One of the best examples of this is the evolution of cell phones. These days everyone has a cell phone and many people have more than one.

The first hand-held phones on the market were bulky and had a short battery life. Service was restricted to major cities and highways. Cell phones evolved and now can be used as movie cameras, to access the Internet, send text messages, do daily planning, alert with alarms—and the list goes on and on.

The point is that as dependence on electronic technology increases, stampers must stay current and use the technology that is available.

Questions to Ask About Die Protection

In considering how technology may improve your operations, you may start by asking some questions. The first question to ask is, what is the industry standard? In other words, what is the competition doing? The answer is likely that they are using die protection.

The second question to ask might be, what can I do that other stampers cannot? Some stampers can perform 100 percent inspection on critical dimensions. By doing so, they can set control limits to detect when a process is starting to go out of control before they produce bad parts, thus eliminating defective parts and the need for rework. With vision systems becoming more user-friendly, many progressive stampers are integrating cameras into their stamping processes to gain even more of a competitive edge over their competition.

Like almost everything else, embracing new technology starts with becoming familiar with the basics. Die protection is no different.

So, what is die protection? Originally die protection was developed just to prevent damage to the tool and die during the operation of a stamping press. As sensor and controls technology has evolved and stampers’ knowledge of it has increased, die protection technology has been expanded into other applications, such as raising production rates and performing quality assurance.

In some cases, die protection technology has allowed die builders to create very intricate dies that were impractical to manufacture before because they were vulnerable to die crashes. As a result, some of the more intricate dies allow stampers to form components in one stage that would have required two or more operations, thereby eliminating some secondary operations.

So what comprises die protection? Die protection has two main components: sensors and controls. Sensors are the “eyes” of the die protection system; they detect what is going on in the die. Controls can be described as the brains of die protection.

The rest of the article can be read at TheFabricator.com.

People’s attitude toward manufacturing turned positive for a time during World War II as U.S. manufacturing prowess emerged as a deciding factor in our winning the war. And the patriotic and positive image of Rosie the Riveter certainly didn’t hurt. But, in recent years, the industry’s reputation has not kept pace with the changes that have taken place.

There is no cookie-cutter mold for factories. They come in many sizes and types, from tiny operations in private apartments to Boeing’s Everett, WA, factory, the world’s largest building by volume, which sits on almost 100 acres. The factory has its own fire department and numerous coffee stands. Large aircraft require large assembly lines, or bays, and Everett appears to fill the bill.

The many types of factories and plants almost defy definition. Some are single-material plants, such as steel mills, while others have no material reference and instead house processes, such as packaging, or produce energy, or assemble small appliances.

Today, manufacturing is still factory-centered, but it is by no means factory-bound. Several developments and concepts have fundamentally changed the nature of manufacturing.

The first is the placement of manufacturing within the supply chain cycle. This chain, as we know, extends from suppliers, to customers, and back again, with the vital element of feedback and the subsequent opportunity to make corrections and additions to products and processes. Supply chains have grown from the supplier next door to global sourcing.

The second distinguishing feature of today’s factory is electronic control and scheduling, a change that has progressed from simple electrical connections, to MRP, to precise quality control and split-second timing and recording. I am talking about a communication and control network that reaches across the globe and has made the supply chain and logistics come alive.

To these I would add PLM and CAD, which confirm designs, from inception to engineering for manufacture, and help to bring out new technology to meet the demands of an ever larger, more impatient, and critical customer base. These technological advances help to widen the product spectrum and interlink the design and manufacturing process with sales and marketing.

Today’s factory is still bricks and mortar, but within that structure manufacturing comprises the three levels of manufacturing information, manufacturing communications, and manufacturing innovation, and all their interrelationships. So plants and factories come in more varieties than ever with far more complex management and in-depth quality control.

Clearly, there is a need for a giant promotional effort to redefine factories and manufacturing. At the present time, too many towns and cities, given a choice of new businesses to attract, would select a gambling casino, a sport’s arena, or a theme park. But manufacturing is an essential ingredient in fighting a recession. It is incumbent upon us to renew and revitalize its image.

Robert Malone, based in New York, is principal of

Robert Malone Associates and former editor-in-chief

of Managing Automation.

While 55% of survey respondents ages 18-24 said manufacturing is important to the nation’s standard of living and economic prosperity, only 41% of them think careers in the sector are “interesting and rewarding,” according to Deloitte’s recent study, “Made in America? What the public thinks about manufacturing today.”

In fact, when given a list of seven industries, young workers said manufacturing offered the sixth most attractive career path, ahead of the retail industry, but behind sectors including technology, energy and health care.

