Tag : manufacturing in usa

air compressor

Who makes the best mid-size compressor?

Picking a decent air compressor depends on the project you’re working on, and if the unit should be convenient. On the off chance that a compressor unit can deal with the scheduled task, you’ll be inclined to work with that specific model instead of a massive, and difficult to deal with the model.

Most of the compressors on our list of preferred models are sufficiently small-sized and easily stored under a workbench, yet efficient for some tasks. Below are some of the best US manufacturing companies that have produced reliable compressors over the years.

Dewalt Heavy Duty PSI

The popular Dewalt brand has continuously manufactured in the US reasonably priced air compressors. The heavy-duty PSI is an oil-free model with a 12amps motor and has a flexible startup to reduce overworking the breaker. The 36-pound air compressor is portable and quite slim at only 12.5inches; therefore, it fits in any tight compartment.

The standard manufacturing design in the US brand compressor comes in black and yellow colors. It is slightly underpowered and cannot run consistently with the reduced power. Users may only use it for smaller jobs to avoid damage and more complications other than aging. It’s suitable for short to mid-sized jobs.

Porter Cable PC Pancake Compressor

The Porter air compressor is one of the least expensive air compressors on the list, and the lightest, weighing at only 26 pounds. Due to its compact size, it’s easy to use and store. With just 135 PSI, the Portable Cable PC compressor requires low maintenance since it runs on a 12v motor and puts out an impressive power. It is an oil-free pump with a longer life and minimum problems, even in cold weather.

However, this air compressor produces the loudest noise on the list, with an output of 82Dba. It is a reliable compressor for anyone in search of a stable US manufactured equipment made by top engineers from some of the best mechanical engineering schools. It offers long lasting service, if well taken care of.

Senco Horsepower Peak

Senco CNC manufacturing produces low priced portable compressors. This 20-pound Senco compressor handles small jobs and, it’s incredibly silent at 73 dBA and one complete horsepower. It runs ½ power at its peak to complete a task. The accessories include a ¼ quick disconnect coupler, individual tank gauges, and synchronized output pressure.

The manufacturers offer a one-year warranty of assurance. Long-term use degrades the covering around the handle, but it doesn’t deteriorate its overall usefulness. The manufacturing skill on this unit is flawless and performs best if handled correctly.

Makita Big Bore Compressor

This is a powerful, relatively low priced air compressor. It has an iron pump with big pistons and cylinder, a combination that provides peak performance when in motion over extended periods. The large Makita compressor with a 1,720-RPM pump is quiet and performs well even at lower RPM.

It comes with a one-year warranty, and, manufactured with a solid cooler running pump that lasts for several years. The 2.6-gallon tank weighed 52 pounds and labeled at 130 PSI with a ¼-inch universal quick coupler, which is easy to use. It’s listed as compact, but the manufacturing specs make it mid-range at 52 pounds. You need about 20 seconds to refill, so it’s still powerful considering the size that it comes in, though it cannot handle specific tasks and it lasts a very long time.

CNC machinist

How long does it take to become a CNC Machinist?

Anyone who uses machine tools to modify or make parts as a profession is a machinist. However, a person who has been properly trained to become a CNC machinist can do much more. A qualified machinist should be able to use CNC (Computer Numerical Control) to execute his/her duties. CNC refers to the process of using computers to control machines. It’s the automation of machine tools via machine control commands to execute pre-programmed sequences.

What Does a Machinist Do?

The terms CNC manufacturing, CNC automation, and CNC machining all allude to the use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) via programming to increase quality and consistency of the product. A CNC machinist can operate a wide range of machinery in the creation of parts and products that are usually very specific. Machinists operate specialized tools to create precision metal parts. They repair, modify, and fabricate mechanical equipment.

A normal day in the life of a machinist includes:

– The use of manual and computer controlled machinery i.e. operate, set up, and program the CNC Machinery

– Making sure that the machinery is properly maintained.

– Operating tools such as grinders, milling machines, etc.

– Calculating where to bore or cut using the right tools for each job.

To become a CNC machinist, it’s good to complete a training program in one of the US manufacturing schools, or better still, one of the most reputable mechanical engineering schools in the land. Keep in mind that formal training is not a must – there a lot of self-taught machinists out there, but it’s strongly suggested that you acquire some form of formal training to effectively and safely discharge your duties. Courses like mechanical engineering include a pretty comprehensive machining training program. Many businesses with interests in manufacturing in the US do hire machinists.

Types of Machinists

Primarily, there are three types of CNC machinists. They are operating machinists, set up machinists, and programming machinists. An operation machinist is responsible for the day to day functioning of the machines – they are the operators. Set up machinists are tasked with the job of making sure that everything is in working order. They are in charge of monitoring the equipment, adjusting offsets, and performing other tasks needed to maintain smooth operations. Some machinists specialize in writing CNC programs and modify existing programs in response to glitches encountered during test runs. These machinists are known as programming machinists.

