Latest Updates

iSwiss to showcase new tool holders at IMTS 2022

iSwiss will be showcasing its new Type X height adjustable backworking tool holders at this year’s IMTS 2022 event.

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Marposs will be demonstrating the OptoCloud EDU (Electric Drive Unit), its latest generation of 3D precision inspection solutions designed for the electrical vehicle industry, at IMTS 2022.

At the Right Angle: a primer on milling cutters

In milling applications, 90° cutters are perhaps the most common tools.These versatile tools are used for milling square shoulders, slots, face operations bound by shoulders, edges, pockets, and cavities. Face mills perform machining by ramping and turn-milling. These 90°cutters prevail in the product range of tool manufacturers that produce general-purpose mills whether indexable, solid, or brazed.

Industry Update

Hiroyuki Kawakami appointed president of Mitsui Seiki Kogyo, Ltd.

Hiroyuki “Roy” Kawakami has been promoted to President of Mitsui Seiki Kogyo, Ltd., the parent company of Mitsui Seiki USA, Inc.

Industrial robots have moved from maturity into a fast-growth phase

The past five years have been a roller-coaster ride for the industrial robot market.

Manufacturing showed continued growth in April

Monthly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 0.3 per cent in April, making the seventh consecutive monthly growth, according to the latest date from Statistics Canada.

The Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) has added 15 new courses to METALFORM EDU, an online training program specifically designed for workers in the metalforming industry.

Ingersoll has introduced the HiPosSFeedV “mini-sized” indexable end mill line.

Three Index machines to make North American debut at IMTS 2022

Index has announced that IMTS 2022 will host the North American debut of the company’s next generations of its G220 turn mill centre, MS32-6 CNC multi-spindle and TNL12 sliding headstock lathe.

Fischer to feature new milling head spindle combination at IMTS 2022

Fischer will showcase its D27 milling head at IMTS 2022, paired with the brand’s newest technology for high-volume material removal.

New beginner’s guide to TIG welding available

PrimeWeld has added its new beginner's guide TIG welding to the list of resources available on the company’s website www.primeweld.com.

Industry Update

BOFA and Wurth announce AM industry collaboration

BOFA Americas, Inc. is partnering with Würth Additive Group in a move aimed at reinforcing both companies' positions in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry.

NGen supports $5.7 million advanced manufacturing R&D project led by MAPS & Burloak Technologies

NGen has provided $2.2 million non-repayable collaborative funding award to McGuire Aero Propulsion Solutions Inc. (MAPS) to support a $5.7 million project with partner Burloak Technologies, advancing the state of the art of additive manufacturing (AM).

CME report urges creation of a net zero industrial strategy

Canadian manufacturing wants to transition to a net-zero future but it’s going to require more government partnerships and investments and real strategy to get there, according to the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).

When working with metal, a poor choice of tool or machining strategy can be the difference between success and failure.

Canadian light vehicle sales slump in May

For the many metalworking and mould making shops serving Canada’s automotive sector, new light vehicle sales for May are disappointing, down 8.5% for Canada as a whole, according to DesRosiers Automotive Reports (DAC).

Electra evaluating development of second Battery Materials Refinery in North America

Toronto-based Electra Battery Materials Corporation has announced that as part of its growth strategy in support of the onshoring of electric vehicle supply chains in North America, it has begun preliminary discussions with the Government of Quebec to build a new cobalt refinery in Bécancour, Que., that will integrate with an emerging battery materials park in the province.

New research finds America is securing a dominant position in many new robot categories, outpacing Europe and Asia

A research study released by Strategic Exits Partners, a Vancouver-based boutique investment bank specializing in the sale of technology companies, found that although America has lagged behind Asia and Europe in design and production of manufacturing robots, it is now positioned to catch up and lead in a new global robotics race.

Steel maker SSAB has entered an agreement with U.S.-based Shape Corp., a tier-one automotive supplier of lightweight body structures, to deliver fossil-free steel crash management and body structure systems to market.

Manufacturing sales were up in seven of 10 provinces in April with Alberta posting the strongest gains, according to Statistics Canada data.

