Workforce Development
The Mold Consultant
This mold maker saves customers time and money by getting involved early in the design of molded parts.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read MoreWorkforce 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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read MoreDon'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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read MoreRevaluing Labor
Will attendees at this month's International Manufacturing Technology Show be looking for labor-saving technology? Not exactly. Most shops and plants today seem to be finished with cutting staff for now, and many would be willing to hire again.
Read More
