FEATURES

Parts Cleaning

A Primer On Parts Washing—Here’s How To Get Your Parts Really Clean

Cleaning is loosely defined as the process of removing unwanted contaminants or dirt from a surface. It does not alter the surface physically or chemically. A properly cleaned surface is just the same as it was prior to cleaning, except it is missing the dirt.

---

Burnishing For Improved Part Quality And Lower Costs

In today’s cost-conscious manufacturing environment, what shop owner or production manager would not be excited about achieving accurate size and fine finish on the original machine on which parts are produced? Roller burnishing can help users eliminate secondary operations for substantial time and cost savings, while at the same time improving the quality of their product.

---

Swiss-Types

High Productivity is No Accident

Economists and other observers of manufacturing have reported with glee the recent dramatic productivity increases for U.S. manufacturing. This aggregate view of productivity is only possible because of the productivity increases made in individual shops. Here’s an example of one such shop.

---

PMPA Concludes Successful Trip To China

Fifty-one intrepid PMPA members journeyed halfway around the world in late October 2003 to learn more about China and Chinese manufacturing capabilities. With the trip completed, our objectives met and everyone safely back home, PMPA is preparing a formal report to the membership.

---

Turning Machines

Putting More Teeth In Thread Whirling

When it comes to producing OD threads in difficult-to-machine metals, few processes are as fast or as efficient as the thread whirling process. Although the process is not new, its popularity is increasing because of the growing availability of thread whirling tooling for single-spindle Swiss screw machines that provides a relatively inexpensive alternative to investing in dedicated thread whirling machines.

---

Unions Sue To Force OSHA Metalworking Fluids Standard

On October 21, 2003, the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the United Steelworkers of America (USW) filed suit against OSHA to force the organization to issue a standard that would reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) by a factor of 10 for all metalworking fluid mists. PMPA has joined the suit as an intervener on the side of OSHA.

---

Wooden Pallet Regulations Delayed

Do you produce parts for shipment overseas? Do you now or are you thinking about importing parts from overseas? Are you up to speed on the international phytosanitary requirements as they might apply to your shipments?

---