Market Watch
The ISM manufacturing index was expected to show a reading of 49.4 for November, up from 48.3 in October, according to economists surveyed by Dow Jones.

Industry 4.0 is transforming manufacturing. While companies work to integrate smart manufacturing into their operations, manufacturers of all sizes look and compete for scarce skilled talent to fill their workforce pipeline. Not only do manufacturers need to keep up the skills and capture the intellectual and institutional knowledge of their incumbent workers, they also need to attract younger generations entering the workforce.

Materials scientist Desiderio Kovar has helped engineering students get back something they had lost – the essential act of tinkering. 

Forbes
Every new prediction for the upcoming decade brings a greater appreciation for how far discrete manufacturers have come. After surviving one of the worst recessions in history, most industry players recovered by redefining business models, processes and overall value.

Machine tool manufacturer DMG Mori has introduced a new 5-axis machining centre with integrated additive manufacturing capabilities.

More than two centuries ago, German philosopher Immanual Kant described virtual reality as existence within our minds, rather than the physical world. Today, virtual reality is an established technology that has been deployed in various industries including gaming, marketing and manufacturing. But what about augmented reality? 

Discover key factors in the inspection process that lead to better design of gears. Develop a broad understanding of the methods used to manufacture and inspect gears. Interpret how the resultant information can be applied and interpreted in the design process.

(Video) A gauge of China’s manufacturing sector jumped unexpectedly in November, signaling a recovery in activity amid government support and a stabilizing global economy. The official manufacturing purchasing mangers’ index rose to 50.2, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Saturday.

Science Daily
Scientists have developed a novel elastocaloric cooling material, comprised of nickel-titanium alloy and sculpted using additive technology, that is highly efficient, eco-friendly and easily scaled-up for commercial use.

TCT Magazine
Additive manufacturing service provider FDM Digital Solutions has been acquired by global manufacturer Garner Aerospace. FDM’s polymer 3D printing capabilities will be integrated into the Gardner Technology Centre, a new business unit being set up to focus on research and development of advanced technologies.

This week’s newsletter outlines all that is happening in 3D, including a host of new materials and 3D printer releases, as well as new companies entering the market. 

Avi Reichental is the leader of XpontentialWorks, a combination of venture fund, advisory firm and product developer. The 3D printing industry veteran has seen it all, from widespread doubt about technology to frenzied investment, and back to more realistic expectations. 

BMW said it had boosted its order with CATL to €7.3bn from an original booking announced in mid-2018 that was worth €4bn. It said the contract would last from 2020 to 2031, reports Reuters.The German car manufacturer revealed it had also signed a battery supply contract with Samsung SDI worth 2.9 billion euros, valid from 2021 to 2031.  

As GM gears up to close a plant in Lordstown, it breaks ground on another Ohio production facility.

Some Mustang fans are still getting used to the idea of a Mustang-branded midsize electric crossover, but an electric Mustang coupe or convertible may not be far on the horizon, Motoring reports.

The last of Detroit’s automakers has reached a tentative deal with the United Auto Workers, setting up votes at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) plants in the coming weeks to ratify the contract.

The BMW Group and Great Wall Motor have launched a new joint venture – Spotlight Automotive Limited – and are building a joint plant in China, where the BMW Group will produce future fully-electric models of its MINI brand.

Join more than 300 of your industry peers at the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., March 19-21. Come to the one meeting where you can gather resources to grow every aspect of your company while staying up to date on the latest happening in the gear and bearing industries. Oh, and we tend to have some fun along the way!