8 Awesome STEM Toys & Gifts For The 2017 Holiday Season
We compiled a list of the best Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) toys for the 2017 holiday season.
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Becoming BIM Ready: The Risk Of Doing Nothing
Building Product Manufacturers (BPM) were hit particularly hard during the Great Recession that struck the U.S. economy in 2008. With the economy spiraling downward, commercial building projects were either de-funded or put on indefinite hold. Because of this setback, many BPMs became extremely conservative financially and very insular in their sales & marketing.
Read More »Cutting Tool Sales Increase in October
For the sixth time in 10 months this year, U.S. demand for cutting tools has risen, posting a 9.7 percent gain in October over September to $193.6 million, and a 3.3 percent increase from sales for the same period in 2013. According to data jointly developed by the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) for their monthly report on business in...
Read More »Makino Improves Large-Part EDM With Z-Axis Sinker Unit
EDM operators may feel a bit of envy when they compare the high throughput rates and precision of small units to their large sinker machines. Most EDM sinkers designed for big parts are slower than smaller models and may not achieve the same degree of precision when it comes to machining ribs and similar features in workpieces. These differences may become things of the past. Makino has added a...
Read More »Key Business Indicators Soar in September, Quickening Year's Pace
Attendees and show organizers gushed over the biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in September, citing a high turnout for the six-day event, the quality and breadth of exhibitors, leading-edge machine and component displays, informative conferences and new-technology displays, opportunities for networking, and, importantly, the positive business atmosphere. These...
Read More »Metrology Company Edges Into Additive Manufacturing Arena
Most machine shops and equipment OEMs know Renishaw as a metrology specialist. But the company also supplies laser-powered additive manufacturing (AM) systems, a capability it acquired with the acquisition of the U.K.'s MTT Investments Ltd. and its subsidiary MTT Technologies in 2011. The acquisition was the latest move by Renishaw to diversify and expand its business. The company also has a...
Read More »Heimatec's BMT Live Tools Enhance CNC Operations
Upgrading the operation of a CNC turret is an important way of extending machine performance. If it's done right, operators can add fabrication versatility, spindle speed, and torque with little more than the addition of a live tool. One supplier that recently expanded its range of live tools is Heimatec Inc., of Prospect Heights, Ill. The company, whose parent firm is based in Renchen, Germany,...
Read More »Siemens Sees Lack of System Integration as It Introduces Capabilities
Siemens has added capabilities to its Sinumerik suite of machine-control software that networks machining with production-level IT systems. "System integration is a big market," Chris Pollack, dealer support specialist in motion control systems for the company, said. The connection between work-handling operations and automation is "weak throughout the market," he said, so Siemens is expanding...
Read More »Cutting Tool Sales Lag; IMTS Is (as Usual) a Hit
U.S. cutting tool consumption and manufacturing technology orders remained soft through August, impacted by such factors as the usual summertime slowdown, automotive model changeovers, and this year the biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), which in the past has caused many purchasers to delay placing equipment orders until after the September event. According to data...
Read More »Manufacturers Must Go with Planning for New-Product Launches
It is vital that machine shops and other manufacturers have in place detailed production planning processes to assure that work begins on time; deadlines are met; machines, tooling, and other equipment are ready for operation; supply-chain logistics are set; and quality products are delivered on schedule to customers or directly to the market. Few managers dispute this. Eighty-four percent of...
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