The three-hour event was part of a weeklong Makers of Tomorrow summer camp hosted by Barberton Middle School in partnership with U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. For the eleventh year in a row, Senator Brown’s office has worked with local organizations from across the state to provide young Ohioans with Manufacturing Summer Camps. In Summit County, where Barberton is located, the Makers of Tomorrow team sought local companies to provide facilities tours, informational sessions, and hands-on activities.

RDAbbott and NovationSi welcomed an inquiry from Jean Barbato, senior manager for the manufacturing sector partnership at ConxusNEO, an Akron-based non-profit organization that connects local employers to education and workforce development programs. “RDAbbott and NovationSi understood that this was a wonderful opportunity to introduce students to manufacturing,” she said. “I keep telling parents that this is not your father’s manufacturing, but students need to see for themselves what’s out there.”

At the Barberton service center, RDAbbott and NovationSi employees shared the differences between LSR and HCR rubber and explained how these materials are fabricated. The employees also provided an overview of a liquid injection molding cell in their LSR Applications Lab; and covered physical properties testing, part inspection, and color dispersions in their QC Lab. Throughout the event, Makers of Tomorrow summer campers also learned about careers available in the rubber industry.

As part of their plant tour, students watched as HCR, plus yellow and blue pigments, were mixed on a 2-roll mill to produce green silicone. For a hands-on activity, the students picked colors they liked and made their own rubber bouncy balls. As a result of this activity, students got to experience firsthand what happens when a silicone base and a catalyst are combined, as well as the importance of rubber curing. A prize was also given to the student with the highest bouncing ball.

Michael Andric, assistant director of curriculum for Barberton Middle School, helped to arrange the students’ participation, and two teachers from the school, who serve grades 5 through 7, also attended.

Bob Bradley, president of NovationSi, reflected on the event’s importance. “Educating the next generation of rubber industry talent is extremely important to NovationSi and RDAbbott,” Bradley stated. “It was a joy to watch these students take an interest in manufacturing, and to see our staff work together to provide a compelling overview of silicone and its vast uses and career opportunities.”

For more information, visit NovationSi.com or RDAbbott.com.

Fulkrum Lands Seven Figure Deal on Sempra Infrastructure PALNG Phase 1 Project

Fulkrum has been awarded a seven-figure contract for the provision of third-party inspection services on Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur LNG (PALNG) Phase 1 project in Port Arthur, Texas.

With this new contract set to begin work in July 2023, Fulkrum further solidifies its position as a leading inspection, auditing, expediting and technical staffing provider for major energy companies worldwide. The company remains dedicated to delivering exceptional results, fostering long-term relationships, and contributing to the growth and success of the global energy sector.

The PALNG project is a pioneering initiative in the field of natural gas liquefaction which is set to transform the energy landscape in the United States. Fulkrum's selection as the third-party inspection agency on this landmark project is a testament to the company's unrivalled expertise and track record in delivering high-quality inspection services.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fulkrum has received an initial order from Sempra Infrastructure, valued at $1million. This initial PO covers services to be rendered through to the end of 2023, and the total contract value to Fulkrum is estimated to be just under $5 million for the duration of the project.

The PALNG project aims to enhance the nation's natural gas export capabilities and strengthen its position as a global energy supplier. It involves the construction and operation of a state-of-the-art natural gas liquefaction and export facility at the Port Arthur site. The company's role will be pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution and successful completion of this significant project.

For more information, visit www.fulkrum.com.

Martinez Fallon Nominated for ASME Board of Governors

Alma Martinez Fallon, a professional senior management consultant with more than 30 years of experience in engineering management, manufacturing, supply chain management and corporate strategies, has been nominated for a member-at-large position on the Board of Governors of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Society announced. Nominees’ names will appear on the ballot in September 2023 and, if elected by the ASME membership, they will serve on the Board for a three-year term beginning June 2024.

Fallon, an ASME Fellow who previously served on the Board of Governors from 2005 to 2008, retired from Huntington Ingalls Industries after thirty-three years of service. She started her professional career as an associate engineer in the SEAWOLF submarine engineering division. She progressed from engineering supervisor to managing steel fabrication and assembly planning for the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, VIRGINIA class submarines. As director of supply chain procurement, she led the division responsible for $1.5B annual procurement in support of all programs at Newport News Shipbuilding, a Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Fallon retired as corporate director of strategic planning at Huntington Ingalls Industries.