Precision machining’s expansion in U.S. slowing

The Gardner Business Intelligence (GBI) Precision Machining Index for the U.S. closed May at 58.7, slightly better than April’s 57.9.

ETEL has announced its new TBS Linear Axis offering.

Mitsui Seiki will showcase its popular PJ812 VMC at IMTS 2022.

Drive EV battery efficiency with laser welding

Enhanced performance of EV batteries is a major factor in the steady increase in electric vehicle sales. Amada Weld Tech explains how better performance stems, in part, from recent developments in laser welding of dissimilar metals which increases efficiency by increasing energy storage, reducing size, and preserving reliability.

Industry Update

The top 5 robot trends in 2022

The operational stock of industrial robots hit a new record of about 3 million units worldwide – increasing by 13% on average each year (2015-2020). The International Federation of Robotics analyzes the top 5 trends shaping robotics and automation around the globe.

Japan leads world in robot manufacturing; China looking to challenge leadership

Japan is the world´s number one industrial robot manufacturer – delivering 45% of the global supply but China is looking to challenge that leadership with its new five-year innovation plan.

After two months of strong increases, Canadian merchandise trade activity slowed in April, Statistics Canada reports.

Excellerant premieres Collaborative Manufacturing Platform at IMTS 2022

Excellerant will unveil its recently trademarked Excellerant Collaborative Manufacturing Platform in Booth 133354 at IMTS 2022.

Plant Management Products

Next generation of the G220 turn-mill center

Index has announced the release of next generation of its G220 turn-mill center.

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Metal 3D Printing technology landscape - The trends and the whitespaces

Perfectly imperfect - that is the technology landscape in metal 3D printing boiled down. On one hand, the diversity in metal additive manufacturing technologies enables complex geometries and opens unique applications that no other manufacturing technique can reach. But these technologies are by no means infallible, and metal AM is ripe for improvement. Through an extensive benchmarking study, IDTechEx has asked the question: where are metal additive manufacturing technologies going, and where are the whitespaces for advancement in the metal AM landscape?

Industry Update

Manufacturing leading the charge to higher pricing

Nearly two fifths (39.0%) of Canadian businesses expect to raise their prices over the next three months according to the findings of the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC).

More than a third of manufacturers better off now than before pandemic but challenges persist

Despite rising input costs, supply chain disruptions and an acute labour shortage, Canadian manufacturers are still doing better in recovering from the pandemic when compared with businesses overall.

Manufacturing’s recovery slowed by supply chain and labour shortage woes

A new forecast by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) shows the sector is contributing to Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery but its efforts at doing even more are limited by the ongoing supply disruptions and labour and skills shortages.

Cutting tool orders in the U.S. totaled $175.5 million in April, a 3.8 per cent year-over-year increase, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Auger Assist conveyor system

Jorgensen Conveyor and Filtration Solutions has introduced the Auger Assist Conveyor.

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Stellantis-LG Energy Solution Battery joint venture officially named

The official name for the Stellantis and LG Energy Solution battery joint-venture company has been announced and its CEO appointed.

Lantek Expert V2021 slug prevention and destruction

Lantek Systems Inc. has introduced the Expert V2021 programming solution for 2D cutting and punching machines.

Robot Sales in North America show record surge in 1Q

North American companies started the year by purchasing the most robots ever in a single quarter, with 11,595 robots sold at a value of $646 million.

A major North American tube producer has invested in Thermatool equipment following the success of an earlier adoption.

The May 2022 Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report shows metalforming companies anticipating a modest decline in business conditions compared to the previous month’s report.

The Benefits of Jig Grinding with 5-axis Machining

A little history on Jig Grinding as paraphrased from Wikipedia: Jig Grinding technology was developed at the end of World War 1 and is used for grinding complex shapes and holes where the highest degrees of accuracy and finish are required.

Heidenhain has announced that it will introduce its new TNC7 CNC control at the IMTS 2022 trade show.

