NAM: Export-Led Growth Continues
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The March 11th report from the Commerce Department that the January manufactured goods trade deficit dropped by $7 billion from the previous year was hailed as validation that “export-led growth and free trade are continuing to hold the economy above water,” by Frank Vargo, the National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) vice president for international economic affairs.
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Modus Metrology Opens New Facility
KNOXVILLE, TN—Modus Metrology Services, a part of Omega Energy Services, has moved to its new facility in Knoxville, TN, and will be operational and accepting work by June 1.
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Defining True Enterprisewide Quality
An enterprisewide quality initiative means something different in terms of process reach and cost reduction benefits to each company that commits resources, time and technology to manage their quality initiatives. To get the most out of any quality initiative, companies should focus on a deep and wide approach to embedding quality processes and accountability metrics to every person, department and division within their organization and to every supplier, both local and global.
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Taking the Edge Out of Noncontact Measurement
Numerous dimensional measurements are made at many places in the manufacturing process. No matter the type of part, from circuit boards to engine parts to plastic connector housings, measurements ensure that parts and processes are in control and of appropriate quality.
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Testing Torque
Accurately and reliably characterizing the physical attributes of the rotating component is critical in guaranteeing consistent production quality. From automotive controls and medical devices to packaging and consumer electronics, torque testing is an essential ingredient of product design and manufacturing quality control.
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From the Editor: Prove Yourself First
The Quality Magazine Professional of the Year Award was started several years ago to recognize an individual who, during the course of his or her career, has made outstanding contributions to the quality profession.
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Case Studies: Measuring Miniscule Wire
Inspectors at California Fine Wire Co. (CFW), a manufacturer of ultra-fine shaped wire, are accustomed to routine inspections to confirm that wire is within tolerance. However, CFW’s amplifiers were giving conflicting readouts. The search began for a solution.
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Quality 101: Surface Analysis: Beyond Roughness
Most discussions on the quality of surface finish revolve around the measure of roughness. Indeed, roughness is the most common measure of surface finish, and parameters such as average roughness (Ra) and mean roughness depth (Rz) are the most commonly specified. But the ways to measure a surface and the reasons for doing so go far beyond roughness.
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Brain Teasers: Product or Process?
Anyone who has faced a production problem with a need to solve it by using production data can relate to the notion of a brain teaser. The brain teasers presented here are based on real-world situations encountered by workers in manufacturing environments.
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