Be Ready for the REcovery With the Latest in EDM

2010 has been a positive year for manufacturing. We have seen most markets gaining strength, especially medical, aerospace, and home goods – even the automotive sector has seen a slight increase. Overall, business has improved and companies are once again reinvesting in new equipment.

As we work through this economic recovery, now is a great time to take a fresh look at EDM. Machine manufacturers used last year’s lull in orders to retool, redesign, and challenge their R&D departments to find better ways to improve productivity. They challenged themselves to find new ways to lower operating costs, increase efficiencies, and push capabilities.

Now, EDM equipment is capable of better finishes, increased accuracy, and virtually no recast. Additional axis (turn and tilt/turn) are also being added to machines, opening new markets for EDM users. Technology has emerged for machining extreme materials used in aerospace and medical work.

Changes in the EDM market have been refined, squeezing out every micron of a machine’s capability to increase productivity. Along with cutting enhancements, machine tool builders are also focusing on green operation. For example, Fanuc has designed controls with the ability to monitor electrical usage and manage the use of its components more efficiently, powering down certain electrical components that are not needed, in turn saving overall electrical consumption by up to 20%.

Automation is another area in which EDM manufacturers are helping shop owners increase productivity and improve workflow. Automation control systems have evolved to the point where EDM operators can machine parts of different sizes with one setup. Expanding the number of possible unattended operations allows manufacturers to maximize operating times without increasing labor costs, which has a positive effect on the bottom line.

If you are ready to buy, there are new market dynamics to consider regarding delivery and financing. During 2009 and much of the first half of 2010, customers and machine tool builders strategically maintained inventories to meet their market estimations and maximize cash flow. Now, with orders for all machine tools rising faster than anticipated, machine tool builders are working hard to increase inventories and deliver new equipment as rapidly as possible. Due to renewed demand, it is advisable to place your orders as early as possible. With proper planning you can avoid missed commitments.

Financing capital for new purchases can also be a challenge in this recovering economy. Just as lending was too lax in the housing industry, lending for capital equipment was also somewhat liberal. Now, businesses looking for capital have to do their homework before applying for loans. Personal credit is considered much more closely and banks will rarely allow you to borrow money which is at the top end of your past acquired capital values. Prior to shopping around for new machinery, invest in a credit score report. Clean up any outstanding personal liabilities and make sure any unsecured debt, such as utilities and material suppliers are all up to date. This little bit of effort can result in lower rates and increased credit lines.

Lastly, I encourage you to seek out the experts in EDM and ask us how we can meet your manufacturing goals. Tell us where your challenges are, what products you are focusing on, and explain to us where you want your company to be in the next year and beyond.

Please direct comments or questions regarding this article to sbond@methodsmachine.com or 978.443.5388, ext. 506.

Methods Machine Tools Inc.
Sudbury, MA
methodsmachine.com