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
Gold has industrial, commercial and financial uses. The price of gold has been rapidly increasing over the past couple of years. Industrial Uses As a
The 1930’s were marked by the Great Depression. However, many manufactured inventions and manufacturing methods were developed in the 1930’s. Notable Manufactured Inventions from the
A great deal of copper is used in medical equipment. From equipment like MRI machines to copper tubing that carries medical gases. Hospital facilities also
Medical devices that help the world seem to be invented every day. Devices like MRI machines, joint replacements and robotic surgeries. We did some research
Companies such as Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson and Abbott Laboratories lead medical device manufacturing in the USA. Combined, these companies had over $88 billion in
The job outlook for CNC machinists, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), does not appear to take into consideration current efforts to reshore some
There are many challenges to consider when selling a small business like a CNC machine shop or metal fabrication shop. Common Challenges There are common
Materials recycled by CNC machine shops are dependent on the types of products that the shops manufacture. However, common materials include steel, aluminum, copper and
We recently manufactured an order of custom terminal block screwdrivers. There were two sizes, both of which would be used by our customer’s field service
Major manufacturing stories and trends for 2024 are useful for planning for 2025. We investigated and now offer a perspective from a CNC machine shop.
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