Becoming a Machinist

As stated earlier in the article, to become a professional CNC machinist, it’s prudent to acquire proper training and certification. If it’s possible, its best to start preparations to become a machinist early. In their training, machinists get several years of technical instruction and on-site training. Training can be acquired via community or technical colleges, vocational schools, and apprenticeship programs. Often, you will be required to have a high school diploma.

Typically, becoming a machinist takes between 1 to 2 years for entry level roles including a minimum of 8 weeks of technical training and over 1,500 hours of on the job training each year. Here’s what you need to do to become a machinist in the United States:

– Enrol for preparatory classes. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement to becoming a machinist. You can get the necessary training — in this case, a degree, usually taking up to two years — from a technical college

– Complete a formal apprenticeship. You can work with a local manufacturer, local union, or your school to look for available opportunities. An apprenticeship is an entry level position where you can stay for a year or two — depending on your training and tenacity — before moving up to an operator position.

– Get NIMS certification. A National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification isn’t a requirement, but its recommended for aspiring machinists. After completing your apprenticeship, get one of those. You will be required to sit for a performance-based written and practical exam to get certification.

The last and final step to becoming a machinist is putting your skills to work. You can do that by getting a job at a manufacturer specializing in making parts for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Alternatively, you can choose to work for yourself if you have the business skills. Depending on your financial ability, you can either buy an existing Machine Shop or purchase a machine to handle some small jobs from your home or garage.

cnc machines

The Different Types of CNC Machines

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) refers to how engineers and operators control and operate production tools using a computer program. These machines use a language known as g-code, which guides the machine on how to mold, cut, shape, grind, or melt different materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. There are various types of CNC machines in the market, with some of them being prominent due to their wide range of uses. Below are some of the available types of CNC machines.


Milling Machine

Often, milling machines are retrofitted with CNC technology whereby the process involving removal of all mechanisms built into the machine making it easy to operate. Some of the mechanisms which are removed include Digital Read Out electronics and hand wheels. Also, the old lead screw is replaced with high accuracy ball screws, and new mounts are built to enable mounting of the actuators to the machine.

Lathes
These machines rapidly rotate the material on a spindle. During the rotation, the material is pressed against a grinding or carving tool which cuts it into the desired shape. Lathes are mostly used to cut symmetrical objects such as spheres, cones, or cylinders.

Router
The CNC router is a very common type of machinery which is built exclusively to be operated using CNC technology. Typically, this machine has no human interface other than the computer. Routers are used in the production of large dimension parts of wood, metal sheets and plastics. They are mostly designed in a three-axis Cartesian coordinate which allows cutting in three dimensions. However, there are routers which designed in 4, 5, or 6-axis which are mostly used to cut prototype models and complex shapes.

CNC Plasma Cutter
Plasma cutters are very similar to the routers both in size and setup. However, CNC plasma cutters don’t require a powerful setup since they fly above the table with a plasma torch rather than dragging a spinning tool in the material. Mostly, the plasma cutters are designed to cut two-dimensional profile shapes into sheet metal.

CNC Laser Cutter
The laser cutters use the same principle as the plasma cutters with the only difference being the fact that a powerful laser is used to do the cutting rather than plasma torch. These cutters are good for cutting metal, plastic, and wood. Depending on the material being cut, a different strength of laser is used since every material has a unique thickness and hardness.

3D Printer
This printer has a similar setup to the CNC router and laser cutter. However, unlike these machines, the printer does additive machining rather than subtractive machining. Instead of beginning with a piece of materials and removing bits to attain the desired shape, the printer starts with a blank canvas and builds the object layer-by-layer. The printer does this either by using a laser which quickly solidifies a liquid or powder or by using an extruder which pushes material out of a tiny nozzle.


Pick and place Machine

This machine has a similar setup as the laser cutter or CNC router. The difference is that instead of cutting material, the machine has many small nozzles which pick up electrical components using a vacuum. Afterwards, the machine places the electrical component on a printed circuit board hence getting the name pick and place. These machines move very fast and can place hundreds or thousands of electrical components. Pick and place machines are used to make devices such as tablets, computer motherboards and other devices which have a printed motherboard.

In a nutshell, there are different types of CNC machines which are designed with the aim of easing the operating process. These machines replace the human interface with a computer program thus all the operations are controlled using a computer.

NAFTA agreement

Is there hope for the manufacturing sector if the NAFTA agreement is not signed?

Recently, there have been debates on the issue of NAFTA. It is a very interesting issue given that people have different views about it. Some people have the idea that the NAFTA agreement has only brought negative effects into the US while there are those that support it. The president of the United States, Donald Trump talks of renegotiating the agreement on the basis that it is hurting the US economy. Well is that true and if it is, how does his not signing the agreement affect the manufacturing sector?

