Woodworking fanatics from around the country will convene in Arlington, Texas for the Cabinets & Closets Expo on March 11, 2020. The annual event – which features a full-day conference, plant tour, and exposition – is dedicated to home remodeling professionals specializing in building kitchen cabinets, closets, and other home storage designs. The scope and creativity of the exhibits are a testament to the continued intrigue of woodworking. Get more details on the Expo here.

In addition to viewing impressive woodworking pieces for improving your home, the conference will feature speeches from woodworking veterans who can offer unique insights. Will Sampson, a lifelong woodworker and entrepreneur, will be giving a speech about pricing trends in the wood market. Bill Esler of Woodworking Network writes, “Woodworkers also tend to be craftsmen first and business operators second. Another recipe for disaster.” He goes on to note that Sampson says, “It is too easy to overlook business fundamentals while scrambling to get work out the door. But just as no amount of finish will cover up bad preparation on woodwork, there can’t be any profit if your system isn’t in place to build that into the price.” Read the full article here. 

In addition to checking out all the new woodworking innovations and business trends, this Expo will also look to the future generations in woodworking. Most people don’t think of going to college for a major in woodworking. However, there are several ways to open up a career as a woodworker as a sole practitioner or part of a design firm. Young entrepreneurs will get plenty of insight and tips about the best ways to start the journey of a woodworking career. 

This conference helps prove that the interest in woodworking is strong in our modern times. Machines that assist with woodworking, of course, will go hand in hand with this strong interest.  

View some of HGR’s woodworking inventory here

The modern science of fusing metals together has been around for over a century. Depending on how far back in history we want to go, one could find evidence of primitive welding in the Bronze Age when common metals were used to create tools, weapons and even currency. In the intervening millennia, welding has grown from humble beginnings into an industry unto itself. Welding is used by many organizations, and in many disparate ways, to create all sorts of unique commodities.

Welding machines can have a long lifespan. In many cases, a welding machine will outlive the factory where it operated. The used machines are highly prized and can be used to benefit in other areas of commerce, such as farming. Agriculture Magazine recently listed some used welders on their website including an ESAB Rebel and a Millermatic 255.

While there is a science to metalworking, there is also an artistic and educational side. The next generation is eager to learn the foundations of what welding is and how it works. The Augusta Chronicle recently reported a story about scrap metal being donated to local schools near Savannah, GA to help train welding students. “Welding programs at high schools and technical colleges in the region surrounding the Savannah River Site (SRS) each received 2,000 lbs. of stainless steel from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) at SRS for use in training future welders.” Read the full article here.

If you are in the market for a welder, you’re in luck! There is no shortage of used machines to check in HGR’s inventory. 

If you are relatively new to welding, our friends at Welding Supplies from IOC have you covered! They breakdown “The Secrets of Buying Your First Welder” on this article here.

And of course, you can be very creative with old welding machines too. Get some inspiration from this video showing a custom welder build on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVt7jnfQCxg

2020 is only a few weeks old, and yet, there are already early indicators that heavy machinery will be steadily increasing in production and usage throughout the decade. With the continuing rise of global commerce, combined with the power of Artificial Intelligence and various automation functionality, many machinery companies are feeling confident that business is going to be booming in the coming years.

Michael Tyrrell – contributor to Production Engineering Solutions – notes that big machine company executives are excited about the future prospects. He reports that Alan Mucklow, managing director UK/Ireland sales division at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “2019 has been an excellent year for machine orders in the UK, with a continuation of the recovery in the oil and gas sector, a strong showing in aerospace and a resilient general subcontracting base that has continued to invest in new technology. I’m also delighted with the performance of our laser division, which continues to build its position in the UK market.” The UK and Ireland are not alone. Many other counties in the developed world are also on board to invest in new machinery.

New technology is constantly evolving and replacing the technology of yesteryear in fascinating ways. Some of these evolutions were anticipated while others caught certain segments of the manufacturing industry completely off guard. Howard Larue of Machinery Observer notes that, “The rise in adoption and utilization of real-time information access is promoting the use of Internet of Things or IoT-enabled devices. This is because IoT devices provide cost and energy efficiency and are capable of tracking the energy consumed, thus providing greater visibility on product schedule optimization and saving energy.” Click here for the full article. 

