Where Steel Properties Come From
The properties of the steel materials we machine in our shops are the result of a complex interplay between chemical composition, developed by hot and cold work, and further controlled by various thermal treatments to develop microstructures.
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Lean Thinking Results with 'Blu Balls' Coolant Nozzle
Although Lean thinking often results with an elimination of a step or waste, Bill Hovey, owner of Telemark CNC LLC, used lean thinking to develop a new coolant nozzle.
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4 Questions for Customer Delight
Operational excellence, product leadership, customer intimacy—one of these rules them all. Miles Free visited PMPA member, Horn, at its headquarters in Germany and returned home with four questions that can be used to determine customer delight.
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PMPA ListServes are Power: A Peek Behind the Scenes at PMPA
Carli explores the power behind PMPA ListServes that provide answers,
recommendations and solutions through a peer-to-peer email network.
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Craftsman's Cribsheet: How Sulfur and Manganese Improve Machinability
Because manganese and sulfur are intentionally added to the steel, manganese sulfides are present in the steel and at the edge of the tool where they optimize our machining process.
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Failure is Not an Option at Criterion
Founded in 1953 by Mike Ondercin as a general machine shop, third-generation owner, Tanya DiSalvo, shares how Criterion Tool and Die in Brookpark, Ohio, continuously improves in “no failure” industries.
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A Peek Behind the Scenes at PMPA: A Morning with Miles Free
Thanks to the acoustics in our building, I have the privilege of hearing what Mr. PMPA does during the day.
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PMPA Member Tornos Profile
The company particularly benefits from PMPA’s various conferences, including its National Technical Conference.
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VUCA: We Can’t Plan, but We Can Prepare
We can diversify our markets, customers, markets and materials in order to prepare for the day when VUCA and its impacts arrive at our shops.
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Shop Visitor Checklist
Here is a checklist to make sure your visitors and your shop have covered everything regarding hazards, safety, security and rules for proper dress and behavior.
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A Peek Behind the Scenes at PMPA
Renee Merker, director of communications and events, PMPA, always ensures that PMPA members get everything they need, including the details right down to the coffee.
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Craftsman's Cribsheet No. 78: Straightness of Cold Finished Steel Bars
The straightness of cold finished steel bars, and all other barstock for our machines, is of critical importance.
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PMPA Member Peerless Machinery Finds Success in Delivering Full-Service Solutions for Customers
Ron Nitowski became fascinated by the versatility and innovation of Swiss machines and saw an opportunity for his company to succeed by specializing in selling used Swiss machines to companies that would benefit from the technology, but would not have the resources to buy a new machine.
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Surprising Development in the Top 10 OSHA Violations for 2018
As we reviewed the top reported violations, we noticed a trend—a surprising trend. Let’s see if you can notice it, too.
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PMPA Member JC Gibbons Manufacturing Finds Success in Diversification and Exceptional Customer Service
“By working with the customer in mind, it really creates some good, long-term relationships,” Mr. Gibbons says. “We really make an effort to connect with and have all the answers for our customers, even if it’s for a job we can’t do.”
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Craftsman's Cribsheet No. 77: Top OSHA Violations for 2019
Here is a list of the 10 most common violations in our shops this year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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What Sparks Joy? Shop Edition
Here are 31 things that spark joy for those in the precision machining industry.
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PMPA Member Horberg Industries Finds Success in its Longevity and Attention to Detail
When Horberg Industries needed to put together outreach statements on the subject of RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) compliance, the company turned to PMPA.
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