Skip to content

Manufacturing Engineering: October 2021

The October 2021 edition of Manufacturing Engineering is available as a digital magazine. Links to individual articles are below.
Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit said this year it is ramping up its electric vehicle efforts and will be unveiling new all-electric architectures.

For Auto Industry, No Time to Rest

September 28, 2021
After dealing with COVID-19 in 2020, short- and long-term challenges confront the industry in 2021.
Bill Koenig
By Bill Koenig Senior Editor, SME Media
All-electric, highly customized, and taking China by storm, the Hongguang Mini is a glimpse into the future of cars everywhere. It’s made by a partnership between SAIC, GM and Wuling.

Making Auto Parts in 2035

September 21, 2021
Light vehicles will be so different by 2035, experts aren’t even sure we’ll still call them “cars.” Perhaps “personal mobility devices.” More important will be the radical changes to the manufacturing of automotive parts.
Ed Sinkora
By Ed Sinkora Contributing Editor, SME Media
End mills with increased number of flutes (seven, nine or more) continue to increase in popularity as a means for roughing (using trochoidal motion) and finishing operations.

Carbide Tools: Solid Like a Rock

October 4, 2021
Given recent advancements in metallurgy, additive manufacturing and indexable cutting tools, what will be solid carbide’s fate over the next decade?
Kip Hanson
By Kip Hanson Contributing Editor, SME Media
Starrett Test Indicators offer a swivel head feature to allow positioning to suit the technician’s line of sight from horizontal to vertical and at any angle up to 90°. To ensure surface accuracy, measurements are taken on a Starrett Crystal Pink Granite Surface Plate.

Precision Measuring Tools and Gages: A Primer

September 20, 2021
There is a wide range of precision measuring tools and gages that should be considered as basic requirements in a metalworking operation for ensuring good quality control processes.
Tim Cucchi
By Tim Cucchi Continuous Improvement Manager for Assembly, The L.S. Starrett Co.
Operating a fiber laser requires the operator to wear safety glasses. Laser vendors can advise customers on safety requirements.

Demand for Serial IDs Drives Laser Marking

October 1, 2021
The need to permanently laser mark parts for tracking and tracing continues to grow.
Ilene Wolff
By Ilene Wolff Contributing Editor, SME Media
(Left to right) Benjamin Saks, James Voss, William Hua, Sarah Noyes, Elijah Fernandes, Ryan Luisi and Greg Troop are students participating in Methods’ co-op program.

The Community of Manufacturing: Making the Extra Effort

September 29, 2021
Anyone can sell a machine. Not everyone provides the extra effort that makes a difference in the company’s bottom line.
Kip Hanson
By Kip Hanson Contributing Editor, SME Media

Shop Solutions

  • VIEWPOINTS

    What 100 Years of Manufacturing Teaches Us About Navigating Disruption Today

    Angela Wordell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer at Graco July 17, 2026
    America’s manufacturing history is a story of practical innovation—ideas born from how we can work or live better, often sparked by frustration or ongoing challenges.
  • MEDICAL

    LightForce Appoints Erica Rogers CEO

    PRESS RELEASE: Lightforce Orthodontics July 17, 2026
    LightForce Orthodontics has appointed Erica Rogers as chief executive officer as the company enters its next phase of commercial growth.
  • MOTORIZED VEHICLE

    New U.S.-Canada Bridge to Open July 27

    Michael McConnell July 17, 2026
    After almost eight years of construction, Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, will soon open a new bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada.

Up Front

  • VIEWPOINTS

    What 100 Years of Manufacturing Teaches Us About Navigating Disruption Today

    Angela Wordell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer at Graco July 17, 2026
    America’s manufacturing history is a story of practical innovation—ideas born from how we can work or live better, often sparked by frustration or ongoing challenges.
  • MEDICAL

    LightForce Appoints Erica Rogers CEO

    PRESS RELEASE: Lightforce Orthodontics July 17, 2026
    LightForce Orthodontics has appointed Erica Rogers as chief executive officer as the company enters its next phase of commercial growth.
  • MOTORIZED VEHICLE

    New U.S.-Canada Bridge to Open July 27

    Michael McConnell July 17, 2026
    After almost eight years of construction, Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, will soon open a new bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada.

SME Speaks

  • VIEWPOINTS

    What 100 Years of Manufacturing Teaches Us About Navigating Disruption Today

    Angela Wordell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer at Graco July 17, 2026
    America’s manufacturing history is a story of practical innovation—ideas born from how we can work or live better, often sparked by frustration or ongoing challenges.
  • MEDICAL

    LightForce Appoints Erica Rogers CEO

    PRESS RELEASE: Lightforce Orthodontics July 17, 2026
    LightForce Orthodontics has appointed Erica Rogers as chief executive officer as the company enters its next phase of commercial growth.
  • MOTORIZED VEHICLE

    New U.S.-Canada Bridge to Open July 27

    Michael McConnell July 17, 2026
    After almost eight years of construction, Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, will soon open a new bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada.

Advanced Manufacturing Now

  • VIEWPOINTS

    What 100 Years of Manufacturing Teaches Us About Navigating Disruption Today

    Angela Wordell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer at Graco July 17, 2026
    America’s manufacturing history is a story of practical innovation—ideas born from how we can work or live better, often sparked by frustration or ongoing challenges.
  • MEDICAL

    LightForce Appoints Erica Rogers CEO

    PRESS RELEASE: Lightforce Orthodontics July 17, 2026
    LightForce Orthodontics has appointed Erica Rogers as chief executive officer as the company enters its next phase of commercial growth.
  • MOTORIZED VEHICLE

    New U.S.-Canada Bridge to Open July 27

    Michael McConnell July 17, 2026
    After almost eight years of construction, Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, will soon open a new bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada.