Tuesday, October 16, 2018
All News
Welding Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell Material
September 1, 2017
Key tips help ensure safe shop welding practices when using pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material.Article Post: 9/1/2017 Contributed by Paul W. Britton Images courtesy of PCS Company. Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material is an alternative option to a pre-hardened P20 mold steel. It offers uniform hardness distribution through its center but requires
Dry-Ice Cleaning Pays Off Big For High-Tech Molder
September 1, 2017
Mold running time has been increased by 200-500% at Performance Plastics. Article Post: 9/1/2017 Jim Callari Editorial Director/Associate Publisher, Plastics Technology Cold Jet’s i3 MicroClean system allows Performance Plastics to deploy just one person to clean high-precision molds while they art still in the press.  Performance
A Conversation with Big 3 Precision Products Inc.
September 1, 2017
MMT interviews Big 3 Precision Products Inc., which  builds injection blow molds, one- and two-step injection stretch blow molds and extrusion blow molds. Image courtesy of Big 3 Precision Products Inc. Big 3 Precision Products designed and built this 10-cavity injection stretch blow mold, which is installed in the customer’s Nissei 70
Going Vertical in Powder Coatings
September 1, 2017
Gateway Extrusions, an aluminum extruder in Union, Missouri, installed a new vertical line that allows it to more efficiently process longer profiles. Article Post: 9/1/2017 Edited by Tim Pennington Editor, Products Finishing magazine Gateway Extrusions offers aluminum extrusion services including design, production, finishing and packaging to the
Using Powder in Outdoor Applications
September 1, 2017
Powder coating expert Rodger Talbert answers readers’ questions. Experts Post: 9/1/2017 Rodger Talbert Columnist, Products Finishing magazine Q. What are your thoughts and recommendations for the use of powder on steel structures installed outdoors?  A. There have been many discussions in this column and elsewhere about the process of
Electronic Plating: OutREACH or OverREACH?
September 1, 2017
U.S. chemical companies can benefit from compliance with the European regulation. European manufacturers and importers, including those of plated electronics, are required to provide information on properties of the  chemicals they use. The European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals regulation,
What’s Suddenly Causing a Cleaner’s Short Bath Life?
September 1, 2017
Plating expert Jake Fisher answers a reader’s question.Q. My cleaner is suddenly experiencing a short bath life. Did something change? A. The very short answer is, “yes.” However, exactly what those changes could be is a much more nuanced answer than you might expect. They may be changes in the substrate, the oils used
Making Contact with Your Plating Line
September 1, 2017
Picking the right electrical contact system is important for proper plating line optimization. Article Post: 9/1/2017 A.J. Schenk, Intercon Enterprises Flight bar cleaning saddles at the rinse tank allow greater contact and current flow for the flight bar when it engages the contact saddle during the next plating cycles. Hand
Fixing Penetration Issues in Recessed Areas of Parts with Electrostatic Applicators
September 1, 2017
Liquid coatings expert Steven Myers answers a reader’s question.Q. We recently installed an electrostatic bell applicator and are having problems getting coatings into recessed areas of the parts. Is there anything we can do to help penetrate those areas? A. Your problem is not specific to bell applicators. All electrostatic applicators
2017 Editorial Advisory Board: Francine Petrucci
September 1, 2017
Francine Petrucci is president and co-owner of B A Die Mold Inc. in Aurora, Illinois. B A Die Mold is a full-service, Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier of small- to medium-sized, highly complex molds for customers in the medical device, water filtration, automotive and home appliance industries. The company specializes in the manufacturing of
TungMeister Endmill System Ensures Light Cutting Action
September 1, 2017
Tungaloy Corp.’s TungMeister changeable-head endmill system involves a line of modular heads for TungForce-Rec, the indexable miniature shoulder milling cutter series.  New Product Post: 9/1/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining Tungaloy Corp.’s TungMeister changeable-head endmill system involves a line
DHF 8000 Machining Center Processes Large, Complex Parts
September 1, 2017
Doosan’s DHF 8000 is an 800-mm twin pallet five-axis horizontal machining center with a nodding head. This HMC was specifically designed for the processing of large, complex parts such as those used in the aerospace, oil field and automotive industries. New Product Post: 9/1/2017 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining
End Market Reports: Automotive & Consumer Products
September 1, 2017
Automotive Shipment Values Falling Despite Strong New Orders The annual rate of total vehicle sales nearly doubled between February 2009 and May 2015, increasing from 9.2 to 18.1 million units. This is an impressive feat for a pillar of the U.S. economy. The industry’s second notable feat was sustaining that hefty sales level for nearly two
