Tuesday, October 16, 2018
All News
Nahla A. Azmy Joins PQ Group Holdings to Lead Investor Relations
January 2, 2018
MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PQ Group Holdings Inc. (NYSE:PQG) (“PQ” or the “Company”), an integrated global provider of catalysts, specialty materials and chemicals, and services, announced today it has appointed Nahla A. Azmy as Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Communications. Ms. Azmy brings with her
Tooling: Tunnel Gates for Mold Designers—Part 1
January 2, 2018
There are many different types of cold-runner gates used to fill the cavities in a two-plate mold. Here I will be focusing on just one type—the tunnel gate—because of all the gate types, tunnel gates are the most misunderstood. An angled, conically shaped tunnel gate, also known as a subgate or submarine gate, is one of the
Injection Molding: Nozzle Heaters & Thermocouples: A Case of Wiring Done Wrong
January 2, 2018
If you work with injection molding machines making parts all day long, what would you like to see redone to make them better or easier to use? My list is long. Molding machines are complex and each of us has our preferences. In my evaluations, I have nearly 100 criteria to review and evaluate before purchase. Far too many to discuss, so let’s
Aptiv & Lyft: Autonomous Vegas
January 2, 2018
At next week’s CES in Las Vegas—the preeminent electronics show—there will be games and drones and virtual reality and digital health products and entertainment devices and. . .autonomous vehicles. Although the North American International Auto Show will be taking place in Detroit the following week, given the number of
Global Xylene Market - Increased Demand From Automobile Industry to Boost Growth | Technavio
January 2, 2018
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The latest market research report by Technavio on the global xylene market predicts a CAGR of more than 7% during the period 2017-2021. The report segments the global xylene market by product type (paraxylene and orthoxylene) and by geography (APAC, Europe, North America, and ROW). It provides a detailed illustration of the
Materials: A Processor’s Most Important Job, Part 1
January 2, 2018
When I ask processors about their most important responsibility, the answers usually focus on factors relating to productivity. These typically include some conversation about cycle time, machine utilization, making parts to print, maintaining process capability indices (Cpk) of 1.33 or greater, etc. It is rare to hear any mention of molecular
3D Printing Start-Up Competes with Injection Molding
January 2, 2018
A year-old company is devoted to large-scale custom 3D printing at prices competitive with injection molding to 20,000 parts. Gabe Bentz, president and founder of Slant 3D with some of his dozens of custom-designed and built 3D printers that can produce 5000 to 10,000 parts a week. Comparison of injection molding and 3D printing costs. It is
Switching Hydraulic Oil Saves Energy & Machine Downtime
January 2, 2018
Test at leading molder shows a high-viscosity, zinc-free oil improves pump efficiency and runs longer, cleaner, and quieter. Comparison of high-efficiency Mobil DTE-10 Excel hydraulic oil with Mobil DTE-20 series oil, showing energy savings during mold filling and screw recovery. This 300-ton 1996 toggle press was tested with the new oil in an
Top Shops: Part Inspection Hours Per Week, Liquid and Powder Coatings
January 2, 2018
In the latest Products Finishing Top Shops Benchmarking Survey results for liquid and powder coaters, the Top Shops spent 25 hours a week checking part quality and looking for imperfections. All other shops spent just under 5 hours per week, with the median being 10 hours per week. The amount of time a shop spends inspection finished
KSCA | Investment Banking Represents Paul Fredrick in its Sale to ClearLight Partners
January 2, 2018
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KSCA | Investment Banking represented Paul Fredrick MenStyle in its December 2017 sale to ClearLight Partners. Paul Fredrick MenStyle, Inc., founded in 1986 and headquartered in Fleetwood, PA, is a leading designer and direct-to-consumer retailer of men’s apparel and related accessories. Paul Fredrick sells
3M Announces Upcoming Investor Event
January 2, 2018
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced the following investor event: Fourth-quarter 2017 earnings conference call on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at 8 a.m. CST. The earnings call can be accessed at (800) 762-2596 within the U.S. or +1 (212) 231-2916 outside the U.S. This event will be webcast live, and a replay will be
NASF Sur/Fin Abstracts Due Jan. 12
January 2, 2018
Sur/Fin Technology Advisory Committee is seeking abstracts from experts around the world to give exclusive, informative non-commercial focused presentations on the latest surface engineering and finishing technologies available today or what is on the horizon for tomorrow. The National Association for Surface Finishers (NASF) are accepting
Beacon Roofing Supply Completes Its Acquisition of Allied Building Products
January 2, 2018
HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (Nasdaq: BECN) (“Beacon” or the “Company”), the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing and complementary building products in the United States and Canada, announced today the successful completion of its previously announced acquisition of Allied Building
Baidu Selects ON Semiconductor Image Sensors for its Apollo Autonomous Driving Platform
January 2, 2018
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer Electronics Show (CES) - Venetian 3302 - ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ON), driving energy efficient innovations, has joined Baidu’s Apollo Autonomous Driving Platform. Through this collaboration, ecosystem partners can get the plug-and-play compatible imaging solutions jointly developed by both companies.
