MFGmatch.net, one of the first marketplaces online intended specifically for the custom manufacturing community announced today its latest focus is on helping businesses in Maine and throughout New England compare local and national Machine Shops approved by AMSN at http://www.MFGpartners.net.

MFGmatch said the e-marketplace increased its offerings from primarily US-based vendors specializing in a wide range of precision CNC machining services, conventional & manual machining lathing, precision metal machining, milling & turning, plastic fabrication, sheet metal work, custom precision machined parts manufacturing and other services for a broad array of industries.

Henry Griffin, spokesperson for MFGmatch.net, a division of metal machine shop specialists ILG said the company intends to launch a new campaign to reach a wider audience in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, Augusta, Biddeford and other areas throughout the Pine Tree State in alliance with the world renowned American Machine Shops Network at http://mfgpartners.net/metal-machine-shop

According to Mr. Griffin, the website focuses mainly on, but not limited to full-service facilities across the country capable of meeting the needs for a variety of made-to-order parts and components. Griffin said the addition of Maine Machining Shops enables the company to reach a wider audience in New England at
http://www.mfgpartners.net/shops/maine.html.

“MFGmatch is pleased to see the marketplace grow into a user-friendly resource for businesses in need of or offering CNC milling & turning, prototypes, product development, tooling & fixtures and precision parts in short and long production runs,” said Griffin. He concluded, “Manufacturers on the site are equipped with state-of-the-art CNC turning & milling centers, mills, lathes, horizontal & vertical machines as well as support equipment to meet the needs of various industries such as paper mills, automotive, woodworking machinery parts, fasteners & hardware, medical device components, electronic, aerospace, telecommunications, construction, general industrial, tooling, computing, fixtures, agricultural, military & defense as well as other applications.” Griffin went on to say much of the marketplace’s growth is due to its alliance with AMSN.

About MFGmatch.net

MFGmatch.net is the largest free-based custom manufacturing marketplace online for machine shops, product designers, engineers, foundries and other companies looking to buy and sell machined parts, precision components and other custom manufacturing services in local, national and international markets at http://www.mfgmatch.net/.

http://www.pacetoday.com.au/news/cnc-kernel-shakes-up-machine-tools-market

Leading manufacturing journalist, Thomas R. Cutler, recently profiled how E2, by Shoptech Software (www.Shoptech.com) is the leading Shop Control Software.

The feature article appeared in the current issue of Moldmaking Technology magazine. Cutler looked at the fact that mold manufacturing technology and scheduling software must enhance the quotation process. Specifically, any solution for mold builders must generate quick, accurate quotes as well as create detailed estimate re-caps of labor, overhead, material and outside services—toggle the profit margins and/or selling prices to win a competitive job.

Most mold manufacturers will need to crank out a quickie quote, and enter the details after the job is secured (often attaching drawings, bitmaps, jpegs or other files—and print them with the job packet). This type of quotation technology must allow firms to compare similar quotes or quote histories easily while seeing exactly what percentage of quotes turn into orders.

Calframax Technologies (Oldcastle, Ontario) specializes in molds for both thin-wall and industrial plastic containers for the food and packaging industry. Adopting an aggressive strategy of guaranteed customer satisfaction and for providing on time delivery of reasonably priced, top quality molds, the firm has grown continuously since opening its doors in 1995—more than doubling business revenue since that time and continues to add new customers.

Calframax operates more than 20 different machines—including CNC mills, CNC lathes, vertical lathe and more from Hass, Okuma and DMG—in its Ontario plant. After looking at all of the scheduling software available, Owner Ray Little needed to find software with a strong database and reasonable pricing. With a foundation in the contract manufacturing business, Shoptech Software has built an unmatched reputation by providing easy-to-use software for machine shops, job shops, and make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers. Setting the industry standard, E2 is the technology solution for managing shops regardless of industry sector or size.

Machine shops come in all sizes, from a one-person shop, to those with more than two hundred on staff. Some machine shops handle only small quantity orders, while others get into long-running production jobs. Regardless of size, the common reality of all machine shops is constant change from product quantities to delivery dates and countless other variables. E2, is specifically designed to easily handle these constant changes.

From quotes to orders to shipments, from materials to scheduling to quality, as wells as contact management and accounting functionality, E2 allows for improved efficiencies, greater flexibility, and improved profits.

E2 is for machine shops, job shops, fabrication shops, mold/die shops, screw shops, repair shops, service shops, captive shops, spring manufacturers, stampers, machine builders, and plastic injection molding manufacturers, to name a few.

