurious defects,” and as such rejectable.

How Emotional Intelligence Helps Sustain a Workforce — Part 2

The lack of available skilled workers is an ongoing issue. A leader with Emotional Intelligence can leverage those skills to keep the workers they have.

OSHA Emphasis Programs — What is On Regulator’s Radar for Precision Machining

OSHA Emphasis Programs (also called directions, directive or instructions) impact precision machining nationally and regionally. Miles has researched and listed the programs relevant to precision machining.

How Emotional Intelligence Helps Sustain a Workforce — Part 1

The lack of available skilled workers is an ongoing issue. It’s easier to keep a good employee than to find one. A leader can leverage Emotional Intelligence skills to keep the workers they have.

What Makes a Production Machining Shop a Production Machining Shop?

A production machining shop is one that makes the things that give us the highest standard of living and safety, and quality of life.

Highest and Best Use for Operating Expenses

To keep your business going, you need more than workforce, equipment and materials. PMPA Affinity Partners can enhance your workforce safety, protect your investment in plant and equipment, provide lower costs for energy and shipping, and expedite your quoting process.

Data-Driven Manufacturing — Profitability GPS

What data drives your shop? Here’s an unexpected look at the kinds of data that you ought to be using to make your shop the most competitive and sustainable that it can. Spoiler alert — no new sensors or IT technologies are required to get the payback from these data tools.

Cold Work: Work Hardening and Your Precision Machining Shop

The pros and cons of cold work, work hardening.

Welcome Tom Halladay, PMPA’s New Board President

Tom Halladay talks about H&R Screw Machine Products, his history with PMPA and his vision for PMPA this year.

Finishing Services that Remove or Reshape the Component Surface

Cribsheet provided by PMPA member Pioneer Service Inc., Addison, Illinois

Two Bits of Good News to Start 2021

The Precision Machining Technology Show has moved from April to August and Production Machining turns 20. These are both good things.

Interview with Cate Smith About PMPA’s Annual Meeting 2020

PMPA’s executive director, Cate Smith, shares her first experience at PMPA’s Annual Meeting which took place in person on October 22-25 at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgeville, Missouri.

Precision Machining — What Has Changed Since COVID-19 Began?

Is new technology the change? The essential workers that have been making parts that make a difference are the real change — and it is a positive change that bodes well for manufacturing, workforce and our economy.

The Most Common Types of Finishing Services for Precision Machined Components - Part 2

Cribsheet provided by PMPA member Pioneer Service Inc., Addison, Illinois

Ventilator Crisis — Clippard Delivers for Ford

Clippard Instrument Laboratory Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio, harnessed their talent, experience, capabilities and PMPA network to deliver 50,000 sets of ventilator parts to Ford Motor Company.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Honing and Lapping — Special Finish Processes

Cribsheet provided by PMPA member Pioneer Service Inc., Addison, Illinois

Beware of False Unemployment Claims Filed with Your Information

False unemployment claims are a reality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a quick reference as to what to look for and how to handle it if a false unemployment claim is filed with your name.

Why You Should Consider Standard Work

Standard work is a means to reduce the number of decisions that your performers need to make in order to ensure that compliant parts are produced.

5 Topics for Machine Shop Training

These five safety topics should be a focus for your shop’s safety training in 2020, according to Miles Free, director of industry affairs, Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA).

Smith & Richardson — Surviving COVID-19

Rich Hoster, president of Smith & Richardson Inc. in Geneva, Illinois, shares his business experiences with COVID-19 challenges.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Mechanical Property Tests — Hardness and Hardenability

A Glossary of Basic Steel Testing Terminology

From Unemployment to Essential Worker — Adapt to Thrive

“If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” - Peter Drucker

Let Them Move the Table

Empower your employees to make a lot of little changes and improvements to make their job in your machine shop easier. Small increments of improved efficiency add up quickly.

Working Smarter, Not Harder

Geoff Dawson from PMPA member FANUC America talks about their history, how robots have enhanced the workspace and about their latest automation family.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Unleaded Brass for Plumbing Use

Laws have outlawed the provision of plumbing systems containing significant amounts of lead.

A Peek Behind the Curtain

For the PMPA members (or nonmembers) who wonder how things get done at PMPA National, here is a little peek behind the curtain.

Sometimes It’s the Steel

Sometimes it can be the steel. Frustratingly, because it came in exactly as you asked. Ask better.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Contract Review — Thought Starters

An effective contract review process can effectively manage risk for all parties.

How Do We Fix American Manufacturing?

In America, many have lost sight of the fact that the object of the act of manufacturing is not merely the generation of maximum profit, but instead the creation of value.

A Commitment to Reducing Machining Times

Steven Baier, Haimer USA’s vice president of Sales, shares the company’s four core competencies, its commitment to reducing machining times and why thinking like a manufacturer has proven beneficial.

COVID-19 Effects on the Manufacturing Workforce

How has COVID-19 actually affected the manufacturing workforce? Have employer needs changed? Are the changes here to stay?

PMPA Launches Best of Craftsman Cribsheet Series

The Precision Machined Products Association has curated collections of some of the most popular of its brief, practical guides and divided them into sections for technical, safety, shop management and quality.

Our Precision Machining Industry Responds

This moment-in-time article describes the challenges multiple precision machine shops faced — and met — to support customers’ and employees’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communicating in an Isolated World

With the COVID-19 pandemic, communication has never been more critical and new communication channels influence change.

Legacy Policies are Dead. Long Live the New Policies!

Growing up, I learned that necessity is the mother of invention. During the recent COVID-19 crisis, many of us found out that necessity is indeed a cruel mother.

Craftsman's Cribsheet - Heat Treat

What else to look for when choosing a heat treater.

New Podcast Reports on Technology, Management, Safety and Quality

The “Speaking of Precision Podcast: Monday with Miles” features Miles Free, sharing his precision machining industry knowledge with listeners.

Will This CNC Machining Magazine Editor Choose Comfort or Change?

That’s the question I asked myself when presented with the opportunity to become this magazine’s next editor in chief. I chose change.

12 Working from Home Leadership Tips

As companies focus on social distancing, the PMPA has suggestions for providing good leadership while employees are working at home.

Effective Associating — Better Together

Where do you go to make sense of the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity that can overwhelm your ability to manage your shop?

Update on Update

Just before the Covid-19 overtook the country, Precision Machined Products Association was able to hold its annual Update Conference.

Better Together Even When We’re Apart

The first four months Cate Smith spent as PMPA’s Executive Director.

Precision Machining Industry Comes Together to Save Lives

PMPA member shops offered their capabilities to help the healthcare industry in its desperate need of ventilators for coronavirus patients.

CNC Machine Shop Responds to Demand for Ventilator Valves

In light of needs to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Smith and Richardson has boosted production of six components used in ventilator valves. Here’s a bit about how the shop is managing this.

W.H. Bagshaw Co. — 150 Years of Precision Machining, Manufacturing Careers, Families and the Community

What lessons can we learn from a precision manufacturing company that has thrived its way through the past three industrial revolutions?

Growth of a Company

Peterson Tool Co. was founded in 1958 by John L. Peterson, Sr., with a $500 loan and 1,000-sq.-ft. barn in a town outside of Nashville, Tennessee. More than 60 years later, Peterson Tool fills 40,000 sq. ft. between two adjacent facilities and serves 30 countries.

Effective Communication: Who

The answer to “Who” isn’t just a name — it’s a person. Discover the different communication preferences for each generation.

Effective Communication

Communication breakdown can be more than frustrating, it can be detrimental. It is always important to say what you mean and mean what you say, but in today’s world there are many channels through which to say it. So how do you choose the appropriate channel?

OSHA Mandatory Emergency Exit Plans

Don’t let car keys, wallets, coats and cell phones sabotage your company’s emergency action plans.

Journey to Ownership

Eric Dales, owner of Adam’s Automatic Inc. in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, earned his GED, earned his machinist certificate, started work at Adam’s Automatic, became a Certified Journeyman Machinist through an apprentice program and bought the business in 2012.

PMPA Advocacy and Your Bottom Line

Your return on investment for PMPA’s Advocacy efforts can be seen on the increased depreciation and credits taken on capital equipment purchases, on the 100% tariffs that were avoided on the European-sourced copper and brass products that you machine and on the repeal of the 2.3% Medical Device Tax, the 1.9% Health Insurance Tax, and the 40% Cadillac Excise Tax on health care plans.

Meet Cate Smith, PMPA’s New Executive Director

Cate Smith was recently named the executive director of PMPA. She brings to the table a range of experience relating to professional association management.

PMPA Tech Talks—Listen, Discover and Connect

PMPA Tech Talks cover important topics such as operations, benchmarking, metallurgy and digital security.

Workforce Development—Training Shows How

To expand on his “Workforce Development—What We Can Do Better” article, Miles Free explains the Who, What, Where, When, Why, How and How Many of one of the four upskilling tools—training.

R.F. Mau Uses Conservative Approach to Grow

Brian Adams, fourth-generation president of R.F. Mau, and vice president/general manager, Tony Gemignani, discuss the past, present and future of the company.

Are You Turning the Lights Out on Profitability?

If you are a shop with a lightly attended program or lights out, you need to hear this lesson because it will help you keep your business profitable and not let the market steal your value.

Robotic Advantage Adapts to Customer Needs

New England Tool in Manchester, Connecticut, has developed Robotic Advantage to provide customers with automated systems that integrate seamlessly.

PMPA in Las Vegas

PMPA held its Annual Meeting at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The Annual Meeting is well attended with exciting speakers and a celebration of the year.

Workforce Development: What We Can Do Better

The causes of our workforce issues may be out of our hands, but there are definitely steps we can take to improve our shop’s response to the issue.

Expanding Offerings with Max-Bar Tooling

Somma Tool Co. has a history of taking advantage of opportunities to help the business thrive. Recently, Somma Tool found a way to expand its product line, and market, by acquiring the Max-Bar Tool Co.

Decision by Committee Works at PMPA

Some committees can be a waste of time, but at PMPA, the committees are populated with dedicated PMPA members and staff who work hard to improve the precision machining industry.

Continuous Improvement Powered by Commitment and Process

What would you do with a reduction of 64% in non-billable hours? PMPA visited Sepco-Erie in Erie, Pennsylvania, twice and witnessed the results of commitment to continuous improvement.

Emerging Leader Graham Immerman Leads with Passion

By displaying passion and empathy, the MachineMetrics marketing director is able to communicate the ideas of Industry 4.0 in an easy-to-understand and inspiring way.

Lean Thinking Results with 'Blu Balls' Coolant Nozzle

Although Lean thinking often results with an elimination of a step or waste, Bill Hovey, owner of Telemark CNC LLC, used lean thinking to develop a new coolant nozzle.

Where Steel Properties Come From

The properties of the steel materials we machine in our shops are the result of a complex interplay between chemical composition, developed by hot and cold work, and further controlled by various thermal treatments to develop microstructures.

#PMPAstories: Tell Us Your Story

There are so many stories to tell, and Carli encourages PMPA members to share their PMPA professional and personal stories.

Improvement Starts in the Men’s Room

Dan Ignasiak, owner of Sepco-Erie in Erie, Pennsylvania, wanted to improve the productivity and efficiency of his shop, so he started with the men’s room and implemented processes and a new way of thinking.

4 Questions for Customer Delight

Operational excellence, product leadership, customer intimacy—one of these rules them all. Miles Free visited PMPA member, Horn, at its headquarters in Germany and returned home with four questions that can be used to determine customer delight.

PMPA ListServes are Power: A Peek Behind the Scenes at PMPA

Carli explores the power behind PMPA ListServes that provide answers, recommendations and solutions through a peer-to-peer email network.

Failure is Not an Option at Criterion

Founded in 1953 by Mike Ondercin as a general machine shop, third-generation owner, Tanya DiSalvo, shares how Criterion Tool and Die in Brookpark, Ohio, continuously improves in “no failure” industries.

Emerging Leader Kyle Zabrensky Embraces Customer Service

The inventory/fulfillment manager goes above and beyond for customers and takes initiative to improve and streamline processes.

Emerging Leader Alex Puff Focuses on Education

Entrepreneur-turned manufacturing engineer focuses on educating those around him.

PMPA Member Tornos Profile

The company particularly benefits from PMPA’s various conferences, including its National Technical Conference.

A Peek Behind the Scenes at PMPA: A Morning with Miles Free

Thanks to the acoustics in our building, I have the privilege of hearing what Mr. PMPA does during the day.

A Peek Behind the Scenes at PMPA

Renee Merker, director of communications and events, PMPA, always ensures that PMPA members get everything they need, including the details right down to the coffee.

PMPA Member Peerless Machinery Finds Success in Delivering Full-Service Solutions for Customers

Ron Nitowski became fascinated by the versatility and innovation of Swiss machines and saw an opportunity for his company to succeed by specializing in selling used Swiss machines to companies that would benefit from the technology, but would not have the resources to buy a new machine.

Craftsman's Cribsheet No. 78: Straightness of Cold Finished Steel Bars

The straightness of cold finished steel bars, and all other barstock for our machines, is of critical importance.

If You Had Only One Number

You know your sales number, but do you know what it means?

PMPA Members are Family

A Peek Behind the Scenes at PMPA

PMPA Member JC Gibbons Manufacturing Finds Success in Diversification and Exceptional Customer Service

“By working with the customer in mind, it really creates some good, long-term relationships,” Mr. Gibbons says. “We really make an effort to connect with and have all the answers for our customers, even if it’s for a job we can’t do.”

PMPA Member Horberg Industries Finds Success in its Longevity and Attention to Detail

When Horberg Industries needed to put together outreach statements on the subject of RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) compliance, the company turned to PMPA.

What Sparks Joy? Shop Edition

Here are 31 things that spark joy for those in the precision machining industry.

The Precision Machining Industry and the PMPA

Our industry has grown, from the model of small family ownership to support the founding craftsman’s talents, to almost 4,000 establishments, many still closely held, generating more than $18 billion in annual production.

Change for the Better, Better Together

The PMPA executive board is working on a new approach to ensure they continue to provide members with the technical support, information and networking deliverables that the team has consistently delivered.

Craftsman's Cribsheet Number 75: A Shop Guide to 5-S

5-S is a standardized process for developing and maintaining an organized, safe, clean and high-performance work environment.

Here's What Isn't Making it to Digital

What isn’t making it to digital is an important question you should know and care about in order to sustain your business.

PMPA Member C. Thorrez Industries Celebrates 100 Years of Success

The story of C. Thorrez Industries began in 1912 when Mr. Thorrez’s grandfather left his life as a farmer and a peasant in West Flanders, Belgium, and moved to Jackson, Michigan.

Change for the Better, Better Together

“Better Together” is the approach that the PMPA executive team has identified for combining the strengths of PMPA with those of its long-term partner, Gardner Business Media.

Effective Associating Advocacy to Advance our Members

PMPA’s mission is to provide information, advocacy and networking opportunities that advance our members.

PMPA Member AccuRounds Finds Success in Operational Excellence and Community Leadership

As a PMPA member, AccuRounds benefits from the organization’s networking possibilities and access to information via its listserves and technical support.

NTC 2019: A Crossroads of Talent and Technology

What two words summarize our view of our businesses? In my experience with visiting the member companies of the PMPA, I would suggest those two words would be “talent and technology.”

Precision Machining Industry Prognostications: How’d We Do?

