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Viewpoints Blog: China's Changing Manufacturing Industry



Author: Debbie Holton, Director of Events and Industry Strategy, SME

Date: 5/13/2013

As the plane touched down in Beijing, I didn’t know what to expect.  I had traveled internationally for business many times but never to Asia or specifically China.  I was excited to embark on a new adventure, but a little nervous about being in a country where I was obviously a stranger and couldn’t speak a word of the language.I was fortunate to have been invited by AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology – to visit CIMT 13 – the China International Machine Tool Show as their guest in the USA pavilion.  Full Article

Student 'Manufacturing Challenge' Winners Announced at AeroDef



Author: Senior Editor Michael Anderson

Date: 4/24/2013

The two top prizes in SME’s 2013 Manufacturing Challenge collegiate competition went to separate teams from California State University, Northridge. The Grand Prize was awarded to the school’s Team Two for a novel Assisted Gripping Rig device designed to augment the grip of a human user. Full Article

Medical Device Manufacturing Summit Heads to Las Vegas



Author: marcus evans Summits

Date: 4/4/2013

The Medical Device Manufacturing Summit is the premium forum bringing together senior medical device manufacturing executives and leading solution providers.  Full Article

Manufacturing Summit: Cautionary Notes During an Era of Good Feeling



Author: Senior Editor James Sawyer

Date: 3/22/2013

Most of the messages delivered during the Automotive Manufacturing Summit (AMS) at Detroit’s Ford Field were familiar and welcome. A few, though, were cautionary and perhaps a bit disturbing to those who have been caught up in the resurgence of the North American auto industry in general and the Detroit 3 in particular.  Full Article

Siemens Shows New Controls, Automation Solutions



Author: Senior Editor Patrick Waurzyniak

Date: 3/22/2013

Showcasing its automotive engineering expertise, Siemens Industry Inc. (Norcross, GA) outlined some of its latest new PLCs, automation software, advanced networking, and digital manufacturing solutions during its Manufacturing in America Symposium’s Automotive Summit event held yesterday at Ford Field in Detroit. Full Article

Developing Lean Culture in the Process Industries



Author: Raymond C. Floyd

Date: 2/1/2013

When adapting lean to a different area of manufacturing, take care that nothing is lost in the translation. Full Article

Dassault Systèmes Provides a Telling Experience in Orlando



Author: Senior Editor James D. Sawyer

Date: 11/9/2012

James D. Sawyer Senior Editor “Experiences are a distinct economic offering,” said B. Joseph Pine during his keynote presentation at Dassault Systemes’ 3D Experience Forum, held in Orlando Nov. 6-7. DS's annual customer event focused on the company’s evolution beyond PLM to 3D experiences that allow custome Full Article

US Manufacturing Roars Back at IMTS 2012: Show Highlights



Author: Manufacturing Engineering Staff

Date: 11/7/2012

When it was all said and done, registrations reached 100,200 at the Industrial Automation North America and International Manufacturing Trade Show, which ran from Sept. 10–15 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Read about the technical and educational highlights from the show. Full Article

The Main Event: FABTECH 2012, Las Vegas



Author: Editor in Chief Sarah A. Webster

Date: 11/1/2012

With manufacturing on the rebound, FABTECH 2012 to be held in Las Vegas from Nov. 12 to 14, is shaping up to be an exciting one-stop shop to learn about the latest industry developments, mingle with world-class suppliers and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits.  Full Article

FABTECH 2012: CO2, Solid-State Laser Cutting



Author: Trumpf Inc.

