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Why Are We Still Telling Customers What To Do?
Nobody Believes Us: Here’s why telling customers what to think and buy holds us back and blinds us to what we can learn by aligning our actions and messages with what customers really want and need from us.
Sight for Sore Eyes
Clearly, the right auto-darkening helmet boosts productivity and quality. Here’s how optical clarity defines helmet performance by providing users with vital eye protection and the ability to fully see the work . . . and that’s when work is done best.
Now is the Time to Automate Your Die/Mold Systems
Increasing demands for shorter lead times, improved quality and lower costs mean shop managers should seriously consider automation as an investment in long-term dynamic growth and flexibility.
Small Issue, Big Impact
Though proper storage of MIG guns and consumables might seem like a small issue, especially in a large shop, it can greatly affect your costs, productivity and weld quality. Here’s why.
Three Tricks to Keep Punching Performance at Its Best
There is still a place for punching in fabrication, and here are some practices and applications to get the best performance out of your punching equipment.
Documented Cost Savings for Abrasives
Rather than focusing only on energy savings or reducing costs associated with large equipment, manufacturers that are looking for potential savings in their plants should take the time to investigate just how much money they could save by switching out an abrasive. In doing so, they should evaluate fully how labor costs tie into the equation.
Dealing with Non-Competition Agreements – from Both Sides
Non-compete agreements are increasingly a part of employment contracts and employment at will, and employers and employees must learn to deal effectively with them. Here are some key aspects of non-competition agreements that must be addressed, from both the employer and employee perspective.
The Myth of the Perfect Process
Like so many things involving risk reduction in safety, trying to implement a safety system through statistical process control is theoretically possible, but practically impossible. Here’s why.
So You Want To Make The Right First Impression
Every day is first impression day: The best way to make the right impression — to show who you really are — is by focusing on those you want to influence.
Up for Grabs
Guest columnist Dean Dueck of Vidir explains how the rack and pinion drives, simplified controls architecture and ergonomic loading/unloading design of the latest generation of automated vertical lifts for sheet metal storage enable smaller shops to improve safety and minimize downtime.
Wire EDM Maintenance
Many items must be properly addressed to keep a wire EDM machine in top operating order for the best productivity and reliability. Reviewing these on a regular basis ensures that the machine it being properly maintained as a proactive preventive measure.
Gaining Efficiencies by Increasing Welding Wire Size
The time and energy it takes to make the conversion from smaller-diameter wire to a larger one could save countless hours and improve quality. Here are several initial steps that are necessary to make the conversion.