Before we make predictions for the coming year, perhaps a brief review of what we thought was ahead last year might be in order.

PMPA Member ABF Engineering and Machining Finds Success in its Product Quality and Internal Software Development

Sometime around the late 1970s, Alton, Joan and William (Bill) Wynn decided to leave the big city bustle of Chicago to start their own machine shop in their home state of Tennessee.

Indiana/Southern Ohio PMPA Chapter Holds Burr Prevention Event

The free session will include a presentation by Greg Knight and Phillip Judt of Absolute Machine Tools on how to prevent burrs on cam and CNC machines.

Absolute Machine Tools Wins PMPA Award

This award recognizes suppliers who share their expertise and latest developments at national technical conferences, exhibit at the association’s Precision Machining Technology Show, speak at chapter and national meetings and serve as PMPA leaders.

Understanding Steel Material Specifications on New Jobs

An important aspects of quoting and running a new job is understanding the specifications of the material to be machined.

PMPA Member Lovejoy Chaplet Corp. Finds Success in Providing Unique Product Offerings

Lovejoy still relies on PMPA for its local and national meetings, as well as the online information made available through listserves and the association’s databases.

Change in Demand: Time to Change Your Thinking

According to our analysis of the PMPA Business Trends Sales Index, the demand for our products has shifted steadily upwards in the market.

A Glossary of Basic Gaging Terminology

Many people confuse accuracy for precision.

PMPA Technical Member Absolute Machine Tools Finds Success in its Flexible and Innovative Product Line

In 1988, best friends Steve Ortner and Hayden Wellman founded Absolute Machine Tools.

5 Keys to Being a Positive and Effective Team Lead

Many people worry about the differences between being a leader and being a manager.

Truckload Shipping 101

According to Morgan Stanley Research commissioned by the American Trucking Association, the truckload market is $630 billion annually or 75 percent of the total domestic freight transportation market by revenue.

PMPA’s 2018 Annual Meeting: Strategies for Success

In lieu of the usual Member Profile, PMPA would like to take the opportunity this month to talk about an important event that is sure to be relevant to all of its members, the PMPA Annual Meeting.

Letter to a New Machinist

Machinists are the people who make things, and when you think about it, our lives today would be miserable without the things that machinists make.

Craftman's Cribsheet Number 68: Ten Important Things to Know Before Working as a CNC Machinist

The machinist is a bag of water, and the tools and workpieces are harder and sharper.

PMPA Member Ashley Ward Finds Success in Equipment Investment and Vertical Integration

Established more than a century ago, Ashley Ward Inc. has become one of the United States’ largest companies in the screw machine industry, with five locations across the country.

Seduction or Intention: Choosing Your Time Wisely at IMTS

PMPA’s latest “Business Trends Report” shows that shops are busy working overtime and juggling their schedules to produce the almost unprecedented demand for components from our customers.

CRAFTSMAN’S CRIBSHEET NUMBER 67: Dimensional Contraction of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel

The mechanical properties of 17-4 PH must be fully developed by age hardening from Condition A in order to reduce risk of failure and to take full advantage of the material’s capabilities. 17-4 PH is a martensitic precipitation hardening (age hardening) stainless steel that can provide both high strength and excellent corrosion resistance.

Truckload Rate Quotes Available Through PartnerShip

PartnerShip, the company that manages the PMPA Shipping Program, offers competitive rates on full and partial truckload shipments to all PMPA members!

Host a Successful Manufacturing Day Event

What are you doing October 5?

PMPA Member H & R Screw Machine Products Finds Success in its Wide Customer Base and Diverse Machining Capabilities

When it was founded in 1976, H & R Screw Machine Products was no more than a single Brown & Sharpe screw machine in a small building located behind the home of founder, David Halladay.

CRAFTSMAN’S CRIBSHEET NUMBER 66: 5 Ways Fine Austenitic Grain Size Affects a Machine Shop

While austenitic grain size is a result of chemistry, the changes it evokes in our processes are a result of material structure and properties, not just the chemical ingredients.

Four Steps to Gain Control of Inbound Shipping

The following article is presented by PartnerShip.

PMPA Member American Micro Inc. Finds Success in Diverse Product Offerings and Strong Customer Relationships

In 1953, Swiss immigrant Gerard Paroz left his home country for New York City to find work in the United States in the machine tool industry.

CRAFTSMAN’S CRIBSHEET NUMBER 65: 5 Ways Coarse Austenitic Grain Size Affects Your Machine Shop

Steel has a coarse austenitic grain size, a material characteristic that is usually reported on test reports and certification documents for the steel materials machined in shops, a result of not adding grain refining elements to a heat of steel.

Training the Next Generation: Two PMPA Members Selected for 2018 STEP Awards

Nancy Peterson, chairman and CEO of Peterson Tool, and Joan Wrenn, co-owner, Hudson Precision Products, were this year’s nominees by PMPA for the Manufacturing Institute’s 2018 STEP Awards for excellence in manufacturing.

PMPA Technical Member Gosiger High Volume Finds Success in Customer Support and Offering a Niche Product Line

More than 90 years ago, Clarence H. Gosiger founded the C. H. Gosiger Machinery Company in Dayton, Ohio. Today, the business is still family owned and has evolved to become a leading supplier and servicer of CNC machines and manufacturing technology.

When Things Go Bad, Don’t Ask Who, Ask ...

The performer is only one aspect of our system of providing products to our customers.

Aerospace Industry Veterans See Supplier Consolidation Trend

The special coverage article “Aerospace Roundup: Are OEMs Consolidating Suppliers” features interviews with six industry veterans. They explain capabilities they are adding to stay competitive and retain customers.

CRAFTSMAN’S CRIBSHEET NUMBER 64: Leaded Steels: What You Should Know

Lead is not banned by the European Union’s “End of Life Vehicles Regulations” for machining purposes in steel, aluminum and brass.

Training the Next Generation: For Those Too Busy for Customer Relationships, There’s An App for That, But …

Some of the fastest-growing disruptive technologies we see these days are online, cloud-based parts sales brokerage companies.

PMPA Member Cox Manufacturing Finds Success in Product Innovation, Serving a Diverse Clientele

Long before he bought the machine that laid the foundation for Cox Manufacturing Co., William Cox, Sr. worked on airplanes for the United States military.

Letter to My Son About Lead in Machining

Hi, Son, Thanks for asking about whether or not lead is a hazardous material.

CRAFTSMAN’S CRIBSHEET NUMBER 63: A Primer on Wear in Our Shops

There are three main kinds of wear, and these each have some common modes of occurrence.

Training the Next Generation: Why it is Important to Build Effective Teams

Effective teams are an integral part to every company’s success.

PMPA Member Prime Engineered Components Finds Success in Employee Training and Diverse Capabilities

A little more than 50 years ago in Watertown, Connecticut, Prime Engineered Components was only a handful of screw machines in a garage, making munitions for the Vietnam War efforts.

Effective Associating in a Changing World

It’s no argument that our world is changing.

CRAFTSMAN’S CRIBSHEET NUMBER 62: A Cribsheet for 2018

PMPA’s Business Trends Report has been reporting an eight percent or more increase in the level of sales and shipments for our industry in 2017.

Training the Next Generation: How Do We Make Training Work?

Creating cohesive training that is both relevant and significant is a challenge that everyone in the training and development world faces.

PMPA Member CJWinter Finds Success in Superior Customer Service and Quick Turnaround Times

Although initially focused on the manufacturing of tooling and accessories for Davenport screw machines, today CJWinter is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cold-displacement, cylindrical dies and attachments.

What Does the Customer Expect of the Salesperson?

Customers are the purpose of our businesses. They have the needs that we fill. They are the judge of the quality of our offerings. What does the customer expect of our salespeople?

Top 10 OSHA Violations in 2017

Here are the top ten violations, along with the number of citations.

PMPA Member Smith & Richardson Manufacturing Finds Success in Employee Training and Equipment Investment

Smith & Richardson offers machining, stamping and forming services for a number of different industries, including sports and gaming, aerospace, medical, hydraulics and gas and oil.

Indicators that Drive Your Shop’s Performance

There are indicators that drive what gets managed in our business. What indicators do you follow to drive your company’s performance? Are they the correct indicators for what you are trying to achieve?

Craftsman's Cribsheet No. 60: Decarburization and Your Precision Machine Shop

Most defects in steel workpieces encountered in precision machine shops are longitudinal in nature. While their presence alone is enough to concern us, for the purposes of corrective action, it becomes important to identify where in the process the longitudinal imperfection first occurred.

Training the Next Generation: Thinking About New Employee Outreach from the Shop’s Perspective

We are all faced with a challenge regarding today’s new workforce. We all need to think outside the box about our company culture, training systems, operational strategies and relationships with high schools and vocational institutions. Here are some other things to think about that we have found to be helpful.

PMPA Member Laurel Steel Finds Success in Quality Products and Workplace Safety

Laurel Steel is headquartered in a state-of-the-art, 350,000-square-foot facility in Burlington, Ontario, and primarily manufactures cold-drawn steel bar products for the service center, fluid power and automotive industries.

PMPA Membership Value

PMPA member value can be broken down into four core buckets: benchmarking, networking, savings and training.

Craftsman’s Cribsheet: Overall Equipment Efficiency

Every shop strives to have busy machines and production lines that are making the right product and making the product right. This is one perspective on OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency).

PMPA Members Save with Partnership

PMPA members get a nice return on their membership dues investment when they take advantage of our Partnership Freight Savings Program.

PMPA Member Montague Tool and Manufacturing Finds Success in Workholding Innovation and Creativity

Innovation in milling and workholding is what Montague Tool and Manufacturing does best. Before it was a 60-employee, full-service milling company capable of high-volume production across many different industries, it was a modest machine shop run by an owner with a knack for milling ingenuity.

Secure Your Company's Future with PMPA-MFG

PMPA-MFG provides the essentials to support a standardized training program. The program enables you to train and certify new and current employees in three easy steps.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Relative Machinability of Materials

Machinability of different materials is generally expressed as a percentage compared with a known standard.

Training the Next Generation: How do you Feel about Online Programs?

Solutions to ensuring the successful integration of technology involve the time and effort that individuals are willing to invest in themselves and the organization.

PMPA Member Swissline Precision Finds Success in Equipment Investment and Employee Training

Swissline Precision is a technologically advanced machine shop headquartered in Cumberland, Rhode Island, in a 36,000-square-foot facility with more than 60 machines. The company is currently the largest Tsugami CNC Swiss operation under one roof in North America and primarily serves the medical and aerospace industries.

What Machinability Means Depends on Where You Are

I am often asked my opinion about a material’s machinability, and I have found that I have to assess the person’s motivation, job title and location before I can answer the question.

7 Causes of Quench Cracking in Steel

Failures of steel parts in service or production occur infrequently. However, when steel parts fail, the consequences are dire. Here are seven ways that steel can fail as a result of quench cracking from heat treatment.

Training Through German Eyes: Not What You Expect

HORN pays strict attention to assure the people that the company understands the importance of, and are capable of, working with others. Its focus is on using the strengths of each person for the benefit of the whole.

Technology or People?

In your shop, do your people operate your machines? What impressed me the most was the implicit, built-in assumptions at HORN that it was the people leading the machine tools, rather than the machine tools leading the people.

Stress Cracks in Steel Bar Products

Stress cracks are often seen in locations that experience bending or straightening. They are also referred to as “cross cracks” or “transverse cracks.” Originally, they were identified in mill billet and bloom products prior to rolling.

Training the Next Generation: What a Difference a Student Day Can Make

At PMTS 2017, more than 300 students from Ohio and surrounding areas came to learn about precision machining and the careers available in our shops. Community colleges, tech schools, career centers and vocational schools brought their students to see firsthand the breadth of our industry.

PMPA Technical Member Stainless and Aluminum Inc. Finds Success in Quality Materials and Customized Distribution

Stainless and Aluminum specializes in stainless steel, aluminum and steel bar distribution. The company also specializes in cutting with capabilities of plus or minus 0.005 inch in length and up to 14 inches in diameter for CNC shops that need larger sizes.

Precision Machining Industry Outlook: You Should be Bullish, Too

To sustain our businesses successfully, we need to intelligently manage risk, but for too many years, we have been conditioned by the market and the federal government to hunker down and try to avoid all risk.

Craftsman's Cribsheet No. 55: The Eight Wastes Found in Business and Manufacturing Processes

In “The Toyota Way,” author Jeffrey Liker lists and discusses the eight non-value-adding wastes that can be found in business and manufacturing processes.

Training the Next Generation: How We Can Open Our Doors

By opening our shops to the community, we can show people the amazing things manufacturers do. When we show people the products we make, how we make them and why they are important, people will understand the value of manufacturing in their lives.

Aneesa Muthana Receives PMPA STEP Award

PMPA member Aneesa Muthana, president and owner of Pioneer Service Inc., was one of only 100 women in manufacturing honored by The Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Awards for excellence in manufacturing in April this year.

Expand Your Focus from Products to Service

Why shouldn’t we focus on the products that we make instead of the products we sell? After all, that’s what our customers buy from us, right?

Stress Cracks in Steel Bar Products

Micro-examination can help determine crack origin by noting orientation, intergranular nature, presence of scale, presence of subscale, and additional microstructural characteristics can reveal the thermal history of heating and cooling at the crack location.

12 Cardinal Rules for Shop Safety

Here are 12 simple rules to help eliminate accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Training the Next Generation: Process, Content and Flexible Training Considerations

If the number one challenge today facing our workforce is finding skilled talent, then what is number two?

PMPA Member Lusk Quality Machine Products Finds Success in Superior Technology and Customer Dedication

Mr. Lusk was introduced to the industry through working for his brother-in-law, who owned a product line shop. After buying a couple of outdated Davenports and hiring a setup man as his first employee, the two left his brother-in-law’s business to start Lusk Quality Machine Products.

What you Need to Change to Thrive in Great Times

What keeps us afloat in bad times might prevent us from thriving in better times.

Unleaded Brass: Change Your Thinking

By recognizing and accommodating for their lack of lead, and the resultant different thermal conductivity, differences in chip forming and the need to up-tool for heavier feeds rather than higher speeds, your shop can be successful at making parts from these newer, more challenging grades.

Training the Next Generation: Future Workforce Canada

Charles Ruecker, president of Core Powered, picked his collaborators to help realize his vision of bringing manufacturing to local high school students so they could see the career opportunities available for them in precision machining.

PMPA Member Hannes Precision Finds Success in Flexibility and Top Customer Service

The company has grown to be a leader in delivering Swiss automatic screw machine products for a number of industries, including electronics, defense, computers and entertainment.

Transitioning to Unleaded Brass: Impacts on the Precision Machined Products Industry

Anything that reduces or eliminates our recovery of brass scrap dollars is a serious threat to our businesses.

Central Bursts, Chevroning in Cold-Drawn and Extruded Steels

The compressive stresses of cold working can result in failures by shear along planes 45 degrees to the applied stress.

Kata Practice for Scientific-Thinking Skill and Mindset

Toyota Kata begins with this assumption and asks: what are the practice routines that will help managers outside Toyota develop the necessary skills and mindset to lead fundamental change in their organizations?

Titan Gilroy: Finding Your Career, and Yourself, Through Precision Machining

How Mr. Gilroy approached and dealt with the challenges he faced, in life, and in the shop, will be a positive guide to show us just how capable we are to meet the issues we too face, in life and on the job.

