September Industry Watch: Business

MIRO TOOL & MFG. (WAUKESHA, WI) . . .
hosted a Mitsubishi Waterjet Lunch & Learn event for local manufacturers interested in learning more about waterjet technology. More than 60 attendees were presented with both an overview and a more technical approach to waterjet machining. “The event was an opportunity for customers to see our supply chain at work,? commented marketing manager Patrick Simon. ?Our company has EDM, laser and waterjet technologies working together.?

Nicolas Giannotte, vice president of Mitsubishi Waterjet, gave a presentation on the business of waterjet machining and how it can be a lucrative investment. The company application team ran live product demonstrations and discussed application and programming tips with attendees. Miro Tool owner Jeff Brown added, ?This event was a huge success for both our companies. Customers learned more about how to integrate waterjet into their shops and we are now quoting more work on our waterjet.”

Miro Tool?s complete process manufacturing capabilities include engineering, prototyping, tooling, stamping, fabrication, welding, assembly and machining.
www.miro-tool.com, www.mitsubishi-world.com

B&A COMPANY, INC. (MILFORD, CT) . . .
was recently granted the prestigious AS9100B and ISO 9001:2008 certifications. Founded in 1965, the company supplies precision-machined aluminum, stainless steel and titanium parts to the aerospace industry in Connecticut and elsewhere. Family owned for two generations, B&A prides itself in supplying quality crafted parts delivered on time and has grown steadily over the years to currently employ 16 people. www.bacompany.com

EMERSON BEARING (BOSTON, MA) . . .
launched a new machine tools division to meet increasing demand and significant growth in this market. Marketing specialist Bob Piracini will lead the new machine tool team in assisting clients to determine which bearing technologies would be most suitable for their needs by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application.

Machine tool applications require bearings that are designed for rigid, high speed, high precision machine tool spindles. The new machine tool division manufactures super precision bearings, linear motion, timing belts, adhesives and sealants, ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings. As machine centers operate at higher speeds and demand greater levels of precision, new bearings made from advanced steels are recommended for extended bearing life and increased tolerances, or sealed bearings for harsh environments. The division has a staff of 22 and a 23,000 sq ft facility to manufacture bearings ranging in size from 3 mm to tunnel-boring 15 ft diameter giants. www.emersonbearing.com

BOLTON METAL PRODUCTS
(BELLEFONTE, PA) . . .
launched a newly redesigned website that allows users to easily navigate through a wealth of information, including product specifications, technical data and applications of fusible alloys (also known as “low melt alloys”). “Our website often serves as the first point of contact for our customers,” a company spokesperson said. “Therefore, we challenged ourselves to create an interactive portal and resource for customers to learn about our products. The new site also includes a request a quote/contact form.” www.boltonmetalproducts.com

DASSAULT SYSTÈMES SOLUTIONS
(VÉLIZY-VILLACOUBLAY CEDEX – FRANCE) . . .
announced that its long-standing academic partnership program at Ohio Northern University?s Department of Technological Studies has yielded positive results for both students and private industry as students convert their classroom teaching to real-world applications. Manufacturing technology students receive instruction in manufacturing and simulation using the Delmia Human, Robotics, DPM Assembly and Quest software, as well as Catia.

“Our students have the opportunity to learn these leading-edge, advanced digital manufacturing software applications, which has provided them with a significant advantage in their career placement,” said Paul Nutter, associate professor, Ohio Northern University. “Recent graduates have been hired by companies such as KTH Parts Industries, OEMs from the aerospace and automotive industries, plus many of their tier-one suppliers.” Key to the program?s success is the OEM and supplier projects assigned to student teams, providing them a chance to see how digital technologies can impact real-world manufacturing.

A recent project for auto supplier KTH Parts Industries (St. Paris, OH) required students to assess a robotic welding cell featuring two robots and a two-position turntable. To meet new production requirements, the current cycle time had to be reduced by at least 20 percent. After reviewing the equipment and current process, the student team developed a solution to reduce the cycle time from 28.5 sec to 21.5 sec through redistribution of the weld tasks and the addition of a third robot. Receiving the weld line layout from KTH, students created the workcell in Delmia Robotics, where they were able to create, simulate and verify their findings within five weeks of project start.

Partner companies to Ohio Northern University may take the information gained via the student projects and then develop it internally. In the case of the KTH welding cell, the student outcomes verified KTH?s own project direction, prompting the company to implement the solution, successfully resulting in zero overtime requirements as production throughput increased. “This partnership not only allows KTH to help students apply their knowledge, but it also provides us a great opportunity to hire these technically proficient engineers, positively impacting our company performance,” said Kevin Casanova, KTH manager of engineering. “These types of programs are critical for us to maintain a competitive edge.”
www.3ds.com, www.kth.net

NVISION, INC. (COPPELL, TX) . . .
created an online forum for engineers to discuss reverse engineering issues and problems, and receive answers to their questions. ?For more than 20 years, we have been in the forefront of using laser scanning technology for reverse engineering and inspection,? says Steve Kersen, president of NVision. ?Having scanned and reverse engineered a wide variety of components and assemblies for almost every industry imaginable via our engineering service division, we are keenly aware of the challenges faced by engineers involved in reverse engineering. ?We feel that we can offer, via this blog, a diverse range of information, tips and tricks and news that will be invaluable to those seeking assistance with their own reverse engineering projects or trying to make the most efficient use of their investment in 3D scanning equipment. With decades of experience in the field, we can help engineers find the most time- and cost-effective solution to their problem.” www.nvision3d.com, reverse-engineering-services-nvision.com/blog