Fallon currently serves ASME as a member-at-large on the executive committee of ASME's Volunteer Orientation and Leadership Training (VOLT) Academy and was vice chair of the committee from July 2019 through June 2023. She also is a senior life Fellow and past president of the Society of Women Engineers. Among other awards, Fallon received SWE Distinguished New Engineer award in 1997, the ASME Distinguished Service Award in 2002, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Junipero Award in 2004.

Fallon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science degree in engineering management from George Washington University. 

For more information, visit https://www.asme.org/about-asme/governance or www.asme.org.

Cnano Technology USA Selects Kansas City Region for North American Headquarters

The Kansas City Area Development Council announced that international company Cnano Technology USA plans to invest $94.7 million in a 333,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the New Century Commerce Center. The new facility is expected to create 112 jobs with a payroll of $7.1 million.

Cnano will use the new facility to create liquid conductive paste, a component used for a variety of electronic applications, including batteries for electric vehicles, cell phones and power tools.

“Cnano Technology is incredibly excited to partner with Johnson County to build out a new U.S. facility to manufacture conductive and structural additive products for the lithium-ion battery, rubber and polymer, and composite markets,” said Shawn Montgomery, president of Cnano Technology USA, Inc. “We're proud to bring cutting-edge technology, investment dollars and, most importantly, jobs to the region.”

Located in Johnson County in the southwest area of the Kansas City region, the New Century Commerce Center is a multimodal industrial center offering direct access to air, rail and interstate transportation over 2,700 acres.

“We are pleased to welcome Cnano to the New Century Commerce Center, joining over 60 multinational businesses who are leaders in the fields of warehousing, distribution, printing, food processing, manufacturing and avionics,” said Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. “In addition to the more than 110 new jobs this company will create, I appreciate the science and innovation coming into our community and look forward to the impact EV batteries will ultimately make towards decreasing vehicle emissions and helping to protect our planet.”

Cnano’s new facility will be located in a Class-A spec building in the Commerce Center, which was developed in an 850-acre public-private partnership, publicly by Johnson County Government and the Johnson County Airport Commission, privately by VanTrust Real Estate and marketed by CBRE. Newmark Zimmer represented Cnano in their site search.

“VanTrust is proud to partner with Johnson County as the master developer for the New Century Commerce Center. When fully completed, we expect to have more than 7 million square feet of industrial space developed. We welcome the significant new investment and manufacturing jobs that the area will experience due to Cnano’s selection of New Century for their North American headquarters,” said Justin Duff, vice president of VanTrust Real Estate.

The Kansas City region continues to see massive industrial growth, particularly in the area of electric vehicle development, recently including Panasonic Energy’s plans to build a$4 billion electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas.

“As a thriving hub for manufacturing and logistics, the Kansas City region is a highly attractive choice for innovative companies, including Cnano, to locate their operations,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort. “With the most central location in the U.S., available real estate options and access to more than 190,000 skilled industrial workers, KC continues to stake its claim in the attraction of industrial innovation.”

For more information, visit www.thinkKC.com or www.KC.org.

Northrop Grumman Breaks Ground for F-35 Integrated Assembly Line in Germany

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) joined Rheinmetall, Lockheed Martin and German officials for a groundbreaking ceremony in Weeze, Germany to establish a second F-35 center fuselage Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) with Rheinmetall AG. The IAL will help meet increased demands for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft while bolstering defense capabilities with allied nations throughout Europe.

“The success of the IAL addresses Northrop Grumman’s vision to affordably manufacture a quality next-generation aircraft that meets the needs of a growing number of international customers,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “Combined with Rheinmetall’s experience with German Armed Forces and European industry, the collaboration with Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin will foster critical skills and energize the region’s economy with high-tech job opportunities.”

For more information, visit https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/air/f35-lightning/.

Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation Announces 2023 Class of Hall of Fame Inductees

The Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation (WiMEF) announced the 10 prestigious women leaders who comprise the 2023 class of Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees.

This fourth group of honorees will be officially welcomed to the Hall of Fame with a ceremony and gala on September 26, 2023, as part of WiM’s 13th Annual SUMMIT taking place in San Diego, CA. More than 250 attendees will join in the celebration of these trailblazing women in manufacturing.

The Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame honors women who have made outstanding contributions during the course of their established careers in manufacturing. Recipients include women who are dedicated to supporting, promoting and inspiring women in the manufacturing industry.

“We are thrilled to announce the 2023 inductees into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame,” said WiMEF Executive Director Gretchen Moore. “These exceptional women have forged new pathways for future generations in manufacturing careers. We look forward to celebrating these leaders, their unwavering dedication, and their invaluable contributions to the sector.”

The 2023 class of Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees:

• Tanya Cook, Principal – T R Cook Consulting
• Jeanne Duckett, Senior Manager, Transparency & Traceability Technology – Avery Dennison
• Susan Farris, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Experiences – Shaw Industries
• Lisa Gunton, Vice President Human Resources – AFL
• Janette Hostettler, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
• Jill June, Vice President, Sterile Injectable Operations – Pfizer Global Supply, Sterile Injectable and Biotech Operations
• Laura Lyke, Former President and CEO – ICC International (awarded posthumously)
• Arleen Paulino, Senior Vice President Global Manufacturing – Amgen
• Kristen Pforr, Vice President Operations, Care Chemicals – BASF
• Nancy Richards Farese, Board Member/Shareholder – Southwire Company

Inductees were nominated by their colleagues and industry peers and selected by a judging panel of WiMEF board members and staff. The inductees were chosen based on their lifetime contributions to the advancement of women in manufacturing.

“We are extraordinarily proud to usher in this fourth class of honorees to the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame,” said WiMEF Board Chair Veronica Braker of Archer Daniels Midland. “With this group, we have also crossed a significant milestone – our Hall of Fame now celebrates the achievements of over 40 women who have shaped their own legacies in the manufacturing industry. As we reflect upon all the history that the Hall of Fame represents, we are inspired by the limitless potential of women in manufacturing and the possibilities for the future.”

For more information, visit www.wimef.org and www.womeninmanufacturing.org.

Velo3D Appoints Dr. Keppler to Board of Directors

Velo3D, Inc. has appointed Dr. Adrian Keppler to its Board of Directors. Dr. Keppler has spent more than 15 years as a C-level executive in the additive manufacturing industry and his experience and leadership in the industry will help Velo3D increase adoption of its fully integrated solution in Europe and around the world.

“Dr. Keppler has a wealth of knowledge and connections in the additive manufacturing industry and his experience will prove invaluable as Velo3D aims to become the largest manufacturer of laser powder bed fusion systems in the world,” said Benny Buller, Velo3D founder and CEO. “Our team at Velo3D continues to see growing adoption of our solution in Europe, and with the addition of Dr. Keppler, who has spent his career building the additive manufacturing industry in in the region, to the Board of Directors, I believe we can greatly accelerate that growth by relying on his experience in the region.”

Dr. Keppler is currently the founder and CEO of AM Scalation, an additive manufacturing consulting company that is focused on helping OEMs, contract manufacturers, and end users scale production of parts produced through 3D printing. In addition, he is senior advisor for digital manufacturing at H&Z, a leading management consultancy in Europe. Prior to that, he held multiple positions at EOS, a global provider of 3D printing solutions. Over his tenure at the Germany-headquartered company, he served as managing director, CEO, and CMO. He also held positions at Siemens AG where he was responsible for €400 million in revenue, leading a team of more than 250 consultants.

“Since coming to market in 2019, Velo3D has been a leader in the additive manufacturing industry and has greatly influenced the industry’s move to larger systems that can achieve high-volume, scalable production of mission-critical parts,” said Dr. Keppler. “I look forward to supporting the company in its mission of helping customers easily produce the parts they need using additive manufacturing technology and scaling the production of those parts across multiple printers.”

In addition to his current role at AM Scalation and H&Z, Dr. Keppler also serves on the advisory boards of Incus GmbH, a 3D printer manufacturer; AM-Flow, a provider of end-to-end automation for 3D-printing factories; and Roboze, an industrial 3D printer manufacturer. He is also an advisor to PartsCloud GmbH, a provider of cloud-based logistics for spare parts, and a member of the board of directors of Sun Metalon, Inc., a technology provider for metal recycling and high-speed metal 3D printing solutions. 

Dr. Keppler holds a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich and a degree in in Business Administration from the University of Zurich.

For more information, visit www.Velo3D.com.

Smalley Honored with General Motors' 2022 Supplier Quality Excellence Award

Smalley announced that it has been awarded the 2022 Supplier Quality Excellence Award (SQEA) by General Motors, making it the 11th consecutive year of receiving this award. This highly regarded recognition is a testament to Smalley's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality and outstanding performance in the automotive industry.

The SQEA is granted to GM's top-performing suppliers, acknowledging their dedication to meeting and surpassing stringent performance criteria in production and delivery. Smalley has consistently demonstrated its ability to exceed these standards. This esteemed acknowledgment from General Motors further solidifies Smalley's position as a trusted partner in the automotive industry.

GM commended Smalley for its exemplary performance: “Smalley is a critical part of the team who helps ensure our customers are delighted with their product purchase. We want to recognize your performance and thank you for consistently providing quality at volume to our GM Manufacturing Plants as we continue to navigate through our ever-challenging environment."

"Winning the GM 2022 Supplier Quality Excellence Award is an incredible honor for Smalley," said Josh Turnbull, manufacturing manager at Smalley. "This achievement recognizes our entire team's hard work, expertise, and tireless dedication. We take immense pride in our products and are thankful to continue being a preferred supplier for General Motors."

Smalley’s parts have been used in everything from steering systems to transmissions. For more information, visit www.smalley.com.

Sandvik Coromant Regional Sales Manager Mills-Hendrix to Speak at Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT

Addressing ways women professionals can overcome obstacles in male-dominated industries, Aisha Mills-Hendrix, regional sales manager, Sandvik Coromant, will present at the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) SUMMIT 2023. The event, set to take place in San Diego, Sept. 25-27, will bring more than 1,000 attendees from various industries across the country. Aisha will deliver her presentation, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Advancement, Self-Advocacy, and Resilience” on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

Women face a “glass ceiling” in the workplace due to several factors, such as the exclusionism in male-dominated industries, the commitment associated with raising children, wage gaps and a lack of female senior-level role models. Aisha will discuss these obstacles, drawing from personal experience in her own journey through the glass ceiling. She’ll also explore the “glass cliff” phenomenon, a term that refers to the challenges women face after breaking through the glass ceiling and the tendency of companies to promote women to senior roles during times of crisis when probability of failure is highest. As a woman in the manufacturing industry, Aisha will discuss how women can strive to overcome these challenges while also offering best practices and strategies to support the advancement of women in the workplace. She will also provide insights on ways women can combat imposter syndrome and the internalized pressure to continuously prove themselves in male-dominated workplaces.

“After years of dedicated service in the manufacturing industry and my personal journey navigating the traditionally male-dominated landscape, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my insights and experiences,” Aisha said.

Aisha has spent the last 23 years working in the manufacturing industry, 17 of which have been dedicated to Sandvik Coromant. Specializing in leading teams, global project management and corporate presenting and training, Aisha has held a number of important roles at Sandvik Coromant. There she worked as a solutions team leader for engineered products until 2015, she held the global role of senior project management specialist from 2016 to 2020 and is currently a regional sales manager, where she leads a team to provide the best cutting tool and industry solutions to Sandvik Coromant customers. She lives in Manistee, MI, where she enjoys spending time with family, golfing and kayaking.

“Together, we can strive toward a future that is inclusive and equitable for all. I am eager to engage in thought-provoking discussions with fellow speakers and attendees on topics such as closing the wage gap and creating more opportunities for women to succeed in manufacturing. It is truly an honor to have been selected as a speaker for the prestigious SUMMIT and to contribute to these transformative conversations.”

The WiM SUMMIT brings together industry professionals, leaders and influencers to address critical issues, promote diversity and inspire women in manufacturing from all walks of life. The event includes three days of keynote presentations, roundtable discussions, breakout sessions, plant tours and social events designed to strengthen the community of women in manufacturing at all levels.

For more information, visit https://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/events/summit-2023 or www.sandvik.coromant.com.

A.L.P. Announces Leadership Changes, Promotions

A.L.P.® announced leadership changes to strengthen the company and its customer relationships. Effective July 2, 2023, Adam Mayse has been promoted to president and chief operating officer, from metals business unit manager. In addition, Tom Barnes has been promoted to VP and business manager, from optical business unit manager. These moves are part of a larger strategic reorganization to centralize product-related activities, streamline operations, and support the changing requirements of the marketplace.

