Checking In

Tech Tip Videos for Fractional Horsepower Motors

To help engineers with their fractional horsepower motor concerns, Groschopp Inc., a manufacturer of AC, DC, brushless DC, and universal motors plus related gearboxes, is launching a how-to and how-it-works video series. Each segment is 2-3 minutes in length, giving engineers help with little interruption to their day. The first video, “How to Check an Armature for Damaged Windings,” offers three quick checks that can be performed using a volt/ohm meter to determine if the motor is functioning properly. www.groschopp.com

Revised SMRP Standardized Metrics Released

The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) has released more than 70 new standardized industry metrics designed to provide valuable insight into the effectiveness and overall accuracy of asset management in the maintenance and reliability industry. Current metrics from SMRP give guidance on how to measure key performance indicators. The revised metrics include best-in-class target values where applicable, and formulas, ratios, statistics, definitions, and references that combined provide a consistent benchmark for maintenance and reliability professionals to measure their performance. SMRP also added new search feature for e-Metrics called bundles that help maintenance and reliability professional quickly find key Pillar 5 Work Management Metrics. www.smrp.org

JEC Allies with Messe Frankfurt for North America

JEC Group, a resource for composites industry services, support, and expertise, has a new strategic partnership with global tradeshow organizer Messe Frankfurt Inc. JEC will leverage its new relationship to co-locate its new annual springtime JEC Americas Composites Show & Conference at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, May 13-15, 2014, with two of Messe Frankfurt Inc.’s events: Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas.

Co-location will enable the organizers to showcase larger-scale production opportunities and offer convenient access to three simultaneous industry exhibitions. This new alliance and show provides an opportunity for composites designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to showcase their technologies, expand their expertise, and network with industry professionals. www.jeccomposites.com, www.messefrankfurt.com

Manufacturing Technology Orders up in September

September U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $397.57 million, according to AMT – the Association for Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was up 5.8% from August but down 31.1% when compared with the total of $577.17 million reported for September 2012. With a year-to-date total of $3,507.71 million, 2013 is down 11.3% compared with 2012.

The United States Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report, compiled by the trade association representing the production and distribution of manufacturing technology, provides regional and national U.S. orders data of domestic and imported machine tools and related equipment. Analysis of manufacturing technology orders provides a reliable leading economic indicator as manufacturing industries invest in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

“The monthly gain in USMTO indicates that manufacturers are making capital investments, and we expect these gains will grow in 2014. The year-over-year decline was anticipated due to the typical high volume during an IMTS year, which we saw in September 2012,” AMT President Douglas K. Woods says. “A recent uptick in factory orders shows strong activity in a number of industries, particularly aerospace, which is forecast to grow more than 10% in the coming year.” www.amtonline.org