Apprentice Training Series: Manual Machining
September 1, 2017
I have had the good fortune of working closely with thousands of skilled CNC machinists, die makers, moldmakers, fixture builders, designers and engineers throughout the course of my career. One thing I’ve learned is that those who have extensive training and experience with manual machining equipment possess a distinct advantage in their
2017 Editorial Advisory Board: Francine Petrucci
September 1, 2017
Francine Petrucci is president and co-owner of B A Die Mold Inc. in Aurora, Illinois. B A Die Mold is a full-service, Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier of small- to medium-sized, highly complex molds for customers in the medical device, water filtration, automotive and home appliance industries. The company specializes in the manufacturing of
GBI: MoldMaking for July 2017—55.2
September 1, 2017
For July 2017, the Gardner Business Intelligence Moldmaking Index was 55.2. This reading shows that the Moldmaking Index has fallen slightly for a second month after it registered a new five-year high at 58.3 in May. Through the first seven months of 2017, the Moldmaking Index averaged 55.8, which is a 16-percent increase from the same period one
Supplier-Based Training Programs Fuel Mold Industry Needs
September 1, 2017
This article is part of a series highlighting ways in which schools, businesses and trade organizations are working together to shape the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Workforce development for manufacturing has found its way back into the nation’s consciousness, but the focus is primarily on mainstream companies, not
Exit Planning for Reshoring
September 1, 2017
I had a sad meeting recently with the CEO and CFO of an industrial products company. I had to tell them there was very little chance they would ever get their molds back from their Chinese contract manufacturer.  The company wanted to reestablish manufacturing in the United States. It had already selected a U.S. site, but needed help in
Apprentice Success
September 1, 2017
Last year I met Nick Carroll, who at the time was a technical sales apprentice at Edro Specialty Steels in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Nick and I discussed his background and perspective on the apprenticeship program, which was new. What stood out to me was how Edro encouraged him to participate in crafting the program as he advanced through it.
The Bottom Line: Income Tax Nexus: Are You Protected?
September 1, 2017
Are you trialing molds at customer locations in other states? If so, you may have engaged in an unprotected activity under Public Law 86-272. Therefore, you may be subject to income tax in the state where you have trialed the mold. Trialing or sampling molds at customer locations in other states is just one of the activities that may result in the
Welding Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell Material
September 1, 2017
Key tips help ensure safe shop welding practices when using pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material.Article Post: 9/1/2017 Contributed by Paul W. Britton Images courtesy of PCS Company. Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material is an alternative option to a pre-hardened P20 mold steel. It offers uniform hardness distribution through its center but requires
Welding Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell Material
September 1, 2017
Key tips help ensure safe shop welding practices when using pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material.Article Post: 9/1/2017 Contributed by Paul W. Britton Images courtesy of PCS Company. Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material is an alternative option to a pre-hardened P20 mold steel. It offers uniform hardness distribution through its center but requires
Welding Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell Material
September 1, 2017
Key tips help ensure safe shop welding practices when using pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material.Article Post: 9/1/2017 Contributed by Paul W. Britton Images courtesy of PCS Company. Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material is an alternative option to a pre-hardened P20 mold steel. It offers uniform hardness distribution through its center but requires
Leadtime Leader Q&A Graphic Tool Corp. and Concours Mold Inc.
September 1, 2017
How do you define five-axis machining as it pertains to Graphic Tool Corp and Concours Mold Inc.?  Don: Graphic Tool elected to pursue five-axis machining for several reasons. We wanted the ability to machine five sides of six-sided geometry in one set up, which saves us valuable time. The machine’s rigid construction and five-axis
Extra Large Wire EDM Capacity Places Shop on Path for Growth
September 1, 2017
Extreme Wire EDM Service Inc. is an all-AgieCharmilles EDM shop that strives to grow by taking on large wire EDM jobs that require details most other shops can’t or won’t do, like wire EDM lathing. According to Brian Bernt, vice president, another way to grow is to offer the same services, but on much bigger projects, offering customers
Lighter Stepovers and Deeper Stepdowns
September 1, 2017
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Every mold shop is looking for a way to cut parts better and faster.