Advances in technology and engineering have been vital in expanding the potential of what big machinery can help accomplish. One major factor that has been particularly beneficial is the reduction of energy consumption in the creation, and more importantly, the performance of many big machines. The benefits go beyond saving money. As alternative energy sources become more widely available to construct and lend power to machines, the reliance on environmentally toxic energy sources dissipates. The net benefit of this paradigm shift in energy creates a cleaner planet with maximized cost efficiency. It’s a win-win scenario for companies and the general population alike.

Packaging machinery is used throughout all the packaging processes or operations such as cartoning, cleaning, closing, filling, labeling, and others. Different timing mechanisms are used in the packaging machinery which decides the speed of the machinery. These machines can work manually and semi-automatic or automatically. The end-use industries are progressively shifting towards integrated, sophisticated, and standardized equipment to meet with environmental standards and to reduce packaging waste.

Increase in demand for packaging machinery in industries such as healthcare, cosmetics, food & beverage, and other consumer goods, where the packaging has become more essential for marketing. Transportation is a major factor projected to drive the growth of the global market. In addition, the demand for consumable goods in developing countries owing to the rising population is another factor estimated to propel off the global packaging machinery market.

Among the end-user segments, the food & beverage segment is projected to register the highest growth rate in the global market owing to changing consumer preferences and new packaging formats in e-commerce. In addition, the packaging machinery used in the food & beverage industry provide special chemical, physical, and biological protection and tamper resistance to the products. The pharmaceutical segment is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the global market.

HGR has 12 acres of machinery and a whole aisle of used packaging equipment for you to browse through to see if you can help grow your business without significantly raising your overhead. Some of the more popular items are labelers, staplers, shrink wrappers, sealers, heat tunnels, and more. With more than 250 items in our packaging category, we have a variety of manufacturers like 3M, Titan, Pearson, Auto Bag, and too many more to list.

See if HGR Industrial Surplus can be your one-stop-shop for all of your company or manufacturing needs by visiting our homepage.

Reshoring America’s Jobs are current buzz words being thrown around and for good reason. It is the practice of transferring your business operation that was overseas and back to the country it was originally located. The new Reshoring Initiative providing $100 million dollars to develop apprenticeship programs, legislation introduced to help close trade deficit, and a Reshoring Initiative president has been appointed to the Department of Commerce Investment Advisory Council. All big steps needed to move this initiative forward.

Back in the 1960s (1) you saw a trend of Offshoring begin within companies, but wasn’t under heavy public scrutiny until the 1970s. The thought process was that Offshoring would grant the companies cheaper labor and lower production costs, not to mention tax breaks and financial incentives. While some of these things may have occurred, it wasn’t without its flaws. Some of the disadvantages were quality control problems, time zone adjustments, language barriers, and effects on jobs where the company was originally based. These issues may have had an effect that led to the new Reshoring Initiative.

The Great Recession of 2008 forced companies to find alternative ways to cut costs by reshoring their businesses to the United States to create jobs for unemployed Americans. Since then, Reshoring has become a political priority with the SelectUSA program being started in 2011 (2) and the urging of major corporations to lead the change by setting the example.

Is your company looking to Reshore or would like some more information about it? Visit http://www.reshorenow.org and see how they can assist your business. They provide various resources like the ones listed on their site below.

The Reshoring Initiative is focused on Reshoring America’s Jobs which is helping companies shift collective thinking from “offshoring is cheaper” to “local reduces the total cost of ownership.” We do this by assisting manufacturers and suppliers in making sourcing decisions by providing valuable tools and resources including:

* Total Cost of Ownership Estimator® — an intuitive online calculator for determining a company’s profit and loss impact of reshoring vs. offshoring
* Case Studies — a collection of reshoring success stories from manufacturers, technology suppliers, and distributors
* Reshoring Library — an online searchable database derived from over 2,900 articles on reshoring
* Webinars, news items and presentations — archives of past Reshoring Initiative events and articles you can use to inform customers or employees
* Personalized Help evaluating the offshore/reshore sourcing decision

