PM Blog

The parts cleaning exhibitors at this year’s edition of Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) in Cleveland, Ohio, April 2-4, provide products to the industry such as ultrasonic cleaning systems, chemical solvents and cleaning fluids, drying systems, rust preventatives, cleanliness analysis microscopes, oil skimmers and much more. To get a feel for the current hot topics in parts cleaning prior to the show, I asked several of the exhibitors what attendees should expect the show “buzz” to be as well as their thoughts and insights about the show and conference.

I discovered that most of these industry professionals I contacted for the article, “PMTS 2019 Parts Cleaning Segment Focuses on Demand for Cleaner Parts,” said their customers are asking about how to achieve cleaner parts during this time of transition to increasingly stringent regulations.

PMTS’s showfloor demonstrations are scheduled opportunities for attendees to see technology live without other distractions in the booth. Put time aside for these events that allow you to see the latest equipment in action, with company personnel available to answer questions.

On Wednesday, April 3, from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m., Olaf Tessarzyk, president of ZPS, will be discussing how to determine the need for a cam or CNC multispindle machine. He’ll also be going over the pros and cons relating to each type of machining process based upon specific part examples. Visit Booth 1030.

GF Machining Solutions Customer Services recently activated the 1,000th connection of its rConnect digital services platform. The 1,000th connection was established on an rConnect-ready Mikron Mill P 800 U high-performance milling solution at the FRAISA ToolSchool in Bellach, Switzerland.

The installation at FRAISA takes advantage of rConnect’s Live Remote Assistance (LRA) module, which links users’ machines to GF Machining Solutions’ diagnostic centers in real time. rConnect debuted in 2017 and continues to evolve with the addition of success-triggering modules.

As shops consider new equipment and expand their capabilities, they also need to consider how their employees factor into these changes. Employee structure can affect how shops adapt to changes or implement new technology. The article “Moving Forward with Self-Directed Work Teams” gives an example of a successful company structure.

Like many shops, Vanamatic has changed along with the industry. But these changes included more than equipment. The shop recognized that moving from a traditional linear production system to a more flexible cell-based production system would help the shop succeed as business evolved.

This year marks the ninth edition of Modern Machine Shop’s annual benchmarking program. If you aren’t already familiar, the Top Shops survey enables shops of all types and sizes to see how they compare against leading U.S. machining businesses in terms of machining technology, shopfloor practices, business strategies and human resources/workforce development.  

A “Top Shop” is the group that represents the top 20 percent of shops based on points assigned to select survey questions in each of the four survey categories. Once survey responses are received, a benchmarking group is established.