According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for the number of machinists needed across all sectors of U.S. industry is up 7% in the decade leading to 2030. Translating to about 47,500 openings for machinists and tool and die makers each year, the bureau indicates this increase is about average for all occupations. Many of the openings will come about because of retirement or because workers have moved to different occupations. In other words, this vocation is on track to see healthy growth compared to other industrial occupations.
Plastic equipment can be more expensive than you first expect, especially if you need multiple units of equipment to complete a certain manufacturing process. Upgrading to newer, larger, and better equipment is a constant demand in plastic manufacturing as well. But when it comes time to sell used plastic machinery to recoup your costs, where do you turn?
Ironworkers are known in the machining industry for being versatile. They can shear, form/bend, notch or even punch metal. They also tend to make much cleaner cuts, holes, and notches in metal than other machines. Ironworkers also come in various sizes, styles, and prices. They can perform faster than lasers and band saws. Various materials can be used with Ironworkers including stainless steel, cast iron, alloys, copper, aluminum, brass, and mild steel. You can perform up to five operations with one Ironworker machine! Ironworkers can vary anywhere from single-station to five-station. There are several different types of Ironworkers that are sold by manufacturers. Below we will go over some of the most popular Ironworker brands.
CNC Lathe machines are a huge part of the manufacturing industry and as technology advances, become even more essential in shops around the country. They are used for metal spinning, metal working, wood turning, and glass working, to name a few. There are over 100 manufacturers that produce several types of lathes. Below, we have the most popular lathe manufacturers for each type of lathe that is resold.
Lathes are one of the top machines purchased second-hand. These machines have the capability to last over a decade and save you thousands as well if you buy used. Lathes, especially CNC, are quite expensive with some going for over $100,000. With almost everything online these days, it is easier than ever to find the machine that is the perfect fit for your shop. Below we will go over some basic tips on what to know when looking for a second-hand lathe for sale!
One of the first lathe machines with a mechanical cutting tool and set of gears dates all the way back to the 1700's! Fast forward to almost 2021 and we have some of the most advanced CNC machinery available in the United States. Machining has evolved significantly to meet the demands of the manufacturing industry, even as recent as this past decade. The advancement of CNC programming has made owning a CNC lathe the key to a productive manufacturing facility.
CNC Lathe machines assist in removing metals from the workpiece to make a desired part for production. These machines are used to perform various operations such as facing, cutting, knurling, reaming, boring/counter boring, grooving, forming, threading, drilling and turning. The biggest advantage to CNC machinery is the computer programming available to assist in automating the production process as much as possible.
Haas Automation is one of the largest builders of CNC machines in the world. Their state-of-the-art facility is located here in the United States where they manufacture everything from lathes to robot systems. Haas was founded in 1983 and have been producing top of the line machines ever since. The history of Haas CNC machines started with their founder, Gene Haas, who had a dream to build a Vertical Machining center and then expand into CNC products. In 1988, his dream became a reality when he unveiled the VF-1, (which stands for “Very First one”) at the International Machine Tool Show in Chicago, Illinois. Not only did this machine change the industry, it was manufactured in the USA and sold for under $50,000. That in itself was a great accomplishment and really helped put their name out there.