Date: 10/19/2012

TruLaser 5030 features the fiber-guided 5-kW TruDisk 5001 laser for increased cutting capability in both material thickness and speed. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Robotic 3-D Cutting, Welding



Author: Wolf Robotics

Date: 10/19/2012

Robotic systems can switch between multiple processes including arc welding, plasma cutting, oxyfuel bevel cutting, pre-heating, and the like, using precision tool changers. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Five-Axis Laser Cutting System



Author: NTC America Laser Group

Date: 10/19/2012

TLH Series five-axis IPG Fiber Laser processing machines provide cutting speeds to 1181 ipm (30 m/min) and feature 2, 3, and 4-kW fiber-optic beam power options. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Waterjet Cutting Technologies



Author: Techni Waterjet

Date: 10/19/2012

The Quantum NXT Electric Servo Pump EXP66 Dual and Techjet-X3 TJ3000 waterjet cutting machines will demonstrate high-speed and high-accuracy cutting. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Tube Processing Technology



Author: BLM Group USA

Date: 10/19/2012

Exhibit highlights include the LT Fiber Laser and Elect XL Tube Benders, along with EM80 end forming machining center, LT Jumbo Laser, and cold saw equipment. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Ultra-High-Pressure Waterjet Pump



Author: KMT

Date: 10/19/2012

KMT Streamline PRO2 series pumps feature pressure to 90 ksi (6200 bar), at 60 and 125 hp (45, 93 kW). Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Vertical Tilt Frame Band Saw



Author: DoALL

Date: 10/19/2012

The new TF-1418 vertical tilt frame band saw can handle most structural sawing jobs, while minimizing scrap and reducing blade dulling. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Fume and Dust Collectors



Author: Donaldson Co.

Date: 10/19/2012

The PowerCore TG Series collectors are designed to capture thermally generated dust and fume in a 65% smaller footprint and offering a wide range of packaged units up to 10,000 cfm. Applications include filtration for welding, thermal spray, laser, and plasma cutting applications. TG series features high-performance Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Humanoid Robot



Author: Rethink Robotics

Date: 10/19/2012

Baxter humanoid robots are capable of applying common sense behavior to manufacturing environments. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: MIG Gun Liner System



Author: Tregaskiss Products

Date: 10/19/2012

Quick Load Liner AutoLength System minimizes the problems and costs commonly associated with a MIG gun liner being cut too short, including poor wire feeding, burnbacks, and premature contact tip failure.

      Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Band Saw Parts Online



Author: Bandsawparts

Date: 10/18/2012

Band saw replacement parts for brand name machines like Hyd-Mech, Marvel, DoAll, Amada, Jet, and Wellsaw, and every other major band saw manufacturer are available for immediate ordering. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Weld Viewing, Inspection



Author: Xiris Automation Inc.

Date: 10/18/2012

The XVC-O Welding View Camera can be mounted right at the welding tip on a tube or pipe mill to allow the operator to remotely view any open arc welding processes such as TIG, plasma, or laser to determine if it is aligned to the seam of the tube or if it needs adjustment. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Power Coating Technology



Author: Gema

Date: 10/18/2012

The OptiFlex 2 manual powder coating gun sprays all powders with ease on complex geometries. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: HEPA Filter Technology



Author: Tri-Mer

Date: 10/18/2012

Compact filters deliver High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) level performance, MERV 16 rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), and 2-3x more filtration area compared to similarly dimensioned bag filters. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Coil-Forming Machine



Author: Carell Corp.

Date: 10/18/2012

Model 305 CN3-I roll bending machine is well-suited for producing heat exchanger coils for boilers, heaters, solar, geothermal, and other applications. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Stamping Presses



Author: Stamtec

Date: 10/18/2012

Stamtec will showcase its latest technology in stamping presses, including the iLS1-160 Intelligent Link Motion Servo Press, featuring servomotor drive technology that replaces the standard electric motor, flywheel, and clutch/brake with servomotors. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Welding Rotator



Author: Rimco Equipment Pty Ltd.

Date: 10/18/2012

The Rimco Rotator allows the welder to turn a beam or steel section 360 degrees in either direction, instead of using a traditional saw horse to hold the workpiece while welding. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Laser Processing Cell



Author: Wayne Trail

Date: 10/18/2012

Flex Laser Pro is a high-speed, three-axis, scanner-based laser processing cell equipped with an IPG 2-kW single-mode fiber laser and a Cambridge Technologies 3-D high-speed scanner head. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Hydraulic Welding Positioners



Author: Team Industries Inc.

