Part Buyers Authority Issue #1

WELCOME TO OUR FIRST ISSUE The Part Buyers Authority is aimed at bringing some clarity to the desk of anyone involved in the decision-making process of purchasing, designing, or producing a part in an industry where manufacturing technology is quickly changing. Instead of “tackling all parts” we will limit our thinking to either a type of part, material, or industry. Our goal is to provide a small but content rich reference guide specifically for people involved in part design and manufacturing decisions, to understand newer technologies for part production. We wanted a true manufacturing voice – not an outsourcing voice. Therefore, all of the authors we’ve selected for this issue are currently deploying the technologies on their own production floors. Early adopters of Additive Manufacturing methods have a journey to tell, which will be helpful to making production decisions for your parts. And, because this is a collaborative environment – you have a voice too. Do you have a technology or type of part you would like us to discuss? Simply Complete Our Form . We would appreciate hearing from you and understanding the material and technology questions you may have regarding your parts. Our first issue is about Additive Manufacturing and metal parts. Our mission is to provide you with what you need to know to navigate these newer production technologies. Please check out the Resource section on the last page. In every issue we will list places to learn more. Our foreword for this issue is by Will Shambley, president of Metal Fish. Will consults globally on Additive Manufacturing technologies in metal casting, investment casting, metal forming, composites and plastics. I think you will find his insight to be very helpful. Within the changing world of 3D printing, scanning, and the types of automation that are being developed, our publication will attempt to help anyone on the decision-making end to understand manufacturing’s digital transformation from design to delivery of your parts. Barb Castilano Owner, Marketing Options Founder/Editor, Parts Buyers Authority