| December 08, 2021 - Volume 15 Issue 12 |
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A Holiday Message from the Editor
A year ago, I began this message: "2020……it's almost over."
Will it help with climate change if I recycle the same message? Just kidding. But it's safe to say, a lot of us will be glad to put 2021 in the rear-view mirror as well.
As this year comes to an end, many folks are still dealing with the same pandemic issues -- along with some new issues that emerged over the last 12 months -- including a vaccine mandate.
As we head into 2022, companies with 100 or more employees are deciding how best to handle a federal mandate -- if it is ever actually implemented. That's certainly the case for many manufacturers in our machine tool/metalworking industry. Our hope is that whatever decisions are made, no more employees will lose their job or livelihood.
In addition to never-ending pandemic issues, manufacturers will also need to deal with the rising energy costs, increasing inflation and the ongoing supply chain problems. As many began the process this year, they'll need to continue to improve their agility and re-assess the viability of their supply chains to cope with a similar crisis in the future.
But maybe more critical than that, manufacturers will need to continue their efforts to address the lack of skilled workers. Sadly, our country continues to have a high number of job openings and a high number of unemployed -- at the same time.
But wait! This is becoming a truly depressing HOLIDAY message. It's not all doom and gloom!
Smart Factory initiatives are more and more prevalent and can now be found not just in the large plants but even in some of the smallest job shops. Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing, Robotic Automation, Digital Manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence remain at the forefront of innovation.
Despite cancellations and lockdowns still happening in some parts the country, trade shows returned in 2021 and will likely be back in full force in 2022 with the highlight being the return of IMTS in September.
And, as always, Nelson Publishing will be here to cover IMTS and everything else happening in our industry. Our eNewsletters -- Tooling & Production (T&P), Modern Applications News (MAN), and the Manufacturing Center Product Spotlight will continue to bring you the very latest news, product announcements, and success stories from the metalworking world. MAN begins its 55th year in January while T&P embarks on its 87th year of serving the machine tool industry!
The staff at Modern Applications News would like to send our best wishes and prayers to all of you who have persevered through another tough year. We hope that your spirit is renewed with a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, or a Happy New Year celebration! Our wish is that you're able to find joy while spending quality time with your family and loved ones over the holidays.
We have continued our tradition of putting together our "Best of" issue. We have compiled two lists from 2021 -- the Top 10 Most Read Features and Top 10 Most Read Product Spotlights -- as judged by our readers. We hope you enjoy these stories and catch some helpful information you may have missed the first time around. Again, we want to thank you for your loyalty to our publications and we'd like to wish you a safe, successful, and prosperous 2022!
Happy Holidays!
Bob West
Associate Publisher/Managing Editor
MAN/T&P |
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"Top 10" Most Read Feature Articles |
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Probing for an Answer
When Australia-based machine shop, Hammond Engineering, found that manually setting workpiece positions was time consuming and difficult to repeat, it looked to the potential of on-machine probing. Since using Renishaw's OMP40-2 optical transmission probe, the company has experienced faster set-up times and higher levels of productivity.
Full Article |
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Creative Fixturing Solves Big Problem
Akron Gear & Engineering of Cleveland, Ohio had a problem to solve -- how to vertically hold a large one-ton ring while their vertical turning lathe (VTL) was down -- and the customer needed the part ASAP. Working with the Engineers at Mitee-Bite Products in Ossipee NH, they came up with a solution. And less than 10 days after the initial call, Akron Gear was making chips.
Full Article |
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"Turning is My Life:" Shop Owner Turns a Hobby into a Successful Business
Wiesenfelden is a small, tranquil city in Bavaria, and the home of Edelstahl WM GmbH's new production facility, which was built at the beginning of 2020. With a wide range of equipment, the shop now handles multiple processes, including turning, milling, welding, grinding and measuring. Recently, the company purchased a new M35 MILLTURN from WFL to strengthen its focus on complex parts and to help them win future orders.
Full Article |
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Firearms Manufacturer Runs on "Field of Dreams" Philosophy
Most CNC job shops and manufacturing contractors secure work before purchasing new machines. Typically, this method makes it easier for management to schedule jobs on specific machines and allows for more flexibility. But an entrepreneurial father and son team had a different idea.
Full Article |
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Featured Sponsor |
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"Top 10" Most Read Product Spotlights |
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