Analysis
2nd Quarter GDP Stats Indicate that Growth Is Accelerating
If you follow this blog you may recall that last week I warned readers that the rate of economic growth in the second quarter was likely to be quite low. Based on analyses of the monthly data series that measure macro economic activity in the U.S., the most reliable models were predicting that the growth rate for the total GDP figure sank as low as 0.5% in Q2. Well, I am happy to report that this prediction was too pessimistic.
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Mfg. Output Picked Up Slightly in June, Plastics Output Strong
Historical analysis suggests that demand for new molds rises sharply when the production of plastics parts expands at a rate of 4% or more for a sustained period of time. Plastics parts output has grown at a rate exceeding 4% for about the past year and a half. So if history is any guide, then moldmakers should soon start to enjoy a noticeable increase in demand for new molds.
Read MoreTesting Engineered Options for Mold Alignment
Performance data on alignment components helps select the best treatment, improve the design and chart more precise application recommendations.
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Expertise Needed!
The AMBA Board has approved the development of a modern Apprenticeship template for CNC Machinists and Moldmakers. The template will be developed in conjunction with standardized testing for CNC Machinists and Moldmakers. The apprenticeship template and standardized tests will be invaluable tools that will be needed to safeguard the integrity of the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the moldmaking industry. Your help is needed!
Read MoreHow to Test Mold Design Performance
Simulation can make a company achieve its production goals faster, being more profitable.
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US GDP Outlook: Sluggish in Q2, Followed by Stronger Growth
We will get our first look at the GDP data from the first quarter of 2013 this Friday when the Bureau of Economic Analysis releases its preliminary report. We expect the data to show that the US economy grew at a pretty decent rate in Q1. Consensus expectations call for a growth rate just north of 3%.
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It's Time to Defend the Integrity of Moldmaking Skills
A highlight of the first day of the AMBA Convention in Schaumburg yesterday was some very important and interesting news. "It is time to defend the integrity of the skills it takes to work in this industry." These are the words of Ryan Pohl of Expert Tech Training who introduced the AMBA's new initiative: standardized testing for moldmakers and CNC machinists.
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Are U.S. Plastics Molds Outperforming?
Yes they are, according to the SPI who has reported that in 2012 U.S. exports of plastics molds increased 16.4 percent, due to some of the top 10 import countries of U.S. plastics molds. More of this industry data and analysis can be heard at the SPI 2013 Equipment & Moldmakers Summit May 5-7th.
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Alliance for American Manufacturing Launches Job Tracker
The AAM is putting President Obama to the test! The association has launched a job tracker to check progress on his promise to create 1 million new manufacturing jobs.
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