 Other Resources
* Survey data on U.S. consumer preference for Made in America products.
* PowerPoints
* Data
* Economic Development Program
* Skilled Workforce program

CNC Turning Machines are an important part of the manufacturing process. If you are a machine dealer or own a machine shop of any sort, it is important to keep an eye on the landscape of the business. While no one knows the future, one can look into the past, notice trends, and reasonably set goals that are achievable and sustainable. From a report created by hexaresearch.com they take a look at the upcoming CNC Turning Machine’s projected market value through 2025. Below is a summary. You can see the whole report here.

The US market value in 2016 for CNC Turning Machines was estimated at 7.88 billion USD and has been projected to continue to grow more than 4% from 2017-2025. Automation processes are likely to improve and result in lower human errors that may cause downtime or inefficiency. This increase in productivity should affect growth. There has also been an increase in mass-produced items, so that may attribute and fuel the industry’s growth.

The Internet of Things (IoT) will most likely lead to software being developed that allow CNC machines to be more compatible with PCs and smart devices. This change could eliminate the need for multiple positions or supervisors, which decreases the workforce, but gains profits for the company. With greater connectivity, faster and more efficient outcomes should be the result.

To look deeper at a few different segments within CNC Machining, lathes are expected to maintain their position on top of the hierarchy. Due to being able to handle complex operations, the versatility will make for higher demand in the 2025 forecast period. Milling machines should grow at a faster pace with the increase in the use of Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to help improve accuracy and efficiency.

Overall, the world of CNC machining is approaching a very intriguing time and boom in technology. Today’s machines are becoming smarter, faster, and more efficient by the day, and with so many companies out competing for their market share, I don’t expect the growth or innovations to stop any time soon.

When it comes to Used CNC machines, however, look no further than HGR Industrial Surplus. When those companies upgrade their equipment to new machines, they have to do something with their old machinery. They aren’t going to throw it out, and scrapping it involves too many hands and too much time. So what do they do with it? They sell it to HGR Industrial Surplus and maximize their Return on Investment (ROI). Why would you want old machinery when everything is trendy towards new technology? Cost. Not everyone is a major corporation that can follow the current technology trend at the breakneck speeds it moves at. But their need for new technology is your gain. If the machines fit your applications, you can save thousands by using HGR as your resource for used machinery. You may have an older machine that needs to keep running and you’re having a hard time finding parts. HGR may have that machine. Why not have a salvage machine to pilfer parts from when needed? The uses are endless. So don’t waste time and start shopping for your future now! hgrinc.com

HGR has robots and robot arms galore. Small robotic arms for intricate details and giant robotic arms with attachments to make good ole’ Ripley jealous. Not an Aliens fan, it’s ok. You don’t have to be to see that HGR can save you money by offering you used machinery as an option.

For decades human arms did the majority of factory work, but now robotic arms are doing some of the same jobs, but at a higher efficiency rate. In a lot of ways, they work like a human arm would and are usually made up of 4-6 joints for movement. The components are designed to mimic the wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. They are able to work at a higher speed and do things that human arms would not be able to with great precision and accuracy.

Robotic arms have a few different applications they are used for. Some arms have welding attachments on them and sit on a production line all day. For safety reasons, robotic arms have been deployed for material removal in areas and with matter that may be toxic to humans. Another application would be in the material handling field.

HGR has many of these robots available here and from different manufacturers like Fanuc, ABB, Hirata, and more.

Here are a few Robots HGR currently have in stock.

Fanuc R-2000iB/210F

$6,999

See the item here –

 https://hgrinc.com/productDetail/Robots/Used-Fanuc-Robot/07190470074/

This is a Fanuc R-2000iB/210F that is available at HGR Industrial Surplus. It is a robot that is floor-mounted and can function under a very high payload. The typical applications it is used for are material handling, welding, dispensing, and removal of materials. This is one of the slimmer models that allow it to be used in tight spaces, but don’t be fooled by the looks. This arm can do its job.

