The three keynote speakers of HOUSTEX, EASTEC, SOUTHTEC and WESTEC—the Manufacturing Technology Series—offer perspectives pertinent to manufacturers in general, but of particular use to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
March 2021 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $177.6 million, up 18.8 percent from February's $149.5 million and down 2.6 percent when compared with the $182.3 million reported for March 2020.
New features mean more choices in cutting with inserts
On paper, it should have been smooth sailing. When Fairbanks Morse installed a robotic welding cell at its Beloit, Wis. headquarters, the goal was to increase output of the massive marine propulsion systems they manufacture.
Some trends in machining remain constant. Machine speeds continue to increase. Difficult-to-cut materials are used more frequently.
SMW Autoblok has introduced the TX Series 3-jaw pull-down chucks featuring repeatability of up to 4 µm (0.00015”) and precise, self-centering accuracy for heavy duty metal cutting applications.
Greenleaf Corporation introduced its carbide insert grade G-9610 for higher material removal rate and longer tool life.
SMW Autoblok Group, a provider of industrial workholding solutions, has acquired Tecnomagnete, the world’s leading manufacturer of permanent electromagnetic clamping and lifting systems.
Turcar dominated the field of ANCA’s 4th Made on ANCA competition by winning Tool of the Year and Virtual Tool of the Years honors.
After a few years of mostly hype, blockchain is starting to deliver and prove its value in manufacturing, particularly in aerospace and defense and within additive manufacturing.