How does a small to medium size manufacturer compete in the digital landscape predominantly occupied by giants? Small manufacturers face the daunting task of finding and creating a niche for themselves in the large and sometimes confusing world of digital marketing. In this David versus Goliath scenario, one tool stands out for its ability to level the playing field: the humble blog. Far from being just a digital diary, a well-crafted blog serves as a beacon that attracts like-minded businesses and buyers in the fog of internet content. It's not merely about broadcasting a message but about creating a space for dialogue, learning, and mutual growth.

Challenges Facing Small Manufacturers

The primary issue facing smaller manufacturers is the overwhelming dominance of large corporations on the internet. These entities have huge marketing budgets, allowing them to saturate search engines, social media, and online advertising platforms with their presence. For a small manufacturer, this can feel like shouting into a void, where their message is lost amidst the noise of more prominent brands.

Another significant challenge is the difficulty of creating connections in a digital world that values quantity over quality. Small businesses thrive on meaningful interactions, yet the vastness of the internet can dilute these efforts, making it hard to reach the right audience or find peer businesses for mutual support. The essence of networking for small manufacturers has shifted from local community meetings and trade shows to navigating complex online ecosystems, where algorithms often dictate visibility.

Moreover, the rapid pace of digital evolution means that small manufacturers must continuously adapt to new technologies and platforms, a task that can be both time-consuming and costly without the guarantee of return on investment. This constant need for adaptation and the struggle to stay relevant can divert resources from product development and customer service, impacting the core operations of the business.

Lastly, the challenge of content creation cannot be understated. In a world where content is king, small manufacturers must not only produce their products but also generate engaging, informative, and SEO-friendly content that can compete with the output of larger companies. This dual demand places additional pressure on small businesses, which often operate with limited staff and resources.

These challenges, may seem big at first but can be overcome with a thoughtful plan and not just a knee jerk reaction to post any old content.

The Power of Blogging for Small Manufacturers

The world of blogging has emerged as a powerful strategy for small manufacturers to beat out major players in both reach and even search engine optimization to get the attention of interested viewers.

Establishing a Digital Footprint

For small manufacturers, the first step towards standing out in a crowded market is establishing a robust digital footprint. Blogs serve as an extension of a company’s identity, offering a platform to showcase their expertise, values, and innovations. Unlike transient social media posts, blogs provide a permanent home for a business's insights and stories, contributing significantly to online presence and search engine visibility.

SEO: The Gateway to Visibility

Search engine optimization (SEO) is where the technical meets the creative. For small manufacturers, blogging with an SEO focus is crucial. By incorporating targeted keyword phrases, producing quality content regularly, and ensuring mobile optimization, blogs can rank higher in search results. This increased visibility leads to more website traffic, which can translate into leads and sales. SEO is more than applying “magic tags” to a post and is more of a process that goes hand in hand with content creation and posting.

Content Strategy: Building Connections

A strategic approach to content can transform a blog from a mere broadcasting channel to a hub of engagement and interaction. For small manufacturers, this means creating content that resonates with their target audience, including potential customers, industry peers, and even competitors. By sharing knowledge, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes looks into the manufacturing process, businesses can foster a sense of community. This strategy not only attracts readers but also encourages them to share content, further expanding the manufacturer's reach.

Engagement: Beyond the Blog

The power of blogging extends beyond the written word. Engaging with readers through comments, social media shares, and even guest blogging opportunities can create a feedback loop that enriches the content and strengthens relationships. For small manufacturers, this engagement is invaluable. It provides direct insights into the needs and interests of their audience, allowing for more targeted and effective marketing strategies.

Writing for External and Industry Blogs

Writing for external and industry-specific blogs is a strategic move that can significantly amplify a manufacturer's reach, establish industry authority, and foster valuable partnerships.

Amplifying Reach Through Guest Blogging

Guest blogging on external sites, especially those with a substantial following or a niche audience aligned with the manufacturer's market, can dramatically increase visibility. This practice allows small manufacturers to tap into established audiences, bringing their brand and message to potential customers and collaborators who might otherwise remain unreachable. The key is to select platforms that share a synergistic relationship with the manufacturer's target market and values.

Establishing Authority in the Industry

Writing for industry blogs or contributing articles to professional associations' publications positions a small manufacturer as a thought leader. This not only enhances the brand's credibility but also sets it apart from competitors. Sharing in-depth knowledge, trends analysis, and industry forecasts demonstrates expertise and a commitment to the field, fostering trust and respect among peers and customers alike.

Networking and Partnership Opportunities

Contributing to external blogs often leads to networking opportunities with other businesses and professionals in the industry. These connections can evolve into collaborative projects, cross-promotions, or even strategic partnerships, opening doors to new markets and customer bases. The act of sharing content across different platforms can create a web of connections, significantly boosting the manufacturer's presence and influence in the industry.

Best Practices for Guest Blogging

To maximize the benefits of writing for external and industry blogs, small manufacturers should adhere to a few best practices:

• Quality Over Quantity:
Focus on creating well-researched, informative, and engaging content that adds value to the host blog and its audience.

• Align with Audience Interests:
Tailor content to the interests and needs of the host blog's audience while staying true to the manufacturer's brand and message.

• Leverage Backlinks:
Include backlinks to the manufacturer's website or specific product pages, where permitted, to drive traffic and improve SEO.

• Promote Collaboratively:
Work with the host blog to promote the guest post through social media and other channels, maximizing exposure for both parties.

By strategically writing for external and industry blogs, small manufacturers can significantly enhance their visibility, establish their authority, and build meaningful connections within the industry.

Content Strategy That Connects

It's not just about producing content; it's about creating meaningful connections with your audience, sharing valuable insights, and building a community around your company and its capabilities, services and products.

Identifying Your Audience

The first step in crafting a content strategy is to have a clear understanding of who your audience is. Small manufacturers often have a diverse audience that may include potential customers, industry peers, and even competitors. Creating buyer personas can help in tailoring content to meet the specific needs, challenges, and interests of each segment of your audience.

• Tip: Conduct surveys, interviews, and use analytics tools to gather data about your audience's demographics, preferences, and behavior.

Creating Value Through Educational Content

One of the most effective ways to connect with your audience is through educational content. For small manufacturers, this could mean blog posts that explain complex manufacturing processes in simple terms, how-to guides, industry analysis, or case studies. Such content not only showcases your expertise but also helps solve problems or answer questions your audience might have.

• Tip: Use a mix of formats, such as text, video, and infographics, to cater to different learning styles and preferences.

Leveraging Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool in content marketing. It can humanize your message, making it more relatable and memorable to your audience. Share stories about the origins of your company, the challenges you've overcome, customer success stories, or even day-to-day operations. These stories can create emotional connections and foster brand loyalty.

