Design Studio17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDTThis Week in Weldinghttp://multibriefs.com/briefs/AWS/AWS.xmlenA combination of rebounding sales and an unprecedented number of new models in the works has stretched the auto parts supply chain so taut that the entire industry is holding its collective breath that it does not snap and jeopardize the recovery. During the downturn, suppliers consolidated operations — closing plants, laying off workers and reducing capacity by as much as 30 percent, said Kim Korth, president of IRN, a consulting firm that works with suppliers. Now a smaller number of suppliers with fewer facilities and bodies is struggling to handle a 22 percent rebound in the auto industry.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf26bdda5a21Additive manufacturing is just one of a number of emerging technologies that are likely to produce major changes in the way many things are made in the years to come. And even additive manufacturing isn't limited to 3-D printing. The Advanced Manufacturing Partnership offers one glimpse into the future. The group has identified 11 areas of technology that it believes will play a crucial role in determining competitiveness in manufacturing — and that it believes should be the focus of national research-and-development efforts. Here's a quick primer to some of the things it highlighted.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf279696b582Though the people in the downtown area here are still tunneling through a deep economic depression, there is light at the end of North Chatham Avenue. Literally. What used to be a tired row of vacant storefronts is slowly coming back to life. Bright splashes of color amidst the gray facades mark a budding artists' hub nurtured by the North Carolina Arts Incubator, a studio and gallery complex that supports local artists.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf40b23672f3Summer interns can be a great way for a small business owner to get an extra set of hands for little or no money. Most colleges have summer intern programs for students who are interested in getting real world, practical experience. They get the benefit of building their resume, and you get the help you need.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf27b44a99c4The Empire State Manufacturing Survey rose 7.84 in June. Consensus was for no gain. According to the release, the results indicate "that conditions for New York manufacturers improved modestly. The general business conditions index — the most comprehensive of the survey's measures — rose nine points to 7.8. Nevertheless, most other indicators in the survey fell."17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf275eb8c625Erik Brynjolfsson, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, and his collaborator and coauthor Andrew McAfee have been arguing for the last year and a half that impressive advances in computer technology — from improved industrial robotics to automated translation services — are largely behind the sluggish employment growth of the last 10 to 15 years.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf26cdb44776The plasma device, developed by an Israeli firm, uses a stitch and staple-free method of "welding" surgical wounds together to minimize scarring. IonMed say their device could benefit mothers-to-be this autumn, but could also be used to close wounds for burns victims and cosmetic surgery patients.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf26f8de7187The U.S. petrochemical industry, in trouble just a few years ago, is making a spectacular comeback thanks to the boom in shale gas, shaking up the industry worldwide and spreading some discomfort through Asia and Europe. "It's pretty simple: There's just so much feedstock that needs to find a home," said Chuck Carr, a petrochemical analyst at IHS, in Texas, the capital of the U.S. industry. "So everybody's saying, 'Hurry up to build something,' because at that natural gas price, it's just pure value."17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf2867ebf0c8People in every age think they're living in a time of transition, but some ages really do usher in broad and deep change. American workplaces are experiencing a transition with regard to well-being. An increasing number of employers and employees alike are acknowledging that the current model of success isn't working, and is in fact leading to burnout, stress, decreased productivity and sleep-deprivation.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf27c11175b9IMT examined the sequester and how it is likely to affect U.S. manufacturing. The picture isn't complete for two reasons. For starters, the worst of the sequester's cuts have yet to hit. Second, many of the companies simply aren't speaking to the press on the topic. As such, manufacturers' distress has been understated.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf2777241d710Ultrasonic welding is a technique for creating solid-state connections between workpieces using high-frequency, ultrasonic acoustic vibrations. It creates bonds without any linking devices or pieces, or even adhesives, and because it establishes solid-state metallurgical bonds with high-conductivity it is increasingly popular for assembling wire harnesses.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf2a7c15d4111General Motors named Gerald Johnson as North America manufacturing vice president effective July 1. Johnson, a 33-year GM veteran, will lead a team of more than 74,000 employees who work in 56 facilities including assembly, stamping, powertrain and component operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf2b317283d12Ohio continues to be a crucial manufacturing state, according to a new report from an Indiana university. According to a synopsis of Ball State University's 2013 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card, Ohio received three "As" in the areas of manufacturing, logistics and global reach, a "C-" in human capital and tax climate, a "D" in worker benefit costs, a "C+" in diverse sectors and a "C" in productivity and innovation.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf2b86046ad13Patrick Dufault remembers many people telling him he would never be able to become a welder because of his learning disability. Dufault has primary dyslexia, which causes him to struggle with reading, spelling and writing. Dufault said when he was studying to become a welder about 10 years ago, staff at the center read all his books on to tapes, tutored him and helped him out as much as they could.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf272536cde14Livonia-based Phillips Service Industries Inc. could invest at least $10 million and create 100 to 200 local jobs, if the region can outperform at least four other states competing for a proposed additive manufacturing center to supply components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf27858efe715Inside the welding classroom at Atlanta Technical College, Julie Wolfe yells over the sound of a large fan dissipating heat from flying sparks. Work stations are separated by black plastic. Behind masks, students concentrate on practicing their skill. It's a look at one of the hardest jobs to fill in the United States right now.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51b1e62808bcb16It's becoming standard for many manufacturing companies to require employees to have college degrees — and some jobs require a Ph.D. Factory-floor openings are scarce and often require specific credentials.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf0ccd0e84917In the fall, South Aiken High School in South Carolina will introduce a new welding class, and student Corey Kirby is looking forward to the opportunity. Thanks to Aiken Technical College, he also got a preview of the program and a chance to practice with a virtual welding device. Kirby and other students could wear seemingly traditional helmets, but they are actually connected to welding tools that create "weld puddles," a small area of molten metal. All of it is simulated, and what Kirby could see inside his helmet, so could his friends on a large screen.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf26eb499b418Yard art welder John Dorn smiled as he showed a photo of a brown and white English pointer dog. A woman, the owner of the dog, had brought the photo to Dorn's welding studio on Merchant Row in Milton, Wis. She wanted Dorn to create a welded dog just like the photo that shows the pointer at attention, its paw stabbing toward a bird somewhere in the bush. Dorn stood in front of a mostly finished metal dog that mimicked the photo almost perfectly. One leg, spot-welded from cold rolled steel, pointed. Its body was made from two LP tanks welded together.17 Jun 2013 12:58:53 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=51bf27157f35c19