Date: 10/18/2012

Welding positioners offer economical, high-quality pipe welding and are totally self-contained workstations designed for lean operations. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Servo Transfer Press



Author: Trans-Matic

Date: 10/18/2012

The 135-ton servo transfer press is capable of over 100 spm and features a custom-designed modular die set that delivers quick changeovers/setup and maximum run-time. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Corrosion Preventative



Author: Metalloid Corp.

Date: 10/18/2012

Metcor 52 is a USDA-approved bio-preferred botanical “green” water-based corrosion preventative, which replaces both oil and solvent-based rust preventatives. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: High-Performance Cutting Tools



Author: Aloris Tool Technology

Date: 10/18/2012

Aloris will showcase a line of high-performance cutting tools imported from Yestool Co. Ltd. of South Korea. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: On-Demand Packaging



Author: Packsize International LLC

Date: 10/18/2012

 

The IQ Fusion compact corrugated converting machine can be placed in any pack line to create custom-sized boxes for every product a company ships. The first generation corrugated converting machine has a working footprint of only 48 ft2.  Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Liquid Electrostatic Gun



Author: Wagner Systems

Date: 10/18/2012

GM 5000 series electrostatic guns are designed for superior finishing and savings with the comfort of the operator in mind. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Surface-Finishing Products



Author: Hubbard-Hall

Date: 10/18/2012

A complete line of sustainable surface-finishing products from cleaning to coating will be exhibited. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Portable Fume Collector Tables



Author: Industrial Maid

Date: 10/18/2012

Portable fume collector tables feature heavy-duty low-profile design to provide a simple, safe, and effective solution for the control of welding smoke fumes and grinding dust applications. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Pneumatic Die Lifters



Author: Pacesetter Systems

Date: 10/18/2012

Company will introduce its line of Air Glide Heavy-Duty Pneumatic Die Lifters that are available with ball bearings for multi-directional movement or cylindrical bearings for in-line movement. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Rafted Tube Mill



Author: Universal Tube & Rollform

Date: 10/18/2012

Stephens Pipe & Steel LLC, supplier of fencing tube, has commissioned Universal Tube & Rollform Equipment Corp.to build a 4” (102-mm) tube mill using both new and used materials at its Russell Springs, KY plant. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Plasma Beveling Process



Author: Hypertherm

Date: 10/17/2012

HyPerformance HPR plasma systems features new edge profiling technology designed to help fabricators and CNC table manufacturers achieve accurate bevel cuts more easily. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Lubrication Reclamation System



Author: Industrial Innovations

Date: 10/17/2012

The MSR-11-1 CPX portable separator for coolant purification can reduce coolant requirements by as much as 30% while also decreasing machining downtime. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Production Saws



Author: Advanced Machine & Engineering

Date: 10/17/2012

The AMSAW high-speed production saw machines are specifically designed to use carbide blades to improve the cutting speed of ferrous and non-ferrous material, bars or billets, rails, profiles, pipes and tubes. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: ERP, Quoting, Maintenance Software



Author: MIE Solutions Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

MIE Solutions will exhibit ERP, quoting, maintenance and collaboration software solutions. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Fast Fixturing



Author: Carr Lane

Date: 10/17/2012

The Carr Lock system allows accurately locating and clamping at the same time with just the twist of a hex wrench for mounting quick-change tooling on a subplate. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Advanced Abrasive Waterjet Technology



Author: OMAX Corp.

Date: 10/17/2012

High-speed, high-precision cutting with the bridge-style 80X JetMachining center with new Intelli-MAX 18 software suites. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Laser Cladding with Hot Wire



Author: Alabama Laser

Date: 10/17/2012

Laser cladding deposits a layer of material onto a substrate to enhance surface properties and provide better corrosion/erosion resistance. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Brazing Rings(1)



Author: Lucas-Milhaupt Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

  The new Sil-Fos 15 Rings are designed for brazing copper tubular components for HVAC/R installation applications. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Industrial Angle Grinders



Author: Chicago Pneumatic

Date: 10/17/2012

CP3850 industrial angle grinder/sanders offer high power and durability in a light-weight design that is easy to handle and durable for low-cost operation. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Press Brake Guarding System



Author: Lazer Safe/THCO LLC

Date: 10/17/2012

LZS-003-HS press brake guarding system is a retrofit system that fully complies with the new ANSI B11.3-2012 press brake standard which includes close proximity of operation safeguarding devices. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Stainless Steel Wire



Author: Nevatia Steel & Alloys Pvt. Ltd.