Consistency and Quality Over Quantity

In the realm of content creation, consistency and quality are key. A regular posting schedule keeps your audience engaged and helps with SEO, but it's important not to sacrifice quality for quantity. High-quality, well-researched content that provides real value will always outperform a higher volume of lesser-quality posts.

• Tip: Develop a content calendar to plan and schedule your posts in advance. This helps maintain a consistent publishing schedule and allows for strategic content planning.

Encouraging Engagement and Feedback

Finally, a successful content strategy is not just about broadcasting information; it's about encouraging interaction. End your blog posts with questions or calls to action that invite comments and discussions. Engage with your readers by responding to comments, soliciting feedback, and asking what topics they'd like to see covered in the future.

Real-World Examples of Successful Small Manufacturer Blogs

To illustrate the power and potential of blogging for small manufacturers, let's explore real-world examples of businesses that have effectively used blogging to increase visibility, engage with their audience, and drive growth. These success stories highlight the strategies discussed earlier and demonstrate how they can be applied in practice.

The Custom Metal Fabricator

This small manufacturing firm specializes in custom metal parts for various industries. Their blog features behind-the-scenes looks at their fabrication processes, answers questions their new customers commonly ask, and provide technical details and case studies that show the outcome of their message. By incorporating video tutorials and interactive design tools, they've created a resource-rich platform that attracts engineers, designers, and owners alike. Their approach to sharing knowledge and showcasing their capabilities has not only educated their audience but also highlighted their versatility and innovation in metal fabrication.

Examples of Some Blogs Dedicated to Manufacturing and Small Business include:

Small Business Spotlight:
Small Business Spotlight is an independent publication launched in February 2023 to highlight the innovations, products, and services of small business to small business. The purpose of this blog is to provide small businesses tell their story in their own words to provide knowledge, advice, and opinion to help other businesses and potential users. https://small-business-spotlight.ghost.io/ 

American Business:

American Business is a community of more than 10,000 entrepreneurs, business owners, influencers and experts. The site features articles, highlights, opinions and tips designed to encourage people to buy from American Businesses. The site also posts tips, news, and spotlights small businesses and startups. https://american-business.posthaven.com/

Made in America:

We have a great country, and we have millions of people who take on the challenge to create something they believe will improve other's lives every day. This blog is dedicated to sharing their stories, their products and services. We hope that you will not only find these posts interesting but inspiring. https://made-in-america.posthaven.com/

Independent Business:

A little place on the Internet to discuss interesting businesses, how they got started and how they survive and grow along with interesting articles and industry news. We do not receive any product services or money for posts on our site. In fact, we look for suggestions from our followers. https://www.tumblr.com/independant-business

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Blogging for Small Manufacturers

The journey through the landscape of blogging for small manufacturers has illuminated a path filled with opportunities for growth, engagement, and visibility. As we've seen through real-world examples, a blog is not just a platform for sharing content; it's a powerful tool for storytelling, education, and community building. It allows small manufacturers to showcase their expertise, share their passions, and connect with a broader audience in meaningful ways.

Blogging offers a unique advantage in the digital age, enabling small businesses to stand out among larger competitors by focusing on their strengths—authenticity, flexibility, and innovation. By adopting a strategic approach to content creation, SEO, and audience engagement, small manufacturers can transform their blogs into dynamic resources that attract and retain customers, establish industry authority, and foster collaborative relationships.

The key to successful blogging lies in understanding your audience, delivering valuable and relevant content, and consistently engaging with readers. This approach not only enhances online visibility but also builds trust and loyalty, turning readers into customers and customers into brand advocates.

As we conclude, it's clear that the potential of blogging for small manufacturers is vast and largely untapped. By leveraging the strategies and insights shared in this article, small businesses can embark on a blogging journey that not only elevates their brand but also contributes to a thriving, interconnected business community. The digital landscape is constantly changing, and through blogging, small manufacturers have the opportunity to carve out their niche and make a lasting impact.

Neal Rabogliatti has over 30 years in the manufacturing sector working with a wide range of companies in marketing and sales as well as helping companies communicate their capabilities and unique value proposition to others in the digital market space.

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE BUYING A JIB CRANE

We're well into the 21st century and manufacturing companies are constantly looking for ways to automate processes, improve ergonomics and increase overall employee satisfaction. There are many cost effective ways to achieve these goals and installing crane systems can be one of the best ways to achieve a positive return on investment. However, before buying a jib crane, there are somethings you'd need to think about.

Here are the considerations:

1. Capacity Requirements

When looking at purchasing a jib crane, it's important to consider the capacity of the materials you're going to be lifting with the jib crane. The higher the capacity, the larger the footing or base plate needs to be. Imagine a diving board. If you have 300 lbs at the end of the diving board, but the base of the diving board can only support 100 lbs, the diving board will topple over. If your base can support 500 lbs, then the diving board will stay in place.

There are two different solutions for handling capacities – there's adding a footing which requires cutting into concrete. Adding a footing is typically for higher capacities. For lower capacities, companies have the option to add a base plate. Base plates are typically 6 foot square pieces of steel that evenly distribute the weight of the jib crane, creating a counterweight and holding the crane system in place. Jib crane capacities can range from 100 pounds up to 30,000 pounds depending on the span and jib series. A crane specialist should be able to help determine whether or not a crane requires footing over base plates and vice versa depending on the application of the jib crane.

2. Overall Height

It's important to consider how the jib crane will be used and what types of material is being lifted. You will need to make sure the jib crane system can accommodate the height of the application. When considering overall height, you will also need to factor in your hoist size and any below hook lifting devices being used.

3. Overall Reach

Similar to the overall height, you must also consider how the crane will be used and the types of materials being lifted for determining the overall reach. Be sure to look for obstructions such as conduits, building columns, etc when reviewing the placement of the jib crane. If limited amount of space is available for reach, portable jib cranes could be used to acquire the desired amount of reach, with up to a certain capacity. 

4. Rotation Requirements

How much rotation will the jib crane need to get the job done? 180 degrees? 360 degrees? The degree of rotation will heavily depend on the obstructions in the workspace such as conduits, workstations, building columns, pallet racking, etc. that would limit rotation. In many applications, the jib crane would need minimal rotation – such as lifting materials from one workbench to another.

5. Environmental Considerations

The environment of the jib crane is very important when considering which type of system to get. Different environmental considerations include interior vs. exterior, corrosive vs. non-corrosive. Certain times of jib crane systems work better in some environments more so than others. For example, Foundationless Jib Cranes are specifically used for indoor applications, whereas Freestanding Jib Cranes can be weatherized for outdoor use. If the environment is corrosive, you may want to consider galvanizing the crane system to protect it from erosion. There are lots of different possibilities for adapting crane systems to fit a particular environment.