ABB Robot IRB 2400

$5,999

https://hgrinc.com/productDetail/Robots/Used-Abb-Robot/09190740002/

The ABB IRB 2400 has a wide variety of applications it is used for around the world. Some of those are MIG welding, pick and place, woodworking, and more. It is a 6-Axis industrial robot that was designed specifically for industries that use flexible robot-based automation.

Fanuc S-430iF

$5,999

https://hgrinc.com/productDetail/Robots/Used-Fanuc-Robot/09191270002/

Automotive manufacturing was the aim for this model from Fanuc. It does a great job of spot welding as well as material handling operations. This model is also known for its’ flexibility by utilizing the J-2 axis and allowing the robot to reach over its head and behind it. This raises the bar for usage once optimized to your application.

See more in our Robot Category by using the link below. HGR has over 15 thousand items in stock so make sure you browse our website if you don’t find something in our robot category. With 12 acres of industrial surplus, you never can be too sure of what you might find.

https://hgrinc.com/surplus/robots/?all=0&view=grid&aisle=&from=&to=&markdowns=0&newarrivals=0&sort=p-htl&kw=&per_page=96&min_price=&max_price=&pn=3&search_type&last_chance&slug=

3 Manufacturing Trends to Pay Attention To

When it comes to trends, there are so few to really pay attention to. Everyone is fighting for your attention and money and claiming they have the next big thing. They all promise to take your company or performance to the next level and make you rise above the competition. Most of these trends are marketing ploys to line the pockets of corporations, and have little to no real-world use. Every now and then, however, a few of them just seem to make a lot of sense. Some trends not only have real-world use, but the practicality of them makes it seem like a sure-fire, can’t-miss trend to jump on while it is early. Here are a few trends you might want to keep an eye on if you are in the manufacturing sector. 

1. Smart Manufacturing – Industry 4.0 has provided an opportunity to manufacturers to use advanced manufacturing capabilities combined with informative technology to optimize the lifecycle of the product. Industry 4.0 is a subset of the fourth industrial revolution that pertains to smart machines or cities. The first revolution was mechanizing through water and steam power, which led to the second revolution of mass assembly using electricity. The third revolution involved adopting computers and automation, but the fourth expounds upon that idea by not only automation, but learning-based systems that optimize themselves to perform at high efficiency. The difficulty lies in finding a way to utilize this to maximize your business and production. 
2. Augmented Reality – While this concept isn’t new, the ways it is being used are, even though it is still in the infancy stage when it comes to manufacturing. The uses could be for training people on machinery or how to repair them. Some places use them for data management by placing you in a visual world of information to quickly comprehend and grab as needed. Imagine being able to train someone on a machine and not have that machine out of commission or performing slower than normal due to training, or imagine scrolling through data with a flick of the wrist as the field fly by your face. The possibilities are endless. 
3. Additive Manufacturing – Basically 3D printing. Imagine being able to stock 30% more inventory by carrying 0% of replacement parts for it! Instead you have stored media that will be used to print the replacement part when it is needed. The days of obsolete parts are gone and stocking them for years after, are long gone. While this hasn’t taken over yet, the implications of how this could help local, or large-scale manufacturers are endless. What if a machine goes down and you need a part today to fix it? You will be able to just print it. This is an exciting new trend to embrace and be on the cutting edge of. Smart businesses are early adopters to the tech that makes the most sense for their business. 

In closing, there are many ways for you to increase efficiency and production within your company. Take your time to research them and look forward to where your business is going, not to where it has been.

5 Thoughts Before Buying Used Machinery

Buying used machinery can be an excellent way to grow your business and stay within budget. You could be searching for high-end CNC equipment or a consumer grade drill press, and the chances are, you would save money buying used. The first part of buying used is knowing where to look. Obviously, I would recommend HGR Industrial Surplus given the large inventory and variety of equipment. In the end, wherever you choose, there a few things to keep in mind when buying used machinery. 

