Supply chain issues, including the availability of raw materials, are one of the key challenges for manufacturers in 2022. This leads to inflation which is
Machine knurling is ideal for cylindrical products like knobs and handles. The machine knurling process produces a textured surface that improves the user’s grip to
Neon is used in manufacturing processes in gas or liquid form. Ukraine produces about 25% of the world’s neon. The current tensions in Ukraine could
We recently machined a batch of electrical cable assembly alignment tools for one of our customers. For this run, we started with tight tolerance low
The use of 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing (AM) is growing in the manufacturing industry. Over the past few years, we have seen our customers
Chatbots are computer programs or software applications used to simulate conversations with human users. It eliminates contact with a human being. Are chatbots beneficial to
We recently worked with a customer to machine a custom curing plate made from MIC 6® aluminum. MIC 6 is made from a continuous cast
We recently read the book Start with Why by Simon Sinek. The book had many large company examples, like Apple and Southwest Airlines. We found
It should not come as a shock that China is the world’s largest producer of aluminum. They produced 36 million metric tonnes in 2019. China
Robotics use in small manufacturing job shops is not as common as robotics use in larger factories like auto manufacturers. Several reasons for this divergence
We recently had the opportunity to machine custom components for a cryogenic system. The small pins were made from 304 stainless steel. The pistons were
A China stimulus package can impact a small US precision machine shop by increasing demand for raw materials like steel, aluminum and copper. This can
We recently had the opportunity to machine components for an intake assembly associated with an organization doing research and development for artificial lift techniques in
Tariffs can have positive and negative impacts on CNC machine shops. Imported materials, products and machinery used by the shop that carry a high tariff
The NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) had a negative impact on US manufacturing jobs. What was NAFTA? NAFTA was an agreement signed by the
Industrial robots in manufacturing have been in use for many years. AI-enabled robots are being developed to improve industrial robots in manufacturing. The First Industrial
In NFIB’s (National Federation of Independent Businesses) small business survey of April 2024, the overall optimism index increased by 1.2 points from March. In terms
China is the leading EV battery manufacturer by country with approximately 57% of market share. The China-based company, CATL, has a 34% share all by
Manufacturing custom parts for a surgical technology teaching lab was interesting work. Most interesting was to learn how the parts were to be used. The
We have been a custom heatsink manufacturer serving Texas and Oklahoma for more than 35 years. We have business relationships with aluminum extrusion manufacturers and
We recently ran an order for custom 3D-printed cable-holding tools. It was a small order of 6. For us, small orders are typical for 3D-printed
The automation paradox is where systems have been automated for efficiency, and the human role has been reduced to monitoring and intervening. Although reduced, the
Merry Christmas from all of us at C & C Machine! We’ve had a pretty good year business-wise. Machining components for the energy sector were
Metal fabrication often requires custom punches and dies for punch press machines. Suppliers may be limited because of the small order volumes associated with custom
Manufacturing automation trends may negatively impact the job outlook for machinists, but positively impact the job outlook for other occupations. Manufacturing Trends in Automation The
