Monitoring the State of Tool Monitoring
By: Mark Albert
Digital technology that enables tool changes to be triggered by data-driven predictions of tool wear rather than part counts also is opening the door to other opportunities for optimizing production. A look at in-the-field applications shows that advanced tool monitoring is a step toward plant-wide digitalization.
Bold, Insightful Leadership Defines Manufacturer’s “DNA”
By: Mark Albert
At its core, this highly successful contract manufacturer is a tool and die shop. Its founder, who has the heart and soul (and mind) of a tool maker, imbued his company with the values and the versatility of a tool room. This is his lasting legacy.
#workforcedevelopment
Online Store for EDM Wire Gives Small Shops A Boost
By: Mark Albert
Online ordering of a small number of EDM wire in spools encourages small shops to use premium wire types for faster cuts, better results and overall lower cost.
Keeping Good Habits Takes Constant Attention
By: Mark Albert
Living a culture of continuous improvement, relying on data and maintaining a strong machine lineup help this valve manufacturer stay fit.
#topshops
Team Thinking Helps Donson Machine with Nickel Alloy Ventilator Part Production
By: Mark Albert
This shop has taken unusual steps to draw on its strengths as a well-equipped machining facility with a skilled workforce to match.
#topshops #covid-19
Ruby the Riveter and a Reminder for the Times
By: Mark Albert
During WWII, Ruby Shuman helped repair bombers. Her memories have a lesson for a country facing a crisis today.
#covid-19
Coping with the Coronavirus — One Shop Manager’s Thinking
By: Mark Albert
This president of a machining job shop is preparing for the situation to last and focusing on communication and a positive environment for employees.
#covid-19
The Coronavirus: Tips to Keep Manufacturing Employees Safe
By: Mark Albert
To minimize interaction, reschedule the work day to place a buffer between shifts.
#covid-19
CNC Machine Shop Captures Its Conversations
By: Mark Albert
This shop found a way to make job quoting a better, faster process. The next step was improving shop communication.
The Three Pillars of Reliable Machine Shop Productivity
By: Mark Albert
This shop looks for a systematic convergence of three disciplines in production management.
#leanmanufacturing
Manufacturing as a Soul-Satisfying Experience
By: Mark Albert
Many shops acknowledge a spiritual dimension to the business of making things. This awareness of a “higher calling” gives a boost to creativity, productivity, quality, ethics and teamwork.
A New Quality Standard You Need to Know About
By: Mark Albert
The Quality Information Framework (QIF) helps connect product data with process data in emerging data-driven environments.