Many thanks to Amanda Clark from Barron Equipment for providing the information for this article.

Barron Equipment - www.barroneq.com

What is a Full-Service Injection Molder?

It was once commonplace that you could pull into a full-service gas station and a filling station attendant—also known as a “gas jockey”—would not only pump your gas for you, but they would also clean your windshield, fill your tires, check your oil and take your payment, all while you sat comfortably and waited. These full-service stations are nearly extinct now, as the small family-owned gas stations have given way to mammoth one-stop shops where you can buy groceries, coolers and grills, food and drink, ice and so many other conveniences.

We hear the term a lot, but what does full-service mean within the injection molding industry? Many molders that call themselves full-service are ones that started as tool shops first. They purchased an injection molding machine (IMM) to sample their new molds, and when that investment sat idle for too long or when the opportunity presented itself, they started molding production from their machine as well. The molding side of their businesses grew, and eventually they could design, build, condition, and maintain their molds while running and inspecting the production parts they molded from them. This, to many, is full-service injection molding.

A true full-service injection molder may have followed a similar path, starting as an injection mold maker but will evolve to offer more specialized capabilities and services over time.

The Voice of An Expert

To better understand the differences in injection molding companies we spoke with Tom Moyak, the Director of Business and Engineering Development for Matrix Tool to explain the concept of full-service injection molding.

We, at Matrix, refer to ourselves as a full-service injection molder. Our people set us apart, in particular with their drive and expertise. We make some of the most difficult molds and plastic molded products in the industry including a wide range of incredibly precise electrical connectors that comprise a significant portion of our molded products. We have a strong foundation in the fundamentals—in our processes, our equipment, and especially our personnel. Over 10% of our workforce are engineers, and 100% of our workforce are highly skilled and trained in their professions. 

Our group focus is to provide rapid service to our customers, not to only give them what they want but to identify what they don’t know they’re missing. We apply our expertise to simplify everything—simpler, better, and faster running molds that waste less material, for example, still make parts like other molds, but they do so while saving significant capital and providing improved quality and capacity.

By adding engineering support to the front end of the process—we help improve the product design where applicable to help every downstream process thereafter. Additional support includes Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Moldflow analysis software capabilities.

We continue to expand our capabilities including micro molding with the micro tooling and micro molding machine capabilities to properly support this highly specialized offering. We believe that sharing our expertise as a technology leader and partner, often leads to being an extension to their businesses.

We believe Full-Service Injection Molding means building a relationship with the customers by filling in the gaps where needed most and doing so without being asked. It means being successful and growing together. The injection molding business can be manic. We want to make our customers’ lives easier. That means providing the best quality products and services in a timely manner, and to have an operation that does that properly means everyone is winning in the end.

Many Thanks to Tom Moyak, Director of Business and Engineering Development for Matrix Tool, Inc.
website: https://matrixtoolinc.com

Challenges of Tire Storage

Running a successful warehousing operation as a part of your business entails more than simply loading and unloading products until they're needed. Ask any manufacturer, distributor, or retailer and they'll tell you that warehousing is a critical part of the overall business. Many warehousing operations face challenges like maintaining accurate inventory, the need for good space utilization and layouts that are flexible and can be changed quickly and easily for changes in products is important. Products must also be protected to reduce the cost of damage and that they will perform correctly when purchased.

Why Storing Tires is Different

The storage and warehousing of tires creates an additional set of challenges that need to be addressed. On one hand the product must be stored for easily accessibility and for accurate inventory. A unique challenge with tires is that the product must be stored properly to protect the integrity and safety of the tire during storage.

Tires are very susceptible to environmental conditions including moisture, sunlight, chemicals, and distortion from the way they are stored. Improper storage may distort or affect the dimensionality of the tire which may result in bad performance or compromise the safety of the tire. Tires need to be stored in a well-ventilated area that does not trap moisture or allow exposure to chemicals. Tire should also be stored above the floor surface and in a manner that will not cause distortion of the material.

Using Tire Racking Systems as a Part of Your Layout

 Tire warehousing requires an efficient racking system that raises the tires off the ground, positions the tires correctly and allows for air flow. For this reason, steel tire storage racks are recommended because they provide the strength and the design that meets the needs of the tire protection and help with the efficiency of the warehousing operations.

Tire Stack Racks allow you to use the vertical space to reduce the amount of floor space in your warehouse. it is important that the rack is strong enough and designed to support itself and the weight of the products so that they can be stacked upon each other to save space. the decking material should allow air flow and any water or moisture to easily exit the unit. This design also allows for easy visual inspection and more accurate inventory and picking of the product by warehouse personnel. 

The key to efficient tire storage is in the planning of how your warehouse is laid out and utilizing racking systems that enable you to quickly change the layout for your products as needed. As a warehouse manager or owner, it's worth the investment in time to do your research and select the right racking systems that will work with your warehouse and products most efficiently. 

Many Thanks to John Nelson of Nelson Sales & Marketing Company : www.nsmc-steel-racks.com

5 Tips for Buying Your Next Electronic Assembly

Finding a new supplier to purchase your custom electronic assemblies from can be a daunting task for anyone new to the process.  Even if you have experience you may find subtle differences between suppliers that leave you wondering if you’ve made the right choice or not.  There are a lot of steps to the electronic contract assembly process and it is likely that both your engineering and quality departments should be part of your final electronic assembly contractor selection.  Whether it’s your first time finding a supplier or you just need some reminders this article should point out some key items to keep in mind.

Location

Communication

An item that can ease the need for close proximity is a singular point of contact within your supplier.  Is it clear who is managing your project?  Are you going to feel like you are bounced between a planning engineer, process engineer, testing engineer, component engineer, quote analyst, sales person, etc?   Finding a central point of contact that can bridge all these departments for you and is knowledgeable across the whole spectrum can help make your life much easier.  So treat your evaluation like an interview and ask to talk to who you will be working with on your project.  You should feel as comfortable with them as a trusted team mate you would hire to work side by side with.

File Management

 Often you can get a quote for a PCBA with just a set of gerber files and a Bill of Material.  But if you are getting competitive quotes make sure that everyone made the same assumptions if this is all you gave them.  Additional items like fabrication drawings (specifying alloys and PCB thicknesses), permissible BOM substitutions (letting them know what they can substitute can improve your lead times and final pricing), assembly drawings (finer details of the assembly process should be pointed out upfront so you and your vendor don’t argue about additional charges, time, or quality issues later), testing documents (often forgotten at time of quote but something that should be discussed upfront and tentatively budgeted for initially), quality standards you expect (this can drive cost differences depending on the depth of your needs), custom component information and pricing (to properly quote any custom components or upper level fabrications make sure you supply the files and let your supplier know if you already have target pricing or a supplier already tooled for your custom component if you’re planning on a full electro-mechanical assembly ).  Revisions are important, even if your company is small and does not have a robust revision system consider a simple system and rename your electronic files with today’s date and use that time stamp as your revision.  Or start today and name them all revision 1.  Revision control of even the smallest of changes makes looking back on changes to your project much easier to control and trace for all parties involved.