In his new role as president and COO, Adam Mayse will have strategic and managerial responsibility for manufacturing operations, customer experience, corporate services, finance, sales, and marketing. Adam joined A.L.P. in 1997 and has held a variety of management positions in engineering, operations, and product management, as well as domestic and international sales. He has also worked in other technical industries outside of lighting and brings a fresh perspective to delivering value to A.L.P.’s OEM partners and customers.

As VP and business manager, Tom Barnes will have enterprise-wide responsibility for A.L.P.’s product development, marketing communications, design engineering, sales resource, and pricing functions. Tom has managed the company’s optical business unit since 2007 when A.L.P. acquired Spectrus, Inc., including the LexaLite® brand. He is a Certified Lighting Professional and holds four patents related to plastics in lighting.

“We congratulate Adam and Tom on their new positions,” said Steve Brown, A.L.P.’s CEO. “They have extensive knowledge of the lighting industry and enduring relationships with our customers. They are uniquely qualified to succeed in their expanded roles, and to move our customer-focused strategy forward.”

After the transition, Steve Brown will remain as CEO and David Brown, former COO, will be stepping away from day-to-day involvement after 46 years of service to the company. David will be an active member of A.L.P.’s Board of Directors, using his extensive experience to support budgeting, major projects, and strategic planning initiatives.

For more information, email lisayeadon@alplighting.com.

Verisurf Software Expands Products, Support to India

Verisurf Software Inc. and Accurate Gauging and Instruments, Ltd have signed a joint sales and support agreement to represent Verisurf Software in India. Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to provide complete Advanced metrology solutions to manufacturers and global supply chain partners.

Accurate Gauging is India’s top coordinate measuring machine (CMM) manufacturer. The company provides metrology products and services, including fixed and portable CMMs, third-party inspection services, metrology training, and QMS (Quality Management System) software.

Verisurf software provides the critical application component that integrates the product solutions and services offered by Accurate Gauging. Verisurf is the only measurement, reverse engineering, and inspection software built on a full-featured 3D CAD/CAM platform with intelligent Model-Based Definition (MBD). This ensures data integrity and enables users to perform metrology workflows in a seamless CAD environment while maintaining model-based digital continuity. Verisurf software is compatible with all CAD file formats, and the Verisurf Device Interface (VDI) communicates with and operates all new and legacy 3D measurement devices for universal compatibility. Verisurf's modular design lets users quickly shift from inspection to reverse engineering to tool building, efficiently capturing and processing measurement data for all 3D metrology applications.

“Verisurf software is a perfect application match for the products and services offered by Accurate Gauging. From its conception more than 25 years ago, the focus of Verisurf has been universal software and hardware compatibility. We are excited to be a part of helping customers in India streamline their metrology applications across the manufacturing enterprise,” said David Olson, director of sales and marketing at Verisurf Software, Inc.

“Our customers are looking for efficiency and repeatable process control to support ‘Make in India’ quality requirements and those dictated by global supply chain customers, especially in aerospace and automotive applications. Verisurf software satisfies both with its practical ease of use, powerful tools, universal compatibility, and international acceptance,” said Vikram Salunkhe, managing director at Accurate Gauging.

India has positioned itself as a viable alternative to China for manufacturing operations. The country offers several advantages, including a large domestic market, a skilled workforce, a favorable business environment, and improved infrastructure. The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to promote manufacturing growth, such as ‘Make in India,’ which aims to attract foreign investment and boost domestic manufacturing across various sectors. This has made India an attractive option for companies looking to diversify their supply chains. Many Indian manufacturers are part of global value chains, supplying components, parts, and finished goods to companies worldwide. Indian companies have become significant suppliers to various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, and engineering.

For more information, visit www.verisurf.com or www.accurategauging.com/.

IMTS+ Original Series Explores Motor City Manufacturers

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology has announced that Season Three of “Road Trippin’ with Steve,” an IMTS+ Original Series, will debut on July 27 (view Season Three trailer). This season, AMT technology analyst and show host Steve LaMarca takes an epic road trip to Detroit, aka Motor City, to visit Stellantis, LIFT, and FANUC America.

“Detroit flourished at the turn of the previous century because of its skilled workers and innovation,” says LaMarca. “A century later, Motor City is working hard to regain its glory. The thing that blew me away during the filming of Season Three of ‘Road Trippin’’ was the pride behind the products of the companies we visited. The people and automation technologies they are using today would send Henry Ford, Ransom Olds, and Walter Chrysler to the moon with pride.”

