The K-SMC board maximizes positioning and cutting accuracy of machine tool linear-motor drives, and is an updated version of one first developed in Japan. Sodick machines previously used drives with ballscrew technology for axis movement. The control board provides 8-axis simultaneous control with PID and modern control theory, disturbance observer, and feed-forward control.
New CEO for Gleason
A long-time board member has stepped into the CEO shoes of gear-machine manufacturer Gleason Corp., Rochester, following the resignation of President and CEO David J. Burns. John W. Guffey Jr., formerly chairman, president, and CEO of Coltec Industries, is now CEO. Gleason Executive Vice President and CFO John J. Perrotti has been named president and COO. And Controller John W. Pysnack is now vice president of finance.
Machine tool consumption continues ahead of 2003
"2004 will end up to be the strongest year for machine tool sales since 2000 with all indications for further growth in 2005," reports AMTDA President Ralph J. Nappi. "With year-to-date numbers running 43% ahead and all five regions showing positive growth, there appears to be a clear signal of continued strength in the industry."
The regional breakdown for November 2004 and its comparison to October 2004 are:
- West - $37.23 million/+29.2%
- Central - $57.17 million/+51.3%
- South - $52.24 million/+92.1%
- Midwest - $91.13 million/-8.2%
- Northeast - $37.44 million/-5.7%
Personnel changes at UGT parent
Poklekowski (left)
Kammermeier (right)
Korber Schleifring GmbH has promoted Heinz Poklekowski to Co-CEO of recently purchased Walter Maschinenbau GmbH, Tubingen, Germany. Korber Schleifring's U.S. outlet is United Grinding Technologies (UGT) in Miamisburg, Ohio. Poklekowski was recently general manager of Schleifring's K. Jung GmbH unit.
Dr. Ralf Kammermeier has been named general manager of Korber Schleifring GmbH. Kammermeier, Gregor Ruth, and Gustel Baumert now jointly lead the Schleifring Group.