Supply chain and forecasting

Today’s electronics supply chains are very volatile.  Things you have been used to getting shipped overnight from your favorite supplier may all be gone and have a 50 week lead time tomorrow.  Be aware of the components on your design that cannot be easily substituted, consider purchasing a buffer quantity of that part to keep in your own stock, consider what could possibly be changed so you have multiple options.  Supplying your supplier with forecasts and placing purchase orders far enough in advance to get parts on order will greatly reduce timeline stresses later on.

Material storage

Ask if your supplier has good storage and material tracking software.  Are they utilizing good practices for minimizing Electro Static Discharge (ESD)?  Do they have good practices in place for tracking and protecting devices with high Moisture Sensitive Levels (MSL)?  Can they separately track and store components you purchased and supplied for you product that you own?  These are all good questions to get yes answers to from your potential supplier.

Summary

There may be many more very important issues and details to consider when choosing your next electronic assembly manufacturer.  Starting with the above short list will ensure that you are already off to a good start though.  Are some of the above terms new to you?  Do you have questions?  EPD Electronics is here to help.  Feel free to reach out anytime and let one of our very experienced staff answer any of your questions.

Many Thanks to Chance Turner at EPD Electronics for this article: EPD Electronics - www.epdelectronics.com

Reverse Osmosis in Manufacturing?

Many manufacturers think of drinking water when they hear the phrase reverse osmosis system, but in fact many manufacturing processes reply on high quality water in places you would never think they apply.  We recently spoke with Ron Hoolahan, president of All Water Systems in Pittsburgh, PA who specialize in commercial reverse osmosis distribution systems and water treatment technology.

Ron recently shared a story about a manufacturer in the metals industry who was getting product rejects because of deposits on the finished products caused it to no longer meet the specifications required by their customer. These products were expensive, and the reject rate was significantly hurting the company’s bottom line.

AWS was hired to analyze the situation to find the root cause of the problem and provide recommendations. They quickly determined that the deposits were due to one of the final steps in the manufacturing process, a cooling and cleaning process that relied on water in the final steps.

The feed water to the final process was identified as the specific contaminants causing the deposits. Deionizer Exchange tanks created a temporary pilot system that was able to confirm that removing the dissolved minerals from the water would eliminate the deposits. Once this was confirmed, several water samples were tested on an RO System Analysis software program to confirm that installing an RO system would provide high quality water and remove the deposit issue thus mitigating the problem.

Reverse osmosis is a proven method to filter water and provide high purity water feed where water quality is critical. Reverse Osmosis works by using a high-pressure pump to increase the pressure on the salt side of the RO and force the water across a membrane that allows water molecules to pass and traps particles and pollutants in the membrane. In osmosis, water becomes more concentrated as it passes through the membrane to obtain equilibrium. Reverse osmosis stops the contaminants from entering the less concentrated side of the membrane. When an amount of saltwater is pressurized during reverse osmosis, the salt remains and only clean water flows through the feed.

The outcome:

AWS designed a reverse osmosis unit with a distribution system to replace the deionizer exchange tanks. Controls were integrated into the system allowing the customer to control the operation of the water treatment system. Point-of-use quality monitors were added to allow operators to confirm the treated water met the required specifications. The result was an almost immediate elimination of the deposits allowing the product to meet the customer’s requirement, eliminate rejects, and retune to a profitable manufacturing process.

Author: Neal Rabogliatti, DMS - Many Thanks To Ron Hoolahan, President of All Water Systems: www.allwatersystems.com

EV Charging Stations Demand is a Great Marketing Opportunity!

Everyone is aware of the transition from gas powered cars and trucks to electric vehicles, but does everyone understand the importance of having enough EV charging stations to support them?

The clock is ticking, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes, Toyota, Lexus, Honda have all announced that they will be phasing out production of gas combustion cars anywhere between 2025 and 2035. This dramatic change means less gas stations and more EV charging stations. Currently the U.S. has 104,000 public charging plugs available today, just 18% of which are so-called "Level 3" or "DC fast chargers," which can replenish an EV battery in an hour or less according to AXIOS.

A Marketing Opportunity Arises:

While federal, state, and local municipalities need to plan for this increased need for charging stations, so too are most businesses. Think about it, if there is an increased demand for something wouldn’t you want to be on the supply side of the equation. Businesses of every type are quickly adding one if not more charging stations at their location to help attract electric vehicle owners. Why not charge your car while you shop, eat, attend class, golf? Right now, hotels, shopping centers, amusement parks are quickly planning and installing more charging stations as a way to entice electric car owners to come to their business because they offer a charging station.

Getting Started:

So how should businesses get onboard with EV Charing Stations? First you need to find an EV charging station manufacturer, then determine how many and of which models to purchase, then there is the need for permits, installation, training, maintenance just to get them up and running.

Most manufacturers are in the business of designing and producing the units, not in installing them. Most installation companies don’t have the experience or the direct relationship with the manufacturer, so the costs and complications increase. One option is to work with a manufacturer’s representative agency that provides consulting, purchasing and turn-key solutions. One company, BizReps does just that, they are an EV Charging Station Manufacturer’s Rep for PowerCharge. The manufacturer doesn’t sell directly, and Biz Reps fill that role but also partner with other third parties to handle everything from permits to installation and training. This makes the entire process easier to the customer and in most cases reduces the overall costs because it is all handled through one company.

However, you choose to implement your strategy, it is something to consider, and soon. Do you want to be the business that offers charging stations or let you competitor take that off your hands?

Author: Neal Rabogliatti, Editor Manufacturing.Posthaven

Sphagnum Moss Has Been Used for a Thousand Years

Horticulturists have long known the benefits of long-fibered sphagnum moss. With its unique qualities of retaining 20 times its weight in water, twice as absorptive as cotton, and its anti-bacterial sterility, sphagnum moss has become an indispensable gardening tool in the propagation and beautification process.

Sphagnum moss is the organic answer to many gardening and indoor floral projects. Because of its abilities to both absorb and hold 20 times its weight in water and repel bacteria, long fibered sphagnum moss offers one of the best solution to several basic gardening uses and problems. Sphagnum moss is commonly used for the culture of orchids, line hanging baskets and as packing material to protect plant roots during shipping.

