TRAUB series TNL is suited for long, sliding headstock Swiss-type turning, while series TNL-K is suited for short, fixed headstock screw machine type turning. Model TNL26 is offered with two 12-station turrets, 5-station end-working tool carrier, heavy-duty counter-spindle, and 5-station back-working tool carrier. Z-axis travel is ~10 in. on L-version and 4 in. on K-version. Tooling and other workpiece accessories are fully interchangeable between machines.
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INDEX Corporation will demonstrate its TRAUB TNL26 sliding headstock machine at the Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) Columbus, OH, May 3-5, 2005, Booth #700. The TRAUB TNL12/ 26/ K series machines offer the advantages of both fixed and sliding headstock turning processes in the same machine design concept.
The new machine design saves the user set up time, material cost, and capital cost while providing high-precision Swiss-type and screw machine type turning capability in a single machine. Typically, sliding headstock, also called Swiss-type machines, were used for production of small parts; the manufacturer of smaller, shorter turned parts had to go to a lathe-type machine, if he did not want to work with the conventional Swiss guide bushing concept, which generally requires higher precision bar stock, more set up time, and leaves the user with a long bar remnant.
The machines are based on a building block concept, allowing the user to configure the machine exactly to his requirement. In the TRAUB TNL and TNL- K series machines, TNL stands for long/sliding headstock Swiss-type turning, and TNL-K for short, fixed headstock screw machine type turning machines.
The TNL26 model on display is available with two 12-station turrets (Y-axis optional on both turrets), a 5-station end-working tool carrier, a heavy duty counter-spindle, and a 5- station back-working tool carrier; the max. Z-axis travel is approx. 10 in. on the L- version and 4 in. on the K- version. The maximum number of fixed tools is approx. 58; of these 32 can be live tools.
The 4 Main Benefits of the TNL/ K Concept
1. 12-station tool turret concept offers a high tool capacity in the machine, including one live tool in each turret station. The high-speed indexing of the turrets throws chips away from the tools. This is an important advantage when machining tough materials such as stainless steel and titanium, and is just one reason the machine is well-suited to medical parts. The turrets also permit mounting more than one thread-whirling attachment, allowing the whirling of different thread sizes.
2. High-horsepower main-spindle, counter-spindle, and live tool drive. Both the main and the counter-spindle offer the same high horsepower: up to 4.0KW/ 5.2 HP on the TNL12, and on the TNL26 up to 10.7KW/ 14.6 HP. Live tools drives are up to 1.5KW/ 2.0 HP on the TNL12 and 5.5KW/8.0 HP on the TNL26. This power is important when machining tough materials, a typical requirement for medical parts machining.
3. Up to 4 tools in cut simultaneously, resulting in higher production rates. The design of the work tool-carrier and axis drive arrangement allows the coupling of a second or third tool-carrier (slave axis) to the first, permitting engagement of more than one tool in cut at the same time. Turret two position can be overlapped with turret one because it has an additional Z-axis allowing it to follow turret one. The same holds true for the front working tools, which can also be overlapped, because they also follow turret one. The counter-spindle and the back-working station have independent Z- and X-axes, so that the backwork operation can also be overlapped with the three tools in cut on the main-spindle, for a total of four.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Why Machine Tools Matter - Association For Manufacturing Technology study - Brief Article
An important and interesting new study has just been released by AMT--The Association For Manufacturing Technology. It sheds light on some key facts about machine tools and their critical role in our economy.
Now those of us who are involved in metalworking manufacturing all know certain facts about machine tools--that in the last 20 years, they have become faster, more precise and more capable. We also know the fact that these machine tools have helped manufacturers produce more goods without adding a proportionate number of workers. That means that productivity in manufacturing has gone up--there's more output per worker.
Economists know that productivity is up, too, because they collect measurements that are evidence of this fact. Economists also know that when productivity is up, prices tend to stay steady even when the economy is growing. That means that inflation remains low.