PRAB (KALAMAZOO, MI) . . .
updated and expanded its website to provide visitors with more information and access to its diverse line of metal and fluid management equipment. ?Today?s recommenders and purchasers of processing equipment are using the Internet more and more for research and education,? said marketing director Tracy Swartzendruber. ?We?ve listened and are responding to our customers? requests for more detailed information and easier access to our broad range of solutions.” Specifically, visitors can now research by product line, challenge or application. In addition to updated content for its crushing, shredding, briquetting, wringing, conveying and related equipment, information on the fluid filtration line is now available. New forms allow visitors to easily request a quote or free test drive of solutions. The site also boasts an expanded video library and easy access to sales literature, all of which are available on-demand. ?Our goal in updating the website is to have the online experience match more closely with the ease and confidence customers have noted of their traditional (or offline) experiences with us,? said Swartzendruber. www.prab.com

AMERICAN PIPING PRODUCTS, INC. (ST. LOUIS, MO) . . .
successfully completed its ISO 9001 certification process and has been certified to ISO 9001:2008 by Bureau Veritas. By achieving certification, the manufacturer demonstrated that its quality management system is committed to continuous improvement. Further, the certification affirms the company’s commitment to conduct business in a thoroughly professional and consistent manner. Its quality management system ensures that its internal processes lead to unmatched product quality and distribution services across the globe. “The depth and breadth of our seamless steel pipe products bring inquiries. Our ability to provide these products with the highest level of service leads to long-term, mutually beneficial customer relationships,” said CEO Mike Phelan. “A quality management system certified by Bureau Veritas is recognized worldwide as a symbol of excellence. Our process system and the personnel performing these processes make us an industry leader. ” COO Al Rheinnecker adds, “As we continue to grow and add new facilities, it is critical that we maintain our process controls and great service reputation. ISO 9001 will help us maintain our intense customer focus across locations as we service the steel pipe and fittings market globally.” www.amerpipe.com

MACROAIR TECHNOLOGIES (SAN BERNARDINO, CA) . . .
launched its new Installation and Warranty Upgrade Program to demonstrate confidence in its products and its commitment to quality and service to customers. For more than fifteen years, the company has developed HVLS air-circulating fan products with quality, equipment life and service in mind. A family-owned manufacturer of high-volume low-speed (HVLS) industrial and commercial ceiling fans, the company combines technology with a unique application of the laws of physics to produce air-circulating fans for use in large industrial, commercial and agricultural/farm buildings. The large, slow-moving air mass produced by HVLS fans circulate air more efficiently than any other type of industrial or commercial fan and provide comfort, energy savings and reduced heating and cooling costs year-round. The versatile new program was designed with three options to meet the needs of all customers.

Option One includes installation of a new HVLS air movement system by a factory-trained-and-certified technician. Not only does this ensure high-quality installation, it also includes a 100 percent coverage guarantee for the first ten years the system is in operation. Option Two is designed for customers who have already purchased and installed their system. Once the system has been installed, within 60 days, a representative will inspect the installation and certify the fan. Not only does this ensure that the system is installed correctly and according to manufacturer specifications, including Article 15 compliance, it also includes a 100 percent coverage guarantee for the first ten years the fan is in operation. Fans are in compliance with FCC Article 15 when the controller is connected to the fan motor by no more than 25 ft of shielded motor cable. Option Three is designed for fans already installed that do not meet the requirements for Article 15 compliance. With a low annual fee, customers can ensure that their fan continues to perform at its maximum potential. Each fan will receive an initial quality inspection and receive a certification, allowing for a 100-percent coverage guarantee. All three options include one preventative maintenance inspection annually. www.macro-air.com

SAPA EXTRUSIONS-NORTH AMERICA (CHICAGO, IL) . . .
announced a $10-million project to expand casting pit operations at its Cressona, PA, plant. The project will add 100 million lb of additional annual capacity to Sapa?s total casting operations, which include cast houses in Spanish Fork, UT; Delhi, LA; Yankton, SD; Toronto, Canada and Cressona. Completion and start-up of the facility is scheduled for September 2011. Plant manager Richard A. Worst detailed some features of the new casting equipment, saying, ?The single holder, single melter pit will be dedicated to specialty alloys to develop innovative new chemistries that provide enhanced features for our customers. The new tilting holder and tilting SNIF offer easy cleaning and quick product changeover. By segregating its production from our existing double pit equipment, which is used for larger volume alloys, we realize significant production gains due to fewer size and alloy changes.?

The company announced that it taking this expansion step to address the tightening market for aluminum billet. According to Sat S. Adusumillli, director of technology and capital, ?We will continue to make significant investments to improve and expand our casting capacity at a time when demand for billet is increasing. Not only does this help to integrate our 13 extrusion operations in North American, it also insures our ability to provide our customers with competitively priced products.” www.sapagroup.com