Through a vast network of regional offices and training centers, and 24/7 technical service center, along with a total commitment to innovation and support, E2 is globally considered the authority of shop floor control.

Shoptech Software
www.shoptech.com
Paul Ventura
pr@shoptech.com
800-525-2143

http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=120466

Chicago, Illinois - As trade unions across the country battle with politicians to maintain their very existence the trade association AMSN is taking a different approach to bring work to U.S. manufacturers. The organization, established as the first social network for machine shops and specialty job shops introduced Tuesday morning 350+ US-based CNC manufacturing specialists as well as the debut of its Illinois Machine Shops Directory. The company said precision metal fabricators and other vendors on the site provide a wide range of customized products and services such as plastic fabrication, fabricated metal products, precision machining, precision CNC machining services, precision metal machining and other solutions for the plastic and metal fabrication industry serving the Illinois cities of Chicago, Springfield, Cicero, Peoria, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Waukegan and other locations throughout the Prairie State.
Those in need of Precision CNC Machining Services can submit an RFQ free-of-charge
AMSN also provides complete online marketing solutions for American based Precision Metal Machining shops and custom manufacturers.
Travis Whited, spokesperson for MFGpartners.net said the company is the only trade association and SEO firm with its own established network specializing in connecting buyers with suitable job shops in the United States. According to Mr. Whited, AMSN provided SEO for manufacturers, hand submitted directory submissions, optin email marketing, email list management and website design services for US manufacturers looking to increase their online visibility. Whited said the American Machine Shops Network has reviewed and profiled over 1,000 jobbing shops across the country and introduced the vendors to qualified buyers in national and international markets sourcing for machined components, parts and other custom-made items made from all types of metals and plastics.
“Illinois is a major industrial producer for the United States and plays an important role in the U.S. manufacturing sector and therefore, AMSN is pleased to introduce its latest offering from Illinois machine shops and vendors in the metal fabrication industry based in or around the great city of Chicago as well as Waukegan, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford, Peoria, Cicero, Springfield and other cities in the state,” said Whited. He added, “Whether a company is looking for precision metal fabricators or is in need of CNC manufacturing, fabricated metal products, precision CNC machining services, plastic fabrication, precision metal machining or other services, the American Machine Shops Network can help them find the ideal supplier based right here in the United States than can rival any foreign manufacturer.”
About MFGpartners
MFGpartners.net is home of the American Machine Shops Network (AMSN). The company specializes in promoting US-based manufacturers of machined parts and components as well as other custom manufacturers. AMSN is designed to help companies, inventors, engineers and others find the most suitable machine shop offering a variety of CNC machining, fabrication, prototyping, foundry casting and other contract manufacturing solutions. AMSN also owns MFGmatch.net, the leading custom manufacturing marketplace.

http://chicago.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?articletitle=As%20Union%20Leaders%20and%20Politicans%20Face-off%20The%20American%20Machine%20Shops%20Network%20Takes%20A%20Different%20Approach&newsid=242265&type_news=latest&s=sbcn

Midwest Precision announced that Mike Christopher has been named Controller. His 30 years of manufacturing management will help the company’s growth. Midwest Precision specializes in close tolerance CNC machining and assembly of all types of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel alloys, titanium and other engineered materials.

Midwest Precision announced today that Mike Christopher has been named Controller. Reporting to Wayne Foley, President of Midwest Precision, Mr. Christopher succeeds William Marlowe who is retiring after 25 years with the company.

Mike brings nearly 30 years of experience in financial and operations management in the manufacturing sector. Most recently, he served as Controller of Netshape Technologies. Prior to Netshape, Christopher served as Controller at Nova Machine Products, division of Curtiss Wright Corp. and held both Controller and Plant Manager roles at RB&W Manufacturing, division of Park-Ohio Corp. Mr. Christopher received a bachelor’s of Business Administration degree majoring in Accounting and Business Law from Ohio University.

“Mike brings critical expertise and a strong track record in financial controls, analysis and hands-on manufacturing experience that are crucial to the growth plans of Midwest Precision,” said Foley. “We are delighted to add someone with Mike’s skills and expertise to our management team.”

About Midwest Precision

Established in 1953, Midwest Precision, formerly known as Midwest Screw Products, is an AS9100 / ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of precision machined components and assemblies for the Aerospace, Defense, Power Generation and Engineered Industrial markets. The company is well-known for its innovative manufacturing engineering, value-adding capabilities including program management and expertise in precision machining and assembly of close tolerance materials including Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Nickel Alloys, Titanium and other engineered materials.