What AMT's study shows is that the facts measured by economists are not telling the whole story about manufacturing. As a result, economists are likely to overlook the true role that modern machine tools and advanced manufacturing technology play in boosting productivity and keeping the economy strong. The study is titled Producing Prosperity--Manufacturing Technology's Unmeasured Role in Economic Expansion. Perhaps the most revealing part of the study is an analysis of how consumers have benefited from quality improvements derived from advances in machine tools. In a nutshell, thanks to better, faster and more capable machine tools, consumers enjoy products such as automobiles that last longer, have fewer repairs and use less energy than ever before. These benefits are not captured by the facts that economists typically measure.
The study concludes by pointing out what government policies ought to be pursued to ensure that the latest generation of machine tools can continue to work its magic on our econom
Now those of us who are involved in metalworking manufacturing all know certain facts about machine tools--that in the last 20 years, they have become faster, more precise and more capable. We also know the fact that these machine tools have helped manufacturers produce more goods without adding a proportionate number of workers. That means that productivity in manufacturing has gone up--there's more output per worker.
Economists know that productivity is up, too, because they collect measurements that are evidence of this fact. Economists also know that when productivity is up, prices tend to stay steady even when the economy is growing. That means that inflation remains low.
What AMT's study shows is that the facts measured by economists are not telling the whole story about manufacturing. As a result, economists are likely to overlook the true role that modern machine tools and advanced manufacturing technology play in boosting productivity and keeping the economy strong. The study is titled Producing Prosperity--Manufacturing Technology's Unmeasured Role in Economic Expansion. Perhaps the most revealing part of the study is an analysis of how consumers have benefited from quality improvements derived from advances in machine tools. In a nutshell, thanks to better, faster and more capable machine tools, consumers enjoy products such as automobiles that last longer, have fewer repairs and use less energy than ever before. These benefits are not captured by the facts that economists typically measure.
The study concludes by pointing out what government policies ought to be pursued to ensure that the latest generation of machine tools can continue to work its magic on our econom
Windows Migration Tool Kit Adds SP2 Testing Features
With less than a month left before Microsoft Corp. removes the block on the automatic delivery of Windows XP Service Pack 2, the software giant updated its Application Compatibility Toolkit to help smooth the migration for large enterprise customers.
The Redmond, Wash., company has set April 12 as the drop dead date for the delivery of the service pack to all Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1 systems, whether businesses are ready or not.
For more on SP2, read "Ready or Not, Here SP2 Comes."
With that deadline fast approaching, Microsoft has added three security-centric evaluation tools to help customers identify the common issues caused by SP2's increased security settings.
According to Jon Murchinson, group program manager for Windows, ACT 4.0 will now feature a Windows DCOM Compatibility Evaluator, a Windows Firewall Compatibility Evaluator and an Internet Explorer Compatibility Evaluator.
Murchinson told eWEEK.com the tool kit has two key parts: the tools themselves and the Deployment Task List, which provides guidance for a user who is building a deployment planOnce the inventory is completed, Murchinson said, the DCOM and Firewall compatibility evaluators can be run, retrieving log files identifying possible compatibility issues. "An example would be an application that requires a port to be open that SP2 turns off by default."
With these steps complete, the Application Analyzer can be used to compare the inventory file against the Microsoft database via a Web service to search for known issues and suggested fixes, Murchinson said.
"Once the fixes or workarounds have been identified, they can be packaged together with the Solution Builder, which enables multiple fixes to be packaged into a single executable," he added.
For insights on security coverage around the Web, check out eWEEK.com Security Center Editor Larry Seltzer's Weblog.
"Once your compatibility issues have been identified and packaged, then SP2 needs to be deployed followed by the solution packages, which can be deployed manually, using Group Policy or SMS [Systems Management Server]."
Microsoft has also posted a 55-minute Webcast with accompanying documentation to explain the benefits of using ACT 4.0.
Through the Internet Explorer blog, Microsoft is also beating the drum for IECE (IE Compatibility Evaluator).
Tariq Sharif, program manager in the IE security and networking team, said the IECE tool is designed to help IT professionals evaluate changes in behavior of Web applications and Web sites caused by the new security features in the service pack.