RoHS Exemptions Delayed Again in EU

According to Electronics Industry Portal I-Connect007, the EU is unlikely to publish the RoHS exemptions for lead any time soon. The EU Commission is only now in the process of preparing draft legislation to be sent to the member states for consideration.

Network in Nashville

For more than 40 years, through good times and bad, the Management Update Conference has been providing PMPA members with the education, insights and management tools to help your businesses adapt and thrive. The 2017 conference is no exception.

Training the Next Generation: Precision Plus and Gateway Technical College Forge New Partnership

This new foundation serves as a platform to upskill faculty, develop strategic alignments with area employers and invest in facilities and equipment to allow for world-class student training.

PMPA Names First Vice Chair of Technical Members Board

An active member of PMPA’s technical Listserve, Mr. Gentile has been supplying technical information regarding lubricants and all other forms of metalworking manufacturing for more than 10 years.

PMPA Chapter Meeting Covers Threading

The PMPA Indiana/Southern Ohio Chapter meeting on November 15 covered “All Things Threading,” with presentations from Horn USA and LMT Tools (Fette), and included live threading demonstrations on the Technical Equipment's showroom floor.

Ductility as Measured by Tensile Testing

In this article, I will describe how to measure ductility and use it to predict behavior based on values reported on certs and test reports.

Using Standard Work to Best Serve Customers

At UPS, the standard work discipline of no left turns delivers results to the bottom line, while better meeting customer demand, increasing the safety of drivers and the public and reducing the resources used.

Trade Associations Stepping Up to Apprenticeship Plate

AMT - The Association for Manufacturing Technology is partnering with NIMS, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, to support expansion of registered apprenticeships within manufacturing.

Doug Coster to Serve as PMPA President

The secret to longevity starts with having great people, and our employees are key in what makes our business go forward.

Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

When it comes to pricing your products, be sure to factor in the quality, service and dependability you provide rather than caving too quickly to requests for discounts.

NAM Documents the Impact of Federal Regulations

A new study commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reveals the true cost of this administration’s labor regulations.

Three of My Favorite and Most Shared Ideas to Get the Most from Drills in Your Shop

Keep the drill short; get the feed rate right; and replace the drill on schedule before it dulls.

Training the Next Generation: What Did You Do for Manufacturing Day this Year?

Manufacturing Day gives manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors to their communities, shed light on what manufacturing is and clear up any misconceptions regarding being a professional tradesperson in the modern age.

PMPA Member Swissturn/USA Finds Success in Customer Investment and Employee Training

Swissturn’s facility makeover is just one of many ways the company increases the productivity and well-being of its employees.

Recycling in the Precision Machining Industry

Tossing away an aluminum can wastes as much energy as pouring out half of that can’s volume of gasoline.

Six Reasons Steel is Vacuum Treated

Vacuum degassing treatments, along with various de-oxidation practices, are specified to control the amounts of dissolved gases in the steel.

Trends in Advanced Industries: Brookings Institute

The Brookings Institute has prepared a comprehensive report on America’s Advanced Industries, or industries that invest at least $450 per worker in R&D and employ at least 20 percent of their workforce in STEM-intensive occupations.

PMPA Member Huron Automatic Screw Co. Finds Success in Strategic Planning and Reliability

A major turning point in Huron Automatic’s success began about 20 years ago, when the company started to invest more time in its strategic planning.

Is it Supply or Demand that Drives Our Business?

The Great Recession, which lasted from December 2007 to June 2009, established conclusively for me that it is demand and not supply that determines our businesses’ success. (NBER, 2010).

We Have Met the Enemy, and He is Us

Why we shouldn’t blame the millennials for their lack of success at work.

Training the Next Generation: Manufacturing Day 2016, Bridging the Skills Gap

Manufacturing Day was started as a bridge to help close the skills gap.

PMPA Member PRAB Finds Success in Diverse Product Offerings and Zero Outsourcing

Currently, PRAB builds more than a dozen different types of conveyors, including steel belt, shuttle, oscillating, magnetic, harpoon and push-bar.

Economic Outlook— Annual Meeting Sneak Peek

Some say a recession is imminent. Some say the stock market is about to come crashing down. Either way, there is a greater than normal amount of conflicting views about where the U.S. economy is heading.

PMPA Recognizes the Support of its Technical Members

The association’s technical members, made up of industry suppliers, contribute to PMPA’s “circle of support” by sharing their expertise with member companies and attending events such as PMTS.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: 4 Keys to Business Sustainability

Many people, particularly those in purchasing and accounting, see buying at the lowest costs as being a key to sustaining their business.

Training the Next Generation: PMPA & Manufacturing Day

PMPA is here to help you plan your own event for Manufacturing Day 2016!

PMPA Member Avanti Engineering Finds Success in Quality Assurance, Customer Diversity

Avanti Engineering, an Illinois-based family business, has an established tradition of exceptional customer satisfaction and has benefited from being a part of PMPA. The company has committed to the cause of closing the skills gap and will actively participate in Manufacturing Day alongside PMPA.

Careers, College, Dollars and STEM

A STEM education may be the best pathway to a great job.

Orders of Magnitude: Key to Process Problem Solving

If you have an intermittent or periodic problem, start counting frequency of occurrence, and then figure out what the order of magnitude is compared with your process.

PMPA Members Receive Special Savings at Granger

Use your Precision Machined Products Association membership today and take advantage of product discounts and benefits.

Training the Next Generation: Machining a Great Career Choice– Matt Schowalter of Machiningcareer.com

Mr. Schowalter offers great advice to those interested in having a career in manufacturing.

A Contract Review is Your Best 'Assurance' Policy

How can we assure that we intelligently manage the risk faced by ourselves, our customers, their customers or the general public? My answer is having an effective contract review process.

Precision Doesn’t Necessarily Mean ‘Tiny’

At Keystone, the operators roll the thread form onto the material, which makes for a stronger thread.

Manufacturing Sectors that Grew in the Year Ending in April 2016

Dr. Chad Moutray, chief economist at National Association of Manufacturers, has compiled and shared the data for the past year in manufacturing.

Orders of Magnitude: Key to Process Problem Solving

To solve periodic or intermittent problems in our shops, the first step after identifying the problem is collecting data about when and how often it occurs.

Using PMPA Business Trends Report to Understand Your Business

Here are a few takeaways from the PMPA March 2016 Business Trends Report.

How PMPA Membership Improves Productivity and Profitability

Precision Machined Products Association members benefit from the knowledge and support they gain by actively networking and being involved in PMPA activities.

PMPA Member Astra Precision Finds Success in Diverse Product Capabilities and Strong Customer Support

A PMPA member since 1999, Astra Precision uses the organization’s networking and member communication to bring fresh perspectives into its own business model.

PMPA Political Action: What’s at Stake for Your Business?

PMPA is involved and working to minimize their negative impact on your shop. Here is a quick review of a few of them.

Some OEM Customers Lack Insight into Market Demand

Lousy forecasting by some OEM customers beats lean and JIT every time, leaving the OEM’s supply chain bloated with inventory and starving for releases.

A Grand Event in Grand Rapids

The 2016 PMPA National Technical Conference provided three days of powerful sessions to hundreds of attendees eager to support their industry and improve their own business acumen.

Why Tool Life Can Vary: Carbon and Alloy Steels

Despite the use of our best technology and our efforts to control our processes, tool life can vary when machining carbon and alloy steels.

Discounted Small Package Domestic U.S. Express Shipping

Here are a few examples of the discounted domestic U.S. express shipping services and benefi ts that are available to PMPA members through the PMPA shipping program.

PMPA Technical Member PartMaker Inc. Finds Success through Pioneering CAM Software and Excellence in Applications Support

While the lack of horsepower in the turn-mill machines of the mid-90s made them too primitive for PartMaker’s software at the time, the company recognized an underserved niche in CAM software for Swiss-type lathes.

Unknown Knowns: Rumsfeld Missed One–Will You?

What is your plan for harvesting the ‘unknown knowns’ so that your team and your culture can continue to thrive?

Upset Testing for Steel

An “upset” can be performed to determine how the steel will perform under compressive load.

A Member’s View of a PMPA Washington, D.C. Trip

Mike Reader, president of Precision Plus, shares his take on PMPA’s recent two-day Capitol Hill fly-in.

Getting the Most out of Drills in your Shop

The three keys are keeping the drill short, getting the feed rate right and replacing the drill on schedule before it dulls.

Plan, Do, Study, Adjust: The Engine of Continuous Improvement

“The organization shall continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system through the use of the quality policy, quality objectives, audit results, analysis of data, corrective and preventive action, and management review.”

Manufacturing: Don’t Take it for Granted

According to new research from the MAPI Foundation, manufacturing actually accounts for 32 percent of GDP.

Training the Next Generation: The Value Vocational Education Brings to Manufacturers

Well-trained, supported students with opportunities for co-operative work experiences can begin to change the face of your shop and energize your manufacturing shop floor.

PMPA Member Buell Automatics Finds Success Through Employee Longevity and Creative Internal Solutions

Since 1999, Buell Automatics has used PMPA as a key resource for information on tips, trends and insights into the shop floor of other members.

Stable Process, Stable Profits

The role of stable processes to provide profitability in our high-mix/high-volume shops is often overlooked.

Impressions of a First-Time PMPA Attendee

A great site and a stellar lineup of presentations, along with a high degree of audience participation, made this year’s Management Update Conference an excellent event.

Young Leaders Group Created at PMPA Management Update

Young leaders from PMPA member companies assembled for a round-table brainstorming session to discuss ideas for further engaging and energizing succeeding generations of company leaders.

Automate to Eliminate Non-Value-Added Labor

Automation should free up employees to add even more, higher value-added items to your operations.

Material Influences on the Weldability of Carbon Steel

Carbon equivalents of 0.35 or less are safe to weld without any pre-weld or post-weld heat treatments required. At higher carbon levels, steels may require either pre- or post-weld heat treatment in order to prevent stress buildup and weld cracking.

PMPA Member North Easton Machine Company Finds Success in Providing Niche Solutions Across a Variety of Markets

Much of NEM’s competitive edge is derived from its ability to provide solutions for companies whose parts must yield to particular regulatory standards, such as the FDA or ITAR, to meet the needs of a vendor base.

Recovering customer-caused waste in your shop, Part 2

At least half of the eight wastes of lean can be identified and assigned as customer-caused losses to a manufacturing shop’s bottom line.

PMPA Member Wins 2015 Best Plants Award

Operational excellence and continuous improvement were two factors that earned Camcraft a place among the 26th class of annual award winners.

Top Ten OSHA Violations

Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s directorate of enforcement programs, presented the “OSHA Top Ten” at the National Safety Council 2015 Safety Congress.

Playing the ‘Long Game’ in the Halls of Congress

In concise, 20-minute conferences, we articulated clearly and forcefully the legislative priorities for members of the precision machining industry.

PMPA Member Fischer Special Tooling Wins at Problem Solving and Performance

"PMPA has been a one-stop shop from a management and technical perspective, and every company needs some guidance. Whether you’re a tool or a machine shop, you’re going to gain some powerful and thought-out practices.”

The Good Word on NIMS from the Gene Haas Foundation

“The growth and passion I have seen in in manufacturing education and credentialing in only a short time has been amazing.”

Tempering Steel

This chart shows the colors that are elicited by tempering a 0.95-percent carbon content steel at the temperatures shown.

Don’t Bobble Your Event Logistics: Use a Trusted Expedited Freight Services Partner

Finding the right partner with the expertise and resources to plan and execute time-critical and time-sensitive shipments is a great place to start.

Technical School Aims to Spark Interest in Female Students Pursuing STEM Careers

One school is reaching out to a demographic often neglected in the recruitment process for STEM careers: female students.

Report from the Team

Here's what we've accomplished for our members at PMPA this year.

PMPA Elects Harry Eighmy President

“I’ve learned that the greatest task at hand is getting good,technically skilled people in the workforce...”

OSHA Fines will Increase 80%

Federal penalties for workplace safety violations were increased for the first time since 1990, thanks to a provision of the budget bill signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Congressman Visits PMPA Member Company

Congressman David Joyce toured PMPA member company JM Performance Products Inc. to see how district manufacturing jobs create value for the entire country and how important STEM is to manufacturing.

4 Keys to Long-Term Sustainability

Solve problems first, solve problems for good, understand that lowest cost over the long term is not the lowest price over the short term, and spend less time and money on maintenance by actually planning it.

Heat Treat Colors for Steel

The chart shows the heat treat colors for steel by temperature.

Energy in Your Shop: It’s More Than Just Utilities

The existing power plant carbon emissions rule is said to only raise your electricity bill by 6 to 12 percent, according to the EPA. Energy bills are only 2.5 to 3.0 percent of sales in our industry. So, what’s the big deal?

PMPA Member Teton Machining Solutions Builds Success through Employee Ownership, Diverse Product Line

“There are plenty of opportunities for those who are actively involved, and you’d be doing your company a huge disservice to not participate in these events.”

The Transition to No-Lead Brass

Adjustments to feeds and speeds, coolant, tooling and scrap management all play a significant role in allowing a productive switch to unleaded brass.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: 30 Potential Causes of Part Length Variation on Screw Machine Parts

There are many different ways that part length can vary when using a cut-off tool on multiple-spindle automatic screw machines.

PMPA Membership Improves your Productivity and Profitability

The Precision Machined Products Association helps your shops be productive and profitable.

Stark State College Increases Students' Employment Prospects through Building Industry-Recognized Credentials

Since its inception in 1960, Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio, has maintained its mission of providing regional manufacturers with students prepared with skills in the engineering technology industry.

PMPA Member Enoch Precision Machining Owes Longevity to Wise Investments, Product Diversity

Portland, Oregon-based Enoch Precision Machining’s humble beginnings date back to 1949 in the home of founder, Seth Young.

Business Success: Sustainability, Not Lowest Price

What problem has your team made go away forever in your shop? Can you name one? Two? More?

An Update to OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Amputations

In this latest update, NAICS code 332710, machine shops and most other 332 NAICS code categories are listed as targets.

Process Owner Day Instead of Labor Day

Today, I celebrate the process owners, such as the machinists, that can tear down and set up a multi-spindle cam machine in less than 2 hours.

Popular Heat Treat Colors for Steel Chart is Back

My “Temper Colors for Steel Chart” post remains very popular, so I thought I'd repost the chart illustrating the heat treat colors for steel.

Causes of Part Length Variation on Screw Machine Parts

There are many different ways part length can vary when using a cut-off tool on multi-spindle automatic screw machines.

6 Lessons I Learned about our Machining Business

Last month, I was privileged to attend Horn Technology Days. Here are the lessons I learned.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Plan. Do. Study. Adjust.

Continuous improvement is of necessity in the very DNA of our shops.

Henning Software Finds Longtime Success Through Cost-Effective Software Solutions

After successfully creating job estimating software, Henning Software realized it would need to keep expanding their software offerings into a fully developed ERP system in order to grow in the market.

Not Labor Day, Process Owner Day

Labor doesn’t add much value. In my experience, it only moved stuff around. The labor jobs went away. Today, I celebrate the process owners that can tear down and set up a multi-spindle cam machine in under 2 hours. They own their process and own their craft.

Machining Book for Beginners

Although this book states it's for beginner hobbyists, it can be used to supplement on-the-job training for beginners, as well.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: A Gage R&R Approach

An improperly defined gage repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) program can drain a company of resources and reduce the effectiveness of the shop.

