Mark Albert Editor Emeritus

5 Feb 2004

Is A Level Playing Field Just A Myth?

“Give us a level playing field. ” This figure of speech is frequently heard these days from voices representing various sections of the manufacturing industry.

EDM 25 Jan 2004

Classy Shop, Classy Cells

The automated EDM cells in this shop are distinguished by their thoughtful design and careful attention to detail--as is the rest of the shop.

3 Jan 2004

Introducing MMS Direct

Starting with this issue, Modern Machine Shop gives you a new way to continue your search for information about products and processes. It’s called MMS Direct.

CAD/CAM 15 Dec 2003

Plugging Into Tombstone Productivity

Customized software helps this machine tool builder maximize the output of its horizontal machining centers.

Lean Manufacturing 2 Dec 2003

This Shop Shines...And Sorts, Simplifies, Standardizes And Sustains

The 5S principles are proving to be a powerful prelude and prerequisite to lean manufacturing at this aerospace job shop.

1 Dec 2003

I enjoy listening to public radio stations, but I don’t like their quarterly pledge drives. It’s rather annoying to have one’s favorite news programs or alternative music preempted by talk of challenge grants, donation premiums and banks of phone lines standing by.

Workforce Development 1 Nov 2003

Globally Integrated Machining

To serve global customers, this company manufactures plastic injection molds on a global basis. It does this not by outsourcing to overseas shops but rather by partnering with the right ones. The key is consistency from mold to mold, continent to continent.

1 Sep 2003

Learning About Lean

The essence of lean manufacturing is doing more with less. For shops and plants, going to lean manufacturing is more of a lifestyle shift than a quickie fad diet.

1 Sep 2003

It's Working!

A few months ago, Congress passed the Bush tax cut package. Among the bill’s many provisions was a new 50 percent expensing allowance for machine tools and other equipment ordered between May 6, 2003, and December 31, 2004, and placed in service by that last date.

High-Speed Machining 15 Aug 2003

Sweet, Sweet Spot

For this aerospace job shop, harmonizing key aspects of each high speed machining process creates a "sweet spot" where productivity jumps. Harmonizing other key aspects of shop operations also creates a "sweet spot" that helps the company capitalize on this jump in machining productivity.

1 Aug 2003

Time To Act

Now that the news about the recently passed $350-billion Bush tax cut package has sunk in, it’s becoming clearer what it means to manufacturers. It means a lot.

Automation 15 Jul 2003

Sourcing Automation

A new kind of 'automation project manager' helped this company install a roboticized machining cell, the first of several now operating in its plant.