Among other things, IECE can be used to identify issues and blocks to Web site functionality and pinpoint the cause of a block and specific details to identify the location of the problem.
Murchinson said the ACT 4.0 rollout is targeted at midmarket customers up through large enterprises.
The Redmond, Wash., company has set April 12 as the drop dead date for the delivery of the service pack to all Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1 systems, whether businesses are ready or not.
For more on SP2, read "Ready or Not, Here SP2 Comes."
With that deadline fast approaching, Microsoft has added three security-centric evaluation tools to help customers identify the common issues caused by SP2's increased security settings.
According to Jon Murchinson, group program manager for Windows, ACT 4.0 will now feature a Windows DCOM Compatibility Evaluator, a Windows Firewall Compatibility Evaluator and an Internet Explorer Compatibility Evaluator.
Murchinson told eWEEK.com the tool kit has two key parts: the tools themselves and the Deployment Task List, which provides guidance for a user who is building a deployment planOnce the inventory is completed, Murchinson said, the DCOM and Firewall compatibility evaluators can be run, retrieving log files identifying possible compatibility issues. "An example would be an application that requires a port to be open that SP2 turns off by default."
With these steps complete, the Application Analyzer can be used to compare the inventory file against the Microsoft database via a Web service to search for known issues and suggested fixes, Murchinson said.
"Once the fixes or workarounds have been identified, they can be packaged together with the Solution Builder, which enables multiple fixes to be packaged into a single executable," he added.
For insights on security coverage around the Web, check out eWEEK.com Security Center Editor Larry Seltzer's Weblog.
"Once your compatibility issues have been identified and packaged, then SP2 needs to be deployed followed by the solution packages, which can be deployed manually, using Group Policy or SMS [Systems Management Server]."
Microsoft has also posted a 55-minute Webcast with accompanying documentation to explain the benefits of using ACT 4.0.
Through the Internet Explorer blog, Microsoft is also beating the drum for IECE (IE Compatibility Evaluator).
Tariq Sharif, program manager in the IE security and networking team, said the IECE tool is designed to help IT professionals evaluate changes in behavior of Web applications and Web sites caused by the new security features in the service pack.
Among other things, IECE can be used to identify issues and blocks to Web site functionality and pinpoint the cause of a block and specific details to identify the location of the problem.
Murchinson said the ACT 4.0 rollout is targeted at midmarket customers up through large enterprises.
Monitoring processes and machine conditions
llustrated in this brochure is the Artec 4000, a variation of Artis' CTM system. The system monitors machining operations such as drilling, milling, turning, grinding, broaching, reaming, thread forming and more. It can also be used to detect errors or tool defects such as breakage, wear and balance. Included is a flow chart that guides the reader through the process.
Realistic tool simulation with 3D models
TDM Systems' Tool Graphic Builder CAA V5 Based integrates TDM functions directly into Catia V5 by means of a user interface. The software is said to quickly generate 3 D tool graphics in original Catia V5 format for symmetrically rotating tools. Information about tool assemblies is input directly into Catia via an online connection to the TDM tool database. The components are assembled into a 2D tool assembly using the TDM parts list, and the software then uses this initial 2D data to generate a tool contour from which the 3D volume model emerges on the screen.
In the process, the cutting and non-cutting parts of tool assemblies are recognized and can be displayed in a number of ways. The tool data includes all master data, along with geometries and additional information. This promotes realistic processing simulation, views of points of interference and views of material removal. According to the company, this can increase processing accuracy and reliability in the production area, while reducing the time and work required to generate tool data and graphics.
In the process, the cutting and non-cutting parts of tool assemblies are recognized and can be displayed in a number of ways. The tool data includes all master data, along with geometries and additional information. This promotes realistic processing simulation, views of points of interference and views of material removal. According to the company, this can increase processing accuracy and reliability in the production area, while reducing the time and work required to generate tool data and graphics.
Foristell, Missouri: Mittler Brothers Machine & Tool observes 20th anniversary
Mittler Brothers Machine & Tool, Foristell, Missouri, is observing its 20th anniversary.
