American Machine Tool Distributors' Association
AMTDA has retooled, restructured and completely redone their Web site. The even have a new URL (www.amtda.org). The site is built for growth, and contains many new features, including a partnership involving the powerful techspex online database of machine tools. A must-see on the Web for anyone looking for, or interested in, machine tools.
AMTDA's machine search powered by techspex offers a remarkable utility for research-minded machining professionals, with searchable and browsable lists across eight machine categories, distributor and geographic atrributes, and more. RFQs may also be submitted through the AMTDA/techspex engine. As techspex continues to expand its data and related services, so too does the AMTDA site grow for manufacturers as a valuable research tool.
GlobalSpec
GlobalSpec is a conduit between engineers or technical buyers and suppliers of parts and services. This site offers up sources through part databases, suppliers listings, and searches based on product name and specification. You'll find categories running the range from Test/Measurement and Flow Transfer to Motion Control and Manufacturing Equipment.
The GlobalSpec model works on the "Supplier Pays, Buyer Free" premise. If you are looking for a source, you have to register to get to the info you need (but it is "free"). If you're supplying a part or service, you're probably going to have to pay to be seen at the level you deserve.
And now, GlobalSpec has created their own search engine, called the Engineering Web. Forget the hype - GlobalSpec has, in fact, created a Google-like search engine that is self-indexing and effective, but only returns manufacturing-related sites. In other words, it ignores the stuff outside metalworking, so when you search on "grinding," you'll what you're looking for, without the "kink." Bookmark this site, and do it now.
Machine Tool Help
This very ambitious site launched in early 2005 is dedicated to the selection, application, management and operation of machine tools. Here you'll find sections on nearly every aspect of the machine tool -- purchasing, automation, installation, applications, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. Machinetoolhelp.com also aspires to create an impressive collection of links to machining-related sites and forums.
Machine Tool Help
This very ambitious site launched in early 2005 is dedicated to the selection, application, management and operation of machine tools. Here you'll find sections on nearly every aspect of the machine tool -- purchasing, automation, installation, applications, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. Machinetoolhelp.com also aspires to create an impressive collection of links to machining-related sites and forums.
Machine Tool Selector
Machine Tool Selector is a comprehensive database of machine tool specifications, powered by a sophisticated search engine. By entering your technical machine parameter requirements, in as much or as little detail as you like, you can produce a list of all available machines based on your criteria. The MTS database contains over 8,000 machine tools from more than 650 builders worldwide, and stores up to 50 technical parameters for each of 43 metal cutting machine categories. Plus, MTS contains commercial and support data from local distributors. Subscriptions are required to get to all data.
With a new URL (http://www.machinery.co.uk) and an expanded scope (including forums, news, technical content and auctions), the former Machine Tool Selector is taking a more editorial tack.
MotionNET.com
According to MotionNET, their "goal is to provide engineers and buyers with the most efficient, direct and practical sources available, including products, manufacturers, distributors, standards and reference information." Fair enough. But what this doesn't adequately explain is the value this site brings to machining professionals' online research experiences. This site is one of the very best online directories anywhere; lists of manufacturers, the most incredible lists of manufacturing-related Associations to be found anywhere, and an astonishing wealth of research and reference tools under their Quick References title. Regardless of your station in machining or manufacturing, as a manager or professional, you will find immense value in this site. Indeed, in this case, it ain't the mass, it's the MOTION.
PARTserver
Well, they got the "PART" part right. PARTserver is a bit of a mixed bag. Part free, part for-pay, and part "try before you buy," this site offers catalogues and examples of standard parts CAD files from a variety of sources, including many major parts supply businesses. The site is maintained jointly by entities in Germany and Cincinnati, Ohio; some areas of the site are in English, while others (like the forum, unfortunately) are exclusively in German. Pity, because the forums are extensive and run the course of CAD and CAM packages, and would be a welcome addition to the English-speaking, manufacturing and machining Web. That said, if you're looking parts, this site is worthy of your attention.
techspex
Techspex, the online machine tool specification database that presents over 4500 machines and products from over 450 builders/suppliers has returned from a bit of a hiatus, and metalworking professionals ought to be thrilled.
The ol' standby for machine tool specs has left VerticalNet and is back on its own, loud and proud. You'll still find the same quality and thoroughness techspex built their reputation around, as well as the same ease-of-use and dependability of the site. And techspex is on a great growth track, with over 7,000 machine tools represented — and counting.
UPDATE: You'll find that techspex has retooled their site with a fresher look (as they present their specifications) and improved performance. If you're to that stage of research that requires specs for machine tools, you've gotta check out "Nickenem."
Thomas Register
The old standby for locating manufacturers in the United States came online in a big way a few years back. Today, they've made available an excellent database of suppliers and manufacturers in every conceivable industry. Registration is required for access to some information, but you can find a lot once you do.
And Thomas has steadily added to and expanded their ancillary services to provide one of the (if not the) most efficient, effective online experiences for manufacturers. Surprised? Don't be. What did you expect from the folks that helped invent "supply chain" in the first place?