PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

a. General. The electric arc is a very powerful source of light, including visible, ultraviolet, and infrared. Protective clothing and equipment must be worn during all welding operations. During all oxyacetylene welding and cutting proccesses, operators must use safety goggles to protect the eyes from heat, glare, and flying fragments of hot metals. During all electric welding processes, operators must use safety goggles and a hand shield or helmet equipped with a suitable filter glass to protect against the intense ultraviolet and infrared rays. When others are in the vicinity of the electric welding processes, the area must be screened so the arc cannot be seen either directly or by reflection from glass or metal.

b. Helmets and Shields.

(1) Welding arcs are intensely brilliant lights. They contain a proportion of ultraviolet light which may cause eye damage. For this reason, the arc should never be viewed with the naked eye within a distance of 50.0 ft (15.2 m). The brilliance and exact spectrum, and therefore the danger of the light, depends on the welding process, the metals in the arc, the arc atmosphere, the length of the arc, and the welding current. Operators, fitters, and those working nearby need protection against arc radiation. The intensity of the light from the arc increases with increasing current and arc voltage. Arc radiation, like all light radiation, decreases with the square of the distance. Those processes that produce smoke surrounding the arc have a less bright arc since the smoke acts as a filter. The spectrum of the welding arc is similar to that of the sun. Exposure of the skin and eyes to the arc is the same as exposure to the sun.

(2) Being closest, the welder needs a helmet to protect his eyes and face from harmful light and particles of hot metal. The welding helmet is generally constructed of a pressed fiber insulating material. It has an adjustable headband that makes it usable by persons with different head sizes. To minimize reflection and glare produced by the intense light, the helmet is dull black in color. It fits over the head and can be swung upward when not welding. The chief advantage of the helmet is that it leaves both hands free, making it possible to hold the work and weld at the same time.

(3) The hand-held shield provides the same protection as the helmet, but is held in position by the handle. This type of shield is frequently used by an observer or a person who welds for a short period of time.

(4) The protective welding helmet has lens holders used to insert the cover glass and the filter glass or plate. Standard size for the filter plate is 2 x 4-1/4 in. (50 x 108 mm). In some helmets lens holders open or flip upwards. Lenses are designed to prevent flash burns and eye damage by absorption of the infrared and ultraviolet rays produced by the arc. The filter glasses or plates come in various optical densities to filter out various light intensities, depending on the welding process, type of base metal, and the welding current. The color of the lens, usually green, blue, or brown, is an added protection against the intensity of white light or glare. Colored lenses make it possible to clearly see the metal and weld. A magnifier lens placed behind the filter glass is sometimes used to provide clear vision.

A cover plate should be placed outside the filter glass to protect it from weld spatter. The filter glass must be tempered so that is will not break if hit by flying weld spatter. Filter glasses must be marked showing the manufacturer, the shade number, and the letter “H” indicating it has been treated for impact resistance.

(5) Gas metal-arc (MIG) welding requires darker filter lenses than shielded metal-arc (stick) welding. The intensity of the ultraviolet radiation emitted during gas metal-arc welding ranges from 5 to 30 times brighter than welding with covered electrodes.

(6) Do not weld with cracked or defective shields because penetrating rays from the arc may cause serious burns. Be sure that the colored glass plates are the proper shade for arc welding. Protect the colored glass plate from molten metal spatter by using a cover glass. Replace the cover glass when damaged or spotted by molten metal spatter.

(7) Face shields must also be worn where required to protect eyes. Welders must wear safety glasses and chippers and grinders often use face shields in addition to safety glasses.

(8) In some welding operations, the use of mask-type respirators is required. Helmets with the “bubble” front design can be adapted for use with respirators.

c. Safety Goggles. During all electric welding processes, operators must wear safety goggles to protect their eyes from weld spatter which occasionally gets inside the helmet. These clear goggles also protect the eyes from slag particles when chipping and hot sparks when grinding. Contact lenses should not be worn when welding or working around welders. Tinted safety glasses with side shields are recommended, especially when welders are chipping or grinding. Those working around welders should also wear tinted safety glasses with side shields.

d. Protective Clothing.

(1) Personnel exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations shall be protected by personal protective equipment in accordance with OSHA standards.The appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature, and location of the work to be performed. Welders should wear work or shop clothes without openings or gaps to prevent arc rays from contacting the skin. Those working close to arc welding should also wear protective clothing. Clothing should always be kept dry, including gloves.