Founded in 1980 by Mike and Paul Mittler, the company has grown steadily from the two brothers in a 2500- sq.-ft. building to over 40 employees in a 12,000-sq.-ft. plant in Foristell, Missouri (40 miles west of St. Louis on I-70).
Specializing in engineering, special machines, precision machining and welding, the company works with an extensive range of materials including: steel, tool steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, titanium, magnesium and other exotic metals.
"We are a full-service shop," stated Paul Mittler, "from a single precision machined part to a complete machine, we take care of our customers."
Mittler Brothers serve customers in the automotive/truck, consumer product, medical and general industries worldwide.
Part of their automotive work includes racing products. The company provides parts and equipment to clients in a widerange of motorsports including: Drag racing; Trans-Arn; Off-Road;
Founded in 1980 by Mike and Paul Mittler, the company has grown steadily from the two brothers in a 2500- sq.-ft. building to over 40 employees in a 12,000-sq.-ft. plant in Foristell, Missouri (40 miles west of St. Louis on I-70).
Specializing in engineering, special machines, precision machining and welding, the company works with an extensive range of materials including: steel, tool steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, titanium, magnesium and other exotic metals.
"We are a full-service shop," stated Paul Mittler, "from a single precision machined part to a complete machine, we take care of our customers."
Mittler Brothers serve customers in the automotive/truck, consumer product, medical and general industries worldwide.
Part of their automotive work includes racing products. The company provides parts and equipment to clients in a widerange of motorsports including: Drag racing; Trans-Arn; Off-Road;
Machine-tool industry recovering from recession
Local machine-tool manufacturers are seeing a revival in business that may signal the end of a particularly nasty recession in that industry.
"The two-year machinetool industry recession appears to be slowly easing, and we believe that we have seen market conditions bottom out in the fourth quarter of 1999," says Robert E. Agan, chairman and CEO of Hardinge, Inc., the machinetool maker in Elmira.
At Cortland's Monarch Machine Tool Company, President Wayne W. Hanna says, "What we've seen of late is a steadiness in the business." In recent years, Hanna says, sales would be fine for a couple of months, then drop off. "Now, he says, "we aren't seeing the dips."
"In 2000, things are definitely trending upward," says Robert W. Gardner, vice president of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), a national trade group with headquarters outside Washington. Gardner explains that the "Asia crisis knocked the pins out" from under the industry in 1997, but that in late 1999 and in 2000, the Industry has improved as Asia's economies have gotten "back in pretty good shape."Agan, when announcing strong secondquarter revenues, noted the ATM statistics, including a 4-percent rise in overall order rates for machine tools. "We cannot," he said, "be certain exactly how this growth trend will continue, but, given our position as a preeminent global supplier of advanced technology solutions to manufacturing industries, we feel confident about Hardinge's prospects in the marketplace."
Hanna and Agan both note the impact of the upcoming International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in September. Agan noted that promotional expenses for the show cut into cost-cutting efforts the company has undertaken.
For Hanna, the every -other-year Chicago trade show is a sign of how the market has improved. In 1998, orders to Monarch dropped to zero in the month before the show. Hanna remembers it well; he says, "I started that month."
That year, 11 percent of the company's orders came in the month following the September show. But this year, says Hanna, Monarch is not seeing delays. "This August looks to be pretty good," he says, and the company had a good July,
Hanna, part of management that bought the company from previous owner, Genesis Worldwide, credits a portion of the company's rebound to new equipment it did not offer before. New "gantry-style machines," which can machine very large pieces, have been bought by Lockheed Martin and Electric Boat and can cost $1 million a piece. Looking to the upcoming IMTS, Hanna notes that the new machines are "something we did not have in 1998 to show off."
New product is at the forefront of Hardinge's plan. "One of Hardinge's business objectives is to have products less than two years old account for at least 35 percent of each year's revenues. During the quarter, we continued to prepare for our product introduction and marketing efforts," Agan says.
