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    Highlights

    In the 21st Century smart companies are leveraging the inventiveness ingenuity creativity and ldquotricks of the traderdquo to be found in their remaining workforce drawing on these resources to launch new products and services
    Opinion

    Tapping the Last Reserve of Growth Potential

    May 21, 2015
    A final warning to manufacturers seeking growth opportunities in an age of limited resources Next wave of economic growth Workers’ skills, knowledge, abilities Training the trainers...
    If your focus has been on correction overproduction motion material handling waiting inventory and processing mdash you may be sabotaging your organization by being fashionably lean and ignoring human potentialtalent Your organization will struggle to fill the skills gap to grow market share production revenue and income stream
    Opinion

    Three Steps to Filling the Skills Gap

    March 17, 2015
    If you cannot leverage the talent in your organization you may be sabotaging your organization’s potential 20% versus 80% Marginal benefits > opportunity cost Capacity utilization...
    According to the revised NLRB rules all questions about a voting unit Who is in it Who is eligible to vote will be deferred until after the election Ballots will be counted before those questions are answered Only if they affect more than 20 of the employees voting will they be considered
    Finishing

    Dealing With NLRB’s Ambush Election Rules

    Feb. 18, 2015
    The federal labor-relations agency has changed the rules on unionization votes, and metalcasting managers should not be caught unaware when the organization effort starts. Notifications...
    Image
    Molds/Cores

    Costs and Consequences in Buying Used Equipment

    Jan. 28, 2015
    There are times when used equipment is a good financial strategy, and there are other times when it makes no sense. Determining real cost Evaluating condition, performance prospects...
    Robotics and simulation software plus 3D printing can change the cost structure for metalcasting deemphasizing tooling and inventory and raising the importance of product design and cloudbased purchasing and distribution
    Simulation/IT

    Prepare Your Technology Strategy for 3D Printing, Robotics, and the Cloud

    Jan. 27, 2015
    Combining new technologies will accelerate the business, improve quality, and expand offerings. What is your velocity? Change the rate of acceleration Dropping design cost Making...
    A CAD iteration of a finished part prior to 3D printing of a prototype or pattern
    Simulation/IT

    Why 3D Printing Belongs in a Foundry

    Feb. 20, 2014
    New tools offer advantages to the old ways of making a metal part, sometimes making the metal part directly.
    CMH Mfg.
    The CMH Manufacturing 3R machine with robotic automation
    Melt/Pour

    A New Tilt-Pour Casting Machine

    Feb. 11, 2014
    No more tie bars... Core placement, ladling, casting extraction, and more... Simple, but sophisticated... Improve material handling, inventory, scheduling, and more
    A properly sized furnace will accommodate ldquoreasonablerdquo production increases ensure that melting and holding are optimal and still a buffer of capacity for ldquocatching uprdquo after cleaning and maintenance
    Issues and Ideas

    Melting/Holding Efficiency in Shaft Furnaces

    Jan. 17, 2014
    European, other influences Before ISO … Furnace sizing Melting on demand Assess current melting needs
    Image
    Melt/Pour

    Metalcasting Growth Strategies V: Making Your Foundry Strategy Work

    July 19, 2013
    Strategy as a process Balanced score card Proactively include customers Re-examine customers’ perspectives Constantly re-evaluate, challenged Becoming strategy-focused