Gardeners use it as a soil cover to help retain moisture in potted plants and used for air-layering plant propagation, and as a seed starting medium. Crafters also use it to create decorative arrangements and projects like living wreaths and topiaries.

Since 1932, The Mosser Lee company has been harvesting and processing sphagnum moss from the marshes in Wisconsin. The ecosystem of these marshes is tightly controlled, and the sphagnum moss assists in retaining and holding the structure of the marshes. To protect these marshes, Mosser Lee gently harvests the sphagnum moss by workers in hip boots, who pull the moss, breaking it at the soil line, and prepare the water-laden sphagnum moss for commercial use. The Mosser Lee Company chooses not to dig out the peat as it would kill the propagation process, and these wonderful plants would be lost forever.

Today, Mosser Lee is the largest harvester and fabricator of sphagnum moss long fiber products in North America. The sphagnum moss plant that we harvest is indispensable in the horticulture industry.

Many thanks to: David L Epstein, CEO Mosser Lee Company, www.mosserlee.com

Beginner’s Guide to Production Machining

CNC machining is a process used in manufacturing to shape raw materials into parts with specific geometries, dimensions, and tolerances by removing material to obtain a shape or part. The difference between standard CNC machining and production machining comes down to volume of parts to be manufactured. Production machining focuses on repeatability and accuracy of tolerances, simply put part 1 must be identical to part number 5000. There is low volume CNC machining and high-volume CNC production machining.

Outsourcing production machining for a company can reduce overall costs and improve the quality and consistency of the parts being made. We recently spoke with Dean Sonquist, the owner of Plas-Tech Tooling to learn more about what companies should know about production machining and how to reduce time and costs as well as improve the quality of the machined parts.

What can affect machining pricing?

Lead times, raw material availability and tolerances all affect pricing.

Machining tolerance is a common factor that affects pricing.  At times buyers or engineers don’t always understand that a three or four place dimension may not be necessary for the part they are working on.   For example, some parts only require a saw cut compared with a significantly tighter tolerance that would require machining or even grinding. This is a big deal when it comes to the final cost of the part.

We review customer prints and ask questions regarding what does and does not matter?  Many times we hear, “well, my software was set up for three decimal place precision, so I didn't change it.”   This may seem like it is not big deal, but it can drastically affect the cost of the process.  So, using reference numbers or stating saw cut or mill surface is fine.   It is important to identify surfaces or features that are critical to your part and validate what needs the high tolerances.   If it doesn't require the tolerance, don't be as specific about it.  Your CAD software is an important tool, but remember you can adjust the final tolerance requirements for the part.

Have a Conversation with your Provider

Take the time at the beginning of your project to speak with your CNC machining provider. Tell them what features are critical, and discuss which tolerances are critical.  When possible, describe or demonstrate the application of the part.  This may lead to an ongoing dialog about the part.   Have a two-way conversation instead of blindly sending an RFQ and a print. The more questions that are asked, the more likely you are to have a part which better fits your needs and budget.

Material Call Outs

Using the correct material call outs will help reduce costs.   We often see prints requiring specific alloys like a 4140 called out, when a simple 1018 or 1045 would work just well.   Calling out the correct material can reduce costs and turnaround time.

Understanding Quantity and Volume

Regardless of volume or quantity, there are things that need to be done before production begins.

If you only need one part, your full setup cost is associated with that one piece.   If you need a hundred or a thousand pieces, the setup cost is spread out over more parts, making the cost per part more economically correct.  Some companies don’t understand the time and cost associated making only one part.

In addition to the setup, fixturing and tooling costs are all fixed costs that will get figured into a job. These costs are a constant regardless of the number of parts produced. The easiest way to reduce cost is by adding volume and trying to order all parts at one time or have purchase agreements for a higher quantity over time. This will spread the fixed costs over more parts and ultimately bring down your per piece price. 

We would also suggest thinking about part designs that can use the same part in different locations, like left and right-side parts.  Something like this may allow you to double the volume of a single part.

Before investing in a tooling fixture, you may want to consider rapid prototyping or machining one part to make sure it is exactly what you want.   Once you have hard tooling or the fixturing in place, you don’t want to find out you need to change the design for something you didn't think about and start all over again.  Proving out your concept and design in the beginning before you move towards the higher production run is one of the main things that needs to be thought about.

Finally, once you are committed to higher volume production, make sure there are quality standards such as gauging and measuring the parts in place. You don't want to use a manufacturer that has no plan for quality oversight.  Using a company with ISO 9001 or similar certification, can give you the piece of mind that your parts will be made right and function to your expectation. 

Many thanks to Dean Sonquist, owner of Plas-Tech Tooling, for sharing his insights on production machining.

Plas-Tech Tooling : www.plastechtooling.com

History of the Modern-day Chocolate Easter Egg

There’s no greater delight than opening your Easter basket to find a delicious chocolate egg. There’s speculation over the origin of this treat, but we do know how it became popularized into the ultimate Easter basket-stuffer we know and love today.

The first appearance of the chocolate Easter egg was in Europe in the early 19th Century. However, progress in the chocolate Easter egg market was very slow due to their inability to flow chocolate into the molds.

The modern Chocolate Easter Egg we know today owes its progression to the inventions of a press for separating cocoa butter from the cocoa bean in 1828 by the Dutch inventor Van Houten, and the introduction of pure cocoa by the Cadbury Brothers in 1866.

It wasn’t until 1875 that the first mass-produced egg became popularized by John Cadbury. Their eggs consisted of dark, smooth chocolate filled with Dragée. They decorated these two plain shells with chocolate piping and marzipan flowers.

Spring means renewal and a return to tasty treats. At Chocolate Storybook we create handcrafted, personalized hollow-filled chocolate eggs and rabbits that are the perfect gifts to share with loved ones this Easter.

Watch A Video on Hollow Filled Eggs

Author: Sabrina Shearer : Marketing Director Chocolate Storybook | https://chocolatestory.com/

Let’s talk inspection!

Inspection and testing are key to any quality manufacturing process. An important factor is to determine the type, quantity, and frequency of those inspections to ensure necessary quality is achieved. Sivyer Steel has a vast knowledge of steel casting inspections and can help you pick and choose those requirements to fit your application.

Minimum Requirements

A chemical analysis is always performed per batch of steel produced. This test ensures the physical elements of the steel, i.e. Carbon, Silicon, Nickel, etc., are to the correct amounts per the customer’s requirements. This analysis can be provided with every casting produced from our facility. 

Material Testing

Another common inspection is to measure the mechanical properties of the casting by testing a sample coupon poured along with the casting. This will show that the correct strength, ductility, and toughness of the steel was met through proper heat treatment. The steel’s hardness is also checked and reported for each casting produced.

