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Measurement

Wireless Inspection System Improves Machine Shop's Measurement Efficiency

Edited by Lori Beckman

After implementing a wireless measurement data communication system for its inspection equipment, this machine shop overcame its inefficiencies in its quality department including backlog, accuracy and consistency.

Tooling

Swiss Machining Demo Shows Off Carbide Cutting Tool Lines

By: Lori Beckman

Pilot Precision, Palbit’s exclusive U.S. distributor, showcases Palbit’s cutting tools as well as its own broaching and drilling products.
#imts

Swiss-Types

Swiss-Type Lathe Runs 2-Inch Parts Complete

By: Lori Beckman

This Swiss-type multitasking machine does all the crosswork and endwork milling, drilling and tapping complete, and even engraving and deburring, on one machine.
#imts

Automation

AI Software Predicts Machine Tool Drive System Failures

By: Lori Beckman

Predictive failure analysis software detects problems before they occur by connecting to a machine tool’s servomotor or spindle motor to perform condition monitoring.
#Industry40 #techbrief

Do Your Team Members Know Your Parts?

By: Matthew Kirchner

When team members understand how the components they produce fit into the end product, it can make the team feel more invested in what they’re doing.
#columns

Craftsman Cribsheet No. 109: PMPA Speaking of Precision Podcasts — Engineering and Material Resources

The Precision Machined Products Association offers a variety of resources to its members. 
#pmpa

5 Lessons Learned from the Supply Chain Crisis

By: Dave Barned, Master Fluid Solutions

With so much upheaval impacting manufacturers in every sector, industry leaders are learning how to find a solution to avoid supply chain problems in the future.
#columns #basics

Automation

3D Printing Creates a Window of Automation Opportunity

By: Derek Korn

For this Omaha shop, periodic part inspection required an automated turning cell to pause production. Printing a plastic parts collection chute for delivery outside the cell solved this problem, and it turns out the shop has found 3D printing to be valuable in many other ways.
#additive #Industry40

Automation & Robots

Precision Machining Technology Review August 2022: IMTS Automation & Robots Preview

Edited by Angela Osborne

Production Machining’s IMTS Automation & Robots preview showcase includes Edge Technologies, Absolute Machine Tools/Productive Robots, LNS North America, FANUC America, Universal Robots and Lang Technovation.
#Industry40

Gardner Business Index: Precision Machining July 2022

By: Jan Schafer

In July, Precision Machining saw a bit smaller GBI drop than was seen in June.
#columns

Useful Emotionally Intelligent Phrases

By: Carli Kistler-Miller

It is not always easy to communicate your message in a way that your employee is willing to hear it. Emotionally Intelligent (EI) managers have to be able to translate.
#pmpa

Production Machining’s August 2022 News Highlights

Edited by Angela Osborne

Production Machining’s August 2022 news highlights include new technical support, rebuilding services and methodology as well as acquisitions, name changes, partnerships and more.

Parts Cleaning

4 Considerations for Aerospace Component Cleaning

By: Jeff Beard, Business Development Manager - Parts Cleaning Solutions, Brulin

These pointers for aerospace cleaning can help companies understand best practices, safety and determining part cleanliness.
#basics #columns

Are You Ready? IMTS Is Right Around the Corner

By: Derek Korn

In addition to seeing the latest manufacturing equipment on display, the International Manufacturing Technology Show offers other sources of efficiency-boosting ideas you might possibly apply in your machining business.
#columns

Take Your “Economist,” Not Your Engineer, to IMTS This Year

By: Miles Free

Heresy! Of course, you should take your engineers. And your leads, and your setup and operators. Why the heck should you take your economist? Does your shop even have one?
#pmpa

Machines

Can a Job Shop Benefit From a CNC Multi-Spindle? This One Does.

By: Derek Korn

Although CNC multi-spindle machines are often dedicated to running one part or family of like parts, this Wisconsin job shop has found a way to make 20,000 parts per run its sweet spot for that equipment to better serve multiple customers.
#workforcedevelopment

Automation

RW Screw: Where Automating Processes is a Common Thread

By: Derek Korn

This Northern Ohio contract machine shop increasingly integrates automation, in all its forms, as it adapts to the reality of a continually diminishing talent pool.

Craftsman Cribsheet #108: OSHA Citations in FY 2021 for NAICS 332721 — Precision Turned Product Manufacturing 

By: Miles Free

Watch out for the common OSHA citations listed below. Manufacturers should aim to find and fix any shortcomings in these areas to eliminate recognized hazards and reduce the risk of violations in your shop.
#pmpa

Emerging Leaders [DEPRECATED]

VIDEO: Emerging Leader Committed to Excellence

By: Lori Beckman

Ben Nikkel is committed to learning, leading and relationship building in his management role at Hirsh Precision Products.
#workforcedevelopment

10 Reasons to Outsource Internal Audits

Here are 10 reasons (in no order) Lisa Carrothers gives in favor of outsourcing internal audits that she hopes will give others pause to consider doing the same.
#columns