But it’s not just young workers who are weary of manufacturing careers. The study also found:

• Only 30% of parents would encourage their child to pursue a career in manufacturing
• 22% of respondents think the school system encourages students to pursue careers in manufacturing, and
• A scant 18% said their parents encouraged them to pursue a career in manufacturing.

The study suggests that could lead to an even greater shortage in skilled workers. Even at the height of the recession, many companies suffered from a lack of skilled production workers, scientists and engineers.

And the study is quick to point out that as the global manufacturing industry gets more competitive and more companies adopt “lean” operations, production and front-line workers will be required to have extensive skills in team building and problem solving.

That's up slightly from the $1.05 million it spent lobbying in the same quarter of last year.

The organization, which represents manufacturers nationwide, lobbied on the federal budget, Congressional bills related to clean air and water, patent reform and intellectual property rights, smart energy grids and cap and trade initiatives, along with other issues in April through June.

The group lobbied the federal government on the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment act, which gives tax benefits to employers who hire certain previously unemployed workers, and on the Jobs for Main Street act, which called for investment in infrastructure and hiring of teachers, police officers and other similar jobs.

The association also lobbied on specific political nominations, including those of Brian Hayes and Mark Pearce to the National Labor Relations Board, and Islam Siddiqi and Michael Punke for ambassador-level positions at the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. All four were confirmed in the roles.

In addition to Congress, the group lobbied the departments of state, labor, commerce and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Management & Budget and other federal bodies, according to the document filed July 16 with the House Clerk's Office.

Gold hit record highs for a fourth day on Monday as speculation the Federal Reserve may announce further moves to stimulate the U.S. economy after its policy meeting this week piqued interest in the precious metal.

Spot gold hit a record $1,283.25 an ounce and was bid at $1,281.20 an ounce at 1429 GMT (10:29 a.m. EDT), against $1,275.95 late in New York on Friday. U.S. gold futures for December delivery rose $5.40 percent to $1,282.90 an ounce.

Concern over U.S. economic growth has sparked talk that the Fed may signal a move toward further quantitative easing, which could potentially prove inflationary.

It has also raised expectations that interest rates will stay low, undermining the dollar and cutting the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold.

"All the stories stack up hugely in favor of gold currently," said Saxo Bank senior manager Ole Hansen. "A move higher to between $1,300-1,350 could be a good target toward year-end, but it will come in steps."

The precious metal is likely to consolidate for the time being, he said, as investors await fresh news on the outlook for the global economy, and on U.S. monetary policy.

To read the rest of the article go to FoxBusiness.com.

Competition from offshore metal stamping and declines in demand due to the recession has wreaked havoc on domestic metal stamping suppliers in the last few years. With a declining base of financially solvent metal stampers, OEMs find themselves struggling to find suppliers who they can transition their business to quickly and efficiently.

Here are 10 questions you should ask in finding the right metal stamping supplier

1. Does the new metal stamping supplier have the tools available to serve me; press tonnage, capacity, and quality systems and standards?

2. Ask for samples of their capability including value added services such as welding, finishing, or assembly.

3. Does the supplier have experience in managing both domestic and offshore tooling sources? Ask for specific examples.

4. Is the metal stamping supplier financially sound? While their answer is important to hear, make sure to have a Standards and Poor Stability Rating Report in hand to validate their answer.

5. Tell me about the workforce from people on the floor to the engineers involved?

6. Will they work to improve my current total cost of manufacturability?

7. Can they demonstrate the ability to help improve inventory turns and cash flow?

8. Explain the importance of quality and repeatability to current needs; cost and output are highly affected by how precise each part must be. Can the supplier meet these requirements?

9. What are some R&D efforts done recently in terms of improving and sustaining the company- especially in the area of metal stamping? This question can be taken one step further to: Can the supplier partner with us on research and development projects?

10. Most importantly, can I tour the facility to see examples of in-process tools and parts produced?

To read more, visit ToolandDieing.com.

This is an excerpt from an article by Mike Collins on Manufacturing.net.

People around the globe are more connected to each other then ever before. Information and money flow more quickly than ever. Goods and services produced in one part of the world are increasingly available in all parts of the world. International travel is more frequent and international communication is commonplace.

Globalization is an economic tidal wave that is sweeping over the world. It can’t be stopped, and there will be winners and losers. But before drawing any conclusions on how it affects the U.S. economy, consider some of the general pros and cons of globalization.