Decorating/Printing: Versatile Corona Treatment System
January 2, 2018
A new, versatile, high-performance corona treatment system from 3DT LLC, Germantown, Wis., is said to improve the surface tension on numerous materials resistant to printing, adhesive, and coating processes. Called the PolyDyne Pro, the unit is engineered with multiple feedback devices for precise performance monitoring. Features
Material Handling: Screw Conveyor Goes Mobile, Adds Trough Hopper
January 2, 2018
Two new models of flexible screw conveyors are available from Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, Pa. Two new models of flexible screw conveyors are available from Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, Pa. First, a mobile, sanitary version can be tilted down and rolled to serve multiple functions. Using a manual jack screw, the support boom and conveyor can be raised
Compounding: Custom-Designed Process Vessels
January 2, 2018
New Product Post: 1/2/2018 The newest process vessel from Charles Ross & Son Co., Hauppauge, N.Y., is this 300-gal vessel designed for 5 psi internal pressure at 300 F. Product wetted surfaces are stainless steel type 304L polished to 240-grit finish. The vessel is agitated by a special disperser blade driven to 1,150 rpm by a 75-hp
2018: Long-Term Growth Opportunities Abound for Moldmakers
January 2, 2018
Manufacturing everywhere is undergoing considerable change. This change can represent a threat to what has worked in the past, or it can represent an opportunity to grow in new markets and for companies to try different things. Gardner Intelligence recognizes the challenges that industry, regulatory and technological change can bring to any shop.
IDEX Corporation Announces Appointment of Mark A. Beck to Board of Directors
January 2, 2018
LAKE FOREST, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDEX CORPORATION (NYSE:IEX) announced today the appointment of Mark A. Beck to the company’s Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2018. “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to our Board of Directors,” said IDEX Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Silvernail. “His experience as a
APAC Tops the Global Automotive Door Control Unit Market - Technavio
January 2, 2018
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The global automotive door control unit (DCU) market is expected to grow at a CAGR of close to 8% during the forecast period, according to Technavio’s latest market research. In this market research report, Technavio covers the market outlook and growth prospects of the global automotive DCU market for 2017-2021. The
2018: Long-Term Growth Opportunities Abound for Moldmakers
January 2, 2018
Manufacturing everywhere is undergoing considerable change. This change can represent a threat to what has worked in the past, or it can represent an opportunity to grow in new markets and for companies to try different things. Gardner Intelligence recognizes the challenges that industry, regulatory and technological change can bring to any shop.
Autonomous Vehicle Sales to Surpass 33 Million Annually in 2040, Enabling New Autonomous Mobility in
January 2, 2018
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 33 million autonomous vehicles will be sold globally in 2040, a substantial increase from the 51,000 units forecast for the first year of significant volume in 2021, according to the latest autonomous vehicle sales forecast from business information provider IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO). Key market
The Mosaic Company Announces Modifications to Pending Vale Fertilizantes Transaction
January 2, 2018
PLYMOUTH, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS) today announced modifications to the definitive agreement with Vale S.A., including reduced consideration for the acquisition of Vale Fertilizantes. The changes include: A reduction in the purchase price consideration to $1.15 billion in cash and 34.2 million shares of The Mosaic
Machine Shop Shortstop Goes Digital
January 2, 2018
Originally designed as a basic spindle-stop notification device, this unit now offers greater connectivity and capability while retaining its trademark simplicity. Blog Post: 1/2/2018 Matt Danford Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop When things get busy, even the most attentive shopfloor personnel may find machines sitting idle for too long before
Tradeshow Tuesday: a New Blog for a New Year
January 2, 2018
Happy new year, everyone! As I’m typing this, it’s a balmy 15°F outside. Tis the season for hauling away holiday decorations, shoveling snow, making (and maybe breaking) new year’s resolutions and welcoming new things. 2018 has finally arrived. One new thing for MoldMaking Technology is a new topic for the Tuesday blog.