Date: 10/17/2012

Nevatia Steel & Alloys Pvt. Ltd. will showcase its Nevinox brand MIG (GMAW) and TIG (GTAW) stainless steel filler welding wire recently accredited with Deutsche Bahn (DB) approval in addition to approvals from Bureau Veritas for marine applications, TUV for pressure vessels and equipment and CE Mark. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Precision Slitting Lines



Author: Burghard + Schmidt Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

A precision manufacturer of coil processing systems, company will showcase its precision slitting lines. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Tungsten Carbide Products



Author: Hydro Carbide Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

Hydro Carbide is introducing a new grade of tungsten carbide products with its new US 20 grade tungsten carbide product groups available in premium end mill grade that are easy to order and available from stock. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Fume Extraction Arms



Author: Klimawent USA LLC

Date: 10/17/2012

The telescopic extraction arm Telergo is particularly suited to welding fume extraction. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Lifting Magnets



Author: Eriez Manufacturing Co.

Date: 10/17/2012

The SafeHold Permanent Lifting Magnets allow manufacturers to easily lift, pile and transfer up to 10,000 lb (4500 kg) of steel and iron without slings, hooks or cables. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: New Filler Metals, Live Demos



Author: Hobart Brothers

Date: 10/17/2012

Filler metals can increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality in manufacturing and fabrication applications. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Compact Drives



Author: Bosch Rexroth Corp.

Date: 10/17/2012

The IndraDrive Cs Advanced series drives feature a Sercos master interface as well as increased processing power, making it possible to connect up to nine slave drives as well as additional I/O modules. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: ERP Shop Kiosk Add-On



Author: Henning Software Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

Visual EstiTrack Shop Kiosk application is an add-on application to Henning Software’s ERP product Visual EstiTrack. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: TIG Torches



Author: Weldcraft

Date: 10/17/2012

TIG torches and accessories improve welding performance on fabrication and manufacturing applications will be displayed along with Bernard, Hobart Brothers, and Smith Equipment.

      Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Laser Marking System



Author: LaserStar Technologies Corp.

Date: 10/17/2012

The FiberCube laser marking system is a compact, turnkey laser marking, laser engraving and laser cutting system that offers the benefits of a non-contact, abrasion-resistant, permanent laser mark, laser engraving, or cut onto almost any type of material. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Modular Welding Fixturing



Author: Bluco Corp.

Date: 10/17/2012

  New components will be highlighted including the titanium-aluminum series angles. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: In-Line Profile Measurement



Author: Starrett-Bytewise Measurement Systems

Date: 10/17/2012

The new Profile360 Generation3 In-Line Profile Measurement System features sensors that have been reengineered around higher-resolution detectors and are produced in the company’s new Advanced Calibration Laboratory.     Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Shop-Floor Software



Author: Wintriss Controls

Date: 10/17/2012

The new ShopFloorConnect software features expanded capabilities for the discrete manufacturing, packaging, and food and beverage industries. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Circular Cold Saws



Author: Scotchman Industries Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

The CPO 315 Hitch Feed Automatic Cold Saw is a fully automatic circular cold saw that provides uninterrupted cutting on tubing or solids and supplies the highest quality of cuts. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Live Welding Demos



Author: Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Date: 10/17/2012

The latest in welding technology, products, and safety accessories will be showcased with industry-specific solutions and dedicated presentations related to oil and, fabrication, construction, shipbuilding, and heavy-equipment manufacturing. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Hydraulic Press



Author: Beckwood Press Co.

Date: 10/17/2012

Company will display a custom hydraulic pressspecifically engineered to showcase its versatile, made-to-order capabilities. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: High-Performance Waterjets



Author: Flow International

Date: 10/17/2012

Flow International will showcase the Mach 4c, the newest addition to its Mach 4 line of waterjets. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Fiber Laser Technology



Author: MC Machinery Systems Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

The 3015 NX-F fiber laser will be introduced with a fiber laser oscillator, an X-axis linear drive, head preset auto-focus processing a 64-bit NC with 15” (381-mm) touch screen NC panel. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Cut-to-Length Blank Lines



Author: COE Press Equipment

Date: 10/17/2012

COE CTL lines can process coil from 18 to 72" (457–1829-mm), 0.020-0.375" (0.51–9.5-mm) material thickness, and 6000 to 60,000# coil weights.

      Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Embedded Controllers



Author: Beckhoff Automation LLC

Date: 10/17/2012

The new CX2000 Embedded PC series of industrial controllers feature new multi-core processors, multiple communication ports and extended temperature range to offer improved performance previously reserved for larger, cabinet-mounted Industrial PCs. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Optimized Laser Cutting



Author: Yaskawa Motoman

Date: 10/17/2012

The MC2000 Master Cut robot is designed with high rigidity and precision drives to provide superior path accuracy for laser cutting small holes and sharp corners. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Universal Roll Benders



Author: Eagle Bending Machines, Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

The three-roll CP-30 Series Universal Bender can handle 1 1/2" (38-mm) capacity in pipe, angle and square tube and is available in seven versions. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: MIG and FCAW-S Guns(1)



Author: Bernard Welding Equipment

Date: 10/17/2012

 Three new products improve MIG welding safety, costs, and performance. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Abrasive Removal Tool



Author: Barton International

Date: 10/17/2012

BART is a convenient portable system for removing waste abrasive from waterjet cutting machines. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: High-Production Cutoff Saws



Author: Pat Mooney Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

PMI-455 series CE NC automatic high-production cutoff saws are equipped with a hydraulically fed saw blade for cutting solid or heavy-walled aluminum and nonferrous metal extrusions/tubes. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Bonded Abrasives



Author: Klingspor Abrasives

Date: 10/17/2012

Company will feature its line of bonded abrasives, grinding discs and cutoff wheels, at Fabtech. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Arc Process Viewer



Author: Servo-Robot Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

The Spark is new arc process viewing and monitoring system that includes a dual digital color video technology for weld pool and global process area control combined with laser vision. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Double Mitering Bandsaw



Author: Cosen Saw

Date: 10/17/2012

The CNC-800DM is a fully programmable, double-mitering bandsaw with a rigid dual-column design. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Interlock Safety Switches



Author: Tapeswitch Corp.

Date: 10/17/2012

The new line of HE Series non-contact safety interlock switches and multigate SCU-1 control unit monitoring system is aimed at machine guarding where monitoring for a guard is required and locking is not required. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Battery Charging System



Author: Permadur Industries Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

With the new (-1E) NiCad Battery Powered Controller with “Smart” External Charger and Spare Battery Pack, comapny’s battery-powered Magnets provide continuous service, eliminating magnet downtime for battery recharging. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Carbon Fiber Tooling



Author: Bilsing Automation North America

Date: 10/17/2012

Carbon fiber (CF) tooling allows robots and automation to move at higher speeds than aluminum and steel, dramatically improving production rates. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Steel Marking Systems



Author: REA Elektronik Inc.

Date: 10/17/2012

REA Jet will be showing its complete line of coding and marking technology for the steel and metals industry. Full Article

FABTECH 2012: Portable Dot-Peen Marking



Author: SIC Marking USA

Date: 10/17/2012

Company is introducing its hand-held dot-peen marking systems for marking flat and round workpieces including plate, pipe, fabricated vessels, and very heavy products. Full Article

Rescheduled: Webinar on When State-of-the-Art Micromachining Isn't Good Enough



Author: Manufacturing Engineering Media Staff

Date: 8/24/2012

Originally slated for August 22, the presentation of “When State-of-the-Art Micromachining Isn’t Good Enough” presented by Microfabrica has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 29, at 2:00 pm EDT. Hosted by Manufacturing Engineering Media, the webcast takes a look at a breakthrough in micromachining.
Full Article

Industrial Automation Drives Innovation



Author: Senior Editor Patrick Waurzyniak

Date: 8/1/2012

Bringing together many of the key players in industrial automation, the inaugural Industrial Automation North America (IANA) pavilion is an international trade fair for process, production and industrial building automation that debuts at IMTS this year. Full Article

