FEATURES

2008 PMPA Annual Meeting Featured Speaker: Hugh Hewitt

The PMPA is known for high-quality meeting content, including keynote speakers that address issues of concern to the precision machined products industry. At this year’s annual meeting, PMPA will feature nationally syndicated radio show host and best-selling author, Hugh Hewitt.

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Machines

A 'HOLE' New Ballgame With Multi-Spindle Honing Systems

Automating the honing process is key to high-volume precision bore production with sub-micron accuracy.

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Machines

A Leaner Shop With CNC

It was a tough decision, but once this company moved forward with the implementation of CNC, it quickly realized the benefits in production times, tolerances and finishes. Most important, though, was the added secondary-op capabilities that brought consistency to the personnel requirements of the shop.

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Software

Evaluating Shop Management Systems

Organized shop processes, thorough knowledge of potential system capabilities and careful planning by the right company personnel are keys to acquiring the most suitable shop management system.

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Linear Motor Basics

A steady increase in practical industrial applications has secured a place for linear motors. Here's an overview of the various types of linear motors and what differentiates them from their rotary counterparts.

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Member Profile: Peterson Tool Company

Peterson Tool Company is the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of inserted form tools. It pioneered the inserted form tool and continues to develop new products, improve existing ones and explore new processes.

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Online Communities Can Help Businesses

Online communities have exploded in the past 3 years with membership in the millions, world-wide reach and extraordinary valuation.

But what’s begun to come of age recently is the value of these virtual communities to businesses.

Regardless of where you stand, you should be very interested in these models because, as they evolve, they will not only affect your business in the future, but if you’re creative, they can help your shop or business.

 

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Seeing Is Believing

Photos can help tell a more complete story. The Web provides the extra space needed when the pages of a print publication are too limiting. Our coverage of the Westec show is a typical example.

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Taking Rapid Prototyping To The Next Level

The rapid prototyping industry has been around a couple of decades. Historically applied for one-offs, it is seeing increased use as a method of direct digital manufacturing (DDM).

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The Business Case For Business Travel

As the president of Permac Industries, I find the time to participate in a number of trips sponsored by the PMPA, the local Chamber of Commerce and even the Minnesota governor’s recent trade mission to India. I’ve been to China, Ireland and a host of other destinations, all on business. Is there an expense? You bet. Is there a payoff? Absolutely.

 

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Value-Added--A Closer Look

I was pleased with the feedback that we received from readers on our March 2008 article on “Value Added — The Key To Profitability.” Before tackling the points brought up by readers, let’s review what I mean by “value added.”

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