“Steve brings a unique combination of passion, tech-savvy insights, and quirky humor to every episode of ‘Road Trippin’ with Steve’,” says Peter Eelman, chief experience officer at AMT, which owns and produces IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show. “On Steve’s grand tour of Motor City, you get to see three leading companies not through the lens of a PR department, but through Steve’s unique filter. Combining a personalized narrative with insights from a manufacturing expert is what makes our IMTS+ Original Series such compelling viewing.”

Other IMTS+ Original Series premiere dates include Season Three of “Manufacturing Explorers” on Sept. 28 and Season Two of “Smart(er) Shop” on Oct. 26. Viewers can now watch the all-new third season of Profiles in Manufacturing, which debuted this spring and features three manufacturing leaders who have the courage and audacity to dream big and do bigger.

The “Road Trippin’” crew’s first stop was Stellantis’ Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson. Spread over 3 million square feet, the facility houses an army of robots working as a team. Its assembly line includes the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Dodge Durango. “It was the first time I’ve seen that many robots,” says LaMarca. “It was like watching a well-choreographed dance or play.”

Next stop: LIFT, which is operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII), a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense, industry, academia and part of the Manufacturing USA institutes.

“In areas where our education system has failed, LIFT is doing its best to pick it up,” says LaMarca. “In terms of technology, they cover everything from welding to automation and robotics to metal additive.”

The last stop was a visit to FANUC America. The automation segment leader’s North American headquarters is a rite of passage in the manufacturing industry.
“It’s almost entirely a research and development lab dedicated to improving their products and proof-of-concept reliability testing,” says LaMarca. “I learned FANUC welcomed competition from other robot companies. It's not something that they shy away from because competition makes them better.”

For more information, visit www.IMTS.com/plus.

US Cutting Tool Orders Totaled $210.6M in May 2023, Y-to-Y Total Up 20% From 2022

May 2023 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $210.6 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was up 10.8% from April’s $190 million and up 20% when compared with the $175.5 million reported for May 2022. With a year-to-date total of $1 billion, 2023 is up 16.1% when compared to the same time period in 2022.

These numbers and all data in this report are based on the totals reported by the companies participating in the CTMR program. The totals here represent the majority of the U.S. market for cutting tools.

“The cutting tool consumption in May indicates that metal-cutting production has not been drastically affected yet by a slowdown,” stated Jack Burley, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group and Committee. He added, “There is some hesitancy from the market for new projects, but overall, we are still trending in the right direction.”

Tom Haag, president at Kyocera SGS Precision Tool, spoke on the cutting tool industry’s May growth, saying, “The cutting tool industry remains inconsistent after 2023 started strong, but demand seemed to decline each month through April. Now May is showing some resilience. The common buzzword for the cause of this variation is ‘supply chain.’ Looking to the summer, July and August generally trend down due to automotive model changes and summer holidays. However, 2022 trended upward, so we hope to see a repeat performance despite economic headwinds.”

The Cutting Tool Market Report is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production, and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process – the cutting tool. Analysis of cutting tool consumption is a leading indicator of both upturns and downturns in U.S. manufacturing activity, as it is a true measure of actual production levels.

Historical data for the Cutting Tool Market Report is available dating back to January 2012. This collaboration of AMT and USCTI is the first step in the two associations working together to promote and support U.S.-based manufacturers of cutting tool technology.

For more information, visit www.USCTI.com or www.AMTonline.org.

America Makes, ANSI Publish Standardization Roadmap for AM

America Makes and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) announced the publication of the Standardization Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing, Version 3.0, developed by the America Makes and ANSI Additive Manufacturing Standardization Collaborative (AMSC). The roadmap describes the current and desired future standardization landscape for additive manufacturing (AM), and focuses on industrial market sectors using AM technologies. A total of 141 standardization gaps (including 60 new gaps) are identified with corresponding recommendations across the AM lifecycle areas of: design; precursor materials; process control; post-processing; finished material properties; qualification and certification; nondestructive evaluation; maintenance and repair; and data. The hope is that the roadmap will be broadly adopted by the user community to facilitate a more coordinated approach to the future development of AM standards.