Training Your Apprentices: A Project to Prove their 'Mettle'

At the recent Horn Technology Days, I spent some time hanging out with the apprentices.

Member Kerr Lakeside Owes Longtime Success to Membership Insights and Market Anticipation

Now in its third generation of ownership, Kerr Lakeside has been a staple in the Cleveland screw manufacturing industry since 1948.

The Real Truth About the Skilled Workforce Issue

"The workforce and finding skilled people are our shop's biggest problems." I hear this line from almost every shop I visit.

The Meaning of 'American-Made' Cars

So what is an American car? One made by my friends and neighbors, one made from materials and parts purchased locally, one that the first digit of the VIN is a 1, and one that has more than 50 percent “domestic content.”

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Ra & Rz: Communication is Key

Everyone will agree that open lines of communication with your customers is key to running a successful business, and nowhere is that more evident than in setting expectations before a job even begins.

Technically Speaking - Positive Outlook

...optimum value for the time and money investment. Implementing just one idea from the conference pays back the time/fee investment many times over.

NIMS and Gene Haas Foundation Announce Scholarships for Young Manufacturing Talent

The 2015 GHF-NIMS-SkillsUSA Scholarship Program awarded more than $200,000 in scholarship funds to students who competed in three manufacturing events at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Louisville, Kentucky, June 22-26.

Champion Screw Machine Engineering Focuses on Leadership in Job Training and Service Needs

Champion Screw Machine Engineering was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1945 by brothers John and B.J.

Problem Solving or Waiting for Rescue

Are your operators competent problem solvers?

Revised OSHA Standard Mandates New Chemical Hazard Labels

Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers are now required to provide a common approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.

Reasons Why Steel is Vacuum Treated

Vacuum treated (vacuum degassed) steel is used for critical applications that require steel with an exceptionally high degree of structural uniformity, internal soundness, and other characteristics that may be impaired by the effects of uncontrolled amounts of dissolved gases.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Leaded Steel Refresher

Everything old is new again.

Training the Next Generation: Boston Centerless and Micron Present New Ways to Integrate Millennials into the Workforce

At this year’s PMPA National Technical Conference, members Micron and Boston Centerless gave insight into their new and innovative hiring and training processes aimed to appeal to millennials entering the workforce.

PMPA Member, Imperial, Credits Product Diversity for Longevity

The benefits include being able to ask questions to peers, whether it’s on how we competitively pay, or how we provide bonuses to people on the floor. There are a lot of topics that can be covered, and you can get a range of advice on a local and national level.”

I Can’t Imagine Being in this Industry and Not ...

During the recently concluded Precision Machining Technology Show and Technology Conference, we got a chance to speak with current members about the benefits they get from their PMPA membership.

Quick Notes for Key Topics

Each issue of Production Machining contains a feature titled “Craftsman’s Cribsheet”--a one-page compendium of "tear-out" ideas about management, technical, quality and regulatory topics.

How Chemistry Determines Machinability: Manganese Sulfides

The manganese and sulfur content shown on the cert determine the volume fraction of manganese sulfides in the steel.

PMPA Government Advocacy: What is at Stake in Washington?

The federal government affects every aspect of your business.

PMPA Education Foundation Awards Grant to Thaddeus Stevens College

Michael Gammache, from Machined Products Co. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a 1974 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Graduate, delivered an $8,500 gift from the Precision Machined Products Association Education Foundation Fund granted to the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s Machine Tool and Technology program.

Fordsell's Journey

Founded in 1946, Fordsell Machine Products began as a supplier of single-spindle, screw-machine parts.

Prosperity in 2015: If You Dare

This year and next year are poised to be very profitable years for our shops, employees and industry, if we have the courage to manage our businesses, rather than just avoid the challenges.

Learn the Facts about Leaded Steel Bars

As more applications and newer technology move toward non-leaded steel applications, I thought that a brief refresher about lead and its role in shops might be timely.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Unleaded Brass, Change Your Thinking

Unleaded brasses are not necessarily harder to run than leaded brass.

Small Businesses Cope with Rising Shipping Costs

With ever-soaring fuel costs and the resulting rise in shipping rates, many businesses may find their profit margins shrinking even as production increases.

Technical Member Hydromat: Committed to Innovative and Flexible Solutions

Hydromat is committed to the technical conferences and providing current, interesting and relevant information for members so they can get the most out of sessions.

Regulatory Burden: Real Numbers, Real Problem

The cost burden of federal regulations on small businesses works out to almost $5.29 per employee hour worked.

Entrepreneurship in Sweden Reminds Me of Our Shops' Spirit

This reminded me a lot of the entrepreneurial spirit that we find in our shops. Do you, too, have the gnosjöandan spirit?

Accommodating Unleaded Brass

By recognizing and accommodating for unleaded brasses' lack of lead, and the different thermal conductivity, differences in chip forming, and the need to up-tool for heavier feeds rather than higher speeds, your shop can also be successful at making parts from these newer, more challenging grades.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: What Does Ductility Mean?

The ability of a material to deform plastically without fracturing is called ductility.

Training the Next Generation: Polygon Presents Engineering Awards at Lee Virtual School

Many wonder how young people today can be positively influenced to pursue engineering careers and fill the skills gap in manufacturing.

C&M Screw Machine Products Embraces Change to be a Better Partner

In 1981, at age 24, Victor DaCruz and a business partner bought a small machine shop and started C&M Screw Machine Products Inc. to primarily serve the Jacob’s Chuck Manufacturing Company where Mr. DaCruz has appreciated.

Don't Tell Me Your Vision, Tell Me Your Values

I really don’t care about your vision.

Join Your Peers in San Antonio

From February 28 to March 1, the PMPA (Precision Machined Products Association) is holding its annual Management Update Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Three Key Factors to Understand Machinability of Carbon and Alloy Steel

The machinability of steel bars is determined by three primary factors.

Three Ideas to Thrive in 2015

Recalibrate your plan, invest in training your talent, and plan for leadtime issues.

Ancient Metal Ingots Recovered from Shipwreck

Cast metal called orichalucum, which was said by Ancient Greeks to be found in Atlantis, has been recovered from a ship that sunk 2,600 years ago off the coast of Sicily.

OSHA Reporting Requirements for Employers Now in Effect

A new wallet card issued by OSHA will help your supervisors understand the changes to Injury and Illness Reporting Requirements that are now in effect.

Recognize and Challenge Assumptions

How many of us realize that we have a choice between solutions, and that lowest price doesn’t necessarily mean lowest cost to us?

US Should Consider German Apprenticeship Model

The German apprenticeship model is effective in Germany. But can it be successfully transplanted here? “The Atlantic” recently posted an article discussing the German Apprenticeship model.

NLRB Action Will Hurt Manufacturing Employees and Employers

On Friday, December 12, the NLRB released the “Ambush Election” rule, which limits the amount of time employees have to consider whether or not to join a union to as little as 10-14 days, down from an average of 56 days.

The Meaning of Ductility

In order to successfully deal with ductile materials, strategies such as chip control features on inserts, wiper style inserts, through tool coolant, interrupted cuts, chip breakers, and high pressure coolant can be considered.

A Late Thanksgiving Tribute

Thanksgiving provides us the chance to recognize and thank the engineers, machinists and entrepreneurs who have designed and built modern technologies that keep us safe, comfortable and make our modern lifestyle possible.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Grinding Advice You Probably Didn't Know

Here are some reasons why you should not even need gloves when working on grinders and grinding machines.

PMPA Announces New President Tom Bernstein

Tom Bernstein, president of TORIN Products, was installed as PMPA president at the association’s annual meeting in October.

Reporting Injuries and Illnesses: On-the-Job Obligation, Not a 'Right'

Paying attention to safety was how we sustained our business, by protecting the health and well-being of our employees.

PMPA Member Featured in STEM Magazine

A recent article chronicles this company’s 2-year journey from a concept to the reality of having an internship and an apprenticeship program for high school and college students, as well as a fully equipped classroom within its facilities.

Equipment Upgrades Equal Workforce Upgrades

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was recently awarded a JOBS1st PA Tech Grant of $148,970. PMPA wrote a letter to support the grant application.

OSHA Top 10 Violations from 2013

Savvy managers will make sure their safety training plans cover the general industry and general requirements topics listed here.

PMPA Opposes OSHA’s Expanded Workplace Rule

The Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) filed official comments opposing an administration proposal to place additional burdens on employers while loosening injury reporting requirements on employees.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Lockout Tagout: Inspection

Providing lockout/tagout devices and ensuring that equipment is capable of being locked out/tagged out are key management responsibilities.

Consolidate Orders to Save on Shipping

As a general rule of thumb, one big order ships for less than three smaller orders.

Growing PMPA Member Kalkaska Screw Products Values Active Involvement

Kalkaska Screw Products Inc. (KSP) was a machining division of an automotive filter manufacturing company until 1996 when the company decided to eliminate the division.

Vision, Mission ... Purpose?

A purpose statement describes the impact of the company’s activities from the customer’s point of view.

PMPA Member Attracting Talent to Manufacturing

MFG Day event draws more than 200 students to precision machine shop.

OSHA: Requirements Change for Reporting Fatalities and Severe Injuries

Under the revised rule, employers will be required to notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within 8 hours, and work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations or losses of an eye within 24 hours.

4 Ideas to Reduce Shipping Costs

Shipping can be one of the most complicated (and costly) activities for any small business.

Core Powered Fills Needs for Customers, PMPA and Veterans

Core Powered Inc., founded in 2004, serves tooling needs for companies in the United States, Canada, Europe and around the globe.

What is Expected of the Part

The real question is, "What is expected of the part in subsequent processing and final end use?" It is not, "What is the lowest cost material to make the part?"

Manufacturing in Northern Michigan Sees Strongest Growth in Years

We know there is some amazing manufacturing going on at KSP, where they ship more than 2.8 million high tech, high precision parts each month.

Grinding Advice for Safety

Here are some additional reasons why you should not need gloves when working on grinders and grinding machines.

Gloves and Grinders Don’t Mix

Never wear gloves while working with grinders.

Factoryless Goods Producer Classification Proposal Withdrawn

The Office of Management and Business reported on August 8 that the proposal to create a “Factoryless Goods Producer” classification for the NAICS 2017 has been withdrawn.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Do your parts meet the article exemption test for REACH?

For an object to be considered an article, the following conditions should be fulfilled.

Kenneth Gronback Presents Business Session at PMPA Annual Meeting

Kenneth W. Gronbach, president of KGC Direct, LLC and author of the best-selling book, “The Age Curve: How to Profit from the Coming Demographic Storm,” will present the business session of the 2014 PMPA Annual Meeting.

It Takes a Factory to Make a Manufacturer

… unless you work in Washington D.C., where they are trying to create a classification for Factoryless Goods Producers (FGPs). PMPA helps our members intelligently manage regulatory risk by paying attention to proposals in Washington D.C. that could have a harmful effect on manufacturing and their businesses.

No Such Thing as Carbon Steel Without Manganese

Manganese ties up sulfur before it can chemically combine with iron to form iron pyrite.

VIDEO: Micron Manufacturing's Lean Demolition

How does this company demolish a wall to make room for new equipment?

It Takes a Factory to Make a Manufacturer

How can you call yourself a manufacturer if you don’t manufacture anything? The Economic Classification Policy Committee (ECPC) of the Census Bureau is considering changing the definition of manufacturing to include “Factoryless Goods Producers” (FGPs) as part of an update to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2017.

Metal Seal Precision Invests in Growth

Metal Seal Precision Ltd. is a full-service manufacturer of precision metal components and subassemblies, located in Mentor, Ohio.

Inside a Successful Manufacturing Day: Finding Talent

Albert and David Thuro, of Thuro Metal Products, are more at ease today than they were last fall, when it comes to filling the skills gap in their shop.

Memorandum Published for OSHA Temporary Citation Policy for Electrical Power Standard

Here's a link to the June 20, OSHA memorandum for regional administrators, outlining its temporary enforcement policy.

Industrial Press Engineers Guide Packed with Data

I am a fan of Lean, but the amount of fundamental data that Industrial Press has packed into this shirt pocket guide amazed me and will amaze you, too.

Reinvigorate the American Dream through Manufacturing

Here are the six fresh, actionable ideas to expand the opportunities for middle class manufacturing jobs, restoring the American Dream developed by the Millstein Commission.

Don't Tell Them, Show Them

Precision manufacturing today is far different from the dirty factories that most people remember from the days of black and white television.

A 4-Year Degree isn’t Necessary to Excel in this Field

The majority of the demand for skilled workforce in industry is in this area of engineering and production technology, requiring some post high school education or credential, but less than a 4-year bachelor’s degree.

Ways to Attract Youth to Manufacturing

LNS Research has come up with seven ways to attract youth to manufacturing. PMPA thinks they are right on.

Precision Plus Leads the Way in Skilled Workforce Development

PMPA member company, Precision Plus http://www.preplus.com/ in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is only one of many PMPA companies committed to changing the conversation about manufacturing careers and helping to give advanced manufacturing skills to our future workforce.

Lockout Tagout Periodic Inspection

Providing lockout/tagout devices and ensuring that equipment is capable of being locked out/tagged out are other management responsibilities and are typically well handled in the shops I visit. If management doesn't have their part right, there is next to no chance that the company will pass an audit.

Too Many American Men are on Disability

It isn’t American men manufacturing the products being unloaded here, Mr.

Enough of Those Texts: Find Out What’s Coming Next

Step away from the world of 24/7 text messages, emails, Facebook posts, tweets, voicemails and so on, and set aside a few days to reconnect with your peers.

CSI Group Partners for Political Advocacy and Business Success

CSI Group is a highly specialized group of companies offering unique manufacturing processes for mechanical components.

Precision Machining Industry: Rebuilding Our Bench

Our industry is addressing the Skills Gap by taking positive steps to increase employee knowledge and engage talented people seeking well-paying careers.

It's More Than Just a Phone to IT Folks

As I am just a manufacturing guy among 4,000 computer, software and systems experts, I was in a unique position to see what our world looks like from the IT side of things.

OSHA Needs to Enforce its Tower Regulations

Four communications tower related deaths have already occurred this year, according to OSHA, and more were killed last year than in the prior 2 years combined. Every one of them was preventable.

Tooling Usually Causes Central Bursts in Cold Drawn Steel

This post will focus on the central bursts in cold drawn steel, especially from the point of view of a shop making parts on automated equipment.

PMPA Member Wins Training Grant

North Easton Machine will be receiving $41,500 to help train 25 employees and create job opportunities for four additional staff over the next 2 years.

Material Selection for Machined Product Applications

Here is a checklist for selecting materials for making parts by precision machining.

Global Precision Parts Appreciates Knowledge Sharing Among Industry Leaders

Global Precision Parts Inc. was formed from a series of strategic acquisitions and incorporated under the new name Global Precision Parts in 2006.

Determine if Difficulty is Shop or Office Problem

There is no doubt that the shop people are closer to the problem. But is it their problem?

Demonstrate 'Safety First' Leadership

How many safety violations do you see in this photo?

Whatever Happened to ‘Thou Shalt Not Covet?' A Look at Tax Reform

Alan Beaulieu, president and principal economist at ITR, recently took a look at the Tax Overhaul Proposal authored by David Camp, chairman of the House Ways and Means committee. What he reports is chilling for small manufacturers, prospects for employment and the economy.

