Product Showcase

END MILLS USE INTRICATE GEOMETRY FOR NON-FERROUS MACHINING



H40ALV and H40ALV-RN aluminum end mills from Helical Solutions use a variable-pitch flute configuration with tight cutting diameter tolerances that reduce chatter and tool offset adjustments and optimize tool performance.

COMPLEX MULTI-ANGLE MEDIUM TO LARGE PART MACHINING



This horizontal machining center from Kitamura Machinery includes a two-station, 180 deg rotating pallet changer system that can be upgraded to a total of 21 pallets in the field as application needs change.

TURNING CENTER SHOWCASES ADVANCED METAL CUTTING



An automated turning center with collet-ready spindle from Hardinge includes an automatic gantry, modular pallets that accommodate a range of part diameters, a slant design and auto part center that increases part storage capacity and saves floor space.

5-AXIS CAPABILITIES AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE



This compact trunnion rotary table from Haas Automation puts 5-axis machining capabilities well within reach of the average job shop, with a compact size that provides greater mounting flexibility.

INTEGRATED OVERHEAD SHELF SHRINKS WORKSTATION FOOTPRINT



This optical table system from Newport has a smaller footprint, more rigid design and more accessibility for inspection and/or assembly of complex systems.

4-AXIS, 5-AXIS MACHINING OF AEROSPACE, ENERGY PARTS



These horizontal machining centers from Mitsui Seiki are ideal for air frame components, propulsion systems, landing gear assemblies, wind turbine gear boxes, and gas turbine power generation systems.

more products »


MANAGING AN INFLECTION POINT

By Mike Riley


U.S. manufacturing is on the brink of a profound change in the way it conducts business. Small shops must recognize and prepare for this in order to survive and remain competitive.

Labor skills shortages are sweeping across our country. The power of technology has never been greater. The costs to automate have never been lower. Small shops must connect these dots and automate their operations with robots everywhere that makes sense. Automation must start now in preparation of the coming transition, not just for productivity, but to also offset future healthcare and labor-related burdens.

An inflection point is a moment of profound change, a dramatic turning point toward a positive or negative outcome. It can happen during the development of a company that makes a major strategic change. It can occur within a single market or affect an entire industry.

 

The fall of the Berlin Wall was an inflection point in global politics. The commercialization of the Internet was an inflection point in technology. In each case, winners emerged and losers vanished. When the Wall was dismantled, the democratic free markets of the West rose to prominence and East European communism collapsed. As online commerce exploded through the expanding World Wide Web, many Internet pioneers who launched browsers or started other online services either disappeared or were swallowed by competitors. Does anyone remember Netscape?


Read the rest of the article HERE!

QUICK POLL

Web Exclusives

BROACHING MACHINE SPECIALTIES ANNOUNCES JOA WITH ARTHUR KLINK

New distribution and service channel allows private German machine tool and cutting tool manufacturer to expand into U.S. broaching and grinding markets.

STATE KICKS SUPPORT UP A NOTCH TO GROW MANUFACTURING ECONOMY

A program to help small and midsize Wisconsin manufacturers develop an export program and fast-track international sales is getting high marks from its first class of graduates.

MILACRON LAUNCHES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

The only remaining injection molding machinery manufacturer in the U.S. dedicates itself to help drive American manufacturing resurgence through “Helping You Make It In America” promotions.

MORI SEIKI PARTNERS WITH ELLISON TECHNOLOGIES IN CANADA

Machine tool OEM strategically engages with exclusive machine tool distributor to expand sales, distribution, and technical support in Canadian markets.


Read More Web Exclusives »