Casting Inspection

There are several different inspections, depending on the steel type and customer requirements. The most basic is visual inspection, checking the surface finish and defects from the casting process. Magnetic Particle Inspection detects surface discontinuities, such as cracks. Ultrasonic Testing and X-ray inspection are used to reveal internal flaws in the casting. These are the most common forms of non-destructive testing for steel castings. In most cases, visual and Magnetic Particle inspections are performed on every casting produced at Sivyer.

Expertise

If you are unsure of your needs, our team at Sivyer will be happy to step you through the different inspections, frequency, and how each method will affect casting quality, price, and delivery.  Each casting application is unique and different, and there is no one inspection plan that will fit every casting we produce.

Conclusion

To a casting buyer, these all sound like cost drivers, but to the design and quality engineers, these are securities when creating casting requirements. Both are correct, and where the challenge lies is in finding the right balance to satisfy everyone.

Lisa Wertzbaugher – Sivyer Steel

Website: https://www.sivyersteel.com/

Need an Auctioneer? Here's What You Need to Know

When it comes time for you to select an auctioneer, it can be challenging. How do you know who to hire and how do you select one who will do the best job for you?

Let’s get one thing out of the way if you’re a seller, and that’s this…do not make your decision based on reviews of an auctioneer from people who attend his or her auctions. Sound like odd advice? Here’s why it’s not: auction attendees and auction merchandise sellers are at opposite ends of the extremes when it comes to what they like at an auction.

Auction attendees like to get “a deal” or buy something cheaper than what they thought it might bring. They want a bargain and they go to auctions to get them. They like auctioneers who sell them merchandise at prices lower than expected by them. Sellers, on the other hand, want maximum value for their items, which is the opposite of what attendees want. So, when you read a review of an auctioneer on his or her website from auction attendees, guess why they like that particular person or person’s sales? Comments from buyers such as “great staff, he’s friendly,” etc are insignificant to how to select one who performs for you, the seller.

Great auctioneers want great prices too…it makes them more money. But the real pros realize they are working FOR the seller and WITH the buyers. That’s critical to understand. It's also important to use a professional auctioneer that has received training form an reputable auction training school and can do more than just talk fast buy be able to manage the whole process..

So, how do you select a great auctioneer? Here’s my advice:

1. Contact 3-5 firms in your area. Ask them IF they sell the type of merchandise you have. Ask them HOW do your items sell at auction…high, medium, low prices, hard to impossible to sell or in high demand? You’ll get different answers from different auctioneers because most auctioneers have different buying types attending their sales. Some sell coins, some sell high-end merchandise exclusively, some sell leftovers out of rental units, etc. Figure out who might be best aligned with your type of merchandise.

2. Ask those firms for a client list…a list of people they’ve sold for. Get phone numbers for those clients and call them. Ask them questions like were you treated fairly? Did the auctioneer take everything he/she said he would take? Did the auctioneer provide you with a list of everything he/she inventoried? Did you get a receipt for every item taken? Did you get fair prices? Did he offer you a written contract spelling out services provided and fees that would be withheld? Did he put in that contract when you would receive your funds from your auction? These are all questions that are not only fair, but in most states, are requirements to be put into written contracts.

3. Attend a couple of auctions from the two final candidates. Watch how they handle merchandise Is it well displayed? Is the auctioneer or ring person describing what’s on the block for each item? Is there a crowd sufficient enough to put the merchandise in a competitive bidding situation? Does the auctioneer know the values of what’s being sold? Are they getting acceptable prices for the merchandise or is it simply being “given away”? Don’t make too many assumptions as there are many items in an estate that simply aren’t going to bring much…Tupperware, glassware, dishes, cookbooks, old tvs and computers…it’s a fairly long list. But, what we collected in yesteryear isn’t what people collect today.

4. Invite the auctioneers to come and visit and look at your merchandise. Have them review it. Don’t expect them to tell you a value. Your merchandise will be put into a competitive bidding platform on one day at one event. It will bring what it brings that day based largely on a) the value of your inventory and b) the ability of the auctioneer to know those values and draw a crowd to the sale.

5. Ask the auctioneer to provide you a written (yes, written) contract spelling out these details: what will be taken and what will be left behind, will you receive a specific inventory list of merchandise taken out of the estate for the sale, when and where and what time will the sale take place, what are the services the auction company provides prior to the sale, during the sale day and after the sale, how will your money be handled, what are ALL the expenses in final numbers (not hourly rates or “about” x’s; but specifics) because by law auctioneers can’t exceed more than what they quote you in costs, will those costs be withheld from the auction or do you owe some of it in advance (if so, get a receipt), will you get a receipt for each item sold and when you will be paid.

The financial terms should lay out costs for merchandise packing and movement to the auction site, advertising, commission and facility rental at the very least. Ask if there are any other costs than those.

6. Don’t necessarily take the lowest bid. Accept the bid that is the most comprehensive and seemingly the most up-front and honest. If auctioneer A charges 25% commission and auctioneer B charges 30% commission, that’s only $5 different per $100 sold. But if auctioneer B gets 10-20% more for the items being sold, it’s easily made up. It’s not necessarily what you spend; it’s what you make net that counts.

Final comment: selecting an auction firm isn’t easy. They are terribly busy these days and most selling parties don’t allow nearly enough time for auctioneers to respond and manage their merchandise. But, planning a year ahead isn’t a bad idea.

By David Aeschliman, CEO, Walnut Creek Auction College

How Tires are Manufactured

There are many steps in the tire manufacturing process.  Specialty Tires of America takes raw materials, rubber and various compounds and additives depending on the specification of the tire, to complete the finished product. 

Natural rubber from the rubber tree or manmade synthetic rubber is combined, in the Mixing Department, with oil and carbon to form batches of rubber to be used in the manufacturing process.   

It is also a science!  Samples of mixed rubbers are taken at various stages of the manufacturing process to ensure specifications are being met.  We have a lab of technicians that ensure the properties of the rubber, such as hardness, abrasion resistance or stretch is met. 

Two Types of Tires

The two types of tires that we produce are radial tires and bias ply tires.  Radial tires are what we run on our cars and trucks on the roads today.  The benefit of a radial tires is the smooth ride, fuel economy and lower rolling resistance.  Radial tires are produced in two stages.  The first stage, the carcass is made, in the second stage the tread package is applied. 

Bias ply tires are a sturdy tire that is used for heavy applications like tractor tires, underground mining tires and sand tires just to name a few.  For this application, a rubber wrapped corded fabric is applied in layers.  While the radial cord goes straight across the tire from bead to bead, the bias tire fabric is cut at an angle and goes diagonally across the tires with the additional plies crossing in an X pattern.  These tires are best used in off road and severe service applications. 