Hypertherm releases ProNest 2023 CAD/CAM nesting software

Hypertherm has announced a major version update to ProNest 2023, its advanced CAD/CAM nesting software for automated cutting.

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CTMA investing big on inspiring youth to begin careers in the trades

After working with the provincial government and six school boards to purchase new equipment and tool kits for installation in 28 high school across Ontario last year, the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) is looking to go even bigger this year.

With the WPP10G, WPP20G and WPP30G grades, Walter presents the new Tiger·tec® Gold indexable inserts, specially designed for turning operations. As with milling and drilling products, Tiger·tec® Gold features a multi-layered structure that provides increased tool life and outstanding process reliability making it the Gold standard for turning. Click the image to learn more.

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ROTA THW3 - Completely sealed jaw quick-change chuck with constant clamping forces

The SCHUNK ROTA THW3 quick-change jaw chuck with its patented sealing of the chuck mechanism is precisely tailored to this. Users benefit from permanently high process stability, constant clamping forces and long maintenance intervals.

Okuma and WTO: LB3000 EX II Cutting Demo

The right tooling is essential for high-precision machining - in this cutting demo, Okuma partnered with WTO to showcase the Okuma LB3000 EX II horizontal lathe along with WTO's driven and static tools for turning centers.

TechChat - CAT vs HSK toolholders

Rego-Fix’s David McHenry explores the differences between CAT (a.k.a. steep taper) and HSK toolholders, and their advantages and disadvantages.

Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster spurs $76 million in ZEV investments

NGen Canada has announced a series of innovation projects to support the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) manufacturing ecosystem in Canada.

Walter has introduced the W1211/W1210 copy turning system for boring bars, imparting a higher level of dimensional stability and indexing accuracy to internal machining, including profiling (copy turning), facing, and axial grooving.

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At IMTS 2022, Booth 431900, Ceratizit USA will highlight its tooling solutions including its new Dragonskin coating, multifunctional EcoCut tools and a four-flute solid carbide drill, along with an in-process machine monitoring and optimization system.

Trumpf at Fabtech Canada 2022

Trumpf has announced the products and services it will be highlighting at the 2022 Fabtech Canada show.

Xiris WeldStudio 3 and WeldStudio 3 Pro

Xiris Automation has released Xiris WeldStudio 3 and WeldStudio 3 Pro.

Flexible pallet container for milling automation

Fastems has introduced version 8 of its Flexible Pallet Container (FPC 8), which provides easy and extendable automation for one to three CNC milling machines with 400 mm to 1,000 mm pallets.

Quebec’s Les Ateliers de fabrication du Saguenay has received a $200,000 repayable contribution from the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) to help the company increase both its productivity and production capacity.

Rollomatic Femto-Second Laser Cutting Machine for Ultra Hard Materials

Rollomatic has announced the launch of a femto-second laser cutting machine for PCD (polycrystalline diamond) and other ultra-hard materials.

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Hypertherm OMAX and Robotmaster at IMTS 2022

Hypertherm is preparing to exhibit at the IMTS 2022 trade show.

Plasma cutter vs torch – you make the call

When it comes to cutting metal, most fabricators would point to plasma cutting or oxyfuel cutting as the two most popular techniques. Both techniques have their pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, and cheerleaders and detractors. And, as you might expect, choosing the most suitable cutting system for the job is not necessarily straightforward. The choice depends on the application, the type and thickness of the material to be cut, quality of the cut, operational costs, location of the job, and many other factors.

Industry Update

Top Robotic Welding Trends in 2022

The effects of the pandemic continue to rock the global economy, and the robotic welding sector has not been immune. But it holds steady, and in fact, is picking up pace. Torben Henriksen, Sales Manager at Kemppi Danmark A/S, analyses some of the more interesting trends expected to arise in the robotic welding market in 2022.

April data signalled another robust expansion in operating conditions in the Canadian manufacturing sector, despite a slight moderation since March, according to the S&P Global Canada Manufacturing PMI.

The fact that one out of every 20 jobs in Canada is currently unfilled should give us serious pause, according to Leah Nord, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Director of Workforce Strategies and Inclusive Growth. The impact from the labour shortage to Canada’s recovery and long-term growth could be significant.