Advanced Technology Solutions



Author: Senior Editor Jim Lorincz

Date: 8/1/2012

Designers, builders, and distributors of material-removing machine technologies continue to be challenged by productivity-hungry industries ranging from medical, automotive, energy, and aerospace to general engineering. For contract manufacturers or quick-response job shops, the challenge is to match the level of technology to a bewildering array of one-off or short-run workpiece demands. Full Article

Driven by Innovation



Author: Senior Editor James Sawyer

Date: 8/1/2012

Call it what you will—metrology, inspection and measurement, or quality assurance (as IMTS labels it)—the segment of manufacturing that is focused on accuracy and repeatability is one driven by innovation. Full Article

Location, Location, Location



Author: Senior Editor James D. Sawyer

Date: 8/1/2012

In May, the Brookings Institution reported that "Metropolitan areas … contain the great majority of [US] manufacturing jobs and nearly all high-technology manufacturing jobs." Chicago and IMTS are microcosms that reflect this macrocosm. Full Article

Open the IMTS Toolbox



Author: Senior Editor Jim Lorincz

Date: 8/1/2012

Real competitiveness in traditional material removal processes begins where a tool is held to meet a fixtured workpiece. One or the other or both are moving, turning, indexing, or profiling, often simultaneously. Making the right selection of tooling and workholding including cutting tool, substrate, coating, geometry, as well as toolholder, toolchanger and ancillary coolant delivery and chip removal systems for the material application is critical to optimizing process performance. Full Article

Machine Controls, CAD/CAM Optimize Machining Tasks



Author: Senior Editor Patrick Waurzyniak

Date: 8/1/2012

As manufacturing companies continue to pull out of the recession, developers of machine controls and CAD/CAM software systems are investing in the new product technologies that help their customers improve machining quality, metalcutting performance and overall productivity.   Full Article

Celebrating Works of Friction



Author: Senior Editor James Sawyer

Date: 8/1/2012

On the surface it seems like a case of putting the cart before the horse: "Good [grinding] hardware used to be more important than software," says Eric Schwarzenbach, president of Rollomatic Inc. (Mundelein, IL), "because the control systems were not ready for elaborate software functions. All this has changed, and the current control systems run on Windows or other open software platforms. Nowadays, software is the key to a good grinding machine." Full Article

Shifting into a Higher Gear



Author: Senior Editor James Sawyer

Date: 8/1/2012

During the last five years, the gear manufacturing industry could be likened to the cars so many of its products find their way into: either they’re cruising along in Drive, or they’re idling in Neutral. What state gear generation finds itself in at a given time can be attributed in large part to the condition automaking is in, although a number of other industries have an impact as well.  Full Article

Produce, Sustain--and Keep It Clean



Author: Senior Editor Michael C. Anderson

Date: 8/1/2012

As with every other part of the supply chain in 2012, the companies in this pavilion are adapting to ever-higher demands in productivity, reliability, and sustainability in an era of cut-throat competition and a still-uncertain economy.   Full Article

Innovations of Note are Now in the Mainstream



Author: Senior Editor Michael C. Anderson

Date: 8/1/2012

There’s a change in nomenclature at this year’s IMTS: Attendees looking for what was the Alternative Manufacturing Processes pavilion will be directed instead to Metal Forming & Fabricating/Laser. These processes include metal forming, fabrication, waterjet and laser-based machining, welding, metal treating and marking. Full Article

EDM Technology Trumps Offshoring



Author: Senior Editor Jim Lorincz

Date: 8/1/2012

Technical advances continue to recommend EDM for applications where the closest tolerances and finest surface finishes are required. Full Article

ME Media to Host Webinar on the Secrets of an Efficient Shop Floor



Author: Manufacturing Engineering Media Staff

Date: 7/26/2012

Wednesday, August 15, at 2 p.m. EDT Manufacturing Engineering Media will host a webinar on improving shop floor productivity. The focus will be on a new direction for manpower efficiency that includes machines, tooling, and automation. Full Article