(2) Woolen clothing should be worn instead of cotton since wool is not easily burned or damaged by weld spatter and helps to protect the welder from changes in temperature. Cotton clothing, if used, should be chemically treated to reduce its combustibility. All other clothing, such as jumpers or overalls, should be reasonably free from oil or grease.

(3) Flameproof aprons or jackets made of leather, fire resistant material, or other suitable material should be worn for protection against spatter of molten metal, radiated heat, and sparks. Capes or shoulder covers made of leather or other suitable materials should be worn during overhead welding or cutting operations. Leather skull caps may be worn under helmets to prevent head burns.

(4) Sparks may lodge in rolled-up sleeves, pockets of clothing, or cuffs of overalls and trousers. Therefore, sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned and pockets should be eliminated from the front of overalls and aprons. Trousers and overalls should not be turned up on the outside. For heavy work, fire-resisant leggings, high boots, or other equivalent means should be used. In production work, a sheet metal screen in front of the worker’s legs can provide further protection against sparks and molten metal in cutting operations.

(5) Flameproof gauntlet gloves, preferably of leather, should be worn to protect the hands and arms from rays of the arc, molten metal spatter, sparks, and hot metal. Leather gloves should be of sufficient thickness so that they will not shrivel from the heat, burn through, or wear out quickly. Leather gloves should not be used to pick up hot items, since this causes the leather to become stiff and crack. Do not allow oil or grease to cane in contact with the gloves as this will reduce their flame resistance and cause them to be readily ignited or charred.

e. Protective Equipment.

(1) Where there is exposure to sharp or heavy falling objects or a hazard of bumping in confined spaces, hard hats or head protectors must be used.

(2) For welding and cutting overhead or in confined spaces, steel-toed boots and ear protection must also be used.

(3) When welding in any area, the operation should be adequately screened to protect nearby workers or passers-by froman the glare of welding. The screens should be arranged so that no serious restriction of ventilation exists. The screens should be mounted so that they are about 2.0 ft above the floor unless the work is performed at such a low level that the screen must be extended closer to the floor to protect adjacent workers. The height of the screen is normally 6.0 ft (1.8 m) but may be higher depending upon the situation. Screen and surrounding areas must be painted with special paints which absorb ultraviolet radiation yet do not create high contrast between the bright and dark areas. Light pastel colors of a zinc or titanium dioxide base paint are recommended. Black paint should not be used.

Types of Eye Protection

According to OSHA selecting the most suitable eye and face protection should take into consideration the following elements:

* Ability to protect against specific workplace hazards.
* Should fit properly and be reasonably comfortable to wear.
* Should provide unrestricted vision and movement.
* Should be durable and cleanable.
* Should allow unrestricted functioning of any other required PPE.

Eye and face protection must clearly identify the manufacturer. Any new eye and face protective devices must comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989 or be at least as effective as this standard requires. Any equipment purchased before this requirement took effect on July 5, 1994, must comply with the earlier ANSI Standard (ANSI Z87.1-1968) or be shown to be equally effective.

An employer may choose to provide one pair of protective eyewear for each position rather than individual eyewear for each employee. If this is done, the employer must make sure that employees disinfect shared protective eyewear after each use. Protective eyewear with corrective lenses may only be used by the employee for whom the corrective prescription was issued and may not be shared among employees.

Some of the most common types of eye and face protection include the following:

* Safety spectacles. These protective eyeglasses have safety frames constructed of metal or plastic and impact-resistant lenses. Side shields are available on some models.
* Goggles. These are tight-fitting eye protection that completely cover the eyes, eye sockets and the facial area immediately surrounding the eyes and provide protection from impact, dust and splashes. Some goggles will fit over corrective lenses.
* Welding shields. Constructed of vulcanized fiber or fiberglass and fitted with a filtered lens, welding shields protect eyes from burns caused by infrared or intense radiant light; they also protect both the eyes and face from flying sparks, metal spatter and slag chips produced during welding, brazing, soldering and cutting operations. OSHA requires filter lenses to have a shade number appropriate to protect against the specific hazards of the work being performed in order to protect against harmful light radiation.
* Face shields. These transparent sheets of plastic extend from the eyebrows to below the chin and across the entire width of the employee’s head. Some are polarized for glare protection. Face shields protect against nuisance dusts and potential splashes or sprays of hazardous liquids but will not provide adequate protection against impact hazards. Face shields used in combination with goggles or safety spectacles will provide additional protection against impact hazards.