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division today announced the opening of a new OEM laboratory at its Precision Center in Oakville, Ont.

Royal workholding systems

Royal’s range of flexible workholding systems for three, four and five axis machining centers is designed for high-volume production jobs or one-off prototypes.

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Bystronic Canada will be showcasing its sheet metal processing solutions at the Fabtech trade show this year.

Ontario training close to 1,500 for piping and welding careers

Ontario is investing over $11.6 million in two projects that will help nearly 1,500 apprentices and journeypersons upgrade their skills in a variety of areas, including welding and steamfitting.

Ingersoll has introduced its NanoFeed hi-feed indexable insert design.

Automotive sector leads manufacturing activity gains in the U.S.

Manufacturing activity in the U.S climbed sharply in March, led by increases in automotive output. This marked the third straight monthly gain in U.S. factory activity.

Industry Update

New additive machinery supplier is born

Laser machine supplier Prima Industrie S.p.A. has completed the spin-off operation of its business unit dedicated to additive manufacturing, merging it with 3D New Technologies and renaming it Prima Additive Srl.

Significant GO Rail expansion spells opportunity for metalworking

Ontario’s plans to modernize its GO rail network is certain to create business opportunities for Canadian metalworking shops.

New Tiger·tec® Gold turning grades

Tiger·tec® Gold WPP10G, WPP20G, WPP30G – new turning grades.

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SCHUNK ROTA-M flex 2+2

Sealed 2+2 jaw chuck with large compensation stroke allows maximum flexibility on milling lathes.

Canadian manufacturing sales increased for the fifth consecutive month in February, Statistics Canada records indicate.

All Canadian provinces post manufacturing sales gains

Manufacturing sales increased in all provinces in February, led by Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, according to Statistics Canada’s monthly Survey of Manufacturing.

Record-high inventory levels continue for Canadian manufacturers

Total inventories for Canadian manufacturers increased 1.0% to $106.7 billion in February, mainly on higher inventories in the petroleum and coal product (+9.1%), primary metal (+3.5%), and motor vehicle (+12.8%) industries, Statistics Canada reports.

Higher production boosts Canadian manufacturing capacity utilization rate

The capacity utilization rate (not seasonally adjusted) for the total manufacturing sector rose from 73.7% in January to 76.9% in February on higher production, Statistics Canada records indicate.

Montreal-based Lion Electric Company, a manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, and Transit Truck Bodies, are launching an electric heavy-duty truck for last-mile delivery.

AH8015 PVD grade added to thread turning insert line

Tungaloy has expanded its ST-style laydown thread turning insert line of the TungThread series by adding AH8015 PVD grade option.

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CanWeld Conference 2022

The CWB Group has announced the dates and lineup for its CanWeld Conference 2022.

Executive director Robert Cattle explains how CTMA weathered the pandemic and lays out the path forward in an exclusive interview.

BLM Group to highlight tube and flat sheet fabrication at Fabtech Canada

At Fabtech Canada, BLM Group will showcase its solutions for both tube and flat sheet fabrication, featuring some of its machines.

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CME supportive of Temporary Foreign Worker improvements

Canadian light vehicle sales in March dropped 19.8 per cent compared to the “red hot” sales numbers of a year ago, according to estimates from Desrosiers Automotive Consultant (DAC).

Auto parts manufacturer Magna is expanding its electric vehicle components operations into Chatham, as an extension of its current operations in St. Thomas.

Cutting fuel subsidies could make decarbonisation more difficult: Canadian Chamber

Eliminating fossil fuel subsidies makes for a great soundbite on the evening news but doesn’t represent a viable path to decarbonisation, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Mark Agnew informed a federal government committee studying the subsidies issue.

Airbus Canada will be making use of an additional 125,000 ft2 (11,600 m2) area in Mirabel, Que., as it prepares to ramp up its sub-assembly of A220 aircraft subcomponents.