"The two-year machinetool industry recession appears to be slowly easing, and we believe that we have seen market conditions bottom out in the fourth quarter of 1999," says Robert E. Agan, chairman and CEO of Hardinge, Inc., the machinetool maker in Elmira.
At Cortland's Monarch Machine Tool Company, President Wayne W. Hanna says, "What we've seen of late is a steadiness in the business." In recent years, Hanna says, sales would be fine for a couple of months, then drop off. "Now, he says, "we aren't seeing the dips."
"In 2000, things are definitely trending upward," says Robert W. Gardner, vice president of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), a national trade group with headquarters outside Washington. Gardner explains that the "Asia crisis knocked the pins out" from under the industry in 1997, but that in late 1999 and in 2000, the Industry has improved as Asia's economies have gotten "back in pretty good shape."Agan, when announcing strong secondquarter revenues, noted the ATM statistics, including a 4-percent rise in overall order rates for machine tools. "We cannot," he said, "be certain exactly how this growth trend will continue, but, given our position as a preeminent global supplier of advanced technology solutions to manufacturing industries, we feel confident about Hardinge's prospects in the marketplace."
Hanna and Agan both note the impact of the upcoming International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in September. Agan noted that promotional expenses for the show cut into cost-cutting efforts the company has undertaken.
For Hanna, the every -other-year Chicago trade show is a sign of how the market has improved. In 1998, orders to Monarch dropped to zero in the month before the show. Hanna remembers it well; he says, "I started that month."
That year, 11 percent of the company's orders came in the month following the September show. But this year, says Hanna, Monarch is not seeing delays. "This August looks to be pretty good," he says, and the company had a good July,
Hanna, part of management that bought the company from previous owner, Genesis Worldwide, credits a portion of the company's rebound to new equipment it did not offer before. New "gantry-style machines," which can machine very large pieces, have been bought by Lockheed Martin and Electric Boat and can cost $1 million a piece. Looking to the upcoming IMTS, Hanna notes that the new machines are "something we did not have in 1998 to show off."
New product is at the forefront of Hardinge's plan. "One of Hardinge's business objectives is to have products less than two years old account for at least 35 percent of each year's revenues. During the quarter, we continued to prepare for our product introduction and marketing efforts," Agan says.
Software targets machine vision applications
NI Vision 7.1 Development Module features vision tools for users of LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic to create applications that inspect, align, identify, and measure objects. Geometric matching enables location of objects that are described by edges and shapes rather than textures and shades, even under poor lighting conditions or when partially obstructed. Suite of tools for part identification, tracking, and sorting is also included.
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Vision 7.1 Development Module Features Tools for Geometric Matching, Object Classification and 2D Bar Codes
NEWS RELEASE - Jan. 25, 2005 - National Instruments today announced the NI Vision 7.1 Development Module, which features hundreds of vision tools for engineers and scientists using NI LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic to create powerful vision applications that inspect, align, identify and measure objects. With the software, engineers and scientists can access new algorithms such as geometric matching, object classification, optical character recognition (OCR) and 2D bar code readers to quickly locate, sort and track objects even under poor imaging conditions.
With geometric matching, engineers and scientists now can locate objects that are best described by edges and shapes rather than textures and shades, even when under poor lighting conditions or partially obstructed. Geometric matching also is effective at locating objects that appear to change scale. This occurs in applications such as robotic guidance and product assembly where the distance between the camera and object varies.
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Vision 7.1 Development Module Features Tools for Geometric Matching, Object Classification and 2D Bar Codes
NEWS RELEASE - Jan. 25, 2005 - National Instruments today announced the NI Vision 7.1 Development Module, which features hundreds of vision tools for engineers and scientists using NI LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic to create powerful vision applications that inspect, align, identify and measure objects. With the software, engineers and scientists can access new algorithms such as geometric matching, object classification, optical character recognition (OCR) and 2D bar code readers to quickly locate, sort and track objects even under poor imaging conditions.
With geometric matching, engineers and scientists now can locate objects that are best described by edges and shapes rather than textures and shades, even when under poor lighting conditions or partially obstructed. Geometric matching also is effective at locating objects that appear to change scale. This occurs in applications such as robotic guidance and product assembly where the distance between the camera and object varies.