Our bias tire builders assemble a complete green tire.  Green tires are not green.  We consider them green because they are in a pre-cured state.  They take plies, beads, sidewall rubber strips and treads to assemble the green tire.  Beads are high tensile hoops of rubber wire strands that is used to mount a finished tire on a rim.  After assembly, they do not look like what you would consider a tire, they appear to be a long cylinder tube that have an opening on each end. 

The process of taking a green tire to a finished tire is called curing.  We use steam and heat to cure a tire.  Depending on the type of tire being produced, a mold is placed in the curing press.  The mold includes the tread pattern and sidewall stamping of items such as the name, the brand, size and warnings.  The mold cavity is in the shape of a finished tire. 

After the curing steps, the tire goes to the Final Finish Department, where the tire is inspected, measured, and checked for uniformity and given final touches.  The final touches included buffing, logo application, and protective wrapping.  The tires are then headed for shipping to our customers. 

Courtesy: Kathleen Mumau | Specialty Tires of America | https://www.stausaonline.com/

Remanufacturing to reduce costs and increase profit

Remanufacturing provides a way to offer customers a less expensive alternative to new replacement parts and equipment while maintaining profitability to the OEM and maintaining customer loyalty.

The problem lies within the costs and complexities of remanufacturing old parts and equipment and becomes a barrier to an OEMs offering a remanufacturing program. First there is the issue of brining old damaged equipment that is often covered in grease and dirt into a clean manufacturing facility. Next is the cost of purchasing the high-pressure spray equipment, dip tanks, along with the costs of installing the equipment inside the facility. This dose not consider the costs of replacing cleaning fluids or the removal and disposal of used cleaning solutions and the time to manage and operate another manufacturing process.

Disassembly is far different then manufacturing and requires a separate team of experienced professional that can efficiently take apart a piece of equipment and organize it into similar components to make reassembly easy. There also needs to exist the ability to return he individual components down to their bare metal state so that the part may be refinished and reassembled into a saleable item.

Offsite Remanufacturing Companies

A cost-effective method to take a used product from customer return to ready to reassemble is to out source the remanufacturing process. Companies like Tygart Industries have created Remanufacturing Centers that were purpose built to remove built up dirt and grease on equipment with multiple cleaning stations and dip tanks as well as developing an experience team to disassemble components and equipment into organized parts for further cleaning and metal preparation.

Their in-house machine shop to provides additional services to repair or remake parts of an assembly. The finished product is organized bins of clean ready to be assembled parts without the hassles or costs inhouse remanufacturing would incur.

The result is a cost effective and managed process that eliminates the mess and expense of remanufacturing a product and allow a company to open new revenue channels to customers by offering remanufactured parts to its clients.

Courtesy: Jeff Blasinsky | Tygart Industries | https://www.t-tygart.com/

What are Internal Keyways?

Internal keyways on rings, usually in the form of gears, and external keyways on mating shafts have long been the preferred method of transmitting driven power through mechanical systems. The mating keyways on the shafts and rings are sized up as the components become larger, so as to transmit an appropriate amount of power in keeping with the mechanical strength of the components that are joined.

As in many fields of industry, standards have developed so that machined features, including keyways, can be made cost-efficiently and so that manufacturers can respond in a timely manner without the need to create costly specialized tooling for each keyway job. The American standard for keyways is ANSI-B17.1. And it is available where mechanical industry standards are sold.

What Keyways Do

Now before we delve into the details of ANSI-B17.1, let’s talk more about what keyways are designed to do. A female slot is cut in both the external surface of a shaft and on the internal surface of a ring. The location of these slots determines where the ring will ride on the shaft when keyed together. Into the void on each part is placed a square bar of metal called the “key”. The key is sized so that the key would have to be sheared in half to cause failure of the joint. Since shearing a rectangle of metal is a difficult process, it can be seen how this can make a strong, lasting joint. Increasing the length of the key increases the area of metal that must be sheared to cause the joint to fail, so increasing the key’s length is an easy way to increase joint strength.

Since the strength of the joint comes from the cross-sectional size of the key and not the tightness of its fit, the tolerancing of this feature need not be overdone. B17.1 calls for a total width variance of .003” and a total depth variance of .010”. Off-the-shelf keyway tooling is made to perform to these tolerances and using the sizes tabulated in ANSI-B17.1 helps ensure an economical part for which standard tooling is readily available. Tightening tolerances above these standards usually results in difficulties in installation in the field and not a stronger joint.

How Keyways Are Made

Internal Keyways are made with machines that have a single-point, reciprocating tool that follows the axis of the shaft and mechanically moves in with each stroke to create the keyway depth. Internal keyways can be made by both specialized keyway machines and CNC machines with tooling adapted to apply keyways, but it is the fixed tooling that determines the keyway width despite the fact that the CNC machines are programmable, so the .003 width tolerance should still be adhered to even if a CNC machine is used to apply the internal keyway.

Finally, the machines and processes that make internal keyways work best when the internal keyway runs completely thru the part from end to end. Measurement and chip flushing are vastly improved over a keyway design in which one or both ends of the keyway are closed off, called a “blind” keyway. While it is possible to make blind keyways, it adds considerably to cost and difficulty in manufacture. Securely capturing the key is usually easily accomplished by making the external keyway in the shaft a pocket rather that an open-ended slot. Thus, the key is still captured but the pocket feature is more easily made on the external surface of the shaft, rather than in the confined recesses of the ring part.

Courtesy: Matthew Mawhinney | Gazzam Machine | http://www.gazzammachine.com/

How is CBD Oil Manufactured?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana. Many individuals are using CBD to help with symptoms of anxiety, pain, insomnia, and more. You can find it in vape juice, gummies, oil, and many other methods of administration.

Despite it being so popular, many people do not know how CBD oil is made.  

CBD Oil Extraction Processes

CO2 - Carbon Dioxide Method:

This method has shown to be the most efficient process and produces the most consistent quality CBD Oil and is the preferred method used for manufacturing CBD Oil.

Carbon Dioxide reaches a supercritical state when it is heated to 31C and pressurized to 1071psi (atmospheric pressure is 14.7psi so this is 73 times more pressure than the air you breathe!).  In this state, CO2 has both gas and liquid properties that allow it to move into small areas of the extracting the CBD oil.

Oil Infusion Method:

Oil Infusion is one of the oldest methods used to produce CBD Oil but is still widely used today. Before extraction begins, the plant must be decarboxylated, (heated to a specific temperature) to activate the CBD compounds. Olive oil is typically used in this process and is heated to 100 Celsius and held at that temperature. At this point the compounds are absorbed into the oil and the product is extracted. Unfortunately, olive oil can’t be separated from the extracted CBD oil resulting in a diluted potency which must be taken in larger quantities to obtain the desired benefits.

