Metalforming Matters

By: Peter Ulintz, PMA technical director An important requirement of any die operation is the proper alignment between all the working components. In stamping operations, accurate alignment is necessary to maintain proper clearances between punch and die steels. Cutting, punching and trimming operations require cutting clearances that are held within close limits. Because many stamping features are not symmetrical or totally round, cutting clearance usually is measured at one side of the cutting profile and specified as a “per-side” clearance. The amount of clearance applied and the sharpness of the cutting steels have a direct effect on the quality of the sheared edges. When the cutting clearances are small, press and die alignment becomes critical. If this alignment is not maintained properly, the punch and die details may contact each other and the cutting edges may be damaged. Clearances that are too tight will produce an edge defect known as secondary shear - sometimes r...

We have announced the winner for our 2015 Awards of Excellence in Metalforming.  Presented annually, the awards recognize the high standards of achievement set by the metalforming industry in the areas of design, safety, quality, training and education, process control, product development, and productivity. Winners were honored with a special plaque, commemorative flag and a cash prize on November 8, 2015, during the FABTECH tradeshow in Chicago, IL, and will be featured in the December 2015 issue of MetalForming magazine. We applaud the achievements of this year’s winners, who have dedicated themselves to continuous improvement of their products and services.  Award Winning Company Location Higgins-Caditz Design Award Quality Industries LaVergne, TN Pitcher Insurance Agency Safety Award Trans-Matic Mfg. Co. Holland, MI Zierick Manufacturing Corpor...

On October 26, the Environmental Protection Agency released the new standard for ground level ozone, the main component of smog. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Ozone (O3) lowers the requirement from the current 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb. In 2008, the EPA revised the 1997 standards from 80 ppb down to the current 75 ppb. The rule, which takes effect in 2017, requires states to submit plans to the EPA showing how they will reduce ozone emissions to comply with the new standards. This will include restricting economic activity, rejecting power plant permits, and blocking highway infrastructure projects. What exactly does this mean for manufacturers? A recent study showed that the new standard would reduce the U.S. GDP by $140 billion annually by restricting manufacturing and other economic activity in areas of the country that currently exceed the new ozone limit. That estimates to 1.4 million fewer jobs through 2040. Emission levels in ro...

By: Colleen Kettenhofen This November, I will be speaking at Precision Metalforming Association’s Executive Development Academy in Chicago. There, you will be hearing me share tools, tips and techniques for managing difficult people. If you’re thinking, “I need some help now !” here are a few tidbits to tide you over. In my book “Secrets Your Boss Isn’t Telling You,” I reveal seven magic “wands” if you will, for dealing with difficult people. During this upcoming holiday season, many participants in my keynotes on leadership have asked me for tips on dealing with difficult people in the workplace, and in general. Here’s one suggestion for that… Do what you can to refill the well so Emotional Vampires don’t drive you batty!       In a tough economy, everyone experiences adversity from time to time—whether it’s caring for a loved one, job insecurities, reduced incomes, managing a difficult employee and more. Maybe it’s that you’re “hanging in there”...

Business expert, Patrick Schwerdtfeger describes how using "big data" in your business can reduce expenses, increase revenue, and avoid disasters. Patrick Schwerdtfeger is a leading authority on global business trends including ‘big data’, demographic forecasting and the social media revolution. He has lectured at numerous academic institutions including Purdue and Stanford Universities, and is the author of the award-winning book Marketing Shortcuts for the Self-Employed (2011, Wiley). Patrick is a regular speaker for Bloomberg TV and has spoken about business trends, technology and digital marketing at hundreds of conferences and business events around the world. Patrick will be a featured presenter at the Executive Development Academy on November 9-11, in Chicago, IL.  For more information about EDA, visit www.pma.org/eda/

Whether you’re sending the smallest packages or the largest freight shipments, proper shipping preparation can help ensure the success of your shipment. Here are a few tips on how to get ready to ship both small packages and freight shipments. Small Package Believe it or not, the type of box you use is a very important choice. While reusing a box may seem like a good money-saving idea, a box that has been used multiple times before isn’t as structurally sound as an unused box, and your shipment could be damaged more easily. When packing your box, be sure to provide proper cushioning for the items inside the box. Different items require different types of cushioning material , depending on the size, shape and weight of the item. Seal your package tightly with high-quality tape, and label your package effectively. Put all of the usual items on your label (recipient’s name, address, zip code, etc.), and if you’re sending the package to a P.O. Box, include the recipient’s pho...

On Friday, October 2, manufacturers across the country will open their doors to students, parents, educators, job seekers and other members of their local communities for tours and information sessions in celebration of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). PMA and MetalForming magazine are proud sponsors of this event and encourage members to host an event at their facilities. Held annually, MFG Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing and is meant to encourage today’s youth to consider a career in this profoundly important industry. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of manufacturing to the American economy and to create a future pipeline of skilled workers. “PMA is pleased to support Manufacturing Day,” said PMA President Bill Gaskin.  “Our members look forward to sharing their passion for manufacturing with their communities, showing off their high-tech facilities to the next generation of Americans who will ensure that our sector continues to drive t...