MMT Blog
Robots Impress at IMTS
I have seen some incredible demonstrations of technology this week, but this live robot at the Siemens booth (E-5010) was really impressive!
Read MoreMerging Manufacturing Technologies at IMTS 2012
A live demonstration of embracing both subtractive and additive manufacturing was one of the highlights for me at IMTS. Machine tool builder GF AgieCharmilles and EOS showcased an innovative start-to-finish manufacturing process chain that creates actual titanium tibial trays for surgical knee implants.
Read MoreKudos to Award Winner Lifetime Products!
I was honored to attend an Awards Ceremony the other day, hosted by Delcam. The company recently added its 40,000th customer—Lifetime Products Inc.—to its list of more than 90,000 end users from around the world.
Read MoreMold and Die as Key Indicator Brings New Cutting Tool Tech at IMTS
Several cutting tool suppliers here at IMTS predict that moldmaking should continue to demonstrate growth potential as the focus shifts from work sent overseas back to the U.S. As such, many cutting tool suppliers have been motivated to reintroduce and develop technology for this niche marketplace, and here at IMTS there is plenty to see. Here are a few highlights.
Read MorePartnerships Aplenty
Midway through my week of IMTS wanderings, I have noticed a number of companies sharing booth space.
Read MoreNow This Is Brilliant!
Yesterday Craig Cegielski of Eleva-Strum Tech spoke on his bold idea about manufacturing education. The highest-level class in his school's vocational manufacturing program takes on contract machining work from commercial customers. A class full of students making actual, sellable, end-use parts. A student-run job shop located on school grounds. What a brilliant way to teach AND help fund the school’s program.
Read MoreSoftware Manufacturers Reveal Moldmaking-Specific Offerings
There are some software manufacturers focusing on the moldmaking market, as reshoring efforts have stepped up—keeping two mold/die software manufacturers extremely busy. These exhibitors note that moldmakers are busier than ever—especially in automotive areas like Detroit.
Read MoreCavalier Tool Tells Its Story at IMTS
Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing Ltd. of Windsor, Ontario, explained on Monday during Makino's Lunch & Learn how it handles drilling, boring, thread milling, tapping, 2-D and 3-D machining without the operator ever touching the part. Cavalier Tool believes that technology is increasing at a tremendous rate, which demands that they keep up with the latest innovations, and in order to do this they developed an in-house program that continuously analyzes their current technology, makes recommendations based on the current technology and replaces older equipment with newer, faster automated machinery. On average, three to four pieces of equipment are replaced annually through this program.
Read MoreMachining Manufacturers Focusing on Mold/Die
Walking the IMTS show floor today I noticed some leading machining equipment manufacturers have focused on showing features like advanced CNC controls and higher spindle feeds.
Read MoreConventions Deliver Little Economic Value
We are in the middle of the convention season for the Democratic and Republican parties, and it should come as no surprise to anyone that the major topic at both conventions is the economy. Both parties are long on promises about how they would “fix the economy” or “get this economy going” or “create jobs” or “strengthen the middle class.” But I have come to the conclusion that neither side really has a solution for the economic problems that currently vex us.
Read MoreCylindrical Drive Technology Adds Efficiency to EDM Operations
New system only exposes half of the magnetic flux to the face of the coils.
Watch"Tour" a Museum at IMTS!
At this year’s IMTS, the American Precision Museum, located in Windsor, VT, is showcasing the history of precision manufacturing via a collection of fine historic American machine tools in Booth E-4783. A working machine shop will be at the center of its booth!
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