Striker introduces costing assistant software

Striker Systems has announced the availability of a new software application that allows Striker CAD/CAM software users to generate a per-part cost of CNC cutting operations.

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CME welcomes launch of Canada-UK free trade negotiations

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and Make UK, the two national trade associations representing manufacturers in Canada and the United Kingdom, welcome the launch of new negotiations for an enhanced and comprehensive free trade agreement between the two countries.

Industry Update

Expect continued investments in Ontario’s automotive industry

Expect more government spending on Ontario’s automotive industry over the coming weeks. That’s the tip from Vic Fedeli, the province’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Global mobile robot shipments reach milestone

There were just over 100,000 mobile robots shipped globally in 2021, the first time this milestone has been reached, according to an Online Robotics magazine report.

To assist with the exodus of refugees from Ukraine who are attempting to relocate to Canada, the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) facilitated a survey to identify member companies willing to provide temporary or permanent employment, and other humanitarian assistance, immediately.

Metal additive manufacturing forecasted to grow to $18B by 2032

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has recovered from the short-term losses caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic and is on track to hit $18.5 billion by 2032, according to a new report from IDTechEx.

Fiber laser welding technology has quickly advanced as the must-have solution for high-volume, low-mix demands. We explore why.

FROM THE ISSUE: Waterjet Case Study - the complete package

Montreal packaging solutions manufacturer continuously invests in automation to keep pace with growth and keep its R&D on point.

Parting Ways

Still using yesterday’s grooving and cutoff tools? Time for an upgrade.

Millstar's EIV5 provides a unique combination of radial grind, variable helix, variable pitch and radius preparation for maximum versatility and surgical precision.

Videos

WTO Live Tooling with QuickFlex® Quick Change System

The perfect combination: ER collet chuck and quick change system in one toolholder.

DC160 Advance Solid Carbide Drill

Can be used universally, strong performance.

Supply chain issues force downward revision for light vehicle production forecast

Influential auto-industry forecaster S&P Global Mobility is significantly lowering its global light vehicle production outlook for the year due to ongoing supply chain challenges exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Industry Update

Supply chain problems continue to plague metalformers

Ongoing supply chain challenges are taking a bite out of metalformers’ business projections for the next three months.

HEIDENHAIN is offering a collection of educational services and products to meet the demands for digitization of data in NC metalworking in training the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

Zagar’s CNC portable drill for remote holemaking operations

Zagar Inc. has introduced its Z-Mag DTM portable CNC drill and tap machine for remote holemaking operations.

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Canadian women launch multi-million angel investment fund

A group of Canadian women in technology have launched Phoenix Fire, an angel stage investment fund with a systematic approach to investing in women entrepreneurs across Canada.

Industry Update

BASF acquires site in Quebec to build EV battery material

Becancour, Que., is becoming a busy place for international companies looking to build an electric vehicle battery supply chain.

GM to build EV battery material in Quebec

General Motors and POSCO Chemical will build a $500 million facility in Becancour, Que., to produce cathode active material (CAM), an integral component of electric-car batteries.

Sandvik Coromant has launched an upgraded CoroDrill 860 assortment for drilling steel.

Haimer Shrink Out Device

One of the most common questions Haimer receives at trade shows and events is, "What happens if a cutting tool breaks in a shrink fit holder?"

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GF Machining Solutions invests in medical manufacturing

GF Machining Solutions has established a Medical Center of Competency and has appointed a new Medical Business Development Manager, Donn Wuestenberg, to head its operations.

A bipartisan group of 22 U.S. state governors is urging Congress to pick up the pace in finalizing government funding to deal with the semiconductor chip shortages disrupting production in the automotive and electronics sectors.

Messer Cutting Systems acquires Flame Technologies

Messer Cutting Systems, Global has acquired the US-American manufacturer of products in the oxyfuel sector, Flame Technologies Inc. (Flame Tech), through an affiliate company.

Metalforming industry projections holding steady

Despite ongoing supply chain bottlenecks, inflationary pressures and political upheaval on both sides of the border as Covid-19 mandates wind down, metalforming companies in Canada and the U.S. see little change in their business forecasts for the next three months.