New OSHA Recordkeeping Bulletin for Temporary Workers

Injuries and illnesses should be recorded on only one employer’s injury and illness log.

Be a Mentor and Make a Difference in Manufacturing

I am thinking about what many of our shops need, what they think about this young talent waiting to be guided in our shops, and what they are doing to develop their talent. The first two things that come to my mind are training and education.

Accuracy vs. Precision

Your quality assurance manager can put you to sleep explaining the difference between these two terms, but you really need to know the difference.

Free Freight Analysis

Once PartnerShip has your request, freight experts will analyze your shipments to determine your current freight rates. Then PartnerShip will review the best rates in place with best-in-class freight transportation carriers to see if you can save additional money on part or all of your shipping.

PMPA Member Chase Brass Focuses on Common Interests and Big Picture Strategies

Tom Christie explains that U.S. manufacturing growth is one of the most critical requirements for a sustained economic recovery, and PMPA is well suited to support these types of efforts moving forward.

Optional Respirators: You Need a Program

Respirators or dust masks can provide an additional level of comfort and protection for the employees.

American Honda—Exporting More Cars than Importing

We love foreign direct investment. We love the fact that Honda is paying the wages of about 13,700 employees here in Ohio.

PMPA Member Participates at White House CEO Roundtable

Michael Tamasi, CEO of Accurounds, was called to the White House to share AccuRounds’ successes in building a partnership to re-employ local residents in the manufacturing industry.

Defining Deburring and FOD

Burrs and foreign object damage (FOD) are considerations that are increasingly critical as precision machined parts are engineered from more challenging materials and to demanding geometries and applications.

Four PMPA Members Honored by STEP Awards

Four PMPA members were honored by the Manufacturing Institute’s second STEP Awards for excellence in manufacturing.

Transfer Knowledge and Implement Lessons

“There are so many things that people have learned through experience that are not in books or databases,” says Diane Thielfoldt, co-founder of The Learning Café and PMPA National Technical Conference speaker.

5 Positive Facts About U.S. Manufacturing

Great news for manufacturing from the latest Bureau of Economic Analysis news release on revised GDP statistics by industry.

PMPA Members to be Awarded Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Award

PMPA congratulates the four PMPA members to be awarded the 2014 STEP Award by the Manufacturing Institute.

Technical Training for Employees Factors into Company Success

Griffith Training provides in-plant training and consulting for quality, productivity and improvement for manufacturers.

Deal Differently with Certainty, Risk and Uncertainty

Let's take a look at the differences between certainty, risk and uncertainty, examples of each, and how we make decisions when faced with these situations.

The Real inflation Rate

When we look at things we actually buy, we get a different look at inflation.

How-To Guide Focuses on Developing and Recruiting a Skilled Workforce

The Manufacturing Institute has developed a one-stop, how-to guide on developing and recruiting a skilled workforce.

Another Crack in the ‘Glass Ceiling’

Nancy Peterson Hearn, chairman of the board at Peterson Tool Company, has been awarded the prominent Gold Micrometer Award by the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) for making significant contributions to the industry during her 40 years of service.

Shipments Strong in November

PMPA’s Business Trends Index for November 2013 is 116, down 10 points from last month’s value, yet at the highest value we recall for November.

PMPA Offers Members Disaster Recovery Plan

QS9000 requires suppliers to have contingency plans. Sometimes, natural disasters and acts of God are also in play.

Not Just Another Show in Las Vegas: Management Update to Deliver Tools You Can Use

When the PMPA comes to town next month at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, February 21 - 23, this weekend program will be filled with strategic information that you’ll put to immediate use at your company.

Workshops for Warriors Helps Fill the Skills Gap

The overarching mission of Workshops for Warriors is to place veterans and wounded warriors into manufacturing careers by providing training, nationally recognized portable credentials, work experience and job placement.

Why You Shouldn't Predict Firm Metals Pricing for the Year Ahead

“Our job as responsible, sustainable, competitive suppliers is to intelligently manage risk.”

Learning by Showing Up

So I was sitting on the patio of the Hotel del Coronado with a couple of PMPA members talking about things on a beautiful San Diego afternoon when this lady with a hawk on her wrist came up.

OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for FY 2013

The National Safety Council recently released a preliminary compilation of OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards in the 2013 fiscal year.

Continuous Improvement: Shadow Boards

Avoiding the tools you don't need is as much of a problem as being unable to find the tools that are needed.

Business Development: How to Win Bigger Contracts

At the PMPA Management Update Conference, February 21-23, 2014, in Las Vegas, John Wirtz will present a business development session on winning larger contracts, or “whale hunting,” for precision machined parts manufacturers.

Mike Duffin Looks Back at 11 Years as PMPA Executive Director

“When he was named executive director of PMPA, Mike brought to the job a unique perspective having been an association member in his former life.”

What Glass Ceiling?

At the recently concluded PMPA annual meeting in San Diego, the organization named Darlene Miller, president of and CEO of Permac Industries, as its new president. She's also the first female president of the association.

Early Technical Training Can Fill the Skills Gap

Lack of skills were found to be behind the skills gap for production jobs, according to a new report by Twin Cities Business Magazine.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Distortion in Heat Treatment

There are two kinds of distortion that can result from a heat-treating process in steel: dimensional distortion and shape distortion.

Darlene Miller Brings ‘Can-Do’ Attitude and Optimism to PMPA Presidency

“One constant for precision machining companies is that we cannot find the skilled workforce that we need, which is why I’m so adamant about educational, credentialed training programs that show there is a path to a skilled position.”

Why One Should Consider a Career in Manufacturing

Part-time employment in a low-paying field does not have to be your destiny.

Chromium in Carbon, Alloy and Stainless Steels is Not Hexavalent

The valency (oxidation state) of chromium metal as an alloying constituent of steels is zero (0).

Manufacturing is Where the Jobs Are

I thought it was interesting that even during the depths of the last recession, the classified ads in the major newspapers still showed opportunities for setup and machinists in our precision machining sector of advanced manufacturing.

Energy Efficiency Improves

Significant decline in energy use and intensity by manufacturers show improvements in both energy efficiency and changes in manufacturing output mix.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: How Society Drives Technical Innovation in Precision Machine Shops

The parts that we produce in our precision machining shops are usually embedded into other products that are sold.

PMPA Membership Provides Business Advantage to Laurel Steel

Laurel Steel has and continues to experience business and competitive advantages as a result of its almost 30-year-long technical membership in PMPA.

Meet the New PMPA Executive Director

Following an extensive search process, the board of directors of PMPA selected Michael T. Kobylka II as the new executive director of the association. He formally started his new role on August 1.

New Man Leads the PMPA

PMPA’s board of directors officially approved the hiring of manufacturing veteran Michael T. Kobylka II as the next executive director of PMPA at its recent meeting. His tenure began on August 1.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: The Purpose of Work Instructions

Employees do not work with a copy of a work instruction in hand.

PMPA Annual Meeting: Connect with the Industry’s Best

PMPA has 80 years of history as the industry’s sole trade association.

Manufacturing Day is Friday, October 4

This could be the day that sets someone on the path to a great career in precision machining.

Small Parts Manufacturing Sees PMPA Membership Benefits from the Work Floor to the White House

Small Parts Manufacturing, in business since 1946, is committed to providing its customers with quality machined parts.

Measuring Productivity in the Workplace

There are many ways to measure productivity. Determining the best method is the dilemma many companies face. In the precision turned parts industry, most machine cycle times are in seconds, which makes “minutes” a highly prized commodity.

Shop Safety: A Dozen Indicators to Score Your Shop

As a manufacturing guy, I have spent a lot of time in shops in many industries.

Ned Hill Presents Manufacturing’s Future at PMPA Annual Meeting

Edward W. (Ned) Hill, dean and professor of economic development at the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University, is a renowned speaker on manufacturing policy and economics and will present at the PMPA Annual Meeting, October 18-22.

PMPA To Offer Continuing Education Units to Add to Learning Experiences

As an association with 80 years of providing valuable content and training through local, regional and annual meetings, this CEU process will help employers and employees track the value of this training.

Manufacturing Offers Debt-Free Schooling

Going forward, we see manufacturing jobs returning to North America, as energy prices increase for the rest of the world.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Drilling Problem Checklist

Problems with drills and hole-making are getting even more frequent as more jobs are being run in non-free-machining steels.

The Best Indicator for Managing Your Shop

There are more ways to look at our businesses than strictly financial. Here are three other lenses to use for analyzing our businesses.

John Halladay of Vectron Finds the Right Paths

Mr. Halladay employs strategic processes in running races as well as in running Vectron’s sales and quality through participation in PMPA.

Are Our Customers the Conflict in 'Conflict Free?'

You are already an expert in a number of critical areas in your business. PMPA gives you a professional assist on managing regulatory risk.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Powerhouse Brainstorming to Find Root Causes

Brainstorming sessions are very ineffective in their use of time.

Long-Time Member Examines PMPA Benefits

Fairchild Auto-Mated Parts Inc., founded in 1944, crafts precision machined parts for North American companies.

Finding Skilled Talent: One Size Doesn't Fit All

The shortage of skilled workers in the machining trade is undeniable.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Perform R&R Studies Only Where Logical

An improperly defined Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) program can drain a company of resources and reduce the effectiveness of the shop.

Milwaukee Area Technical College Fills the Gap

Milwaukee Area Technical College, known as MATC, is a comprehensive technical college that offers educational and training opportunities and services to its diverse community through collaboration with partners to advance the lives of its students.

PMPA Member Embraces Community Engagement

A career in precision machining can be part of a dual path of work and education. A dual track leads to a lifetime of career success.

Why Manufacturing is your Best Choice Today

Manufacturers need skilled workers. Manufacturers are looking for people who can solve problems, are comfortable with math, are capable of working without a lot of direct supervision.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: OSHA Global Harmonized System Hazard Communication Standard Fact Sheet

OSHA announced on March 20, 2012, a final rule updating OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

PMPA: Your Business Assurance

With the cost of PMPA dues less than one quarter of a percent of your company’s sales, your dues purchase of PMPA assurance is money well spent to assure your business sustainability and provide you with personal peace of mind.

How VIBCO Achieved Lean

VIBCO Vibrators, founded in 1962, manufactures and markets a comprehensive range of industrial and construction vibrators.

Correct Handling Preserves Straightness

Straightness is critical for holding position and tolerances on today’s highly engineered medical, aerospace, automotive and electronic parts.

Mastercam Software is Driven with PMPA Member Needs in Mind

Mastercam, developed by CNC Software Inc., is the most widely used CAD/CAM software in the world.

What Gives Your Shop Traction?

Technology, knowledge, staff capabilities and scale are four determinants of our shop's traction.

5 Buyer Decisions That Increase Costs

These five factors can unnecessarily add costs or delays to a precision machined part: small order quantities, material selection, special diameter holes, close tolerances, unnecessarily fine surface finish.

Actually, Skills Do Pay the Bills

Skills are what is demanded, and are in short supply. Higher wages are determined by the value add of the skills obtained, and held in check by low cost competitors across the globe.

Manufacturing Jobs - What You Need (and Want) to Know

Four of the top five manufacturing sectors by added employment in 2012 were key markets served by precision machining; transportation equipment, motor vehicles and parts, fabricated metal products, machinery. Learn why a career in manufacturing may be your best bet in 2013.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Why Service Trumps Quality and Price

In the precision machining business, nobody sets up their machines based on the quality or price of raw material/barstock.

PMPA Member Solves Precision Machining Problems

Morris Group Inc. is one of the largest suppliers of machine tools and related engineering and support services in North America.

Maintain to Improve

Continuous improvement begins with understanding and maintaining the capabilities of what we have. Deciding what to do as a business manager is a high-risk, low-reward activity.

It Costs Too Much ... Not to Join PMPA

“It costs too much ...”“I don’t have time to use it ...”Are these the thoughts that immediately pop into your head when you consider joining PMPA?

Craftsman's Cribsheet: The Quality Function--Value-Added Overhead

How can the quality function help an organization make more money?

Management Update: Understanding the Changes in Employment Law and Health Care Coverage

Are you fully informed as to the changes in employment law, government regulations as well as the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, known to many as “Obamacare?”

PMPA Membership Provides Countless Benefits to AMT Machine Systems

AMT Machine Systems, Ltd. provides innovative, modular motion control components and systems to the automation industry. AMT is a technical member of PMPA and works with precision machined product manufacturers.

Looking for a Skilled Machinist?

We hear it a lot: Shop floor jobs are plentiful, but skilled workers to fill them are not.

Craftsman's Cribsheet

OSHA Inspection Priorities

A Shop Owner's List to Change the Perception

Our precision machining industry, and our shops, will not be able to grow our capabilities without adding skilled workforce.

First Deadline 1 Year Away for Revised OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

On May 25, OSHA aligned its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) in use in Europe.

A Look at Precision Machining by PMPA President Ron Bracalente

Another key element of our industry is the knowledge base we have. We’re not new to manufacturing, and we have the know-how behind us, but we are losing that knowledge.

The Most Important Challenge

I just returned from two and a half days at IMTS, the metalworking industry’s biggest gathering in North America.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: Ideas for a Quality Audit Program

Is it becoming a cumbersome fact-collection process without a whole lot of difference or creativity between audits?

Why You Should Reconsider College as an Investment

Gaining skills, having a job, and having a positive career trajectory are available right now with a career in precision machining.

Metric Machining Refocuses for Improved Performance

Metric Machining Inc. manufactures precision machined parts for various applications in the aerospace, automotive, commercial, irrigation, trucking and HVAC markets.

Craftsman's Cribsheet: 3 Key Factors to Understanding the Machinability of Carbon and Alloy Steel

The machinability of steel bars is determined by three primary factors: cold work, thermal treatment, and chemical composition.1.

Precision Machining Industry NAICS 332721 Fast Facts

The PMPA serves the precision machining industry by providing information, resources and networking opportunities.

Reconsider College as an Investment

We have plenty of jobs for sharp people and a career path that will include some college--but not years of college debt and lost earnings.

Hardinge Inc.

The company originally known as Hardinge Brothers was founded in 1890 by Canadians, Henry and Franklin Hardinge.

Quality–Same or Separate Team?

Is there an ISO requirement that states that the quality manager cannot report to the director of manufacturing?

An Employer's Back to School List

I remember the excitement of back to school when I was a child—new clothes, new shoes, maybe a new notebook and new school supplies.

Clippard Instrument Laboratory Inc.

In 1941, William Leonard Clippard, Jr. founded a company that sold electrical test equipment, magnetic windings and radio frequency coils.

Adapting the Deming Cycle to the Management Process

The Deming Cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act) is a staple of management in the manufacturing world.

Is There an Editor in Your Shop?

Precision machinists already know how to add value by subtraction.

State of the Industry--A Look at Precision Machining by PMPA President W. Richard Hoster

Since being named PMPA president, W.

Why Your Expert is Your Worst Trainer

Empower those in your shop who have just mastered a skill to reach back and share what they have learned with those who are following.

The Importance of Recognizing and Addressing Gaps

I want to focus specifically on the gap between what is currently required of your leadership team and what will be required in the future for the business and the people in it to thrive and prosper.

SAE and F1 in Schools—Making a Difference

“F1 in Schools” is the Formula One Technology Challenge presented to middle school and high school students.

