#COLUMNS

Opportunity Within a Tragedy

Ruthie Johnston exemplifies the type of leadership needed in times of unexpected change.

Production Machining Index Remains Unchanged from May

Index registers higher new orders and production readings, quickening supplier deliveries

CNC Machine Shops: How Engaged with Social Media Are You?

Engaging in social media can be an effective way for precision CNC machine shops to get the word out about their capabilities, culture and successes.
#covid-19

Defining Your Niche

Develop your shop into a niche shop and your customers will come. Become an expert in your niche and customers will keep coming back to you.

Production Machinists Report Slowing Decline in Business Conditions

Index signals decelerating contraction as all components report improved readings.

Effective Leadership Emerges During Trying Times

Effective machine shop leaders are those who give their team members the tools they need to carry out their duties as efficiently as possible when times are good and when times are bad. 
#covid-19

It’s Meant to Make People Quit

Lessons on Surviving the COVID-19 Crisis from a Navy SEAL

Strong Leaders of CNC Machine Shops will Create the New Normal

Strong leaders don’t just accommodate change, they embrace it. Strong leaders also don’t merely adjust to the new normal, they create it.
#covid-19

Business Activity Contraction Quickens as Economic Shutdown Endures

April’s New Orders and Production Activity Collapse as Index Falls to All-Time Low.
#covid-19

Parts Cleaning

Part Cleanliness is Second Nature

While the general public has ramped up its concern about cleanliness, I can’t help but think about shops that have parts cleaning operations that are always concerned about cleaning.

Will This CNC Machining Magazine Editor Choose Comfort or Change?

That’s the question I asked myself when presented with the opportunity to become this magazine’s next editor in chief. I chose change.

Foster Teams that Support Psychological Safety

The behaviors that create psychological safety — conversational turn-taking and empathy — are part of the same unwritten rules we often turn to, as individuals, when we need to establish a bond.

Parts Cleaning

Alternatives to Air Sparging Make Better Choices for Tank Agitation

A modest investment in cleaning tank modification to eliminate air sparging can provide significant savings in improved part processing, saving both time and money.

The Next Step for Coating Metal Parts

Selecting the right finishing applicator can be as big of a challenge as producing the part. Here are the key considerations to ensure a quality finish and reasonable delivery.

Precision Index Contracts as Coronavirus Disrupts

Multiple Index Components Report Record Lows
#covid-19

Technical Education Teachers Deserve Recognition

Here’s a tribute to technical education instructors who have dedicated their lives to do the quiet work of preparing students for careers.
#workforcedevelopment

A Fond Farewell Heading into Retirement

My 22 years as an editor in the machine tool industry have flown by, but it’s time to bid farewell to the many friends who have made it such an interesting and unforgettable ride.

PMI Benefits from Expanding Production Activity

Volatile shifts in Index components may be a sign of more to come.

Growth Strategies for Success

Some manufacturing companies continue to grow, year after year, regardless of economic conditions. Here are their strategies you can implement to have the same results.

A Focus on Management

Production Machining has added management topics to its editorial lineup this year. Here’s a look at how the continuous improvement strategies mentioned in this month’s management feature can apply well beyond the management level.