1004SS, M4 NPT Back Blow Air Nozzle Cleans Inside Diameters
January 2, 2018
Exair’s 1004SS, M4 NPT back blow air nozzle delivers airflow for blowing debris and liquids from small pipe or hose inside diameters, channel, bores, holes, internal threads and other internal part features. An array of holes provide a 360-degree airflow to clear out coolant, chips and light oils from machining processes, the company says.
Tradeshow Tuesday: a New Blog for a New Year
January 2, 2018
2018 has finally arrived. One new thing for MoldMaking Technology is a new topic for the Tuesday blog. Through August 2018, some of the Tuesday blogs will cover issues related to tradeshows. Blog Post: 1/2/2018 Karen Cornelissen Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media Happy new year, everyone! As I’m typing this, it’s a balmy 15°F
System for High-Volume 3D Printing
January 2, 2018
HP is expanding its 3D printing portfolio with the HP Jet Fusion 3D 4210 Printing Solution. Designed for industrial-scale manufacturing environments, the solution is said to lower operating costs while increasing production volume capabilities. According to HP, the system raises the break-even point for large-scale 3D manufacturing to 110,000
Take the Top Shops Survey, Get a Custom Report
January 1, 2018
Our eighth-annual Top Shops benchmarking survey is now live at survey.mmsonline.com/topshops and will remain open through the end of February. If you are a regular reader of Modern Machine Shop, you’re likely aware of what this is all about and possibly have even participated in the past (and if you have, thank you). In short, the survey
What Does It Take to Succeed at Machining Hogouts?
January 1, 2018
For one of the recurring part numbers that R&D Manco machines, a part that begins as a casting, obtaining this part from the foundry requires a lead time of one year. An entire year! The part number in question is an extreme example when it comes to casting lead times, but not terribly extreme. R&D Manco is a Phoenix, Arizona, machining
An Automation System for a Job Shop Environment
January 1, 2018
Automation might seem like a clear way for a machine shop to increase capacity, but the cost required means it typically doesn’t make sense for small-volume production. Kilgore Manufacturing in Columbia City, Indiana, has a dedicated automated manufacturing cell that can run for eight hours unattended and enables the shop to ship 3,500 units
Shop Hits Home Run with Toolpath Simulation Software
January 1, 2018
Competing as a small job shop means running as efficiently as possible, but the investments Wolcott Design Services of Newberg, Oregon, made to improve its production process also made it vulnerable. Adding a high-end horizontal machining center meant risking expensive repairs if a tool were to crash, and further investments in software seemed like
EMEA Tops the Global Hydrazine Market - Technavio
January 1, 2018
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The global hydrazine market is expected to grow at a CAGR of above 6% during the forecast period, according to Technavio’s latest market research. In this market research report, Technavio covers the market outlook and growth prospects of the global Hydrazine market for 2017-2021. The market is further categorized
Vision-Guided Cobot Doubles Daily Production
January 1, 2018
With the promise of “quality parts, made to print, delivered on time,” Walt Machine of Lumberton, Mississippi, prides itself on its reliability, but it struggled in the face of a potential bottleneck. Every year, the company uses a single CNC machine to produce thousands of camera housings in just two months’ time. This short-term
Automation and AM Help W. Fassnacht Werkzeug- und Formenbau Win Germany’s 2017 Toolmaker of the
January 1, 2018
For more than 25 years, W. Fassnacht Werkzeug- und Formenbau has been providing high-quality molds to a diverse range of industries. Recently, the Swabian company was named Germany’s Toolmaker of the Year 2017 because it believes in doing things in a small but smart way. The company has sustained healthy growth since its inception in 1990. A
The Difference between MTConnect and OPC UA
January 1, 2018
Although OPC UA and MTConnect are both http-based protocols (which makes them usable on internet-enabled networks), the question why MTConnect exists often arises since OPC UA has been around for a while and has wide support throughout industry. While similar in some regards, they are distinctly different in structure and purpose. Each has its
Leveling the Field in Nickel Plating
January 1, 2018
Profilometry helps determine the leveling characteristics of Watts nickel baths. A handheld profilometer like the one shown here was used to measure surface roughness on a Hull cell panel. Five measurements were taken and averaged at current densities of 20, 40 and 80 amps/ft2. A positioning jig allowed the panel to be measured at exactly the
Velodyne Slashes the Price in Half of Its Most Popular LiDAR Sensor
January 1, 2018
