Targeting the Skills Gap in Forming and Fabricating July 24, 2020 As in other industries, U.S. forming and fabricating companies are experiencing a critical shortage of skilled labor. In this SME Media podcast, Alan Rooks, Editor in Chief of Manufacturing Engineering magazine, talks with Robert Tessier, National Director of Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Airgas about the skills gap in the forming and fabricating industry; changes needed in the education system to fill the need for skilled labor; how automation factors into efforts to reduce the skills gap; and efforts at Airgas to develop workers for manufacturing operations, including a special program for military veterans.
Deburring in Forming and Fabricating: Part 2 June 18, 2020 Because it is a production cost, reducing the need for deburring can help the bottom line. In this podcast, part two of two, Alan Rooks, Editor in Chief of Manufacturing Engineering magazine, talks with Dr. LaRoux Gillespie, a researcher, engineer, manager, consultant, and writer with an extensive knowledge base on deburring and finishing. In this episode, the discussion focuses on ways to reduce deburring costs in forming and fabrication operations, such as improving product design; preventing burrs; minimizing burr properties; and removing burrs during the main fab process. Also discussed are how shops can determine if deburring or edge finishing is needed, and how they can choose among the 124 different deburring processes.
Optimal Machining Concepts For Aerospace -- Program The Part Not The Machine April 10, 2020 In this podcast discussion with Rick Schultz of FANUC America and Bruce Morey, Senior Technical Editor for Manufacturing Engineering Magazine, current practices in aerospace machining is dissected. Many shops today stick with the tried and true to reduce risk to schedule and profit, but that tried and true is stuck in the 1980s and 1990s. Rick discusses practical ways to get the most out of 21st century machining technology, by programming for the part and not the machine.
AM Eases Defense Supply Chain Challenges September 25, 2023 Discover how additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing the defense supply chain. Learn how 3D printing is saving costs, enhancing military readiness, and ensuring rapid parts replacement. From the battlefield to maintenance depots, AM is reshaping military logistics and boosting supply chain security.
Suppliers Meet New Challenges via Adaptable Technologies September 27, 2023 Discover how EDM, laser machining, and laser micromachining are reshaping the industry, allowing precision and efficiency without compromising material integrity.
Metalworking fluid management 4.0 is here August 30, 2023 Castrol’s SmartControl system is the new way to monitor and manage metalworking fluid (MWF), automatically and in real time.
Boise Cascade Expands Millwork Business with Acquisition of Brockway-Smith Company August 23, 2023 Boise Cascade's strategic acquisition of BROSCO signals a pivotal step in enhancing its millwork business and expanding its influence in the doors and millwork sector.
BioMADE: Catalyzing the Bioindustrial Manufacturing Revolution November 2, 2023 Securing America’s future through biomanufacturing innovation, education and collaboration
Machining Any Part, Any Time on Any Machine January 8, 2024 Not every contract manufacturer has the capability to quickly switch production between myriad parts, but that’s exactly the position FPD Co. is in thanks to Grob Systems Inc.’s automated five-axis machining.