1. Reasoning – What are you looking for in a used machine? Do you want to get a great deal on a working machine without any issues that runs for life without a need for maintenance? Flip another quarter in the wishing well, and throw me in one too while you’re at it. The truth is, used machinery doesn’t come with all of those guarantees and often needs some sort of work done to it before it is in optimal working condition. So, if you have the resources or knowledge to do so, buying used may be an option for you. Do you need to see it in working condition before you buy it? Maybe try an auction on our homepage.  
2. Financing – Not all machinery dealers offer financing and banks may be hesitant to loan money for used machinery. You may have to come out of pocket for the full cost of the machine and the repairs. While this will most likely benefit you in the long run, you have to have the resources available before making that decision. 
3. Component Usage Wear – It is important to know what you are looking and where to look when buying a used machine. You may use one of these machines daily and know exactly where to look. For the rest of us, we aren’t hopeless. Luckily smart phones have given us the ability to search the make and model and which components wear out or are frequently damaged. While the damage may not be a deal breaker, it may give you leverage on the price when haggling, so make sure to take a quick search while inspecting.  
4. Know the Value – Every company is out to make money, so don’t be surprised if the prices aren’t rock bottom steals. These companies have to purchase the machines and then have them shipped into a facility to sit and take up floor space waiting to be sold. There is a cost that builds with each machine. With that said, a little research can give you some buying power by knowing what the machine is worth. It is hard to argue prices, if it is at market value. Knowing what the machine is worth will ensure you don’t overpay and get a fair deal. 
5. Kill the Deal – Keep in mind that when you go to see a machine in person, you may see things you didn’t in the photos, so make sure you can have someone inspect it, if possible. That person, or yourself, should have “Deal Killers” in mind.  Things that you have decided will detour you from this purchase. It may be specific damage you see, overall condition, storage condition, or a complex repair that is needed. The inner voice in your head says it’s a good deal and I can fix this, but will you ever do it? Know when to say when and decide the tipping point to when this machine is no longer a value. 

Interested in used machinery? See our new arrivals here!

Maybe an auction? Take a look at a few auctions HGR is currently marketing. 

8-14-19 Automotive Stamping Facility Auction

By Joseph Powell

We already know who has the largest industrial surplus showroom in the galaxy, but did you know that HGR Industrial Surplus partners up with Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers to market auctions? These auctions are great opportunities to get working machinery to help support your current business with little to no downtime. Do you want 5 more reasons to purchase machinery from an auction? Consider this list the next time you are ready to purchase equipment.

1.Industry Specific– The majority of auctions are very specific in what the have to offer. While they offer variety in brands, makes and models, they may also have those specialty items only someone in your industry may need. There may be a lathe, drill press, or mill set up with your business in mind. This is a great opportunity to expand your business and grow at a lower cost.
2. Testing the Machine – Reputable auction companies allow potential buyers to inspect the machinery prior to being auctioned. This machinery is typically in current working environment and under power, allowing buyers to see the working condition of the item. This will be valuable information to have before you place your bid, and it eases the tension on bidding on the item, given that you have seen it in working condition. Since you are getting this piece of equipment directly from the user, it most likely will have some maintenance records with it to give you insight into the machines history.
3. Easy to Bid – Maybe the idea of fighting in a room full of people waving your paddle around, while an auctioneer rattles off numbers at an insane speed seems a bit intimidating. I agree, but most auctions currently allow you to bid online and save yourself from being inside of the scrum. After you see the equipment and inspect it, you can sit at home with a cup of coffee in one hand and your dog curled up at your feet while you bid away effortlessly.
4. Titled Equipment – When you make a large purchase like machinery, getting a title grants you the safety needed to make the purchase without question. This is one of the benefits from purchasing the machinery directly from the user.
5. Financing – Not all auctions offer financing, but those that do understand machinery and the true value of it. A bank may not understand the cost of used machinery or the value and is less likely to provide a loan for it. Auction companies that offer financing will allow you to grow your business without emptying the accounts to do so.

Take a look at a few auctions HGR is currently marketing.

8-7-19 Coil Springs Manufacturer
8-14-19 Automotive Stamping Facility Auction

Do you have any interest in auctioning off your surplus equipment and supplies? Make sure you contact JMiller@hgrinc.com to see if an auction would be something of interest to you or your businees.

courtesy of Joseph Powell