The AMSC is a cross-sector coordinating body that works to accelerate the development of industry-wide AM standards and specifications consistent with stakeholder needs to facilitate AM industry growth. The AMSC was launched in 2016 because several standards developing organizations (SDOs) were engaged in writing standards for various aspects of AM, prompting the need for coordination to maintain a consistent, harmonized, and non-contradictory set of standards. The AMSC itself does not develop standards or specifications.

Approximately 300 individuals from 150 public- and private-sector organizations supported the roadmap’s development, including representatives of U.S. federal government agencies and national laboratories, SDOs, industry, academia, and others. The document represents the culmination of the AMSC’s work since September 2022 to identify key safety, performance, and quality issues for AM technologies, relevant published standards and those in development, as well as to assess gaps. A “gap” means that a standard or specification does not exist addressing the issue in question.

The roadmap provides prioritized timeframes for when standards work should occur. Of the 141 gaps, 54 gaps/recommendations are identified as high priority, 64 as medium priority, and 23 as low priority. In 91 cases, additional pre-standardization research and development (R&D) is needed. The roadmap also identifies SDOs or others that may be able to develop the standards or perform the R&D. Looking ahead, the AMSC will continue to track progress by the SDOs to address the roadmap’s gaps and recommendations.

The impetus to develop an update to the roadmap—last published in June 2018—began following a 2022 survey on the use of the roadmap. The AMSC advisory group—comprised of industry, government, and SDO representatives—concluded it was time to update the document to maintain its relevancy and alignment with current practices and stakeholder needs.

“The publication of the AMSC roadmap is a significant milestone, capturing the latest in standardization activity affecting the additive manufacturing community,” said Brandon Ribic, technology director, America Makes. “The roadmap illustrates where progress has been made over the last five years but also where opportunities remain for standards and R&D to increase the use of AM technologies.”

“ANSI extends hearty thanks and congratulations to the volunteers who developed the AMSC roadmap, and we are confident it will continue to guide standardization activity for the additive manufacturing sector,” said Joe Bhatia, president and CEO, ANSI. “ANSI has a long history of successfully bringing together public- and private-sector stakeholders to outline standardization needs for emerging technologies and national and global priorities.”

For more information, visit www.ansi.org/amsc or email amsc@ansi.org.

UL Solutions Achieves ANSI Accreditation

UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, announced it is now accredited to ISO/IEC 17065, conformity assessment — requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services, by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB), a non-governmental organization that provides accreditation services and training to public and private-sector organizations.

This announcement comes as certification bodies and regulators are increasingly looking to accreditation bodies to provide third-party assessment of certification bodies, which form the basis of how products, processes and services are certified. ISO/IEC 17065 addresses key factors of certification bodies offering various certification schemes, from requirements related to the general setup and activities of the organization to the certification process, personnel competencies and impartiality.

The accreditation applies to UL Solutions functional safety and autonomy safety schemes, including:

• ISO 26262, road vehicles — functional safety
• ISO 21448, road vehicles — safety of the intended functionality
• ISO 13849, safety of machinery — safety-related parts of control systems
• IEC 61508, functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems
• IEC 62061, safety of machinery — functional safety of safety-related control systems

UL Solutions' combined functional safety and security team addresses automotive cybersecurity, functional safety, automated driving and software development processes to help customers bring safer, more secure innovations to market.

To earn this accreditation, UL Solutions demonstrated that it fulfills the requirements for certification bodies put forth by ISO/IEC 17065 through an independent, third-party assessment by ANAB.

"UL Solutions' combined automotive functional safety and security team leverage our combined expertise to drive innovation in safety for automotive and other industries," said Jody Nelson, managing director of functional safety and cybersecurity in the Identity Management and Security group at UL Solutions. "Achieving this accreditation helps communicate to the industry that our product, process and service certification schemes for functional safety and autonomy safety fulfill internationally recognized standards."

For more information, visit www.UL.com.

May 2023 Manufacturing Technology Orders Up From April but Continue Downward Trend

New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $365.9 million in May 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $365.9 million in May 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. May orders increased 8.6% over April 2023 but fell short of May 2022 orders by 16.7%. Annual orders for 2023 increased to $2.1 billion, nearly 15% behind orders for the same period in 2022.