Midwest Precision was formed by former executives of International Motion Control, a global leader in industrial and aerospace motion control components and systems. Midwest Precision applies operational expertise and investment discipline to successfully grow industrial manufacturing companies.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/8/prweb8741599.htm

Okuma America Corporation has introduced a new line of linear pallet systems to complement their expansive selection of horizontal machining centers. Branded as AMPS (Automated Modular Pallet System), the new product line includes container (C) and magazine (M) product selections in a variety of sizes.

The Okuma AMPS C (container) can be configured with up to 2 containers, 2 Okuma machining centers and 2 load stations, handling as many as 24 pallets. The Okuma AMPS M (magazine) offers expandable capacity to 300 pallet locations, 10 machines and 4 work stations.

The advanced cell controller allows for unmanned operation and jobs can be buffered, ready to go to the machine regardless of operator availability. Okuma’s control “wizard” interfaces simplify complex operations and aid the operator in set-up and programming of the system. Control room views are color-coded to provide at-a-glance views of the cell’s status enabling the operator easy control of operations.

Sales and service of the new AMPS product line will be handled by Okuma’s extensive distributor network, ensuring the same premium service for AMPS as for the rest of Okuma’s CNC machine tool products.

Product information can be found on the Okuma website at http://www.okuma.com/products/pallet-systems/. Contact your local Okuma distributor for pricing and availability.

New Okuma AMPS C

Okuma has been a leader in horizontal machining centers for years. Now we offer manufacturers one source for their machining and pallet handling needs. They get improved efficiencies from one sales, service and support staff.

About Okuma America Corporation:
Okuma America Corporation is the US based affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in the development of computer numeric controls (CNC) and machining technology, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. Known for its technology leadership and world-class manufacturing, product quality and dedication to customer service, Okuma strives to be the machine tool solution provider to manufacturers worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/6/prweb8595871.htm

Machine shops come in all sizes, from a one-person shop, to those with more than two hundred on staff. Some machine shops handle only small quantity orders, while others get into long-running production jobs. Regardless of size, the common reality of all machine shops is constant change from product quantities to delivery dates and countless other variables. E2, is specifically designed to easily handle these constant changes.

For Guthrie Machine Works, a sophisticated manufacturing software system is a must. Owned and operated by Chuck Perry, Guthrie is a leader in CNC manufacturing and screw machine products-and has been for over forty years. Guthrie offers full machining services, including screw machining, CNC lathe, as well as CNC milling and broaching with heat treating and assembly capabilities. Because emphasis is placed on quality, consistent time delivery, and strict adherence to customer specifications, Guthrie needs intelligent manufacturing software in order to run an efficient operation.

Guthrie Chose E2 Manufacturing Software
In 2003, Guthrie’s Machine Production Manager, Dan Parkhurst was looking for a way to modernize his shop. While his old DOS-based manufacturing software was working “okay,” he knew that he could do better by increasing the speed and ease with which he could enter, process, and ship his orders. To make these improvements, Dan chose to replace his outdated manufacturing software with our ERP software. Our ERP software offered quicker order entry and shipping functions, better tracking, as well as the ability to import data from his customers via the Internet.

Parkhurst has been very pleased with his manufacturing software. Quicker, more efficient order entry and shipping processes have saved him both time and money; and he can track shop operations much more accurately. His employees have found the manufacturing software easy to use, minimizing his start-up time. Shop reports generated by the ERP software have been a plus as well. Dan says that his reports are easier to generate and to understand, and he can determine exactly which reports he needs to run to monitor his operations.

“For anyone who has set up an MRP program, this was very intuitive and easy to set up and use,” noted Parkhurst.

E2, by Shoptech Software (www.Shoptech.com) is the leading Shop Control Software. With a foundation in the contract manufacturing business, Shoptech Software has built an unmatched reputation by providing easy-to-use software for machine shops, job shops, and make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers. Setting the industry standard, E2 is the technology solution for managing shops regardless of industry sector or size.

From quotes to orders to shipments, from materials to scheduling to quality, as wells as contact management and accounting functionality, E2 allows for improved efficiencies, greater flexibility, and improved profits.

E2 is for machine shops, job shops, fabrication shops, mold/die shops, screw shops, repair shops, service shops, captive shops, spring manufacturers, stampers, machine builders, and plastic injection molding manufacturers, to name a few.