Software targets machine vision applications
NI Vision 7.1 Development Module features vision tools for users of LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic to create applications that inspect, align, identify, and measure objects. Geometric matching enables location of objects that are described by edges and shapes rather than textures and shades, even under poor lighting conditions or when partially obstructed. Suite of tools for part identification, tracking, and sorting is also included.
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Vision 7.1 Development Module Features Tools for Geometric Matching, Object Classification and 2D Bar Codes
NEWS RELEASE - Jan. 25, 2005 - National Instruments today announced the NI Vision 7.1 Development Module, which features hundreds of vision tools for engineers and scientists using NI LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic to create powerful vision applications that inspect, align, identify and measure objects. With the software, engineers and scientists can access new algorithms such as geometric matching, object classification, optical character recognition (OCR) and 2D bar code readers to quickly locate, sort and track objects even under poor imaging conditions.
With geometric matching, engineers and scientists now can locate objects that are best described by edges and shapes rather than textures and shades, even when under poor lighting conditions or partially obstructed. Geometric matching also is effective at locating objects that appear to change scale. This occurs in applications such as robotic guidance and product assembly where the distance between the camera and object varies.
********************
Vision 7.1 Development Module Features Tools for Geometric Matching, Object Classification and 2D Bar Codes
NEWS RELEASE - Jan. 25, 2005 - National Instruments today announced the NI Vision 7.1 Development Module, which features hundreds of vision tools for engineers and scientists using NI LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic to create powerful vision applications that inspect, align, identify and measure objects. With the software, engineers and scientists can access new algorithms such as geometric matching, object classification, optical character recognition (OCR) and 2D bar code readers to quickly locate, sort and track objects even under poor imaging conditions.
With geometric matching, engineers and scientists now can locate objects that are best described by edges and shapes rather than textures and shades, even when under poor lighting conditions or partially obstructed. Geometric matching also is effective at locating objects that appear to change scale. This occurs in applications such as robotic guidance and product assembly where the distance between the camera and object varies.
Compact, micro-tooling CNC machine
The miniRaptor, a compact version of Datron Dynamics' Raptor class of machining centers is now offered with a 51" x 51" footprint. The machine also features a 20" x 20" x 8" working envelope that can accomodate fixturing and batch-machining of small parts. The smaller bed size facilitates the use of a solid slab of granite for the machining table, which provides increased rigidity to minimize vibration, the company says.
The machine includes standard features such as a 60,000-rpm spindle with a 0.125" collet; a three-tool automatic tool management system; Microsoft Windows-based control software; a PC with 256 MB RAM and 40 GB part/program storage; a handheld controller; Ethernet networking capability, remote monitoring capability; a removable chip disposal tray; and a full machining-area enclosure with a door safety interlock system.
This package can be augmented with a number of options including a 600W, 60,000-rpm spindle with 0.250" collet; a 10-tool automatic tool management system; a Z-Correction probe that recognizes irregular workpiece topology; and more. A 3D probe extension that locates and compensates for material irregularities in XYZ coordinates and facilitates reverse engineering is also available.
The machine includes standard features such as a 60,000-rpm spindle with a 0.125" collet; a three-tool automatic tool management system; Microsoft Windows-based control software; a PC with 256 MB RAM and 40 GB part/program storage; a handheld controller; Ethernet networking capability, remote monitoring capability; a removable chip disposal tray; and a full machining-area enclosure with a door safety interlock system.
This package can be augmented with a number of options including a 600W, 60,000-rpm spindle with 0.250" collet; a 10-tool automatic tool management system; a Z-Correction probe that recognizes irregular workpiece topology; and more. A 3D probe extension that locates and compensates for material irregularities in XYZ coordinates and facilitates reverse engineering is also available.
Machine tool trade with Japan and Taiwan
The President has directed that the US Trade Representative negotiate a limited extension of the voluntary restraint agreements (VRAs) with Japan and Taiwan on machine tools. These VRAs were negotiated in 1986 for national security reasons and were scheduled to expire on December 31, 1991.