The intense light associated with welding operations can cause serious and sometimes permanent eye damage if operators do not wear proper eye protection. The intensity of light or radiant energy produced by welding, cutting or brazing operations varies according to a number of factors including the task producing the light, the electrode size and the arc current.

OSHA provides tables showing the minimum protective filtering shades for a variety of welding, cutting and brazing operations in general industry and in the shipbuilding industry.

As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone. Then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum. In oxyfuel gas welding or cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the (spectrum) operation.

GENERAL

Welding is any metal joining process wherein coalescence is produced by heating the metal to suitable temperatures, with or without the application of pressure and with or without the use of filler metals.

METALS

Metals are divided into two classes, ferrous and nonferrous.

Ferrous metals are those in the iron class and are magnetic in nature. These metals consist of iron, steel, and alloys related to them.

Nonferrous metals are those that contain either no ferrous metals or very small amounts. These are generally divided into the aluminum, copper, magnesium, lead, and similar groups.

GENERAL SHOP SAFETY

All tools are dangerous if used improperly or carelessly. Working safely is the first thing the user or operator should learn because the safe way is the correct way. A person learning to operate machine tools must first learn the safety regulations and precautions for each tool or machine. Most accidents are caused by not following prescribed procedures. Develop safe work habits rather than suffer the consequences of an accident.

Most of the safety practices mentioned in this section are general in nature. Safety precautions for specific tools and machines are described in detail in the chapters along with the description of the equipment. Study these carefully and be on the alert to apply them.

EYE PROTECTION

Using eye protection in the machine shop is the most important safety rule of all. Metal chips and shavings can fly at great speeds and distances and cause serious eye injury. Safety glasses must be worn when working with handcutting tools, since most handcutting tools are made of hardened steel and can break or shatter when used improperly.

There are many different types of safety glasses available in the supply system; however, the ones that offer the best protection are the safety glasses with side shields. Safety goggles should be worn over prescription glasses. For specific information about eye protection, contact the Occupational Health Clinic or refer to TB MED 586.

HAZARDOUS NOISE PROTECTION

Noise hazards are very common in the machine shop. High intensity noise can cause permanent loss of hearing. Although noise hazards cannot always be eliminated, hearing loss is avoidable with ear muffs, ear plugs, or both. These are available through the local supply system or from the Occupational Health Clinic. Ear plugs must be properly fitted by qualified personnel. For specific information on hearing protection, refer to TB MED 501.

FOOT PROTECTION

The floor in a machine shop is often covered with razor-sharp metal chips, and heavy stock may be dropped on the feet. Therefore, safety shoes or a solid leather shoe must be worn at all times. Safety shoes are available in the supply system. These have a steel plate located over the toe and are designed to resist impact. Some safety shoes also have an instep guard.

GRINDING DUST AND HAZARDOUS FUMES

Grinding dust from abrasive wheels is made up of extremely fine particles of the metal and the wheel. Some grinding machines are equipped with a vacuum dust collector. When operating a grinder without a vacuum, wear an approved respirator to avoid inhaling the dust. Whenever possible, use coolant when grinding. This will aid in dust control. Grinding dust can be very dangerous to your health, especially beryllium or parts used in nuclear systems. These materials require careful control of grinding dust.

Metals such as zinc give off toxic fumes when heated above their boiling point. Inhaling these fumes may cause temporary sickness, or death. The fumes produced from lead and mercury are very harmful, as their effect is cumulative in the body and can cause irreversible damage. When unsure of the materials being machined, it is advisable to wear a respirator. For more specific information on respirator safety, refer to TB MED 502.

PROPER LIFTING PROCEDURES

Using improper lifting procedures may result in a permanent back injury. Back injury can be avoided if the correct lifting procedures are followed. When lifting heavy or large objects, get some assistance or use a hoist or forklift.

Objects within your ability can be lifted safely as long as the following procedures are followed:

* Keep your back straight.
* Squat down, bending at the knees.
* Use the leg muscles to do the work and lift slowly. Do not bend over the load as this will put excessive strain on your spine.
* Carry the object where it is comfortable, and pay close attention to where you are walking and objects around you.
* When placing the object back on the floor, use the same procedures as when it was lifted.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Exposure to electrical hazard will be minimal unless the operator becomes involved with machine repair. The machine operator is mostly concerned with the on and off switch on the machine tool. However, if adjustments or repairs must be made, the power source should be disconnected. If the machine tool is wired permanently, the circuit breaker should be switched off and tagged with an appropriate warning statement. Most often the power source will not be disconnected for routine adjustment such as changing machine speeds. However, if a speed change involves a belt change, make sure that no other person is likely to turn on the machine while the operator’s hands are in contact with belts and pulleys.