Cutting Tool Data When You Need It
September 1, 2017
There are a lot ways to make a shop better, more efficient, more productive and more profitable, but one practical method that is often overlooked is tool lifecycle management. This is about more than cutting tools. Fundamentally, it’s about data: ensuring that cutting tool data is available where and when it is needed. It links CAM systems,
Leveraging CAD/CAM Advances
September 1, 2017
Mold builders have experienced difficult times as inexpensive labor enticed customers to look offshore in search of bargain pricing. This trend persisted even though many of these shoppers frequently paid hidden costs in terms of communications barriers, quality and leadtime challenges. In recent years, many of these issues have been resolved
The True Cost of Cobots
September 1, 2017
Collaborative robots, also called “cobots,” are the newest trend in robotics. A cobot is a special type of industrial robot designed to work with, or closely to, humans. Various technologies can be implemented to reduce the speed of a cobot’s motion when a worker enters its work area, or to sense when the cobot encounters a human
Cobot in Action
September 1, 2017
The HC10 ensures the required safety in direct contact with the operator by means of a sophisticated force/torque sensor in every axis, enabling flexible interaction between the robot arm and its environment. The Motoman HC10 requires no additional protective measures, e.g. a protective casing, thus saving space and expense. Installation is
Driving a New Generation of Toolmaking
September 1, 2017
Germany is an industrial titan and the eurozone’s economic powerhouse. Its products, especially its cars, stand for quality and high performance. Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz account for 80 percent of the global luxury car market. Will Germany still lead the automotive industry when the world shifts to self-driving, electric cars, and software
The ASEAN-Japan Centre: Study by AJC clarifies the relationships of global value chains in ASEAN and
September 1, 2017
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) issued today a study on global value chains (GVCs) in ASEAN (www.asean.or.jp/en/centrewide_en/). The study provides an in-depth analysis on ASEAN GVCs and practical advice for ASEAN government policymakers on how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with GVCs in a more
Port Houston Open for Business
September 1, 2017
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria announced that Port Houston will reopen its terminals for business on Friday, Sept. 1. “Although vessel movements remain restricted because of swift current in the channel from continued significant inflows, it is important to resume landside receipt and delivery of
New SPECTRO MIDEX MID05 Small-Spot ED-XRF Spectrometer for Precious Metals Testing 
September 1, 2017
The SPECTRO MIDEX MID05 spectrometer, by SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, is a fifth-generation, fast, accurate, small-spot energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) analyzer for precious metal testing. 
DXP Enterprises Issues Announcement Regarding Hurricane Harvey
August 31, 2017
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DXP Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXPE) today issued an announcement regarding the impact of Hurricane Harvey. DXP’s thoughts and prayers are with those that have been and continue to be affected by Hurricane Harvey and the devastating flooding in Houston and surrounding communities. We would like to thank everyone for
DANNAR Unveils Mobile Power Station Utility Vehicle (MPS) Powered by UQM Technologies
August 31, 2017
LONGMONT, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UQM Technologies Inc. (NYSE MKT: UQM) today announced its e-drive partnership with Muncie, Indiana-based DD DANNAR, LLC (“DANNAR”). DANNAR has introduced its Mobile Power Station® (MPS), a heavy-duty EV designed for infrastructure maintenance and disaster response, powered by UQM’s heavy-duty
ExxonMobil Increases Harvey Relief Effort Commitment to $9.5 Million
August 31, 2017
IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) today said it has increased its financial commitment for Harvey relief to up to $9.5 million, which includes a new employee and retiree donation match program and in-kind donations to the American Red Cross for recovery efforts in South Texas. The increased support builds on $1
A Global Chemical Supplier Tapped Niche Market Segments With the Help of Infiniti’s Market Entry
August 31, 2017
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The client, a large chemical firm specializing in manufacturing specialty chemicals, wanted to identify the market potential for their products and evaluate the major opportunities in the market space. The client also wanted to understand the products in terms of positioning, revenue scores, geography, and channels. In
Responsible Battery Coalition to Hold Sept. 8-9 Battery Recycling Collections, Sponsoring Rock the
August 31, 2017
MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Responsible Battery Coalition (RBC) will host two battery recycling collections on Sept. 8 and 9 in conjunction with its sponsorship of the popular Rock the Green sustainability festival. The emphasis is on conventional vehicle batteries. Every participant will receive a $25 discount to Rock the Green for
300+ Manufacturing Leaders to Attend Women in Manufacturing's 7th Annual SUMMIT
August 31, 2017
CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Women in Manufacturing® (WiM) announced today that more than 150 top US manufacturing companies are sponsoring employee attendance at the 7th annual WiM SUMMIT on September 13 – 15 in Hartford, CT. Several hundred manufacturing professionals will attend to participate in plant tours, listen to inspiring keynote
Extrusion: Laserfilter Now Suited for PET Sheet
August 31, 2017
The Laserfilter from Erema (U.S. office Erema North America Inc., Ipswich, Mass.) is a continuous filter system with screen fineness of 70µm. Rheological optimization of the breaker plate reportedly offers a “gentler filtration process.” While the filter is said to be well-established among recyclers of PCR, Erema says its
A Culture Built on Innovation in Medical Tubing Extrusion
August 31, 2017
Microspec was born out of innovation, and 28 years later continues to set the global standard in medical tubing by developing high-precision multi-lumen catheters—among other tubing products—by refusing to believe “it can’t be done.” Microspec makes a wide range of medical tubing for a worldwide customer base. Timothy
HanesBrands Publishes Online Resource for Journalists Covering Apparel
August 31, 2017
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI), a leading global marketer of everyday basic apparel under world-class brands, today published its second issue of Apparel Tip Sheet, a quarterly online resource for journalists who cover the apparel industry. Each issue of Apparel Tip Sheet provides journalists a number of articles
TMK IPSCO Facilities Withstand the Impacts of Hurricane Harvey
August 31, 2017
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Houston area experienced severe flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which landed near Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday, August 25. Our Baytown heat treatment and threading facility safely shut down on Saturday, August 26 due to impassable roads and after only five days, will reopen today, Thursday, August 31
Consumer Energy Alliance Applauds Decision to Move Forward on Vogtle Nuclear Project
August 31, 2017
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the announcement from Georgia Power’s CEO Paul Bowers recommending that the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC) move forward on the expansion of the Plant Vogtle nuclear project, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) shared its sentiments and urged both the GPSC and the United States Senate to move forward
Enterprise Evaluating Potential Curtailment of Mont Belvieu NGL Fractionation & Storage Services
August 31, 2017
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE: EPD) announced today that while the partnership sustained minor damage to its assets on the U.S. Gulf Coast, due to the cumulative effects of the impacts of Hurricane Harvey, Enterprise is evaluating the potential curtailment of natural gas liquid (“NGL”) fractionation
Cooper Tire Encourages Drivers to Take the Money and Ride® into Fall Savings
August 31, 2017
FINDLAY, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cooper Tire is helping drivers save this fall with a national consumer reward promotion. From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, Cooper’s Take the Money and Ride® Fall Event offers consumers a prepaid card of up to $100 when purchasing a new set of four qualifying Cooper tires through participating dealers in the
AAPEX 2017 to Host Technology and Telematics  Forum V5.0
August 31, 2017
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time, AAPEX will host the Technology and Telematics Forum V5.0 to spotlight cyber security, Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle data and OE technology. The Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) – sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) – and the Auto Alliance
Materials—Cycle Time: Science vs. Rules of Thumb—Part 3
August 31, 2017
In the last two columns (June and August), we have been discussing the general rules used to calculate cycle times for injection molded parts, with a particular emphasis on how we determine the temperature of the polymer that will allow for ejection of the part without deformation during demolding or subsequent distortion of the part as it
Injection Molding: Put Out the Production Fire Once and for All
August 31, 2017
Without the proper approach, a production system can quickly fall into one of two categories: tribulation or turmoil. Quite often you will hear “old-school” injection molders describing their battle to achieve a robust processing system as “firefighting.” In real terms, “fighting fires” on the production