PMPA SpeakingOfPrecision Blog--Knowledge Retention
By: Miles Free -Attendees at PMPA’s National Technical Conference learned that the demographic changes in our workforce are having a powerful effect on how the people in our shops find the information they need.
Member Profile: Vanamatic Company
Vanamatic is an innovative precision machining company that uses cellular manufacturing and lean practices.
About the Precision Machining Industry
By: Miles Free -The precision machining industry created $9,791,795,000 of product shipments that year.
Upbeat in Pittsburgh
By: Chris Koepfer -Production MachiningAt the end of April I had the opportunity to attend the National Technical Conference sponsored by PMPA.
Material Impacts on the Precision Machining Industry - April 2010
By: Miles Free -Prices of raw materials used to make precision machined products are up substantially, from 44% to 114% from March 2009 - March 2010 for 6 of the 7 materials we track. Low inventories, increasing demand and idled production facilities are among the factors involved here in North America, as are the historic iron ore agreement and continued high demand in China. Fuel price increases also impact freight, which is an important factor in our business. We will not be shocked to see monies paid for steel in May to be $80 per ton higher than they were in April based on already announced price increases and the current price on busheling.
Technical Member Profile: Hangsterfer's Laboratories
Hangsterfer’s Laboratories offers an array of metalworking fluids for manufacturers—more than 200 different products.
Safety and the Precision Machining Industry
By: Miles Free -The precision machining industry provides leading safety technology that makes a difference in our everyday lives: anti-lock brakes for our cars—check; air bag components—check; heat-treated bolts and fasteners for our seat belts and to hold those child seats in securely—check.In addition to automotive, we make parts used in the manufacture of food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and energy—four more industries where performance and safety are critical.
A Time for Action: Members Answer the Call
By: Rob Kiener -Over the past 9 months, when called upon, PMPA members have responded in record numbers by using the association’s online Action Alert system.