SAFETY RULES FOR MACHINE TOOLS

Since different cutting tools and machining procedures are used on various machine tools, the safety precautions for each may vary. The following are general safety rules for any machine tool:

* Gears, pulleys, belts, couplings, ends of shafts having keyways, and other revolving or reciprocating parts should be guarded to a height of 6 feet above the floor. The guards should be removed only for repairing or adjusting the machine and must be replaced before operating it.
* Safety setscrews should be used in collars and on all revolving or reciprocating members of the machine tool or its equipment.
* Do not operate any machine tool without proper lighting.
* Never attempt to operate any machine tool until you fully understand how it works and know how to stop it quickly.
* Never wear loose or torn clothing and secure long hair, since these items can become caught in revolving machine parts. Ties should be removed and shirt sleeves should be rolled up above the elbow.
* Gloves should never be worn when operating machinery except when absolutely necessary.
* Always stop the machine before cleaning it or taking measurements of the workpiece.
* Do not lubricate a machine while it is in motion. Injury to the operator and damage to the machine may result from this practice.
* Never remove metal chips, turnings, or shavings with your hands; they may cause a serious cut. If the shavings are long, stop the machine and break them with pliers or a bent rod, and then brush chips off the machine. Remove cast-iron chips, which break into small pieces, with a brush. Never wipe away chips when the machine is operating.
* Always wear safety glasses or goggles while operating machine tools. Also, wear respiratory protection if operation creates hazardous dust. All persons in the area where power tools are being operated should also wear safety eye protection and respirators as needed.
* Know where fire extinguishers are located in the shop area and how to use them.
* Never wear jewelry while working around machine tools. Rings, watches, or bracelets may be caught in a revolving part which could result in the hand being pulled into the machine.
* Avoid horseplay. Tools are very sharp and machines are made of hard steel. An accidental slip or fall may cause a serious injury.
* Never use compressed air without a safety nozzle to clean machines or clothing. It will blow sharp, dangerous metal chips a long distance.
* Keep the floor around machines free of tools, stock, oil, grease, and metal chips. Tripping over metal on the floor, especially round bars, can cause dangerous falls. Wipe up all oil, grease, and cutting fluid spills on the floor as soon as possible to prevent a fall. Metal chips are very sharp and can easily become embedded in the soles of shoes, making them very slippery, especially when walking on a concrete floor.
* Never place tools or other materials on the machine table. Cluttering up a machine with tools or materials creates unsafe working conditions. Use a bench or table near the machine for this purpose.
* Always use a rag when handling sharp cutters such as milling cutters and end mills.
* Do not expose power tools to rain or use in damp or wet locations.
* Always secure the workpiece. Use clamps or a vise. It is safer than using your hands, and it frees both hands to operate the tool
* Do not abuse electrical cords. Never carry a tool by its cord or yank it to disconnect it from a receptacle. Keep electrical cords away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Have damaged or worn power cords and strain relievers repaired or replaced immediately.
* Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Form a habit of checking to see that keys and wrenches are removed from tools before turning them on.
* Do not operate any machine tool while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication that could cause drowsiness.

SAFETY COLOR CODE MARKINGS AND SIGNS

USE OF PAINT

All maintenance shops and work areas should be marked with the correct colors to identify hazards, exits, safe walkways, and first-aid stations. It is acceptable to use material other than paint, such as decals and tapes, in the appropriate, similar colors. Listed below are the main colors authorized for use in maintenance shops.

Red color markings should be used to identify the following equipment or locations:

* Fire alarm boxes (pull boxes).
* Fire blanket boxes.
* Fire extinguishing containers.
* Fire extinguishers, unless painting is unnecessary. For large areas and when the extinguisher is not readily visible to the area occupants, use red on the housing wall or support above the extinguisher to show its location.

