Larson Tool Blog

How Transportation, Labor, and Economics Play a Role in the Supply Chain Predicament

The increase in materials pricing and supply chain interruption continues to impact virtually every sector of the economy—from consumer goods, such as furniture and cars, to raw materials, such as lumber in construction and steel in manufacturing. The initial slowdown in manufacturing created a slump in sales and production, forcing stainless steel suppliers to cut inventory (and one large steel mill exited the 300 series sector of the market entirely). But once the production lines whirred again, the demand far outpaced the supply, causing steel prices to skyrocket.

Factors for Deciding to Reshore, and Ways to Make It Easier

There has been increased talk about the risks of doing business with China, and the recent pandemic has shown a spotlight on the need for less dependence on supply lines from the Far East. Even larger corporations that had pioneered the move to China are starting to rethink things and increase manufacturing in the U.S., bringing some of the outsourced production home.

How Larson Successfully Implements PMA’s METALFORM EDU

No doubt about it, there is a skills gap in U.S. manufacturing. Ironically, the latest advances in manufacturing technologies—artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and the internet of things (IoT)—have been blamed, incorrectly, for taking away jobs.

How to Optimize the Design of Your Parts

Precision Metal Stamping can provide components that feature strength, durability, wear resistance, stability, and good conductive properties. It is also an economical way to produce high volumes of parts with consistent quality. The stamping process yields some elements that can be used to your advantage if incorporated into your design. Understanding how the process works and what to expect is key to optimizing these features.

Metal Stamping Process: The Elements of Designing a Part

Precision metal stamping is an economical process capable of producing large quantities of precision parts out of sheet or strip metals at high production rates, usually from dedicated tooling. The precision stamping industry produces components and assemblies that are involved in our everyday lives, from electronics to transportation. Your cell phone has tiny stamped metal contact pins to send power and signals throughout your phone. The structural element of the car you drove to work this morning was built from precision metal stamped parts and assemblies.