INDUSTRY NEWS
Mori Seiki Launches Online Training Resource
Machine-tool firm Mori Seiki (Wernau, Germany) has announced that its educational branch, known as Mori Seiki University, will begin offering online versions of its courses. The decision to do so was the result of strong customer demand since the university was established earlier this year, according to the company. Course offerings will cover general manufacturing topics as well as the operation of specific Mori Seiki machines. Topics include lean manufacturing, metrology, manufacturing math, statistical process control, and blueprint reading. A list of all current course offerings can be found at www.msuondemand.com. The resource will make use of fully functional, 3-D digital machines. During training, students interact with the virtual machine models as they would with physical machines. Individuals move at their own pace throughout the program, avoiding the traditional classroom dilemma of progressing at too slow or fast a pace for some students.
Powervar Announces Virtual Demo Room
Powervar Inc. (Waukegan, IL, USA) has announced that it has developed a virtual demo room for its Web site at www.powervar.com. The demo room has two separate sections—one for power-conditioning technology and another for uninterruptible power products. Each section offers visitors the opportunity to compare the power quality performance of a variety of power protection products. The site also features video in Flash format.
Materials-Testing Firm Introduces Blog
A blog developed by the design team at materials-testing firm Tinius Olsen (Horsham, PA, USA) has been launched with the intent of providing information on a range of technical subjects. Entries to date have focused on the specifics of individual projects developed by the company’s design team. Advice regarding Tinius Olsen equipment and global testing standards is also available. Most blog entries are supported with CAD images of the products being discussed. Visitors are encouraged to post messages to get feedback from the firm’s designers. The Web site is located at www.thetestingtimes.blogspot.com.
Automation Component Web Site Updated
Misumi (Schaumburg, IL, USA) has announced that its automation components and Web ordering sites have been upgraded. Functional improvements include updates to its search engine and order processing systems, including a new “quick order” feature. The updates are a result of direct customer feedback and the company’s intent to improve the operability and overall flow of the sites. In addition, the search engine has been changed to enable users to search by keyword or part number. Search results are then displayed in photo and text format. The site also contains an upload feature at its “request for quotation” page, which allows users to upload data. With this feature, users can copy the content of an Excel file and paste it directly into the site to obtain quotations.