Solvent Extraction:

Many chemical solvents are used to extract the CBD oil from the plant and include Hexane, Butane, Ethanol, and Isopropyl alcohol. The process is very similar to that of carbon dioxide and is effective. The only downside is that the solvents may contain chemicals that will leave the resulting oil to have a green color tint or have an extremely bitter taste.

Winterization:

This method harvests a high-quality, pure CBD oil

, or CBD Isolate. In this process, substances that make up Full or Broad-Spectrum CBD are removed from the extract, leaving behind pure CBD oil, or Isolate. The extracted oil is combined with 200-proof alcohol and frozen overnight and then filtered until the desired purity is reached. The solution is heated to burn off the alcohol leaving the CBD oil.

Thanks to Naturally Restored Pure and Natural CBD Oils:

Naturally Restored’s vision is to disrupt this emerging marketplace with GMP compliant, independent third-party certified products that are affordable and effective for the everyday working individual that will help improve their quality of life.

https://naturallyrestored.com/

Notes on Building Your Blog!

We realize that great content is important but so is connecting with other great blogs to help build a community. In order to expand the reach of your blog, you need to create links to and from your website to help attract more visitors. This should be done in order to help provide your audience with useful information and relevant content.

Research the blog to make sure it matches and supports your audience and is not being used to try and just get links or try and get SEO keywords. This method generally doesn't work and may actually hurt your blog or your website from an SEO perspective. Therefore you should focus on quality and relevancy over random link building. We have chosen to link with Bloglovin because many of their posts are a good extension of the posts we have already created and offer a source for relevant articles to go to after reading our post.

Transparency disclaimer: This is the official link to their blog

The Advantages of Zinc Die Casting for Light Weight Parts

Zinc die casting has the ability to manufacture lightweight parts due to the unique combination of strength and fluidity. Zinc’s unique combination of strength and fluidity also allows these parts to be made with very unique designs and shapes. Manufacturing lightweight zinc helps reduce costs in shipping and handling, manufacturing, and energy; overall helping the environment and reducing production costs. 

Zinc has the ability to be cast with a wall thickness of about 0.2 millimeters. An example of a thin-walled part is pictured below.

When zinc die casting is made with thin walls, features such as ribs can still be included in the design to increase metal flow, strength, and rigidity. Zinc die castings are much less costly than aluminum castings, and with specific design features, zinc die castings can maintain the same strength and lightness as the original aluminum design.

Can parts cast in other metals be made in Zinc easily?

Many parts can be transferred from aluminum, or another die casting metal, to zinc. If you have a part that is currently being cast in aluminum, and you are trying to find a way to reduce costs, consider casting with zinc.

Dave Magner, Director of Sales and Marketing | Deco Zinc Diecasting Company

How to Protect Your Business Website from Negative SEO

In the old days of SEO, there were two categories of SEO techniques, they were called “White Hat” and “Black Hat” White hat (taken from the idea that the good guy always wears white) techniques were always above-board methods to improve a website’s search ranking and not violate search engine policies or guidelines. Black Hats were known for using questionable methods to achieve optimization most of which violated or poorly looked upon by search engines like Google. In most cases, black hat techniques did work until the site was caught and then penalized, which would hurt rankings in the long run.

What is Negative SEO?

What Can You Do?

The first thing you need to do is run a backlink audit of your site and monitor for “Toxic” links on a monthly basis. Programs like SEM RUSH and WEBCEO offer paid programs which are essential for large companies with large websites. There is also a free program which is great for small companies or for those who need to start now (https://linkgraph.io/free-backlink-analysis/). When you identify these “toxic” links they cannot be removed but instead need to be “disavowed” by Google.

The Link Disavow Process?

To communicate to Google which links need to be removed from your link profile and thus eliminate the threat created, you need to follow a disavow process.

• First identify the toxic links, you can verify them using a program suggested above and further check to see if the toxic links have unrelated anchor text in the link or point to pages that don’t exist or come from sites with weird subdomains. (Note serious attackers tend to use similar subdirectory names)
  
  
• Create a disavow list in Notepad using the following format for each link.

• Upload this file to the Google Search Console Disavow Links Page

• (Set up a Google Search Console account if you don’t already have one.)

• Upload the file and click submit.

• You Are Done.

You need to go back after 2 weeks and check to see if Google has disavowed the links.

NOTE: Save the file, you create to add additional toxic links, this is an additive process, if you upload a new list without the old list it will update and release the links you had disavowed.

Neal Rabogliatti, President, DMS Search Engine Optimization

Metal Injection Molding

The Keystone State has a rich manufacturing history, much of which is cultivated from an abundance of raw materials that reside within its hills and valleys transported by its rivers and streams.  The petroleum, natural gas, coal, water, forests, and minerals provided the building blocks from which cities were birthed. An infrastructure was developed, and foundational industries created vast opportunities as an emerging nation assumed a new standing in the world.

These raw materials and natural resources were of little value without the creative and determined vision of individuals residing in Pennsylvania, such as Andrew Carnegie, Charles Schwab, Eugene Grace and Henry Frick often referred to as the “iron men” of the Keystone state in that same vein Don Heaney, a Ph.D. metallurgist teaching at Penn State, helped pioneer and commercialize a new process called Metal Injection Molding or also known as MIM.

Heaney literally wrote the Handbook of Metal Injection Molding and is considered a world resource for technical information on powder metallurgy.  Heaney took that knowledge and successfully applied it in building Advanced Powder Products located in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. APP is nationally recognized as the fastest-growing MIM company in America – right here in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Iron Man country.

In non-technical terms, Metal injection molding process (MIM) is a unique process in which finely metal powders are mixed with binder materials to create a "feedstock" that is then shaped and solidified using equipment similar to plastic injection molding. The molding process forces the “feedstock” into a precision mold cavity which generates the unique dimensional features of the desired component which gives you design freedom.  These molded parts, which are soft and fragile are called a green part. These then move on to secondary process steps of solvent binder removal and high-temperature sintering process that hardens the parts to their final configuration.

 MIM is designed for high volume, complex parts that to be shaped in a single step. The outstanding aspect of the MIM process is that upon completion the MIM parts are within 98%+ of a part machined completely from the same metallic parts.  Applications range from dental and medical implants to aerospace and industrial hand tools. 

Metallurgy Reimagined® is not just an APP marketing slogan it reflects upon the rich history of Pennsylvania’s previous heritage and culture in metallic DNA.  World-class manufacturing undergirded by advancements in technology is creating new opportunities bringing high tech career possibilities and employment to this region.  

Nicholas Eidem - Advanced Powder Products

Website: https://advancedpowderproducts.com/