Pocketview, the traveling command center, allows access to all critical business information, virtually anywhere in the world using a PDA. Pocket PC or mobile hand-held device allows shop floor operations and lean manufacturing team members to walk the floor collecting real-time data, send messages, and view the entire business enterprise and all mission-critical information.

Through a vast network of regional offices and training centers, and 24/7 technical service center, along with an total commitment to innovation and support, E2 is globally considered the authority of shop floor control.

http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=103810

B&R Industrial Automaton makes further strides in machine tool manufacturing with standardized system modules for CNC machines. This allows users to utilize the new CNC standard package and profit from numerous functions that are found on all CNC machines. Consisting of hardware components, all necessary software functions and the available simulation options, the new software package makes it possible to shorten development times and quickly implement automation processes.

Full range of CNC functions

Through complete integration of CNC, PLC and Motion control in one controller, the innovative complete solution from B&R combines excellent dynamics with the highest level of precision for process movements and ensures increased machine throughput while simultaneously increasing quality. The function modules in the standard CNC package are designed to provide all important functions for CNC processing machines. Users can take advantage of all basic functions for operation, configuration and diagnostics of the entire system, and in particular all the axes and CNC channels. The standard CNC package from B&R not only gives customers a quick start, it also gives them complete freedom to implement their innovations without the control system manufacturer having to provide custom programming, which ensures complete protection of their products.

Interpolation times in the microsecond range with full synchronization between the individual control programs produce the perfect basis for providing customers with high-performance solutions. Deterministic POWERLINK real-time communication ensures that the CNC axes and also all drive and I/O peripherals are synchronized to the interpolation clock and position controller cycle with an accuracy in the nanosecond range.

It’s possible to access the system functions in the Visual Components software. The preprogrammed visualization components include both “classic” components, such as parameter settings and movement program operation, as well as tools such as simulation, logging and process diagnostics.

CNC operator panel for intuitive machine operation

The heart of the CNC package is a 15″ panel in portrait format, based on a Power Panel 400 with additional integrated operating elements. Programmable function and navigation keys make it easy to control the visualization system, and a navigation wheel can also be used for input elements on all pages of the visualization application. Six preset page selection keys provide the user quick access to the main pages allowing menu items to be reached faster.

The CNC panel is complemented by a handheld device. This makes it possible for the machine operator to move freely around the machine and make required entries at the ideal location. Machine processes can be easily controlled using a handwheel and additional operating elements.

http://www.designworldonline.com/articles/7002/249/CNC-Standard-Package-for-Machine-Tool-Manufacturing.aspx

The machining industry in the U.S. and overseas have been going to IndustrialSAVER to buy and sell new and used machinery since 2004, according to the company. Today the online B-to-B marketplace introduces its latest offerings for machine shop tools and equipment in partnership with ForeignTRADEX at http://www.foreigntradeexchange.com/suppliers/machine_tools.html. The company said the site includes various CNC machines, cutting tools, metalworking saws, grinders, lathes and other machine shop tools.

According to IndustrialSAVER spokesperson Richard Milton, the marketplace connects manufacturers, dealers, distributors and other suppliers of manufacturing machinery and equipment with national and international buyers at http://www.worldwideindustrialmarketplace.com/directory/machinery_semiconductor.html. Milton said recent additions to the site include plastic manufacturing machines, roll formers, rolling mills, toolholding and workholding equipment, bar machinery, boring mills, forging and automated machines, shearing, cutting, measuring and CNC machinery as well as allied products of American and international brands.

“IndustrialSAVER has been committed to become the leading worldwide marketplace for buying, selling, trading and liquidating new, used, rebuilt and surplus machines for the metalworking and plastic manufacturing industries,” said the 42 year old Milton. He concluded, “With its latest machine shop tools offerings the site continues to grow as the premier resource for the international manufacturing community sourcing or selling machinery and tools to produce a broad variety of OEM and custom-made parts, components and other items.”

About IndustrialSAVER

IndustrialSAVER, a division of Industrial Leaders is an international online B2B marketplace for companies looking to buy and sell industrial supplies, equipment and machinery. Users are able to post and explore offerings for a wide range of industrial products and manufacturing services and other solutions for the industrial marketplace.

This news release was distributed by IndustrialPR.net, http://www.industrialpr.net

http://www.pr.com/press-release/226580

(Business Wire) Ardisam, an innovative designer and manufacturer of outdoor products since 1960, is consolidating manufacturing to one central location and is selling surplus manufacturing and support equipment and products at auction Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 10 a.m. on-site at 1733 Industrial Boulevard in Cumberland, Wisc., Plant #6.