What is it and how can it help machine shops achieve greater efficiency?

Bentley expands 3D printing to produce thousands of new components

Bentley Motors, perhaps the most famous luxury car brand in the world, is embracing a future that includes leaning on the advantages of additive manufacturing.

BENTELER EV Systems, Beep Inc., and Mobileye have formed a strategic collaboration to develop and deploy automotive-grade, fully electric, autonomous movers in public and private communities across North America.

Walter Tiger•tec® Gold: As strong as ever. More flexible than ever before.

CWB Association introduces Training Supplement and Upskill Program

The CWB Association has introduced a new program that it says will offer various skills that help promote continued learning and upskilling within the steel industries.

Industry Update

Nathan Turner appointed president of Fastems LLC

Fastems, a builder and developer of intelligent CNC automation and software for high-mix-low-volume manufacturers, has named Nathan Turner president of its US operations.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco and the Ontario government are joining forces on a multi-billion dollar project aimed at transforming the province into a world-leading producer of green steel.

Manufacturing sales break record in 2021

After a tumultuous 2020, where manufacturing sales fell to their lowest levels since 2015, a rebound in 2021 saw manufacturing sales reach their highest level on record, according to Statistics Canada.

British Columbia flooding impact on manufacturing revealed

The flooding in British Columbia had moderate impacts on manufacturing activities in December, Statistics Canada reports.

The automotive aftermarket was a pillar of strength in 2021 providing stability in a turbulent automotive environment, according to Desrosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC).

Traffic is moving once again at the Alberta and BC borders with the U.S. as protest blockades have been dismantled. The blockade in Manitoba is expected to be cleared tomorrow.

The ongoing trucker-led border blockades are now forcing automakers on both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border to cut back on their production as they are unable to find parts and components.

CGTech has released the latest version of its Vericut CNC machine simulation, verification, and optimization software.

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Tiger·tec Gold inserts for steel turning applications

Walter has introduced Tiger·tec Gold inserts, designed for turning operations in all steel applications including low carbon steels as well as various alloy steels.

Single point direct-drive gap frame servo press

AIDA America is showcasing its A Series single point, direct-drive gap frame servo press at FABTECH Mexico 2022.

Canadian industry unites in opposition to border blockade

A group of leading business trade associations representing key sectors of the Canadian supply chain, including the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, have banded together to demand “an immediate end” to trucker border blockades threatening the nation’s trade.

Industry Update

Ontario invests in EV battery lab in Windsor

The Ontario government is contributing $1.5 million in support of an electric vehicle battery lab in Windsor.

Grinding operations showcase

Always satisfying to watch - a compilation of grinding operations using the Studer S41 and the WALTER Helitronic Vision 400 L.

CME calls for immediate reopening of Coutts border crossing

Fed up with a trucker protest that is affecting about $44 million in trade between Canada and the U.S. every day, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) wants an immediate end to the week-long blockade of the border crossing at Coutts, Alberta.

Industry Update

Why Marc Hasrouny believes the time to act is not tomorrow but today on the challenges of decision making for equipment purchases and committing to automation.

North America is the cause of supply chain disruption: K+N report

Roughly 80 per cent of the supply chain disruption impacting global trade and frustrating metal manufacturers across Canada stems from congestion issues associated with North American ports, according to a new report from global freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel.

U.S. manufacturing grew in January but remains plagued by bottlenecks

Manufacturing activity in the U.S. grew in January, as indicated by the monthly Manufacturing ISM Report on Business.

Wishful thinking about end of semiconductor shortage?

The semiconductor shortage that slowed global auto production in 2021, and led to the lowest level in vehicle production in Canada since 1967, is improving, according to General Motors CEO Mary Barra.

Niagara Cutter, a Seco Tools company, has introduced the A245/345 product families.

New record reached for North American robot sales

The number of robots sold in North America set a new record in 2021, with 39,708 units sold at a value of $2 billion, a 14 per cent increase over the previous high in 2017, according to data released by the Association for Advancing Automation(A3).