Viewpoints: Manufacturing Deserves to be Celebrated



Author: Terri Helmlinger Ratcliff, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Executive Director, North Carolina State University, & Louis A. Martin-Vega, Dean of Engineering, North Carolina State University

Date: 7/1/2012

For too long, manufacturing’s vital role in our nation’s economy has been misunderstood, downplayed, or even ignored. Occasionally politicians or the media pay short-term attention to manufacturing, when it suits their own agendas, but that kind of attention is not always positive. Full Article

It's Manufacturing's Turn in the Spotlight



Author: Senior Editor James D. Sawyer

Date: 7/1/2012

The Great Recession was not kind to manufacturing, but the industry has bounced back in fine fashion. It grew a phenomenal 91% from 2009 to 2010 and an impressive 66% from 2010 to 2011. Thus far this year manufacturing has grown 20%—beating forecasts. Full Article

SME Supports Manufacturing Innovation 2012



Author: SME Director of Membership Joseph J. LaRussa

Date: 5/15/2012

SME members from across the United States traveled to Orlando, FL, for Manufacturing Innovations 2012, an annual event hosted by the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).  MEP's purpose is to work with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and increase productivity. As a public/private partnership, MEP delivers a high return on investment. For every dollar of federal investment, the MEP generates about $30 in new sales growth (or $3.6B in new sales annually), and every $1,570 of federal investment creates or retains one manufacturing job in the US. Full Article

SME Speaks: Cross-Industry Collaboration is Key to Innovation



Author: SME Director of Events and Industry Strategy Debbie Holton

Date: 4/1/2012

Maybe you’ve heard the theory that people who live together for a long time start to look alike. The same is true when benchmarking competitors in our same marketspace, or worse yet, simply looking inward at our own operations. The smaller the circle of investigation and curiosity, the less likely true innovation will happen. Full Article

UpFront: You've Got Your 15 Minutes. Use It Wisely.



Author: Editor in Chief Sarah A. Webster

Date: 3/1/2012

That nation is finally listening. From President Barack Obama, who made manufacturing a central theme of his State of the Union, to Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney, who also pledges to bring manufacturing jobs back to America, manufacturing is now a major topic of conversation. This is the moment we've been waiting for—that some say its overdue—right? So, manufacturers, what do you want? Full Article

Manufacturing Research Community Steps Up



Author: Editors Brian J. Hogan and Ellen Kehoe

Date: 7/1/2010

The 38th North American Manufacturing Research Conference (NAMRC) had a homecoming of sorts at Queen's University (Kingston, ON, Canada) May 25–28. During NAMRC's first eight years, the late Professor William B. Rice of Queen's chaired the scientific committee, thereby significantly shaping the research agenda. Full Article

NAMRC 35 Demonstrates Manufacturing's Vitality



Author: Editors Brian J. Hogan and Patrick Waurzyniak

Date: 7/1/2007

The intellectual vigor of manufacturing is illustrated by research presented at the annual conference of SME's North American Manufacturing Research Institution Full Article

Additive Manufacturing: Summarizing All its Parts



Author: Manufacturing Engineering Media Staff

Additive manufacturing is grabbing headlines these days. Just because everyone is talking about it, however, does not mean everyone really understands it. Fortus 3D Production Systems will explain where additive manufacturing is now and where it is going by sponsoring a webinar entitled “Additive Manufacturing 101: Changing the Future of Product Development and Manufacturing.” Fortus is a business unit of Stratasys Inc.  Full Article

MFG4: A Profusion of Fresh Ideas



Author: Editor in Chief Sarah A. Webster

Fusion isn’t just a delight to your palette or ears when it mixes food or sounds together in creative new ways. It’s also good for business. Fusion, where distinct elements meet, can also result in the cross-pollination of ideas, mixing up a potential cocktail of innovation. That’s the idea behind MFG4, to be held from May 8–10 in Hartford, CT. Full Article



Manufacturing Engineering Media - Society of Manufacturing Engineers
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Canadian Office  |  7100 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 312, Markham, ON, L3R 5J2  888.322.7333
Tooling U  |   3615 Superior Avenue East, Building 44, 6th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114  |  866.706.8665