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May 25, 2004
Sidestepping Common Outsourcing Mistakes
Dating back to the 17th century, with the English East India Company, outsourcing is nothing new. Yet, we still make the same blunders. Here's how to stop history from repeating itself:
The Factory of Tomorrow
Move aside, lean manufacturing. Experts believe that future factories will adopt a new concept to optimize efficiency and rely on smart machines that will have the ability to learn:
Recommended Reading
Explore the story behind several historic engineering feats in Dreams of Iron and Steel: Seven Wonders of the Nineteenth Century, from the Building of the London Sewers to the Panama Canal.
Zinc Zooms Ahead in Popularity
A relative newcomer to the U.S. market, zinc is enjoying remarkable growth as a building material. Discover how the metal enhances structures and gives buildings a unique look:
The Benefits of Metal Injection Molding
While many are shying away from metal injection molding because of its huge startup cost, one contract manufacturer is realizing substantial gains. Learn the pluses of this specialized process:
Embossing Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Exhaust Pipes
Marking the exhaust pipes of these famous motorcycles with their model names can be tricky. Find out how embossing—or metal squeezing—is getting the job done:
The Secrets of Milling Titanium
As more job shops gravitate toward higher-end work, they must deal with the challenge of cutting titanium—a hard-to-machine metal. Here are several ways to boost productivity:
Will Steel Wheels Regain Lost Ground?
Steel was once used in 90% of automotive wheel production, until aluminum pushed it aside. Discover how steel is seeking to reclaim this market:
Metals: The Big Picture
Metal prices are reaching alarming levels because of domestic and global factors. Find out if prices will stabilize by year's end, and explore the developments that will determine their movement:
May 11, 2004
How to Deal with Slow-Paying Customers
Collecting a late payment from a customer can be awkward and tricky. Discover how some companies are approaching this problem:
7 Keys to Becoming a World-Class Manufacturer
Being "world-class" has nothing to do with your size or resources. It entails excelling in your market and weathering economic downturns. Find out what it takes to make it to this category:
Recommended Reading
Learn how to avoid the pitfalls associated with stamping designs, die designs and stamping die function in Die Makers Handbook, an illustrated reference book written by an expert in the field.
The Basics of Stamping Presses
Stamping is the fastest type of manufacturing. Discover how stamping presses shape parts and what advantages this method has to offer aside from incredible production speeds:
Manufacturing Job Outlook Brightens
The manufacturing sector continues to expand, albeit at a slower pace, while hiring has picked up speed, says the latest Manufacturing Report on Business by the Institute for Supply Management:
How One Packaging Company Makes the Cut
A firm specializing in die-cutting custom foam packaging and inserts has come a long way from its humble start as a small, garage-based business. Here's how it stands out in the industrial market:
Investment Casting Heats Up
The process may be thousands of years old, but investment casting—which involves making an expendable wax mold to fabricate metal parts—is capturing renewed attention. Learn why:
In-Mold Labeling Becomes "It" Technology
Used in Europe for 20 years, in-mold labeling—labeling during molding—is finally amassing packaging applications in North America. Find out why companies are embracing the technique:
The Changing Face of Mold and Die Making
Due to cultural shifts and the rise of offshore outsourcing, mold and die makers have to contend with a radically restructured industry. Here's what it takes to thrive in this new climate:
