Manufacturing Engineering: April 2021
The April 2021 edition of Manufacturing Engineering is available as a digital magazine. Links to individual articles are below.

Growing AM Industry Shows its True Mettle in COVID-19 Pandemic
April 1, 2021
Over the past decade, additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, has continued to grow and solidify its place within private industry, academia, and government.

Where is Aerospace AM Flying to Next?
March 16, 2021
If you’re following the additive manufacturing of aerospace components, you’re probably tired of hearing about printing fuel nozzles for GE’s LEAP engine, or sensor tubes for the GE 9X—two key metal applications.

The Electrical Heart of Manufacturing
March 18, 2021
The machines that make our world continue to advance. Six-axis CNC milling machines, seven-axis robots, collaborative robots, and smart presses are more powerful than ever, with micron- level accuracy.

If it Ain’t Broke, It May Need Fixing!
March 22, 2021
Some shops think routine machine tool maintenance is overrated. Bad idea. The big order’s running late. The lead programmer called in sick.

Intelligent Assembly Helps Auto Part Remanufacturer Compete
March 24, 2021
When an automotive starter needs to be replaced, it’s very likely that the most expensive components—the armature, commutator or gears—are still functional, or can be restored economically.
Shop Solutions
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Tooling & Workholding
Modular Fixturing Helps Marine Propulsion Manufacturer Go Full Speed Ahead
March 29, 2021On 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. -
Machining & Metal Cutting
Long-Lasting Taps Deliver 400 Hard Holes, 50 Percent Savings for Equipment Manufacturer
March 30, 2021Recycling equipment manufacturer Harris Equipment Co., Cordele, Ga., saved 50 percent per job tapping Hardox 450 steel wear plates by switching to taps from Emuge Corp., West Boylston, Mass.
Up Front
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Expert Opinion
A Conversation with SME CEO Bob Willig
March 15, 2021Looking back, 2020 was a year of challenge and change for manufacturing—and that’s an understatement.
SME Speaks
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SME Speaks
From Failed Builds to Innovative and Economical Designs
March 25, 2021One of the challenging aspects of additive manufacturing technology adoption is how to conceptualize and create part designs that are optimized for function and manufacturability.
Advanced Manufacturing Now
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Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing
Rail Industry Manufacturer Reduces Waste via AM
March 17, 2021American manufacturers are starting to talk more like Europeans, where fuel is costly, and words like “sustainability” pepper conversations. -
Expert Opinion
Machine Tool Maintenance: Avoid the Tow Truck
March 19, 2021When visiting some machine shops I hear PM, most commonly known as preventive maintenance, referred to as “postmortem,” as in, “We just run the machines until they die.” -
Machining & Metal Cutting
Six Tips for Tooling Up a New Machine Tool
March 23, 2021The addition of a new machine can be exciting for a metalworking business. It signals progress and growth while giving the team something new and exciting to work and experiment with.
Software Update
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Software
Integrated CAM Packs a Punch for CNC Machining
March 26, 2021Some of the biggest technology trends are in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Viewpoints
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Expert Opinion
2021: The Year of the Connected Worker
March 31, 2021In 2020, the ability for manufacturers to rapidly pivot to changing market demands and challenges became critical for success—and in many cases, survival.