Polygon Solutions Inc.

Polygon Solutions Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes precision rotary (wobble) broaching tools and toolholders.

Why Material Performance can be Different

“Variation of sourcing and source processes is more responsible for performance differences than the chemical make-up shown on the test report.”

American Turned Products

American Turned Products (ATP) is a high-volume contract manufacturer specializing in precision turning and assembly of complex components.

The Advantages of Using a 3PL Freight Partner

In the multifaceted world of transportation and logistics, the business of moving freight can be a confusing and costly venture.

What's the Right Strategy?

What’s the right strategy?

Ditch the Book

Which book? That “big honkin’ binder” out in the shop with all of your Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

Technical Member Profile: Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd.

In the precision machining industry, the Detterbeck name goes back to the days of overhead belt-drive screw machines.

Setup Reduction– One Discipline You Must Master

Setup reduction is the gold standard for continuous improvement.

How do you Calibrate Your Business?

Every precision machining shop has a calibration system to assure that its products are dimensionally compliant and meet the expectations of its customers.

Speaker Profile: Art Turock

“Competence is Not an Option” and “Developing Good Managers into Great Leaders” are the two presentations that Art Turock will make at the 2012 PMPA Management Update Conference.

Member Profile: Great Lakes Automation Services Inc.

Great Lakes Automation Services Inc. (GLASi) was established only 10 years ago, but its roots go back much farther.

LinkedIn: Are You Missing a Golden Opportunity to Network?

If you’re not on LinkedIn, you should be.

For Minor Servicing and Maintenance (Routine, Repetitive, Integral to Use), Lockout is Not Mandatory

PMPA member companies are engaged in making parts that require precision machining.

The Economy: Where Do We Go From Here?

February’s PMPA Management Update Conference in San Diego will feature Howard C.

'Right Skills Now' Provides Fast-Track Training for Skilled Manufacturing Jobs

According to a Skills Gap study by the Manufacturing Institute, more than 80 percent of U.S. manufacturers can’t find qualified people for the almost 600,000 skilled production jobs that are currently unfilled. For American manufacturing to be successful, employers need machinists that have the right skills, and they need those skills now.

Training and Technology: Time, Money, Quality

When I was a student, I really liked when an equation just made sense.

Technical Member Profile: Corey Steel Company

Corey Steel Company is a leading manufacturer of cold-finished steel bar.

Five Keys to Success for the Precision Machining Industry

The precision machining industry has several unique characteristics that make it a relatively steady performer in the North American economy.

Member Profile: Lyn-Tron Inc.

Lyn-Tron Inc. provides precision-engineered electronic and connector hardware to the computer and electronics industries, as well as custom-machined parts to a variety of markets.

Pedestal Grinders, OSHA and You

OSHA cited an Ohio company for 15 safety violations and fined that company $159,600 after a pedestal grinder operator was killed.

Why ISO?

Are you considering registering your quality system?

Indicators, Looking Windshield or Rearview Mirror

In recent months, we have seen wild swings in equity markets—government deals that fail to meaningfully address the fundamental problems of runaway spending, downgrade of federal debt and global debt crises.

Technical Member Profile: Marubeni Citizen-Cincom

Marubeni Citizen-Cincom (MCC) was founded in 1984 to market and service the company’s line of Swiss-type turning centers.

Investing in Anticipation

I was intrigued by a recent discussion on the PMPA’s Manufacturing Listserve.

Economist William Strauss to Look at 2012 Economy at Annual Meeting

Just how will the economy expand in 2012?

How the PI Helps Vanamatic Develop and Retain the Best Employees

PMPA members are often faced with the problems of finding and retaining skilled machinists.

The Importance of Documenting Employee Safety Violations

The burden is on the employer to prove enforcement of the rules.

Austin, Texas, is the site for PMPA’s 78th Annual Meeting

Deep in the heart of Texas Hill Country—That’s where the PMPA’s 78th Annual Meeting will be held from October 21 to 25.

Magic Bullets in Precision Machining

As a supplier of steel bars for machinists for more than 30 years of my professional career, I was often invited to help shops troubleshoot or problem solve.

Apprentices: Sustaining Our Industry

What is our plan to create our own source of skilled craftsman?

78th Annual Meeting Heads to Texas

The Precision Machined Products Association’s (PMPA) 78th Annual Meeting is coming to Texas Hill Country, October 21-25, 2011.

Technical Member Profile: Prince Industries

Prince Industries Inc. is a globally recognized premier manufacturer of precision machined and sheet metal fabricated components.

Where Skills and Talent Come From

Each and every one of the students that participated demonstrated to me that they were qualified, thoughtful, skilled and competent practitioners in the field of Design, Analyze, Manufacture, Test and Perform.

Three Reasons Why Mechanical Properties of Cold-Drawn Steel Can Vary

Why do the mechanical properties on different shipments of the same size and grade of steel vary so much?

Three Commitments for Sustainable Success

We have all learned that the capability to make things is not what drives the market for our products.

OSHA Noise Reinterpretation Follow-UP

In the January issue of Production Machining, the PMPA section began with an article explaining the OSHA proposed reinterpretation of the definition of “feasible” in the Noise regulations.

PMPA--What's in it for You?

Ask PMPA members what they value about their PMPA membership and the first thing they are likely to tell you about is “Networking.” Our National Technical Conference is a prime example of the kind of networking they are talking about.

Strategy, Execution, High-Performing Teams

The Corps Group is excited to be a part of the 2011 Precision Machined Products Association’s (PMPA) National Technical Conference.

Adding Value, Creating Value

“Precision machining is a unique business because we often add value by subtracting material.”

PMPA Retains ITR to Provide Members with Critical Trend Data

“ITR has a long track record of success as the only economic forecaster with a 96 percent accuracy rate.”

Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - December 2010

Prices are up substantially over their price a year ago, from 30-58% - up by double digit percentages - with the exception of Coke. Both upside and downside risk are present when considering raw materials purchases and long term pricing on the products that we produce. While U. S. steel production in June was up 65% over a year ago, Chinese steel mill exports to the world increased 320% from June 2009 to June 2010. Washington promised “change,” but continues to do nothing.

Be a Part of the Magic--It's Not Too Late to Attend PMPA's Management Update

PMPA prides itself on offering “Tools You Can Use,” which is exactly what you’ll receive when you attend the Management Update Conference later this month.

Strive to be Ordinary

In a world where “ordinary suppliers are 100 percent on time and provide zero defects,” how can your precision machining shop become extraordinary?

OSHA Noise Reinterpretation Issue: Time for Facts

Your data is needed by PMPA to help us provide facts regarding the impact of a proposed change for the precision machining industry.The issue involves a change in the interpretation of the word feasible by OSHA.

Industry Leaders Agree: PMPA’s Management Update is a Must

When PMPA’s Management Update Conference comes around next month (February 25-27 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort), make sure you find yourself in Orlando, Fla.

Predictive Index: Learn How to Make Better Hiring Decisions and Develop

In November, PMPA began partnering with PI Worldwide to help solve the problem of finding and retaining skilled machinists.

Three Choices for the Year Ahead

How will you face 2011?

PMPA's Social Networking--A Tool You Can Use

In just one year, we can document more than 65,000 page views on PMPA’s blog, SpeakingOfPrecision.com.

Reduce Shipping Expenses, Improve Bottom Line

Precision machining companies face a constant strain on their businesses in the form of ever-increasing expenses.

A Few Words from New PMPA President Jeff Ohlemacher

Jeff Ohlemacher was named the new president of PMPA at last month’s Annual Meeting.

Four Common Mistakes When Making Process Changes

Engineering and process changes are a fact of life in our precision machining shops.

PMPA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Urges Members to Vote

Please go to the polls next month and vote.

PMPA Technical Member Profile: Chase Brass & Copper Co.

Chase Brass & Copper Company traces its origins to a business established in 1837 in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - August 2010

Prices are up substantially over their price a year ago--all up by double-digit percentages with the exception of Coke. Nickel is on a tear (up 170%), and both upside and downside risk are present when considering raw materials purchases and long-term pricing on the products that we produce. While U.S. Steel production in June was up 65% over a year ago, Chinese steel mill exports to the world increased 320% from June 2009 to June 2010. Washington promised “change,” but continues to do nothing.

The Franklin Partnership: PMPA's 'Boots on the Ground' in Washington, D.C.

PMPA’s latest advocacy effort intensified 3 years ago when it engaged The Franklin Partnership as its lobbyist in the nation’s capital.

Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - June 2010

All of the crucial raw materials that we track are up double and triple digits compared to the same month last year. Material cost component of our manufactured products is up, and holding, but subject to variability of global forces as well as local and market demands.

Technical Member Profile: Chicago Extruded Metals Co.

Chicago Extruded Metals Company (CXM) is a leading manufacturer of extruded brass shapes in rod, bar and wire.

The Only Question

There are a lot of questions that we need to answer every day. “Did my parts ship?” “Did the material arrive?” “Where is that special tool?” “Does anybody know where the tool room guy went?” “Who is John Galt?”Who?

PMPA SpeakingOfPrecision Blog--Knowledge Retention

Attendees at PMPA’s National Technical Conference learned that the demographic changes in our workforce are having a powerful effect on how the people in our shops find the information they need.

Member Profile: Vanamatic Company

Vanamatic is an innovative precision machining company that uses cellular manufacturing and lean practices.

About the Precision Machining Industry

The precision machining industry created $9,791,795,000 of product shipments that year.

Member Profile: W.H. Bagshaw Company

This year marks the 140th anniversary of the W.

Our Year in the Gym

The worst memories of my adolescence were of nearly failing gym class.

Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - April 2010

Prices of raw materials used to make precision machined products are up substantially, from 44% to 114% from March 2009 - March 2010 for 6 of the 7 materials we track. Low inventories, increasing demand and idled production facilities are among the factors involved here in North America, as are the historic iron ore agreement and continued high demand in China. Fuel price increases also impact freight, which is an important factor in our business. We will not be shocked to see monies paid for steel in May to be $80 per ton higher than they were in April based on already announced price increases and the current price on busheling.

Technical Member Profile: Hangsterfer's Laboratories

Hangsterfer’s Laboratories offers an array of metalworking fluids for manufacturers—more than 200 different products.

Safety and the Precision Machining Industry

The precision machining industry provides leading safety technology that makes a difference in our everyday lives: anti-lock brakes for our cars—check; air bag components—check; heat-treated bolts and fasteners for our seat belts and to hold those child seats in securely—check.In addition to automotive, we make parts used in the manufacture of food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and energy—four more industries where performance and safety are critical.

A Time for Action: Members Answer the Call

Over the past 9 months, when called upon, PMPA members have responded in record numbers by using the association’s online Action Alert system.

President Obama Visits EMC Precision Machining

EMC Precision Machining, a longtime PMPA member, was a stop on President Barack Obama’s tour of Northeast Ohio on January 22.

Material Impacts On The Precision Machining Industry - December 2009

Prices for most raw materials used to make precision parts have double-digit increases for the year ending December 31, 2009. Surcharges, price increases, and short supplies of even common items characterize today’s market. Until larger inventories of scrap build up from increases in production, the industry and its supply chain face a paradox of no scrap from which to make steel, therefore no steel to make parts, therefore, no scrap to make steel… Copper and brass has doubled over the year. Aluminum is up over 40%. We anticipate spikes in surcharges, allocation, and long lead times throughout the first quarter of 2010.

Effective Associating Delivers Tools You Can Use

There are many issues that confront our businesses these days.

2009--Precision Machining Industry Shoots the Rapids

The year 2009 will be remembered by many of us as a teacher—a cruel teacher, perhaps—but a teacher, nevertheless. There are several important lessons that we learned as an industry, as small- to medium-sized businesses and as manufacturers.

Micron Celebrates Receipt of Nobel Prize of Manufacturing

Micron Manufacturing Company of Walker, Mich. , recently celebrated its receipt of the 2009 Shingo Silver Medallion for Operational Excellence.

Technical Member Profile: Henning Industrial Software

In the early days, the Hennings’ customers were primarily small- to medium-sized precision machining companies.

4 Steps for Documentation Improvement

Whether you use a simple word processing program or a more sophisticated documentation software program, organizing your material and identifying the simplest way to meet your needs is the key to documentation success.

Member Profile: Enoch Manufacturing Company

Enoch Manufacturing Company is one of the largest custom precision machining manufacturers on America’s West Coast. The company produces complex, custom parts for a range of industries, shipping more than 3.

Speaking of Precision

The Precision Machined Products Association has created a blog to facilitate the transfer of important knowledge that will help keep precision machining competitive, sustainable and profitable.

Managing Change, Changing Management

There is nothing like "business as usual" to nurture a, well, let’s call it a "business as usual" managerial role. In normal times, as managers, we work to achieve our organization’s mission by planning, organizing, leading and controlling.

Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - October 2009

Of course prices have risen. Manufacturing expansion following 18 months of decline. Supply chain pretty much destocked. Low inventories. Domestic mills operating at 47 percent of capacity. Global influences on scrap and raw materials. You need a program to follow this game. We're providing you one with this edition of PMPA's Material Impacts Report.

Sustainable Business

Beneath the din of bad economic news on TV and in the business pages, if you listen carefully, you’ll hear another theme: Sustainability.

Al Horner to Discuss Business Strategy and Profitability at PMPA Annual Meeting

"Improving profits" will be the focus of Al Horner’s presentation at the PMPA Annual Meeting in Savannah, Ga. Mr. Horner will share his knowledge of the subject at the meeting’s Sunday morning business session on October 25.

A Letter from the PMPA President, PMPA 76th Annual Meeting

Dear Industry Colleague:We’ve seen unprecedented spending by the federal government in recent months under the new administration. That includes plans to implement a public option for healthcare coverage.

Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - August 2009

We believe that it is time to fasten our seatbelts as an industry. Inventories continue to decrease, foreign nations (Japan and Taiwan) are actively seeking to accumulate scrap, primary mills see no compelling reason to restart facilities, and the Chinese are "arresting" employees of the iron ore supplier companies that they are in "negotiations" with. Surcharges are volatile as a result of the 40-percent increase in steel scrap this month alone. Severstal announced it was ceasing all North American operations today as I prepared this report (5 August 2009). I cannot confirm that any BOF melt bar capacity is currently running in North America.

Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - June 2009

An abnormal state in which the normal flow is slowed or stopped is called "stasis." With the exception of copper and brass (up ~ 40 percent since January 2009) stasis is a good descriptor of raw materials pricing trends these days. Demand for final products, not availability of raw materials, is the primary determinant of raw material prices. It doesn't matter how much iron ore you have in your mine, if no one is buying cars, that ore is just rocks in the ground. Several 'Green Shoots' are identified as indicating a possible bottom for manufacturing.

Technical Member Profile: 2L Technoogies

2L Technologies is one of the newest members of the PMPA, having been founded in 2008. However, the company’s roots go back more than 30 years.

The One Thing I Know for Sure

Revisiting what has worked during the past year will help you sustain your company this year.

We're the People Who Make Things

I just saw a news clip that highlighted some new-found attention to "people who make things. " It seems that, in a recent speech, the President of the United States recognized the value of the "people who make things. " Well, Mr.

Have Guitars, Will Travel

The two bands that performed at last month’s PMPA Technical Conference aren’t "metal" bands, but their guitarists both work with metals every day. JoBreen is an acoustic trio that includes Brian Adams of R. F.

Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - April 2009

The raw materials that we track are leading indicators for the precision turning industry. Prices for all of the materials that we track are down substantially year over year, as well as from their high in 2008. Inventories are tight on most materials, with Service Center inventories at 17-year lows for steel and aluminum products, according to MSCI. We urge our members to take the published "months of current supply" figures with a grain of salt. These estimates are based on current usage. When production resumes, those "months of supply" will likely evaporate in just a few short weeks. We have seen several presentations over our career that make the point that the economy usually mimics the copper market, so we are somewhat heartened by the trend in the copper and brass indicators that we track. The price of steel scrap remains depressed, offering a different take.

The Innovation Adventure

I am all about an adventure. I crave the thrill of discovery and the excitement of exploration. I am fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to experience communities around the world.

New Business Intelligence Service from PMPA

The Precision Machined Products Association announces a new business intelligence service for members. The association has contracted with Kim Korth to provide strategic advisory services related to the automobile industry and the role of PMPA member companies as automotive parts suppliers.

Technical Member Profile: Tsugami-Rem Sales LLC

Tsugami-Rem Sales LLC is the exclusive North American importer of Tsugami equipment, including Swiss-type automatic and gang-tooled lathes, bar-fed multifunction machines and machining centers.

Safety Courses Designed for this Industry

As a business owner, you want to provide your employees with a safe work environment. You want everyone at your business to go home whole and healthy every evening. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Watkins Manufacturing Inc.

Watkins Manufacturing has been doing business in the Cincinnati area since the late 1800s. The company manufactured a variety of products during its long history as a job shop. In the 1960s, Watkins developed a unique cutoff process for internal use.

My Favorite Photograph

Here’s my favorite photo. I took it in Chicago’s Millennium Park a couple of years ago during a break from a conference. It’s a little girl playing in a fountain.

Material Impacts On The Precision Machining Industry - February 2009

The raw materials that we track are leading indicators for the precision turning industry. From their highs in 2008, to December 2008, these materials varied from 59% to 77%. High variability is problematic for trying to support fixed price contracts. Inventories are tight on most materials, with Service Center inventories at 17 year lows for steel and aluminum products according to MSCI. It is easy to be grim at the bottom of a market. What is critical for us as managers is to recognize that bottom and prepare for success as our markets improve. Having access to materials that are in very short supply due to the current inventory and credit lows may be what brings your company success on the way out of this recession.What are you doing now to assure you will have the materials that you need when the phone begins to ring?

Material Impacts On The Precision Machining Industry - December 2008

The prices of all of the raw materials that we track are well below last year’s levels, and volatile. Producers are in a race all over the world to idle capacity to prevent excessive supply from further damaging their margins.

PMPA Members Get New Financial Benchmarking Tool

As I write this in early October, the stock market has lost more than 30 percent, the federal government has signed on for $850 billion in bailout monies for the financial market, and the shared values of many major companies have fallen precipitously.

PMPA Management Update 2009 – “The Good Stuff”

Are you uncertain about your company’s future? Does your company encourage a culture of innovation and creativity to enhance productivity and profitability? Are you looking for a new plan to market your company and grow your business? Are you looking to develop or strengthen offshore business opportunities?

Technical Member Profile: Boston Centerless

As a PMPA technical member, Boston Centerless supplies precision ground bar materials and grinding services to precision machining companies. The ISO 9001:2000-certifed company is known for providing extremely close tolerances. Boston Centerless was founded in 1958 by Len Tamasi.

PMPA Works To Assure Sustainability In Metalworking Fluids

In September, PMPA members learned about the proposed Rule 1144 for the four-county Los Angeles/Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Former PMPA president Jim Hemingway of Alger Manufacturing LLC, Ontario, Calif., provided the information.

Employee Handbook – Empowering Employee Success

"The purpose of the Employee handbook is to make sure each person knows his or her responsibilities. The Employee also must be made aware of what happens when the correct choices are not made."

PMPA Member Benefit Spotlight – The PMPA Discount Shipping Program

Since 2004, PartnerShip and PMPA have offered PMPA members significant savings on shipping with FedEx and Yellow Transportation through the PMPA Discount Shipping Program. In the last 12 months alone, members actively using the program have collectively saved more than $780,000.

Member Profile: Rable Machine Inc.

Rable Machine Inc. is a precision machining company located in Mansfield, Ohio, about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus. Established in 1946 by Frank Rebel (pronounced Rable), the company was founded to provide machined components to the growing number of appliance manufacturers in the area.

Material Impacts On The Precision Machining Industry - October 2008

In this edition of Material Impacts we learn that the October price increase for steel appears to be dead due to lethargic manufacturing conditions. Only Aluminum, Steel and Coke are higher compared to the same month last year, September 2007; other items we track have fallen substantially. Aluminum is up 3.9% since January; down 17% since July. Brass Scrap is up 0 .6% since January; down 14.8% since last report in July. Copper Cathode is up 3.4% for year; down 15.9% since July. Scrap Nickel is down 21% since January; down 8% since July. Steel #1 Busheling is up 105% since January; down 4 % since July. (Actually, using October numbers, this commodity is up 37.3% over January and down 35.9%from July.) China Coke is up 58% since January; down 49.9% since July. To paraphrase the announcer on the car commercial: "Your pricing may vary. Always buy responsibly. Always buckle up." See links below for the latest Material Pricing information and China Currency publication.

Digital Dumpster

One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given came from an attorney coaching me on how to respond to government questions regarding an anti-trust case. She told me, "Don’t draw lines that divide." This advice has proven invaluable to me through the years, as I tried to draw a circle that included all parties rather than define a line between parties that divides.

Plymouth Steel Corporation

Plymouth Steel Corporation is a processor of carbon and alloy cold-drawn steel bars. The company was founded in 1941 in Plymouth, Michigan by Walter J. Bothwell. Currently, his grandson John Quay serves as chairman of the family-owned business.

The Only Way We Can Outperform

While at IMTS in September, I overheard a couple of comments about manufacturing competitiveness that made me scratch my head. The first went something like this: "The only way you can outperform other shops—those that typically have the same machines and cut the same materials you do—is to put better tools in your machines."

Material Impacts On The Precision Machining Industry - August 2008

Are you enjoying the Olympics? I hope so, because the effects of China’s efforts to clear the air for them have certainly had a measureable effect on the prices for our raw materials here in North America. “According to analysts, China has cut met coke output by 72% to avoid adding more polluting gases to the environment.” China Coke (metallurgical coke is used to refine iron ore to make steel) has increased in price by 215% since January. Steel Scrap is up 114% since January. Get the facts behind the materials impacting your business in the August PMPA Material Impacts Report.

Member Profile: Cox Manufacturing

Cox Manufacturing Company specializes in custom, screw machine products, as well as CNC turning and machining services. The company uses a variety of turning solutions ranging from CNC Swiss lathes to multi-spindle screw machines.

Baldrige...And The Sharing Of Best Practices

Many of today’s quality or business standards provide a framework that allows you the flexibility to define what is most effective for your organization. The ISO-based standards provide core system requirements that are now considered fundamental to having the ability to capture new business. The Malcolm Baldrige Quality Program is based on criteria (the standard) that focus on a much broader series of requirements not mandated by other standards and guidelines.

Labor Day Or Talent Day?

One thing about holidays is that once they become official, they hang around. Who has not enjoyed many a picnic—fried chicken, barbeque and potato salad—on the summer holidays of Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day? These are great American traditions. However, I would like to see one particular American holiday go away or at least get a name change. That holiday is Labor Day.

The Evolution Of Your Trade Association:

This year, the Precision Machined Products Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary. From its humble beginnings in 1933, to becoming the industry leader in technical support and management information, the association has always focused on serving the needs of its members while supporting the broader interests of the precision machined products industry.

Workmanship

Workmanship is an important term that’s often relied upon as the final arbiter in acceptance of our products. ASTM and other agency standards sometimes have workmanship clauses. One example is ASTM A 108, the standard specification for steel bar, carbon and alloy, cold finished. In ASTM A 108, Section 9 is titled, “Workmanship, Finish and Product Presentation.” So what is this thing that we call workmanship, and how will we know it when we see it?

Father's Day--Revisited

I can remember the first manufacturing job I had after graduating high school. I was a stockhouse and trestle laborer at a blast furnace in Warren, Ohio. My father thought it would be a good experience and maybe give me an incentive to work a little harder in college. Good thinking, Dad.

Keeping Jobs In North America

Whenever I’ve been asked to go to a trade show or conference, I have always kept one thought in mind: “What will I learn that will help keep manufacturing jobs thriving here in North America?” My attendance at the PMPA’s National Technical Conference helped me understand that despite the many challenges our industry faces, we have a lot to be optimistic about in the precision machining industry.

The Big Meeting On The Big Island

The “Big Meeting” is the PMPA’s annual meeting, celebrating the association’s 75th anniversary. The event will be held October 17 to 21, 2008, at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Waikoloa “The Big Island,” Hawaii. Of course, there will be special recognition of this tremendous accomplishment for the association and its membership. But this year’s annual meeting is not just another anniversary.

Material Impacts On The Precision Machining Industry - June 2008

As of June 2008, steel is up 109%, coke is up 105%, aluminum, copper, brass and oil are at record highs. Nickel and stainless show some softening of price. Five of the seven items we track are up over the same month last year. Lead times are extending as inventories are lean and who wants to build inventory in a volatile market? So focusing on understanding what your suppliers can do for you may be the key to your improved performance in the months ahead.

Role Of Nitrogen In Free Machining Carbon Steels

One of the least understood fatcors affecting machinability of steel is the role of nitrogen.

Report From The Executive Director

As we near the end of another fiscal and program year, I want to be sure readers know about the PMPA staff, association finances and our volunteer leaders.

China Shipping--A Midwesterner's View

In the Midwest, we see the China trade issue pretty simply. We lose our manufacturing jobs to cheap overseas labor; we pay our taxes to Washington, D.C., and we wonder why nobody does anything about those cheap imports killing our jobs. We still wonder why the currency peg hasn’t been dealt with, and we wonder what is so difficult about this. On the West Coast, the view is a little different.

Is Incremental Improvement Enough?

Is incremental improvement enough for our industry’s long-term survival? How many precision machining companies will perish in the next 5 years?

The Business Case For Business Travel

As the president of Permac Industries, I find the time to participate in a number of trips sponsored by the PMPA, the local Chamber of Commerce and even the Minnesota governor’s recent trade mission to India. I’ve been to China, Ireland and a host of other destinations, all on business. Is there an expense? You bet. Is there a payoff? Absolutely.

Member Profile: Peterson Tool Company

Peterson Tool Company is the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of inserted form tools. It pioneered the inserted form tool and continues to develop new products, improve existing ones and explore new processes.

2008 PMPA Annual Meeting Featured Speaker: Hugh Hewitt

The PMPA is known for high-quality meeting content, including keynote speakers that address issues of concern to the precision machined products industry. At this year’s annual meeting, PMPA will feature nationally syndicated radio show host and best-selling author, Hugh Hewitt.

Value-Added--A Closer Look

I was pleased with the feedback that we received from readers on our March 2008 article on “Value Added — The Key To Profitability.” Before tackling the points brought up by readers, let’s review what I mean by “value added.”

Member Profile: Smith & Richardson

Smith & Richardson Inc. is a provider of chaplets for the metal casting industry and a manufacturer of precision machined parts. Founded in 1921, the ISO-9002-certified company got into the machined parts business in 1986 when it purchased one of its suppliers, a small screw machine company.

Two Plans Are Better Than One

In recent years, with the introduction of Qualified High-Deductible Health Plans (QHDHPs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), business owners have more tax-saving options in health insurance. While you may need to offer employees a traditional health plan with lower deductibles as an employee retention strategy, you may also benefit from the tax-free accumulation of funds in a health savings account. So, how can you get the best of both worlds?

You Now Have Plans For October 17-21: PMPA's 75th Anniversary

The Precision Machined Products Association will celebrate its 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Waikoloa (The Big Island), Hawaii. At this special event, from October 17 through 21, we will take time to remember the past and celebrate the future of PMPA and the precision machined products industry.

Personal Protective Equipment And The Precision Machining Industry

If the OSHA inspector arrived today, would your system provide documented evidence of training, enforcement and retraining?

“Value Added” — The Key To Profitability

So what is “value added” and how do we know what is adding value versus adding costs?

Technical Member Profile: Schmolz+Bickenbach

Schmolz+Bickenbach presence in United States began in 1990 when Ugine, a French steel producer, bought Alloy & Stainless, a stainless steel distribution company based in Colmar, Pennsylvania. After several name changes and owners, the company now distributes and manufactures specialty stainless bar products in North America.

Don’t Miss PMPA’s “Management Jambalaya” Of Profitability, Business Growth, Trends, Politics And Wellness

The PMPA Management Update Committee has your recipe for success in 2008. Come to this year’s Management Update Conference at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. It runs from February 28 through March 1. There, you’ll receive a hefty serving of business intelligence.

Training Grants Available From The PMPA Education Foundation

If your company’s machinists or salespeople need training in precision machining equipment, there could be a grant available to cover part of the cost of that training. Each year, the PMPA Education Foundation sets aside funds for a variety of training activities. The grants go to companies, individuals, schools and organizations.

PMPA Market Study Available for Purchase

The PMPA Marketing Committee, with the support of the Board of Directors, commissioned the market research firm of Kleinhenz & Associates to conduct an in-depth study of the precision machined products industry. This yearlong study recently concluded, resulting in a CD titled, “Trends In Markets For Precision Machined Products.”

Quality’s Role In Marketing

Having spent more than 20 years in the field of quality management—as well as holding a couple of simultaneous assignments in marketing and operations—I’d just love to tell you about the importance of quality in marketing. Unfortunately, I can’t.

Critical Spares

Planning for necessary raw materials and tooling is critical for meeting production schedules in our shops. Just as important is planning to have the critical maintenance spares needed to keep our production assets up and running.

Meet The New PMPA President: Jim Hemingway

The PMPA installed its new president October 2007 at the PMPA annual meeting held in Tucson, Arizona. Jim Hemingway of Alger Manufacturing moved up from his role as first vice president to fill the position held by outgoing president Richard C. Gorton.

Changing Your Approach To Change-Over

When you make your living cutting parts, maximizing the time spent making chips is a good thing. Tooling a machine up and down and up again is dead time spent away from making your living. This Ohio shop has figured out how to dramatically cut its dead time. They have created cultural change that most shops can and should implement.

Technical Member Profile: Tornos Technologies

Tornos Technologies is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Swiss machine tools and automatic lathes. The company had its beginnings in the Swiss watch-making industry, which is known for its emphasis on superior mechanical precision.

5 Reasons To Think About Exporting

The North American market for precision machined products has typically been large enough and so full of opportunities that there has been no need to look at exports as part of our business planning. However, the loss of the lower-value, large-volume commodity type work to shops in Asia and Eastern Europe has made us realize that we are expert manufacturers in the world market. Let’s look at some of the reasons why we need to look at exports as part of our business plan.

Facts On Freight--What Determines LDL Discount Percentages

With so many LTL freight motor carriers to choose from and complex rating structures, how do you know which carrier is best for you?

Member Profile: Accu-Swiss, Inc.

