PMPA/ITR Economics Forecast Report August 2021 

 

“Return to normal” is providing us all with a masterclass in “be careful what we wish for.” Demand for our products has returned, US GDP in the second quarter came in above pre-pandemic levels, and markets that we serve- Capital Goods in particular- are hitting new records.

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The Institute for Trend Research (ITR) quarterly reports focus on major areas of economic growth and decline in key market segments for the Precision Machined Products Industry. They are provided to PMPA members as part of the association’s overall business intelligence program and are used as a management tool to help PMPA members plan for what lies ahead and which markets they should focus on in a complex manufacturing environment. 

September 2021

Craftsman’s Cribsheet #100

Built Up Edge (BUE) is the accumulation of workpiece material onto the rake face of the tool. This material welds under pressure and is separate from the chip. Schools teach that this is because the first material to contact the tool work-hardens, and hardness tests to confirmed this. Because BUE changes the effective geometry of the tool, it can have either positive or negative effects

 

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PMPA Business Trends July 2021

 

The PMPA Business Trends July 2021 Sales Index dropped from June’s record high, but remained 12.8% above the five-year average for July, at 134. Performance and sentiment indicators this month justify our continued optimism about the markets and employment prospects for our precision machining shops in 2021. Year to date we remain at the 137 Sales Index average that we predicted for the full year. And our 12.8% overperformance for July, usually a low month, supports our confidence. Our shops are solidly on track.

The numbers reflect the current and ongoing positive reality for our precision machining shops, while recognizing the challenges that we continue to successfully meet regarding supply, workforce recruitment, and inflation.

 

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Released August 16, 2021.   

Miles Free and Carli Kistler-Miller provide a in-depth breakdown PMPA’s Hierarchy as well as the many benefits of being apart of the PMPA.