Pete Zelinski, Executive Editor
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We published a column recently that made the case for speed. In manufacturing, speed might seem like an attribute that doesn’t have to be promoted, but in fact it does. Producing faster can improve the process in so many different ways that there is a danger of underrating the potential value of faster new equipment.

In the same way, there is a danger of underrating the potential value of improvements to a shop’s quality and inspection capabilities. At a recent technical conference, Peter Dickin of CAD/CAM software company Delcam made a case for quality. Improving a shop’s inspection technology or inspection procedures can save money in all of the following ways:

The company offers software for improving inspection capabilities.

1.) It can help the shop spot mistakes earlier and therefore correct them at lower cost.

2.) It can stop the shop from wasting time by machining parts that are already too far out of tolerance to be saved.

3.) It can reduce waste by improving consistency.

4.) It can allow the shop to pursue and win business from customers that have particularly demanding quality requirements.

5.) Finally, improved quality and inspection procedures can save the shop’s reputation by letting the shop catch and identify quality problems before a customer does.

The future of metalworking production is being prepared today. One person who knows this is Clem Fucci. He chairs the manufacturing technology program and works with students at the Westfield Vocational Technical High School in Westfield, Massachusetts. This is an institution that has achieved 100% placement of graduates over the past 10 years in fields including tool and die, precision machining, CNC machining, CNC service, CNC applications engineering and manufacturing engineering.

What can companies do to support institutions like his, in the hope of cultivating future employees? Mr. Fucci recently offered some thoughts:

1. Advise And Invest
He says, “We have an advisory committee made up of people from local manufacturing businesses. The committee is our connection to what area manufacturers need.” Companies should communicate with the members of committees such as this, he says. In addition, the school relies on direct support from local businesses for help with purchasing equipment. “New technology requires our students to think differently. We can not try to educate our students for the 21st century using 19th century technology.”

2. Open Up
“Education is key not only for students but also for local governments,” he says. “Our advisory committee has conducted plant tours for our school committees, city councilors and mayors to educate them on how important manufacturing companies are in our city. For example, 30% of all employment here comes from manufacturing companies. One fact that was brought out by one recent encounter between government and business was this: For every commercial aircraft that flies in the free world, $150,000 of it is manufactured here in Westfield. That caught the attention of our local political leaders. During the last 5 years, our mayor has bonded monies for the purchase of CNC equipment and a computer design lab.”

Marina Cricun, a manufacturing technology senior at the school, works at an EDM machine the school purchased with the proceeds from a golf outing involving local businesses and the local chapter of the NTMA.

3. Look For Win-Win
Could your business work with a local vocational institution in a way that would benefit you both? Mr. Fucci says some companies supplying metalworking technology have found a way. “We are a training center for CGTech’s Vericut software and Delcam's Featurecam software. This means that we host training sessions for manufacturing businesses that buy the software. In turn, we get the latest software at a reduced price for our students.”

I was in a plant recently where I was urged to read the book “Good To Great” by Jim Collins. The company had based some elements of its new manufacturing strategy on principles in this book about successful businesses.

Is there a book you have read that has shaped the way you look at your own manufacturing enterprise? Maybe the book has affected the whole company or maybe it has influenced just some vital part of the process.

What is the book and what insight did it give you?

Please share your thoughts on this topic. If we publish your response, you’ll receive your choice of one free book from the Hanser Gardner bookstore (https://www.hansergardner.com/metal/index.htm).

To respond, send your e-mail to Pete Zelinski (pzelinski@mmsonline.com)

A recent issue of MMS Extra asked, “Does everybody in your shop speak English? If not, what are you doing to make sure there are no breakdowns in communication?”

Adolfo S. Leal, Sr., of the Fabricated Products Group at H. C. Starck (Cleveland, Ohio) replied:

Even when spoken English is not the problem, there can be communication problems that are not evident at first. I once worked for a nuclear equipment manufacturer. I was a manufacturing engineer and I wrote the job instructions for the machine shop. I was working on a new design and I was careful to give very specific written instructions to the machinist about what to do and how to do it. I later went out into the shop to check on the progress, only to learn that the machinist didn't follow my instructions and just did "what we always did" in this operation. I was very put out since my written instructions were clear and specific. I looked at the machinist and said,"Can't you read?!" In the next instant, I was standing there with my mouth open and my foot squarely inserted into it. I was absolutely positive from his posture and his failure to respond that, indeed, he could not read! I apologized to him and I told him that I would work with him to get this machining problem resolved. I continued to work closely with him and we got to be good friends over time. I later convinced him to attend an "English as a second language" class.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video must be worth, like, a million.

Our video archive page has recently been expanded and redesigned. Find it at http://www.mmsonline.com/videos/

Watch for the August issue of Modern Machine Shop. Our special issue themed “Machining Today And Tomorrow” looks at manufacturing facilities that have taken a long-term view on machining in the United States.

Three companies profiled in this issue all consider the importance of using sophisticated manufacturing technology to be a given, but they have also embraced an additional priority to secure their long term success. Each of those priorities can be summarized in a word:

Insourcing. A valve maker saw clearly why it needed to take back control of its machining.

Throughput. An aircraft part supplier illustrates why the organization of equipment is at least as important as the equipment itself.

Training. A contract manufacturer is determined to no longer let machines go underused for lack of skilled employees. The company is creating an internal university.

Don’t miss this issue! Subscribe at www.mmsonline.com/subscribe

2007 Makino Die/Mold Expo: Sept. 25-27 Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Machining demos and expert speakers discussing ways to
improve sales, diversify customer base, and increase profitability.
www.makino.com/expo