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Led by inventor and entrepreneur David Hall, Velodyne LiDAR – the world leader in 3D vision systems and advanced safety for autonomous vehicles – today announced a significant cost reduction for its VLP-16 Puck, which will spur hope and excitement for the development of safe autonomous vehicles that
Pretreatment Leads to Water-break-free Plating Surfaces
January 1, 2018
Asterion provides customized soak, spray and electrocleaning process solutions designed for cost-effective and fast removal of soils and contaminants from steel, copper alloys, zinc die cast and other substrates. New Product Post: 12/12/2017 Asterion provides customized soak, spray and electrocleaning process solutions designed for
Combination Wheels Boost Cutting, Grinding Productivity
January 1, 2018
Saint-Gobain Abrasives’s Norton Quantum3 (NQ3) line of depressed-center grinding wheels includes combination wheels designed for more efficient and faster cutting and grinding, resulting in increased productivity and longer wheel life. New Product Post: 12/12/2017 Saint-Gobain Abrasives’ Norton Quantum3 (NQ3) line of
Solution Removes Metalworking Oils, Inhibits Rust
January 1, 2018
Kyzen’s Metalnox M6324CP is a heavy-duty alkaline cleaner and inhibitor formulated to remove paraffinic oils used in a range of machining, stamping and deep-draw operations, and provide long-term protection from rust. New Product Post: 12/12/2017 KYZEN Corporation’s Metalnox M6324CP is a heavy-duty alkaline cleaner and inhibitor
Mastering Sanitary Stainless Steel Finishes
January 1, 2018
Here’s a primer on the types of finishes required for equipment used in sanitary applications. In sanitary applications like food and chemical processing, federal, state and local regulatory agencies often require equipment finishes to be easy to clean and sanitize. This chart compares Ra surface designations in a range of finishes.
Solving Corrosion on Black-Dyed 7000 Series Alloy
January 1, 2018
What caused corrosion on one shop’s black-dyed parts? Anodizing expert Larry Chesterfield offers troubleshooting advice. Q. We anodize several different 7000 Series alloys. Recently, on a load of Type II anodized and black-dyed extrusions, some of the parts had small areas of heavy corrosion. This was only observed after the parts had been
Powder Coated in the U.S.A.
January 1, 2018
A Florida manufacturer commits to making American products the old-fashioned way: by hand and from quality materials.   Abby Hull is a vital part of the growing workforce at Barn Light Electric, which continues to prosper in its 10th year of business. “We’ve built a strong following here in the U.S. and even abroad with
Improving Corrosion Protection
January 1, 2018
How can you improve a powder coating system to prevent corrosion on parts? Powder Expert Rodger Talbert suggests adding blasting and priming. Q. We make metal enclosures for a number of industrial applications, including control cabinets. We have an older powder coating system with a five-stage iron phosphate washer; dry-off oven; two powder booths
Options to Improve Passivate and Chromite Coatings
January 1, 2018
How do you improve the quality of a passivate coating if there are mechanical limitations? MacDermid Enthone’s Adam Blakeley offers a detailed explanation. Q. What options are available to improve the quality of a passivate coating if there are mechanical limitations? A. I’ll focus on defining the passivate coating and
Environmental Protection Considerations for a Rectifier
January 1, 2018
American Plating Power’s Ricky Valentin offers advice on buying a new rectifier. Experts Post: 1/1/2018 Ricky Valentin Application Engineer, American Plating Power Q. Our shop is looking to purchase a new rectifier, and I was curious as to what environmental issues we should consider before making a purchase. A. Understanding your
Using 3D to Design a Paint Shop
January 1, 2018
Laser scanning helps optimize planning in brownfield expansion projects. Article Post: 1/1/2018 Edited by El McKenzie Managing Editor, Products Finishing magazine Highly precise laser scans show features and measurements that cannot easily be seen with the naked eye, like small tolerances in the floor. In an age in which almost anything described
Understanding Liquid Film Defects
January 1, 2018
Carlisle Fluid Technologies’ Judith Lietzke explains the causes of paint film defects and how to prevent them. Q. We’ve recently started experiencing film defects in our liquid coating application. How do I define the cause of the defect and identify precautionary measures that can be taken? A. You are not alone. Defects happen for
R-2A Compact Rifling Technology Finishes Barrel Blanks
January 1, 2018
Unisig’s R-2A rifling equipment is designed as a solution for gun manufacturers that performs the final steps of firearm manufacturing by finishing barrel blanks. New Product Post: 1/1/2018 Edited by Bart Bishop Assistant Editor, Production Machining Unisig’s R-2A rifling equipment is designed as a solution for gun