Accu-Swiss, Inc. is a custom manufacturer of precision, CNC-machined products, as well as a provider of fabrication and engineering services. Founded in 1977, the company is headquartered in Oakdale, California, about 90 miles east of San Francisco. It has 20 employees and occupies 10,000 square feet of space in two buildings.

Is VOIP Right For Your Business

The global competitiveness of our industry is completely changing the way we do business. With more and more of our customers—and even some of our divisions—being international, the need to stay in touch, yet cut costs, is more prevalent than ever.

Technical Member Profile: Gosiger Import

Gosiger Import, a division of Gosiger Inc., markets precision machining equipment to manufacturers throughout the United States. The company’s three principal lines are Euroturn multi-spindle automatic screw machines, Nomura CNC Swiss turning centers and BTB flexible, rotary transfer machines.

The Art And Etiquette Of E-Mail: Making A Connection

E-mail is the heart and soul of all communication these days. You do it at work. You do it at home. You text on your cell phone. Your most prevalent contact with your customers is via electronic mail, but are you making the right impression?

Can I Do It With Less?

There is one indisputable lesson that applies to us in manufacturing: We must get more and more functionality out of less and less material. This is the result of continuous improvement, economic competition and the application of engineering principles.

Member Profile: Automatic Products Corporation

Automatic Products Corporation (APC) is a leading provider of precision-machined parts produced on automatic screw machines and CNC equipment. The company was founded in 1957 by Charles E. Tedford, who started out with two Brown&Sharpe machines, a small grinder and a milling machine.

Promoting Communication: Sales, Operations And Your Customer

Solidifying communication between operations, sales and the customer is a huge step to take in the quest for total process improvement. Often, we get caught up in the discussion of right versus wrong, good versus bad, and “is” versus “is not.”

Technical Member Profile: New Dimension Metals Corp.

New Dimension Metals Corp. (NDM) is a supplier of cold-finished carbon and alloy steel bar products. The company was founded in 1990 in Dayton, Ohio, by John C. Gray, who has spent his entire career in the steel business.

Energy Trends In Manufacturing

Every once in a while, I get to see a report from a branch of the United States government that reinforces my feeling that all of us in manufacturing are way ahead of the bureaucrats in Washington. This week, I received a Manufacturing Sector Report from the Environmental Protection Agency covering motor vehicle parts manufacturing. (View the report at www.epa.gov/sectors/energy/index.html.)

Member Profile: Ray Industries, Inc.

Ray Industries, Inc. specializes in precision thread rolling, as well as precision machining of ballscrews, lead screws, mechanical actuators, worms and threaded fasteners.

Is Your Order Book Telling You To Consider Activity-Based Costing?

Activity-Based Costing (ABC) is often mentioned in conversations between shop owners, but it seems to be an idea that most shops never get around to fully investigating. There are many benefits to performing even a short-term ABC project, but costs and personnel time need to be considered. These days, everyone is too busy to take on an extra project, especially another accounting study. However, your order book might be sufficient evidence that you need to get to work on an ABC project. Here’s a brief explanation of how and why.

Walt Disney World: A Model For Precision Manufacturing

What can a manufacturing person learn from Walt Disney World to help with his manufacturing business? PMPA members learned the following from the Management Update Conference recently held at Disney World in Orlando.

Dear Industry Shrink

Dear Miles, I am writing to you anonymously to address a phenomenon that I have witnessed during the almost 20 years that I have been in the precision machined products industry. Since I consider you the "Dear Abby" of the PMPA, I felt there was no other person more qualified to address my observations.

Member Profile: Brinkman International Group Inc.

Precision machining runs in the Brinkman family. Both father and son have had their hand in running precision machining companies. Earl Brinkman was a young mechanic when he began working at Davenport Machine Tool Company Inc. in 1925. In 1966, he became president of the screw machine production and rebuilding company and retired in 1979 as "Mr. Davenport.

Member Profile: Axian Technology, Inc.

Axian Technology Inc. is a privately held, precision machining company that was founded in 1959 in Phoenix, Arizona. The manufacturer currently has 60 employees working at three area plants. The Phoenix headquarters is a modern manufacturing complex that produces machined parts and assemblies. The nearby Glendale plant handles vacuum heat treating and brazing, while the Scottsdale plant produces consumer products.

Work On Your Stride(2)

Everyone knows that the pace of life has changed in recent years. Cell phones have made round-the-clock connection possible—regardless of where you are—so you’re never really away from work or loved ones. Now, the BlackBerry ups the pace of daily life even faster. We can not only stay in touch, but we can get downloads and attachments, as well as take that call with an order, a question, a complaint or maybe even a compliment for a job well done.

Assuring The Payback Of Technology Investments

Your shop has good quality; you have a quality management system. Your shop has good reliability; you have management systems for assuring worker safety, scheduling equipment availability and careful stewardship of financial resources.

PMPA Education Foundation

In 1999, the PMPA Board of Trustees established the PMPA Education Foundation to "ensure the future success of our industry by supporting educational research and related projects."

Member Profile: Allied Machined Products

Allied Machined Products is a family-owned-and-operated manufacturer of precision machined parts. The company was founded in 1946 in Worcester, Massachusetts, by Louis Weber, who retired in 1965. He was succeeded as president by his son Russell Weber who, in turn, was succeeded in 1987 by his son, current president Peter Weber.

Want to turn all those quotes into new business?--Come to PMPA Management Update ‘07

Are you satisfied with your company’s success in converting quotes to orders? Do you feel that you are getting a fair return on your investment in the quoting process? I frequently hear CEOs and sales managers complain about the amount of quotes that never seem to generate new orders. After working endlessly to respond to piles of quotes and prepare in-depth proposals, the hit rate on incoming orders is quite disappointing.

Sentinel Events – Recognize, Respond, Revisit

Every day, we face numerous challenges. Urgent demands from others, unexpected events, system breakdowns, equipment malfunctions, and failed communications are "all in a day’s work," for most of us. Occasionally, a singular event arrives that has the potential to alter the circumstances of our life or work. Such an event is called a sentinel event.

A Problem-Solving Approach: One Size Does Not Fit All

Each day, organizations face challenges to become lean within their shops. Often, the focus of these lean activities is not extended to our management practices. Problem-solving methodology is one such management practice where simplicity is sometimes ignored.

Member Profile: Fordsell Machine Products Co.

In 2006, Fordsell Machine Products Co. reached a business milestone. The job shop manufacturer of precision-turned parts celebrated its 60th anniversary. Fordsell opened its doors in 1946 in Warren, Michigan, by Bill Sellheim and Gwayne Ford. In 1984, Michael Redfield, who had prior experience as a general manager at another screw machine company, purchased Fordsell. His main focus for the company was to use Brown & Sharpe as well as Index cam machines to generate business. In 1998, Redfield’s son, David, took over the company and is the current president of Fordsell.

Trends In Copper And Brass

Copper is selling for $3.70 per pound at the time that I am writing this in mid-September. Thefts of copper materials from homes, businesses and utilities are lead stories and front-page news on television and in the newspapers—even in the Wall Street Journal.

Numbers –The Delta Is The Difference

Numbers carry far more information than their value or size. Numbers can be thought of as having three dimensions or aspects: 1) the numeric value (arguably, the least important to the shop owner); 2) the delta (change) it represents in the quantity being measured; and 3) the vector or direction of the difference of that change from the preceding value or target (benchmark).

Member Profile: Gormac Products Inc.

Gormac Products Inc. of Racine, Wisconsin had its roots in the George Gorton Machine Company, which was founded in 1894 by George Gorton II. Initially, the company produced disc grinders and pantograph engraving machines. But over the years, the inventive Mr. Gorton built a wide variety of machine tools and equipment that enabled his customers to be more productive.

Supporting Lean Manufacturing With Digital Photographic Internal Audits

Visual management has been and will continue to be a key driver in the manufacturing world. Lean principles are predicated on visual activities. 5S — the building block of all lean activities — is based on the motto, "A place for everything and everything in its place." Cellular manufacturing focuses on isolating machinery and tools within an area of the plant in order to increase efficiency. Alarms, flashing lights and other poka-yoke techniques are visual assurances of compliance in work cells.

Waste Management

As an avid gardener, I always notice the plantings and landscaping when I make visits to manufacturing shops. The foundation plantings, shrubs and the neat appearance of the landscaping are meant to convey a positive image about the plant, the premises, the company and its people. However, I seldom take photos of the landscaping on my visits. What I really long for is a photo of a nice trash dumpster.

PMPA Members Pitch In To Buy CNC Lathe For Vo-Tech School

When a vocational school in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, recently found itself without a CNC lathe, a number of PMPA members and non-members came to the rescue. For years, the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCCTC) served as a local showroom for a machine equipment manufacturer. That arrangement ended last year when the manufacturer sold the last of the lathes and the school didn’t have money budgeted to replace the machines.

The 5 Organizational Foundations Of Just-In-TIme

Having worked with and supplied a number of Japanese transplant manufacturing companies, I was always impressed with the depth of their systems and planning that made just-in-time work for them. Many of us in manufacturing are providing products to our customers on a just-in-time basis, but I wonder if we truly have a solid foundation under our so-called just-in-time systems?

How Should Tools Fail?

Two incidents early in my career started me on the path to learning all that I could about how tools fail. The first, at a Tier One subsidiary plant of a major domestic automaker near Rochester, was a call for immediate assistance because the cold-drawn bars that my company had supplied were causing their form tools to burn up.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Technical Member Profile: Index Corporation

The Index Group, located in Esslingen, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of precision turning and multitask machine tools. Its products include single- and multi-spindle equipment, as well as sliding headstock machines.

Precision Machining Industry Transforms To Serve Population Dynamics

Demand for the medical implants in the United States is expected to grow by 11 percent annually through 2007. The market for knee and hip replacements alone in Europe is expected to grow from 1.4 billion U.S. dollars to more than 1.83 billion in 2010. At the heart of each of these procedures is a manufactured, precision-engineered implantable component, the ultimate application of machining technology to improving human quality of life.

Critical Skills For Effectiveness In Today's New World--Part 2 of 4

The four trends that define the differences between yesterday's and today's way of maximizing effectiveness include the following: 1) Solo to team performance; 2) Stand-alone company to link in supply chain; 3) From problem detection to process failure prevention; and 4) From managing data to empowering decision making. This month's article looks at the second of these trends.

Member Profile: Amerikam Inc.

Amerikam Inc. designs and manufactures precision products such as valves and fittings for the flow control industry. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company recently celebrated its 70th year in business.

4 Reasons Work Instructions are Useful

What is the definition of work instructions? Work instructions are created to guide workers in four key quality areas: training, reference, problem solving and continuous improvement. Use these four reasons to write useful work instructions.

A Crisis Management Lesson from a Professional Violinist and the San Francisco Symphony

This contingency plan ensured that the soloist and senior violinist had working instruments, allowing the performance to continue. Another part of the organization made the needed repairs on-time and on-site.

PMPA's Blueprint For The Future

It's been more than 10 years since PMPA conducted a member needs study. PMPA's president, Dave Knuepfer, and new executive vice-president, Tim Andrassy, agreed that conducting the study now was especially important, because it would add additional member input to the new Strategic Plan and help PMPA focus its resources on those areas and services valued most.

Waging The Ongoing Battle For Obtaining And Retaining Skilled Help

The recently released PMPA 2002 Wage Benefits&Work Schedule Report is a major resource helping PMPA members make sure they are competitive in the skilled employee marketplace. As the name of the report suggests, the report covers wages for most hourly wage jobs found in the shop as well as an overview of benefits provided, including costs to the employees and a look at work schedules throughout the industry.

New Educational Foundation Will Focus On Recruiting, Training And Retention

The Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) creates an Educational Foundation to promote workforce development.

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Registration Now Open for the Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) 2025

IMTS, Workplace Safety, & More: Production Machining's Most-Viewed August Articles

Where Machining Precision is a Family Tradition

My Journey to an Accidental Career that Became My Passion

Important Machining Factors of Carbon Steels

A German Machine Tool Builder’s “Second Push” Into the U.S. Market

‘Twas the Season for Equipment Manufacturer Open Houses

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 118: Put A Little Shine In Your Day

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Manufacturing Shop Owners — Adria Bagshaw and Tanya DiSalvo

E-Mobility — Opportunity, Not Existential Crisis

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 117: A Little Dab to Prevent Machine Downtime

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Marketing Manufacturing — Debra Beevers and Courtney Ortner

Turned and Polished Steel Barstock: How It Is Manufactured, How It Impacts Your Shop

Craftsman Cribsheet No.116: Twist Drills for Success

Succession Planning: Three 15-Minute Activities to Start Preparing for Tomorrow

The Battle for Performance: Efficiency Versus Effectiveness

Cold-Drawn Steel Barstock: How It Is Manufactured, Benefits to Your Shop

Craftsman Cribsheet No.115: Paint Your Edge to Gain an Edge!

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Human Resources — Brenda Diehl and Diane Ferrera

Markets Served — Who Knew?

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Quality: Anisa Ali and Lisa Carrothers

Precision Ground Barstock: How It Is Manufactured, Benefits to Your Shop

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 114: Factors Influencing Machined Surface Finish in Our Shops

Roles of Women in Manufacturing Series: Machinists Julia Dister and Sarah Grieve

The Precision Machined Products Industry: 2022 Was a Very Good Year

ICYMI: Production Machining’s Top 10 Online Articles from 2022

Welcome to John Habe IV, PMPA’s New Board President

Manufacturing Skills Training: Virginia Martinez and Laiken Carrillo

Training Is More Than a Skills Upgrade

A Diverse Start to 2023

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 113: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Leadership

5 Ideas for Continuous Improvement

Choosing Work Perks

Reducing Variation: The Only Way to Reduce Production Cost

Manufacturing in the US Economy — and Our Place in It

The Difference Between Ra and Rz

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 112: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Business/Continuous Improvement/Workforce

You Didn’t Read My Email?

'It’s a Wonderful Life' Working with Precision Turned Parts

Overall Organizational Effectiveness: How Do You Know?

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 111: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Quality and Shopfloor Operations

Don’t Mistake Movement for Advancement

Maximizing Output: 3 Ratios to Maximize Production Revenue

Gardner-PMPA Partnership Continues to Reap Dividends

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 110: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Safety and Regulatory

Strategy and Teamwork: Better Together

Unavailability of Bessemer Steels

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 109: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Engineering and Material Resources

Useful Emotionally Intelligent Phrases

Take Your “Economist,” Not Your Engineer, to IMTS This Year

Craftsman Cribsheet #108: OSHA Citations in FY 2021 for NAICS 332721 — Precision Turned Product Manufacturing

Thriving With You in 2022: Sharing Solutions

Economics of Production Machining: Are You in the Speed or Feed Tribe?

Craftsman Cribsheet #107: Quick Cross-Reference for Foreign Designations for Stainless Steels

PMPA’s Award-Winning Mastery Program

5 Tips for Making Safety Part of Your Machine Shop Culture

PMPA: Providing Ways to Meet Material Challenges

It’s Time: Ask Your Customers for a Price Increase

Craftsman Cribsheet #106: Weights of Bars

4 Tips to Gain Employee Acceptance to Change

Chips — Our Real Product

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 105: Yield Loss Due to Bar End Remnants

What NFL Teams, Street Gangs and Your Workforce Have in Common

Knowledge Retention — What’s Your Process?

What’s in a Name? Pride.

Workforce Is Still the Most Important Challenge

A New Year Resolution for Your Business