Sherry Baranek Contributing Writer

Education 12 Dec 2012

40K Grant Donation to a Worthy Cause—Workshops for Warriors

It is wonderful to see industry suppliers help further efforts to educate our industry—and help our nation’s veterans—with a $40,000 grant worth of metal-cutting tools to a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free job training, certification, and job placement to veterans.

Regulations 5 Dec 2012

Disappointment as U.S. Treasury Dept Fails to Cite China as Currency Manipulator

I was disappointed to learn of this tough ruling on one of the most important issues our industry faces. Both the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) have expressed disappointment at the failure of the U.S. Treasury Department to cite China as an illegal currency manipulator.

3 Dec 2012

(Almost) Meeting the POTUS!

Last Friday I was in the same room as President Barack Obama when he visited The Rodon Group. No matter your political affiliation, I hope we can all agree it was an honor to be in our Chief-of-Staff’s company as he continues to urge Congress to renew middle class tax cuts.

Business Strategy 1 Dec 2012

Controlled, Manageable Growth Leads to Record Sales

“Growth beyond this point will be measured by our customers’ needs and the needs of manufacturing in our area,” he explains. “We are about as large as we wish to get at the present time and still want to be able to support our customers with quality tools and great service that they have come to expect.”

Surface Treatment 1 Dec 2012

Keeping Molds Running

Technology advancements encourage moldmakers to think about surface treatment, mold maintenance and repair issues earlier in the mold build process to obtain better mold performance and life.

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Case Study 1 Dec 2012

Executool Precision Tooling Inc.: Taking Risks To Grow

“We pride ourselves in helping our customers get product to market first.”

28 Nov 2012

The IMTS Post-Show Report!

Post-show data is in for IMTS 2012, and the numbers confirm the feeling that was apparent on the show floor—IMTS was a high-energy show that brought in quality attendees to see the most innovative and dynamic technology available in the manufacturing technology industry, according to show sponsor AMT.

3D Printing 21 Nov 2012

It's Leadtime Leader Time!

I am quite sure that all you must know what a Leadtime Leader is by now! The time has come again to enter our contest which recognizes outstanding mold manufacturers.

Sales 14 Nov 2012

Moldmaker Launches Online Newsroom to Promote Medical Abilities

I really like it when I see marketing innovation during today’s challenging times! Mold manufacturer Micro Mold and its sister company, custom injection molder Plastikos, have launched two new resources on their website: an online newsroom and a medical molding resources page.

3D Printing 7 Nov 2012

Mfg Will Play a Vital Role in Hurricane Sandy Recovery

While I am blessed that my family and home are safe after Hurricane Sandy’s wrath, we did lose power for five days and it was challenging staying connected and getting my work done—as evidenced by the laptop/iPad office I set up in my car while charging my cell phone. An email from the Alliance of American Manufacturing hit home. We need manufacturing to help us recover—and move on!

Mold Materials 1 Nov 2012

How to Produce Consistent, Repeatable Electrodes

When it comes to electrode production, workholding and automation technology must be accurate and consistent to ensure repeatability and reduce machining time.

FAQ 1 Nov 2012

An Innovative Approach to Employee Training

This mold manufacturer looked within its own talent pool to develop—and implement—a new apprenticeship program to address the skilled workforce challenge.