Maas Companies Inc, of Rochester, Minn., a specialist in selling and managing of plants, equipment, real estate and special assets will conduct the auction.

The auction inventory includes: late model CNC milling machines and support machines, welders, embroidery machines, forklifts, crane, rolling stock, four Peterbilt semi tractors and trailers, 60-foot mobile office trailer and a Beechcraft six-passenger airplane. Also for sale is surplus merchandise, including new log splitters, snow blowers, ice augers, garden tillers, sidewalk edgers, ice fishing huts and additional items.

Maas Companies will sell items piecemeal by individual lots. Buyers will have the option of bidding onsite or live via the Internet.

Potential buyers are encouraged to attend the following open houses:

Details of the sale are available on the auction website at www.maascompanies.com or by contacting the auction company directly at (507) 285-1444.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/ardisam-inc-selling-surplus-manufacturing,1248713.shtml

Mills CNC has announced that its Smart Options machine tool rental scheme, which is available on all new Doosan machines, is being increasingly used by precision manufacturers.

The Smart Options rental scheme, administered and managed by Mills CNC Finance, the independently operated machine tool finance arm of Mills CNC, was launched in July 2009 and has, to date, seen eight UK and Irish companies take out rental agreements on new Doosan machines.

Ian Barber, manager of Mills CNC Finance, said: ‘The majority of our Smart Options business has been with SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises].

‘In all cases, our rental scheme has helped these companies manage to square what, for them, was a difficult but not atypical circle.

‘A significant number of precision manufacturers are busy; they are working flat out and their order books, at least in the short-to-medium term, are healthy.

‘To help cope with this work, many of these companies ideally would like to invest in a new Doosan machine tool as a route to increasing their manufacturing capacity and capability, enabling them to complete manufacturing contracts more quickly and efficiently,’ he added.

However, according to Barber, some companies are reluctant to commit to what they consider to be long-term financial commitments - in other words, investing in a new machine tool via a bank loan, traditional hire purchase or operating lease arrangement.

As a result of this, Mills CNC decided to launch the Smart Options rental scheme, which comes with a number of elements.

The first of these is that the rental of a new Doosan machine must be for 12 months, in the first instance.

Towards the end of the 12-month period, manufacturers have a choice to make: they can return the Doosan machine tool to Mills CNC; they can extend the rental period for a further 12 months; or they can buy the machine and get 100 per cent of the rental payments already made refunded against the original price of the machine.

Smart Option rental payments are GBP30 (monthly repayments) per GBP1,000 and these are combined with the scheme’s ‘No deposit required’ condition.

Machine tool delivery, installation and training are included in the price.

One company that has taken advantage of the Smart Options scheme is Kenard Engineering, a Dartford-based precision subcontractor.

It acquired a Doosan HP 5100 horizontal machining centre in September 2009 via the Mills rental scheme.

Matt Cornford, operations director at Kenard, said: ‘We needed additional milling machine tool capacity quickly to help us fulfil a short-term [eight-month] manufacturing contract that we had won.

‘However, as the contract was finite, we didn’t want to be tied to any long-term financial commitments, which would have been the case if we had decided to purchase a new machine tool.

‘Instead, we decided to rent a new Doosan horizontal [the HP 5100] via Mills’ Smart Options scheme, which gives us the flexibility to hand back the machine to Mills if the short-term contract is not renewed - or to either continue with the rental arrangement for a further 12 months or buy the machine outright depending on what our manufacturing requirements are further down the line.

‘Smart Options gave us instant access to a high-performance machine and, once the rental agreement was signed with Mills, the new HP 5100 machine was installed at our Tewkesbury facility in days,’ he added.

Barber continued: ‘We can work with and help customers consolidate existing finance agreements by, say, extending the terms of a pre-existing arrangement and, as a consequence, reduce a customer’s monthly outgoings.

‘We also work with customers to free up equity capital that they may have tied up in their existing machine tools.

‘By doing this, we can help them find the deposit for a new machine tool or help them restructure their existing financial arrangements so that cash flow and access to working capital is not adversely affected,’ he said.

Mills CNC Finance is not tied to any particular lender so customers can access a range of funding/finance packages and deals on the market.

The company offers flexible terms that can include: low start options; holiday periods; no or low deposit options; and VAT deferments.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/mil/mil193.html