MMS Blog

22 Jun 2011

Trolls Beware!

In most cases, the editors of our magazines spend their time writing about metalworking. However, thanks to Sandvik, some of our editors got a chance to wield a hammer and actually work metal.

Workforce Development 21 Jun 2011

Addressing the Skills Shortage

A popular technical education conference and the president’s recent announcement of a new manufacturing training credentialing system provide reason for optimism amid the ongoing shortage of skilled workers.

20 Jun 2011

Mazak “Re-Ups” in the Southwest

The machine tool builder, located in Houston for 30 years, has opened a new, larger Southwest Technology Center to reaffirm its commitment to that area’s machining businesses.

17 Jun 2011

Machine Tool Sales Remain Strong

While the growth rate in machine tool sales may not have peaked yet, the leading indicator is showing that the growth rate of machine tool sales should peak this summer.

Automation 16 Jun 2011

How About Just a Little Lights-Out?

Running 24/7 might not be necessary for your shop. But what if you added a couple extra unmanned hours?

15 Jun 2011

Can You Weld Aluminum Foil?

Although we primarily focus on the chip-making operations shops perform, this welding “parlor trick” on Miller Electric’s website is worth a look-see.

Turning Machines 15 Jun 2011

Minimizing Turnaround Times for Big Parts

The key to success (and the primary challenge) for any job shop is minimizing turnaround time for non-repeating work. This Indiana shop shares some of its strategies for reducing lead times for the various large-scale jobs it encounters.

Micromachining 14 Jun 2011

Checklist for the Serious Startup Shop

Are you starting a CNC job shop? Go over this equipment checklist before you begin.

Turning Machines 13 Jun 2011

VTL Delivers Powerful, Heavy Cuts

In addition to high horsepower and torque for heavy cuts in difficult-to-machine materials, the Powerturn 2500 C-M vertical turning lathe offers a large-capacity ATC, thermal stability and observation cameras mounted within the work zone.