* Fire hose locations.
* Fire pumps.
* Fire sirens.
* Sprinkler piping.
* Fire buckets.
* Fire reporting telephone stations.
* Store all idle tools in a safe, dry place.
* Provide visitors to the work area required personnel protection equipment.
* An exception may be made to comply with local laws or when current facilities provide green exit signs.
* Emergency stop buttons for electrical machinery.
* Emergency stop bars on hazardous machines.
* Yellow color markings should be used to identify the following equipment or locations:
* Industrial areas where particular caution is needed, such as handrails, guardrails, bottom edge of overhead doors, or top and bottom treads of stairways.
* Fire hydrant barrels.
* Caution signs.
* Piping systems containing flammable material.
* Waste containers for highly combustible material.
* A hazardous area or a safe aisle within a hazardous area.
* Lower pulley blocks and cranes.
* Coverings and guards for guy wires.
* Pillars, posts, or columns that are physical or shop hazards.
* Fixtures suspended from ceilings or walls that extend into normal operating areas.
* Corner markings for storage piles.
* Exposed and unguarded edges of platforms, pits, and wells.

Green color markings normally on a white color background should be used for the following equipment or locations:

* First-aid equipment.
* First-aid dispensaries.
* Stretchers.
* Safety starting buttons on machinery.
* Safety instruction signs.

Black and white are the basic colors for designating housekeeping and interior traffic markings. The following are examples of where solid white, solid black, single-color striping, alternate stripes of black and white, or black and white squares will be used.

* Locations and width of aisles in nonhazardous areas.
* Dead ends of aisles or passageways.
* Directional signs.
* Locations of refuse cans.
* White corners of rooms or passageways.
* Clear floor area around first-aid, fire-fighting, and their emergency equipment.

Blue color markings are used on the outside of switch boxes electrical controls that are the starting point or power source for hazardous electrical machinery or equipment.

Orange markings are used to designate dangerous parts of machines or energized equipment, including electrical conduits, which may cut, crush, shock, or injure.

CATEGORIES OF SIGNS

Signs are placed in categories according to their purpose. Use the examples in the following paragraphs as guides when choosing the correct sign design to display a message. In overseas commands, the use of International Standard Safety Signs is encouraged and authorized.

WORDING OF SIGNS

Ensure that the wording of any sign-

* Is concise and easy to read.
* Contains enough information to be easily understood.
* Is designed for the message to be carried in a picture when appropriate.
* Is a positive rather than a negative statement when appropriate.
* Is bilingual with the second language common to the local personnel when appropriate.

SIGN INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Signs should be inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. They should be kept clean, well illuminated, and legible. Replace or repair damaged or broken signs. All signs will be designed with rounded or blunt corners and with no sharp projections. Put the ends or heads of bolts or other fastening devices where they will not cause a hazard.
SELECTION OF SIGN SIZE

When choosing a sign, consider dimensions that will permit economical use of standard size material. Base the size of the sign on the following:

* Location at which the sign will be placed.
* Character of the hazard involved.
* Purpose of the sign.
* Distance from which the sign should be legible.

REQUIRED SIGN COLORS

All signs require a predominant color based on the sign’s purpose. Below are the five types of signs and their predominant color.

* Danger signs: RED.
* Caution signs: YELLOW.
* Safety instruction signs: GREEN.
* Directional signs: BLACK.
* Informational signs: A variety of colors may be used, except for red, yellow, or magenta (purple).

DANGER SIGNS

Danger signs should only be used when immediate hazard exists. There will be no variations in the type or design of signs posted to warn of specific danger. All personnel will be instructed that danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary.

CAUTION SIGNS

Caution signs should be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices. All personnel will be instructed that a caution sign indicates a possible hazard against which proper precautions will be taken.

DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

Directional signs should be used in sufficient numbers to indicate the way to stairways, fire escapes, exits, and other locations.

Many other safety media are available for use in military maintenance shops.

I was just scanning the Monster.com jobs board for machinist jobs / listings by using their search box and the search word “machinist”. I was pleased to see more than 1,000 job listings for “machinists”.

Looking at the listings I saw numerious openings referring to CNC. I saw fewer specific references to “manual machinist”, but there were still plenty. It’s not yet an “all computers, all the time” machining world.

Which raises an interesting question: If we have “machines doing it” does that ultimately mean that there will be less demand for machinists, OR, by having more work performed “by automation” might that drive down production costs and increase demand for machined goods and machinists to handle the production?

Also, has automation of machining leveled the international production playing field by decreasing reliance on manual labor? In other words, as automation of production increasingly takes hold, will vast pools of cheap labor eventually fail to yield a “production advantage” . . . when labor becomes a less dominant cost per units of machined goods produced?

This is likely “big labor market math” but it’s certainly an issue I’d like to better understand.

Will automation of machining enable “rusk belt” States in the USA to re-emerge as machinery manufacturing centers? What do you think? Is automation an boon or a bust for the skilled trades in countries where labor costs are traditionally higher?