Industry Update

New president and CEO named at TRUMPF Inc.

TRUMPF has announced that Lutz Labisch will become president and CEO of TRUMPF Inc. effective March 1, 2022. Part of Labisch’s responsibilities will include overseeing TRUMPF operations in Canada.

Canadian manufacturing continues growth in January

Operating conditions in Canada’s manufacturing sector showed sharp improvement in January and continued their growth pattern, according to data released by the IHS Markit Canada Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index.

New Xiris CellView camera

Burlington, ON-based Xiris Automation has released the CellView camera, which provides a wide-angle view of automated or manual welding cells.

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Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.6% in November, marking the sixth straight monthly expansion and bringing the level of real GDP 0.2% above its February 2020 level, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report released by Statistics Canada today.

Spark Something Great program open to grant applications

Hypertherm is now accepting applications for its Spark Something Great educational grant program which will provide 12 North American schools with a Powermax45 XP air plasma system and in-person training from a Hypertherm product expert.

Metalforming companies are viewing the first quarter of 2022 with increased optimism for improved business conditions, according to the January 2022 Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report.

New DoFeed inserts for milling exotic materials

Tungaloy has expanded its DoFeed high feed milling cutter series by adding six LNMU0303UER inserts.

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GM makes historical investment in EV manufacturing capacity

General Motors Co. is investing more than $7 billion in four Michigan manufacturing sites to significantly increase battery cell and electric truck manufacturing capacity. This is the single largest investment announcement in GM history.

Industry Update

CAMBRIO, a provider of CAD/CAM solutions for the fabrication industry has released version 22 of its SigmaNEST software suite.

CEOs optimistic about 2022; adjusting to pandemic reality

Nearly two thirds of CEOs expect their organization’s growth to be “very strong” or “strong” in 2022, according to the winter installment of the Fortune/Deloitte CEO survey.

Industry Update

Ultracompact laser sensor

Keyence has released the LR-X Series ultracompact laser sensor.

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Manufacturing sales continued growth in December, advance results show

Manufacturing sales are expected to have risen 0.8 per cent in December, driven in part by higher sales in the fabricated metal products and motor vehicle industries, according to an advance estimate released by Statistics Canada this morning.

Industry Update

Coalition demands action on triple threat to manufacturing

The Canadian Manufacturing Coalition (CMC) met with Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne on Friday, stressing the need for urgent government action on the triple threat of supply chain bottlenecks, labour shortages and trade protectionism.

Industrial robot density nearly doubled globally in five years

The use of industrial robots in factories around the world is accelerating at a high rate, according to the latest World Robot Report.

Macrodyne Technologies Inc., a Toronto-based hydraulic press manufacturer, has acquired Dunkes GmbH, a German press manufacturer with decades of experience in metal forming, straightening and joining technologies.

Flow releases long-life intensifier pump

Flow International Corporation, a Kent, Wash-based developer and manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting systems, has announced the next generation of intensifier pump technology, the MotoJet X.

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Fast Facts: Automatic Pallet Changers (APCs)

Automatic pallet changers (APCs), also known as pallet pools, provide staging and storage areas for machined parts.

Videos

OptiThreading™ - Thread turning without chip jamming

If you ever have been struggling with chip issues in threading, the innovative OptiThreading™ method can be the solution for you.

SCHUNK ADHESO in the electronics industry

SCHUNK ADHESO grippers are ideal for various applications in the electrical industry.

DiPaolo Machine Tools adds Kitamura Machinery to its line up

DiPaolo Machine Tools, a Mississauga, Ont.-based supplier of industrial machine tools and turnkey systems, has added Kitamura Machinery’s line of vertical, horizontal, 5-axis and double column machining centres to their milling and automation solutions line up.

Industry Update

FANUC America has introduced the new M-1000iA robot capable of handling very heavy products including automotive components, construction materials and battery packs for electric vehicles.

Index launches iXacademy online training platform

Index has launched iXacademy, an online platform designed to provide manufacturers with training on a wide variety of topics in a flexible and convenient format.