“May orders increased but not enough to make up for the record decline we saw in April,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “Job shops increased orders at a slightly faster pace than the general market, but many large consumers of manufacturing technology decreased orders for the second month in a row. Significant growth from typically smaller consumers of manufacturing technology highlights some interesting changes in how and where goods are manufactured, particularly in anticipation of government spending programs.”

For instance, orders from manufacturers of electrical equipment are at the highest monthly level of 2023. This puts the industry on pace to make the second-largest investment in manufacturing technology since 2018. Much of the current investment stems from efforts to mitigate strains on the grid caused by unusual weather patterns. However, more investment from this sector may be on the horizon. The Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) program, part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, is expected to send notification of approved projects by the summer of 2023, which may spur more investment in manufacturing technology from this industry.

The construction industry has also shown growth in manufacturing technology investment. Construction machinery manufacturers doubled their order volume over April 2023, putting them on pace for the highest order volume since 2012, and hardware, screw, nut, and bolt manufacturers significantly increased orders in May. The increasing need for capacity is likely coming from the increase in residential construction, with new housing starts increasing dramatically in May and new permits on an upward trend since the beginning of the year. In addition to the recent uptick in residential construction, real construction spending on new manufacturing facilities has doubled since the end of 2021.

“Despite the positive news for the general economy, such as the upward revision to Q1 GDP two weeks ago and continued employment strength, the manufacturing technology industry is showing signs of a slowdown,” said Woods. “In his June 14 press conference, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell mentioned that manufacturers of durable goods – the consumers of manufacturing technology – would likely feel the effects of elevated interest rates before the broader economy. Our experience in 2016 shows that it is possible for there to be a downturn in the manufacturing technology industry while avoiding a broader recession. Only time and more data will tell if we are in an economic situation more like 2016 than the situation in 2001, as many economists have predicted.”

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org.

Nikon Purchases Avonix Imaging

Nikon Americas Inc, the U.S. subsidiary of Nikon Corporation (Nikon), has purchased the U.S. company Avonix Imaging LLC*(Avonix), Maple Grove, MI, which since 2015 has been a strategic X-ray CT (computed tomography) equipment manufacturing partner to Nikon Industrial Metrology Business Unit (IMBU).

As a long-established imaging inspection services provider that uses systems from Nikon for both X-ray/CT 3D and 2D inspection, Avonix has a wealth of technical expertise using X-rays to investigate the interior as well as the exterior of industrial components. Much of this knowledge has come through joint development projects with Nikon and in particular through the manufacture of cabinets and manipulators used in large-envelope CT systems sold by Nikon IMBU worldwide.

Tadashi Nakayama, corporate vice president, general manager of the IMBU, said, "Merging the respective strengths of our companies will reinforce our position as market leader in 3D and 2D X-ray inspection and measurement. It will massively enhance our ability to deliver best-in-class, next-generation solutions to manufacturing industry.

"In the run-up to making Avonix a wholly-owned subsidiary, we worked intensively with them to develop and build new X-ray CT systems with medium to large inspection envelopes.

"We recently launched a new model that realizes the largest imaging area for a single-piece cabinet in the industry. Work on expanding this revolutionary machine series and other new products is continuing apace."

Referring to the partnership, Brian Ruether, co-founder and co-managing director of Avonix, added, “Nikon’s proprietary rotating target X-ray sources and proven software combined with our expertise in the design of configurable systems, controls, and product handling create a customized experience for our clients, which can contribute to their efficiency and profitability.”

Jeff Diehm, co-founder and co-managing director of Avonix, added, “The historical collaboration between Nikon and Avonix has been rooted in the goal of mutual success for all involved, including partners, vendors and, of course, our customers. It is no coincidence that the goal of mutual success is at the heart of Avonix’s ACE Core Values (Authenticity, Competency and Empathy). The merger will result in enhanced value through the release of new and innovative products. We are excited to take our long-standing strategic relationship to the next level.”

Nikon and Avonix have been successfully working together for the past eight years to jointly develop, build, sell and provide services relating to CT systems for large-scale inspection. Together, the two companies will further advance the development of new products going forward, while enhancing the business by leveraging the customer experience, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries. It is notable that, in its medium-term management plan from FY2022 to FY2025, Nikon has positioned digital manufacturing as its key strategic business.

As part of the acquisition process, Avonix Imaging, LLC has become Avonix Imaging, Inc.

For more information, visit www.industry.nikon.com.