You can always tell when a company takes pride in its product, its services and its employees and I think Torchmate CNC Cutting Systems deserves a tip of the hat for hitting high marks on all three counts: pride of product, pride of service and pride of employees, and from what I can observe the faces of the employees would indicate that they feel good working for Torchmate.

But, I just gotta tell ya, although I know that receptionists are often a matter of a company “putting its best face forward” I was not expecting to see Monica, whose image in linked to, but not visible, on Torchmate’s “About Us” page. (To see Monica you gotta click the “Receptionist” link.)

Whatever she’s selling I think I’m buying . . by the container shipment.

Now, really, I know that a good receptionist needs all manner of skills – people skills, communication skills, anger management skills, etc. – but it doesn’t hurt to have an idea of the face behind the voice on the phone.

Since I’m a bit up there in years I gotta tell ya that “Rachel”, whose image is linked to under the “Marketing Department” link, is also easy on the eyes. Of course, we’re talking about my eyes.

I hereby award the Prettiest CNC Machining Systems Receptionist of the Month prize to Monica.

If you care to nominate the receptionist of your favorite machining related business for future consideration please post the relevant information below here in the comments section. Unfortunately, to deter spamming, we require registration to post.

Alrighty, mabye it’s just the time of day but do you ever get the feeling, when watching CNC machining in operation, that it’s a Matrix-like case of “machines building machines”?

Here’s a video of the CNC machining of a motor (engine) block. The machining of the engine block actually occurs in the second half of the video:

CNC Machining of Engine Block

While I’m on the topic of using video to market machine shop services here’s a little side trip to demonstrate how video is being used to promote a vo-tech’s precision machining educational program.

Take a look at this video, produced by or for the Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School’s precision machinging program. It’s less than 3 minutes but in that short time, via some fast-cut edits, audio and various other camera work the school is able to effectively convey the following:

The Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School’s offers a 3 year precision machinging program that can lead to jobs as a

• Machinist
• Automotive machinist
• CNC machine tool operator
• CNC set up person
• CNC programmer
• Maintenance machinist
• Mould maker
• Die Maker

It’s a “project based program”, which presumably means that the student learns by hands-on doing that mimics real production in a machine shop.

The programs first year include learning basic measuring, layout, drilling, sawing and lathe-work.

The second year includes milling machines and surface grinders, heat treating materials and work with new materials.

The third year includes computer numerical control (CNC) programming experience and working with computer aided manufacturing software. This includes time spent in the schools computer lab using their PCs to design CNC projects.

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I just came across these four short videos at Sertec Precision Machining:

• CNC Machining Center (CNC_Machining_Center.MPG 2.8MB)
• CNC Mill (CNC_Mill.MPG 1.5MB)
• Lathe (Lathe.MPG 1.36MB)
• Automatic Feed Cutoff Saw (Automatic_Saw.MPG 1.36MB)

The four videos, found at the link above, offer a non-narrated close up view of what is presumably equipment running at the Sertec machine shop.

As anyone with any mechanical savvy and skill knows, getting the job done right is often a matter of having the right tools for the job. In this case, when it comes to the future of machine shop marketing, your toolset will need to include the hardware and software necessary to deliver messages about your company over the Web via text, images and video.

Kudos to the company for taking the first step of adding video to their site. The videos are nothing fancy, and it might be better to host the videos elsewhere (YouTube.com, Vimeo, etc.) where the display options would be greater, but like everything else it’s a start. It probably took a bit of “sure, I/we can do that” courage by one of the Web savvy machinists . . or their or the owner’s son or daughter. . or it took a savvy website designer to convince the owner “it’s time to advance our marketing strategy”.

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China New Agency (CNA) is promoting a trade show featuring precision machines and machine tools in Taipei, China, citing the event organizers report of a “rising demand for machine tools and equipment due to the improving global economy”.

The Taipei CNC Machine Tool and Manufacturing Technology Show, known as MT duo, was to take place at the Taipei World Trade Center. The show includes local and foreign exhibitors according to TAITRA.

Taiwan is the world’s fourth largest exporter and fifth top importer of machine tools according to TAITRA, behind Japan, Germany and Italy in terms of precision machine manufacturing.

The rise of the green energy and light-emitting diode (LED) sectors, along with the strong rebound in the automobile, semiconductor, liquid crystal display, and electronics sectors, has increased the demand for machine tools, their statement said.

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