Volume III, Issue X

Quick Hits

With the machine tool and manufacturing industries experiencing the worst economic pressures in memory, and most of the "dot-communists" all but memories, you might think that there's nothing going on with Web development. Not true. Here are a few sites from around the machine tool industries that are pushing the envelope.

Hardinge Workholding and Tooling—www.hardingetooling.com—This venerable machine tool builder's workholding division has quietly developed one of the few effective "e-commerce" models from manufacturers in our industry. Numerous collets, chucks and workholding systems are accessible through 13 categories on this site, including products for screw machine, rotary transfer, and myriad turning applications. The site is tied in with the company's indigenous inventory system, which affords users with real-time order availability. Many replacement parts for older or discontinued models are available.

Daewoo's Online Marketing & Support Solutions—www.domss.com—The Korean manufacturer of turning and machining centers has launched an aggressive online model to serve its prospective and existing customers. Specifications, descriptions and videos for many models and accessories make up the support for research into its products. The "Manufacturing Solutions" section will grow to include many categories and topics. Areas for existing Daewoo customers are available to streamline the communications, maintenance and service channels with the company and its representatives.

MMS' Handbook For The Metalworking Industries

There's a new handbook on the block, and it's from Modern Machine Shop. for more information contact Hanser at 866-289-2088.

Job Shop Site Of The Month

Seastrom (seastrom-mfg.com) is an Idaho-based manufacturer that is a blend of machining services, product lines and engineering offerings. Its Web site exposes these core competencies through well-categorized, easy-to-find combinations of straight specs/data, technical information, and communications utilities. Its Product Directory and Engineering Handbook provide powerful evidence of its knowledge base, and its "Custom Washer Quote" utility is one of the best you'll see online. This site is one powerful example of how a shop can use the Web to its advantage.

To have your site considered for Job Shop Site Of The Month, send your URL to otw@mmsonline.com.