Opportunity is blowing in the wind for many auto parts makers. With automakers slumping, many auto parts makers and suppliers have to look elsewhere for work. Currently more than 500 Michigan moldmakers and manufacturers are doing some kind of wind energy work and in many cases are still auto parts suppliers. […]
In an educational seminar prior to an ISO certification effort, a training instructor recounted the story of a quality guru telling a group of automotive executives that they were going to produce a zero defect car. After the predictable response of smirks and snorts, Alright! how many defects are enough? Do you want to make [...]
Waterjet cutting is one of today’s most versatile and fastest-growing technologies. It uses a high-pressure stream of water with an abrasive—such as garnet—to cut. Waterjet can cut virtually any material including glass, ceramic, wood, stone, plastic and rubber. This versatility is highly appealing to shops that are seeking diversification because it allows them to fill [...]
In the marketplace today there are probably as many styles and types of sales engineers as there are people, but for the purposes of this discussion we will focus on four basic types. Of course, there are many blends of these four and finding balance in them is critical to filling this position appropriately. [...]
Automation work cells such as insert molding, box filling and in mold labeling/decorating can all be built with greater reliability and simplicity for a lot less money with proper mold design. Even simple automation—such as sprue removal or pick-and-place—can benefit from early discussion about the requirements between the toolmaker and automation supplier. […]
Here are tips for steering your business through the economic downturn: 1. In business only the strong survive. […]
Following is a list of seven daily habits to include—the most mentioned, or in some cases, the most vehemently defended. Here they are in order of frequency: […]
However, a major obstacle facing businesses during this current, recessionary climate is the difficulty—and sometimes downright inability—to secure the funding required for the purchase of capital equipment. […]
The 32-cavity mold landed on our bench and looked like any other mold than had been run hard and put away wet. It was covered in grime and resin dust and after a 90-mile truck ride, was still dripping water out of every fitting. The only information we had was a verbal comment that “It [...]
Moldmakers were the first wave of manufacturers affected by the outsourcing trend that pushed manufacturing into China. But now we’re seeing that business is coming back . Culture and geography have helped provide a temporary stay for domestic moldmakers. […]