January 2008 ISSUE

COVER STORY

Don’t Miss PMPA’s “Management Jambalaya” Of Profitability, Business Growth, Trends, Politics And Wellness

The PMPA Management Update Committee has your recipe for success in 2008. Come to this year’s Management Update Conference at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. It runs from February 28 through March 1. There, you’ll receive a hefty serving of business intelligence.

FEATURES

Don’t Miss PMPA’s “Management Jambalaya” Of Profitability, Business Growth, Trends, Politics And Wellness

Automation & Robots

Handling Parts In A Robotic Cell

Here’s a review of the workholding and workhandling challenges a shop faces as it moves a part through a robotic cell, from serving up the blanks to the transfer of the final workpiece to post processing and gaging. Productivity, Inc. takes the reader through a few of their cells that they've installed using Fanuc robots and a variety of other machine tool equipment.

Machines

High Speed Spindles For Swiss Machining

This article discusses the use of high-speed spindles in Swiss machining applications. Sufficient rotational speed is necessary to take advantage of tooling materials in small diameter cutters.

PMPA Market Study Available for Purchase

The PMPA Marketing Committee, with the support of the Board of Directors, commissioned the market research firm of Kleinhenz & Associates to conduct an in-depth study of the precision machined products industry. This yearlong study recently concluded, resulting in a CD titled, “Trends In Markets For Precision Machined Products.”

Quality’s Role In Marketing

Having spent more than 20 years in the field of quality management—as well as holding a couple of simultaneous assignments in marketing and operations—I’d just love to tell you about the importance of quality in marketing. Unfortunately, I can’t.

Swiss-Types

Swiss Shop Serves Medical And More

For more than 20 years this Chicagoland shop has been a supplier to one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medical devices. It’s a relationship that is built on mutual trust, consistent performance and a long-term view of the business of manufacturing. It’s also about properly applied technology.

Training Grants Available From The PMPA Education Foundation

If your company’s machinists or salespeople need training in precision machining equipment, there could be a grant available to cover part of the cost of that training. Each year, the PMPA Education Foundation sets aside funds for a variety of training activities. The grants go to companies, individuals, schools and organizations.

Tooling