A survey of 358 CNC machine shops conducted by Modern Machine Shop Magazine sought to identify reasons why some shops are more successful than others. These “Top Shops” had gross sales almost 20% higher than average and grew gross sales from 2009 to 2011 by 51.6%, on average, versus 25.1% for the industry as a whole. They typically have fewer employees per dollar of income, and they spend a larger percentage of gross sales on capital equipment.
Nothing is more frustrating to any CNC machine shop than an idle machine tool. When spindles aren’t turning you’re not making chips which means lost productivity. That’s why quick, efficient and accurate setups are so important.
Passwords are a fact of life in our digital age. We use them in both our business and personal lives to access everything from important data and financial information to games and social media sites. We’ve all heard of people who are victims of identity theft and the misery that creates. But what if someone accessed your business data? At minimum they could temporarily disrupt your business activities. Worse, they could cause major damage to your credit, financial standing and customer relationships. With this in mind, here are 6 “Dos & Don’ts” to help safeguard your passwords and all of the information they protect.
BTB Transfer, Bovezzo Italy, demonstrates how high output / quick changeover metal cast machining solutions can go hand in hand without sacrificing a manufacturer’s future flexibility. Transfer machining solutions are known for fast cycle times, small footprints, high accuracy and reduced labor costs. On the downside, a transfer solution can also mean a loss of flexibility and long changeovers, especially when a solution needs to address the many part numbers contained in a single or multiple family of parts. BTB’s new M10 transfer machine takes aim with a serious solution. The platform delivers 5 axis (3 axis machining + 2 axis clamping) horizontal and vertical machining capability at 5 of the machines’ 6 stations. Additionally, each horizontal and vertical station utilizes a 6 tool, tool changer for a total of 60 available tools. The machine is a viable alternative to multiple, stand-alone machining centers for the mid- high volume manufacturer. BTB Transfer is sold and serviced exclusively in North America by Gosiger High Volume, Dayton OH.
Investing in a 5 axis machining center makes good economic sense for many CNC machine shops. With over 60% of parts produced requiring machining on 5 sides, a 5 axis machine can save operator time per part, costly special fixtures and tools, and precious floor space. It will also increase your spindle usage and your ability to accept more complex parts orders.
Dayton, OH – According to Okuma machine tool distributor and automation specialist, Gosiger, Inc., getting maximum productivity from CNC machining requires a careful analysis of how work flows through the entire manufacturing operation. In many cases CNC machine shops will benefit from Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) such as the Okuma Automated Modular Pallet System (AMPS).
The majority of businesses, including many manufacturing companies, rely on a version of Microsoft’s Windows® operating system for their PCs and enterprise systems. So far, however, few businesses are rushing to upgrade to Windows 8, the latest-and-greatest version. One reason is that it’s a radical departure from the previous Windows operating systems. Another is that IT people are often uneasy with the first iteration of any new operating system, fearing bugs that could disrupt workflow, and the time it takes for users to get up to speed on the new system.
The ability to verify the origin of manufactured parts is becoming increasingly important throughout virtually all industries. Among the issues driving this movement are: the need for traceability when recalls are required, identifying the causes of product failures, and thwarting counterfeiting.
ELMIRA, NY: Hardinge Inc., a leading international provider of advanced metal-cutting solutions, demonstrates automated production of hydraulic spool valve housings on their T51 MSY SP SUPER-PRECISION® Turning Center.
There’s been a great deal of talk about American jobs that were lost when U.S. companies located manufacturing facilities in China, Mexico, and elsewhere to take advantage of cheap labor. Recently, however, several of these companies have announced that they are brining their manufacturing back to the United States. In fact, as reported in Industry Week Magazine, a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) concludes that 37% of large, U.S. manufacturers they surveyed plan to reshore manufacturing. Another study of 319 companies by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals put the reshoring figure at 38%.