The disadvantages of globalization

1. “The general complaint about globalization is that it has made the rich richer while making the non-rich poorer. It is wonderful for managers and investors, but hell on workers and nature.”¹

2. Multinational corporations are accused of social injustice, unfair working conditions (including slave labor wages and poor living and working conditions), as well as a lack of concern for the environment, mismanagement of natural resources, and ecological damage. 

3.  Multinational corporations which were previously restricted to commercial activities are increasingly influencing political decisions. Many think there is a threat of corporations ruling the world because they are gaining power due to globalization.

4. Opponents say globalization makes it easier for rich companies to act with less accountability. They also claim that countries’ individual cultures are becoming overpowered by Americanization.

5. Anti-globalists also claim that globalization is not working for the majority of the world. During the most recent period of rapid growth in global trade and investment, 1960 to 1998, inequality worsened both internationally and within countries. The UN Development Program reports that the richest 20 percent of the world's population consume 86 percent of the world's resources, while the poorest 80 percent consume just 14 percent.

6. Some experts think that globalization is also leading to the incursion of communicable diseases. Deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS are being spread by travelers to the remotest corners of the globe.

7. Globalization has led to exploitation of labor. Prisoners and child workers are used to work in inhumane conditions. Safety standards are ignored to produce cheap goods. There is also an increase in human trafficking.

8. Social welfare schemes or “safety nets” are under great pressure in developed countries because of deficits and other economic ramifications of globalization.

The positive side of globalization

Globalization has a positive side as well. Supporters of globalization argue that it has the potential to make this world a better place to live in and solve some deep-seated problems like unemployment and poverty. The marginal are getting a chance to exhibit in the world market.

Here are some other arguments for globalization:

1. The proponents of global free trade say that it promotes global economic growth, creates jobs, makes companies more competitive, and lowers prices for consumers. It also provides poor countries, through infusions of foreign capital and technology, with the chance to develop economically and by spreading prosperity creates the conditions in which democracy and respect for human rights may flourish.

2. According to libertarians, globalization will help us to raise the global economy only when the involved power blocks have mutual trust and respect for each other’s opinion. Globalization and democracy should go hand-in-hand. It should be pure business with no colonialist designs.

3. Now there is a worldwide market for companies and consumers to access products from different countries.

4. There is a world power that is being created gradually, instead of compartmentalized power sectors. Politics are merging and decisions that are being made are actually beneficial for people all over the world.

5 There is more influx of information between two countries.

6. There is cultural intermingling. Each country is learning more about other cultures.

7.  Since we share financial interests, corporations and governments are trying to sort out ecological problems for each other.

8. Socially we have become more open and tolerant towards each other, and people who live in the other part of the world are not considered aliens.

9. Most people see speedy travel, mass communications and quick dissemination of information through the Internet as benefits of globalization.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

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NEW YORK -- Copper rose for a sixth session Tuesday as a weakening dollar sent investors in search of other assets seen as stable stores of value.

The dollar continued its slide against the euro as economic data suggests that a debt crisis may not be hurting European countries as much as previously thought. Industrial production in the 16 countries that use the euro grew more than forecast in April, easing concerns that mounting deficits could severely hamper economic output.

Strong industrial production around the world also boosts expectations for demand for copper, which is used in manufacturing.

Copper for July delivery rose 1.25 cents, or 0.42 percent, to settle at $3.0045 a pound. It was the first time copper ended above $3 since June 2.

"Fundamentally, we're still seeing physical demand for copper remain strong," said Catherine Virga, base metals analyst with CPM Group in New York.

The euro rose back above $1.23 for the first time since May 31, rising to $1.2337 in afternoon trading. The currency has been considered a strong indicator of confidence in Europe's economy and has often driven stocks and other risky assets like commodities lower in recent weeks.

The euro had been falling steadily since late April, pushing the dollar higher and commodities lower. Commodities are priced in dollars, so a stronger dollar makes them more expensive for foreign investors.

Other industrial metals also rose. Platinum for July delivery rose $14.60 to settle at $1,578 an ounce, while palladium for September delivery rose $12.95 to $475.55 an ounce.

In energy markets, benchmark crude for July delivery rose $1.82 to settle at $76.94 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

In other Nymex trading in July contracts, heating oil rose 4.26 cents to settle at $2.0685 a gallon, and gasoline gained 4.51 cents to close at $2.1035 a gallon. Natural gas prices rose 18.3 cents to settle at $5.189 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Wheat for September delivery remained unchanged at $4.675 a bushel, while corn for July delivery remained unchanged $3.5375 a bushel. July soybeans fell 2 cents to $9.495 a bushel.

Gold rose as investors sought hedges against inflation. August gold rose $9.90 to settle at $1,234.40 an ounce.