Metal Formers Optimistic, Offers PMA Business Conditions Report

March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

Metal forming companies anticipate an improvement in economic activity in the next three months, according to the February 2023 Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report. Of those surveyed, 18 percent predict an increase in general economic activity, up from 11 percent in January, while only 19 percent anticipate a decrease in activity, down notably from 30 percent in January.

Webinar Series to Help Metal Formers Leverage Growth in the Mexico Market

PMA and MetalForming magazine’s Spanish edition will host a four-part Mexico Stamping Technology Webinar Series, from March 28 to April 6. This complimentary series, conducted in Spanish, will arm senior Mexico business leaders and their key technical staff with current information on numerous technology trends in the metal forming industry.

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Optimizing Connections: PMA United

“Our path as a company and our progress is intertwined with our involvement with PMA,” says Clips & Clamps President Jeff Aznavorian, PMA board chair for 2023. “I will continue to cheerlead for PMA—this organization represents the best of the best of metal forming companies.”

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MetalForming LIVE on the Shop Floor: Pressroom Automation, April 25

Set your calendar for MetalForming LIVE on the Shop Floor, taking place on April 25, which features interviews with executives from Clips & Clamps Industries (Plymouth, MI) and Sukup Manufacturing Co. (Sheffield, IA). Both companies will discuss their use of automation technology, and we’ll share videos from their pressrooms featuring robotic technology in action.

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OSHA Seeks Public Comments on Modernizing its VPP, Recognizing Safety-Conscious Employers

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is inviting the public and workplace-safety stakeholders to share their comments on how the agency can best honor companies that make exceptional commitments to workplace safety and health and encourage others to follow.

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Circle March 23 for PMA’s Die Protection Clinic

The PMA Live and virtual event: Die Protection Clinic, the industry’s premier source for die protection and in-die-sensing information and training, will be held at PMA headquarters in Independence, OH. Jim Finnerty, product manager of Wintriss Controls Group LLC, will detail the proper use of various die-protection control functions and identify the five most important factors to consider when selecting a system.

U.S. to Impose 200-Percent Tariff on Aluminum from Russia

The United States will impose a 200-percent tariff on aluminum and derivatives produced in Russia from March 10, the White House said last Friday, effectively a ban as it announced sanctions on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The United States also will apply a 200-percent tariff on aluminum imports of primary aluminum produced in Russia from April 10.

A Novel Approach to Apprenticeship Programs

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Ready for Viewing: Great Designs in Steel Agenda, Highlighting EV Architectures

It's time to start planning for Great Designs in Steel 2023, coming May 24. A preliminary agenda is now available, featuring keynote speakers Lourenco Goncalves, Cleveland-Cliffs chairman, president and CEO; and Chris Michaels, General Motors director of global body structures and integrated systems. Presentations are organized into three tracks—EV Architecture, Materials, and Welding/Joining/Manufacturing.

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From the March Issue of MetalForming

New Die Steel Reduces Wear on Form Details

…for this Indiana automotive manufacturer, prolonging tool life between sharpenings and reducing the amount of sharpening needed during maintenance.

CNC Punching: Positive Stop a Positive Advantage
…for coining, embossing, lancing and more, but just make sure to mind the tool sharpening.