Workforce Development

22 Apr 2005

Automation For Information

There is a wealth of information already in the shop. Here is how to profit from it. (Sponsored Content)

15 Mar 2005

The Mold Consultant

This mold maker saves customers time and money by getting involved early in the design of molded parts.

16 Feb 2005

Adapting And Advancing

Assistive technologies for machinery and shop equipment allow blind workers at this machine shop to assume more advanced, independent roles in the production of aerospace components for Boeing.

11 Jan 2005

Creating A Machine Shop Franchise Template

This contract shop applies basic franchising concepts to maximize efficiency in all aspects of its business. Its intent is not to sow multiple franchise locations, but rather to make its sole facility perform as predictably and profitably as possible.

1 Dec 2004

Workforce Preparation At IMTS

The recent IMTS show pointed out several major education and skill training problems that affect all manufacturing companies and processors in the United States. The solutions the show offered are simple if school administrators and machine shops can address the problems with a uniform program.

1 Dec 2004

FIFO Lane Helps Job Shops Regulate Work Flow

In last month's column, I discussed how supermarkets can help companies maintain flexibility by regulating the work flow of critical processes. Supermarkets do a great job of aligning demand and production capacity, which is key to a lean flow.

14 Oct 2004

CAM Software For Probing

Software for creating probing routines off-line promises to make machine tool probing easier to use. As a few examples show, different software providers look at this off-line programming in different ways.

1 Oct 2004

Don't Let Job Losses Erode Skills And Knowledge

Global competition has hit manufacturing companies hard. As many struggle for survival, overall manufacturing employment in the United States has dropped by 3 million jobs since 1998.

16 Sep 2004

Technology And Skill Are Keys To Mold Shop Success

The domestic die/mold industry is today going through considerable change-a good deal of which is being driven by an urgency to become more competitive coupled with advances in technology. Here's how one shop combines skill and technology to be more than just competitive, but to excel and grow.

2 Sep 2004

Planning For On-Demand Machining

Quick turnaround on repeat jobs is a competitive advantage for this shop. Making rapid response a reality requires planning and commitment from all areas of the business as well as close communication with customers and suppliers.