Import restrictions on machining centers, computer-controlled lathes, computer-controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and computer-controlled milling machine tools will be removed progressively over a 2-year period beginning in January 1992.
To allow sufficient time for negotiations with concerned countries over the phase-out schedule, we are requesting that Japan and Taiwan extend the existing VRA restrictions on machining centers, computer-controlled lathes, computer-controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and computer controlled milling machine tools, scheduled to expire on December 31, 1991, for an additional 30 days.
VRA restrictions on non-computer controlled lathes, non-computer controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and non-computer controlled milling machine tools will expire as scheduled on December 31, 1991. The President also has directed that the following steps be taken to assist the US machine tool industry's ongoing efforts to regain international competitiveness.
* The Secretary of Commerce, as chairman of the cabinet-level Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee, will give special focus to ways to promote machine tools exports.
* US export control regulations will be reviewed to ensure that restrictions on machine tools are kept to the minimum consistent with national security.
* The Secretaries of Defense, Commerce, and Labor will designate officials at the Assistant Secretary level to work together to monitor the industry's performance and to consult regularly with industry representatives.
* The Secretary of Labor will help the machine tool industry improve technical training, human resource management, and the utilization of new and emerging technologies.
* The Secretaries of Commerce and Energy will examine which research and development efforts in the national laboratories could benefit the domestic machine tool industry and will recommend appropriate investment and technology transfer to realize such benefit.
* The Secretaries of Commerce and Defense will continue to implement the Domestic Action Plan of programs to support the revitalization of the US machine tool industry. Key elements of the Domestic Action Plan are as follows:
-- Support for the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (amounting to $50 million during fiscal years 1988-91); and
-- Support by the Defense Department's Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) research and development program. More than $33 million has been spent for research on machine tools and related technologies over the past 3 years. Funding for related technologies is estimated at $82 million over the FY 1991-95 period.
* The Secretary of Commerce will continue efforts under the US-Japan Cooperation Plan, which was begun in May 1990 to help promot
Import restrictions on machining centers, computer-controlled lathes, computer-controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and computer-controlled milling machine tools will be removed progressively over a 2-year period beginning in January 1992.
To allow sufficient time for negotiations with concerned countries over the phase-out schedule, we are requesting that Japan and Taiwan extend the existing VRA restrictions on machining centers, computer-controlled lathes, computer-controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and computer controlled milling machine tools, scheduled to expire on December 31, 1991, for an additional 30 days.
VRA restrictions on non-computer controlled lathes, non-computer controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and non-computer controlled milling machine tools will expire as scheduled on December 31, 1991. The President also has directed that the following steps be taken to assist the US machine tool industry's ongoing efforts to regain international competitiveness.
* The Secretary of Commerce, as chairman of the cabinet-level Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee, will give special focus to ways to promote machine tools exports.
* US export control regulations will be reviewed to ensure that restrictions on machine tools are kept to the minimum consistent with national security.
* The Secretaries of Defense, Commerce, and Labor will designate officials at the Assistant Secretary level to work together to monitor the industry's performance and to consult regularly with industry representatives.
* The Secretary of Labor will help the machine tool industry improve technical training, human resource management, and the utilization of new and emerging technologies.
* The Secretaries of Commerce and Energy will examine which research and development efforts in the national laboratories could benefit the domestic machine tool industry and will recommend appropriate investment and technology transfer to realize such benefit.
* The Secretaries of Commerce and Defense will continue to implement the Domestic Action Plan of programs to support the revitalization of the US machine tool industry. Key elements of the Domestic Action Plan are as follows:
-- Support for the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (amounting to $50 million during fiscal years 1988-91); and
-- Support by the Defense Department's Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) research and development program. More than $33 million has been spent for research on machine tools and related technologies over the past 3 years. Funding for related technologies is estimated at $82 million over the FY 1991-95 period.
* The Secretary of Commerce will continue efforts under the US-Japan Cooperation Plan, which was begun in May 1990 to help promot
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