Big Features–Small Investment
Dollar for dollar, SEYI delivers more features with greater quality than any other press manufacturer. We build functionality, dependability, and affordability into every machine, assuring that you get maximum productivity and profit from your stamping operation. For mechanical presses up to 4,000 tons, SEYI represents the industry’s best value. For more information, visit www.seyiamerica.com.
SEYI PRESSES, INC.
931.455.7700 more about the sponsor
Exedy America Uses Coating on Stamping Tools Instead of Lubrication
We tried TD & TiCN. FortiPhy™ Ultra Endurance™ coating provided 3 times more parts run with no recoating or downtime. We expect the coated draw ring to run 750,000 parts before recoating. more about the sponsor
Bohler-Uddeholm—Your Source for Powder Metal Tool Steel
For more than 80 years, Bohler-Uddeholm has been proudly serving Toolmakers with Quality Tool Steel and Superior Service. With locations across the country, we offer a vast local stock of Powder Metal Tool Steel in all grades and sizes. When quality and reliability are paramount, look no further than Bohler-Uddeholm. Call us today at 1-800-638-2520 or click here. more about the sponsor
Fein Angle Grinders: A Revolution in Power
FEIN’s new angle grinders feature the first switchless Tip Start operating system. These grinders are more compact and easier to handle than most. They also generate less vibration making them a must for continuous use. Check one out yourself by visiting www.feingrinders.com more about the sponsor
FUTURE ISSUES
August
Coil and Blank Handling
Press Brakes
Tool Steels
September
Pressroom Technology: Lubrication
Focus on Tool and Die: Turret Press Tooling
IMTS 2010
October
FABTECH 2010, including METALFORM Technology Area
Resistance Welding
In-Die Feed/Assembly
Mexican Company Creating Michigan Jobs
The coming expansion of a technical development and testing facility in Auburn Hills, MI, owned by Mexican automotive supplier Katcon, is a nice turn of events for Michigan’s stressed automotive economy. Katcon, a supplier of catalytic converters, exhaust modules and complete exhaust systems, including mufflers, formed and bent pipes and catalytic-converter components, operates numerous production facilities around the world, including two in Mexico, and another technical center in Luxembourg.
The firm purchased Delphi’s global exhaust-system business last year, and plans to invest $3.7 million in its Michigan technical center, including the employment 35 new workers within five years, according to briefing memos from the Michigan Economic Development Center (MEDC). The MEDC awarded Katcon a $534,633 tax credit over the next seven years for its investment.
Survey Shows Tier Two Suppliers Drew the Short Stick
A recent A.T. Kearney study shows that since 2005, Tier One automotive suppliers have increased the time between when they receive parts to when they pay for said parts by 21 days. In 2005, the payment delay to Tier Two suppliers averaged a reasonable 26 days; today it’s swelled to 47 days.
I recently blogged on this despicable situation and included one supplier’s take on how to deal with the resulting cash-flow restrictions. Take a moment, please, to read and respond.
How Relevant is the Training at Your Company?
According to a survey conducted earlier this year in the UK, 88 percent of employers find training important, and 61 percent pledge to increase the amount of training provided to staff. They say that training enhances employee skills (88 percent) and boosts morale and loyalty (63 percent).
At the same time, the survey finds that workers view the ability to receive training as a key benefit that they would look for in a new job (78 percent). However, more than half find that the training they receive consists of irrelevant content and out-of-date information. They also complain that the quality of their trainers is poor.
So, I wonder: How relevant and valuable are the training programs at your company? Please take a moment to register your views on our latest website poll.
And, on a related note, I recently discovered the following post from a company CEO on the website of HR Magazine, and thought I’d share it with you here. The post was in response to an article in the magazine where the author had argued for continued government support for manufacturing training.
"As an employer, I want well-educated people who have the skills to learn. On that basis I would suggest that the government cease all funding for industrial training and redirect the funds to technical and academic education. You give us bright, motivated people who understand the basics of a subject and we will train them in the skills to do the job. That doesn’t mean that they all have to have degrees. We want doers, thinkers and potential leaders, and sometimes all three."
Please share your perspectives on this topic with me via e-mail.
Productivity-Improving Obstacles Fall Like Dominos
...thanks to new press controls installed on 10 coil-fed progressive-die presses.
• Production efficiency: Up 30 percent
• Die crashes: Slashed by 75 percent
• Die-repair costs: Down 60 percent
Coatings Enhance the Diemaker’s Craftsmanship
Die coaters Richter Precision and Teikuro approach the metalforming market from somewhat different angles, with both committed to enhancing their die-coating practices and products to ensure the 100,000th hit looks just like the first.