Let us first understand what NAFTA means.

What is NAFTA?

NAFTA is the acronym for North American Free Trade Agreements. It is a pact between the US, Canada, and Mexico, to remove any trade barriers and tariffs for any imports and exports. It was effected on the first of January 1994. Since then, it has been 24 years with the agreement still intact.

However, recently on May 18th, the U.S president Donald Trump gave formal notice to renegotiate the terms and if not, alienate the US from the trade agreement.

In the 24 years, the country has experienced trade volumes and economic growth. The state can export, and import goods without worrying about tariffs and that improved the economy at least for a while. However, the manufacturing sector mainly the CNC automation and machining among more manufacturing companies have been seen to be affected by the agreement negatively.

However, now that the agreement may not be signed is there hope for the manufacturing sector? Let us look at the benefits that may arise for the manufacturing industry if the NAFTA agreement is not approved.

Rise in Employment

With the trade agreement in place, US manufacturing industries have been able to import cheap labor or relocate their production to other countries such as Mexico. In so doing people who are specialized in mechanical engineering or those that are in the US, manufacturing schools are discouraged from pursuing this career since there is no hope for employment. However, if the agreement is not signed, those that are specializing in manufacturing will have jobs.

Stabilize trade

The NAFTA agreement allows Mexico and Canada to export their products to the US without tariffs. For example, the CNC automation industries are faced with so much competition from other countries since people are attracted to the cheaper automotive. In the long run, so many products are imported while very less is exported which causes a trade deficit.

On the other hand, if NAFTA agreement is not signed there will be hope for manufacturing companies in the USA such as Tag Team Manufacturing since imports will be monitored. Mechanical engineering schools will have more students enrolling to study since there will be hope to produce US automotive and sell both internally and externally without fear of competition.

Wages

According to statistics, US wages reduced as a result of the NAFTA agreement. Most people in the manufacturing sector lost their jobs, and in 2012, two out of three people were rehired but at a lower wage rate. That forced people to move out of the manufacturing sector and search for jobs in the hospitality and hotel industry and apparently, they got even lesser pay.

If NAFTA agreement is not signed, there will be less importing of cheaper labor, and also, there will be less competition from other manufacturing companies in Mexico and Canada. So, wages will begin to rise back up which will increase the economic growth.

Therefore, as much as NAFTA has brought positive effects into the US economy, there is a great room for improvement in the economy, especially in the manufacturing sector. So, is there hope for the manufacturing industry if it is not signed?

manufacturing innovations

A Look at the Latest: The Best Manufacturing Shows

Trade shows for U.S. manufacturers offer key insights into the future of our sector. Here are the leading events on U.S. manufacturers’ radar.

Where and When to Get a Look at Manufacturing Innovations

Automation and Robotics will be featured in sessions at WESTTEC, an event showcasing west coast innovations. It will happen September 12-15, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“What’s hot and what’s not in manufacturing” will be one of the presentations at the AMT D17 Distribution Summit, September 13 – 14, 2017, at the Ritz Carlton of St. Louis, Missouri.

September offers a lot more too. The Design-2-Part Series of shows happens in venues throughout the country. Check here to see what’s coming to your region. In fact, the listing on D2P shows continues well into 2018.

Also, check out the full listings for the AmCon Shows. These regional expos feature manufacturing suppliers as well as job shop services by the hundreds.

From October 31 through November 3, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, known as SEMA, will host its Official Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. This will be open to the trade only, and it will mainly focus on thousands of vehicle and transportation innovations. At the SEMA Show, 2,400 exhibitors, from established manufacturing companies to up-and-coming brands, will be displaying their newest products.

Then, on November 6 – 9, North America’s largest metal working, welding, fabricating, and finishing exhibition will be in full swing at Cormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. FABTECH, an event which will extend over 750,000 square feet, displaying the latest from 1,700 companies, is expected to draw 50,000 visitors. Become familiar with leading suppliers, and observe hundreds of innovations representing the future of our sector. It’s a phenomenal venue to explore the many productivity-enhancing tools coming out, and new solutions to metal working challenges.

The Outlook for the Trade

Trade shows offer important insights to the health of the manufacturing industry and the latest manufacturing innovations. We welcome the signs for the future growth of the sector, and a very good prognosis for our role in a rallying economy.

The progress of automation in the area of machine tools, called numerical control or NC, has become standard in manufacturing generally, and attendees of the big trade shows will find that computerized numerical control, or CNC, plays a leading role in U.S. and global industry.

Thus, even while the outlook for the U.S. manufacturing sector has often been questioned, we’re pleased and confident that the vital signs in CNC automation remain strong. We have remained optimistic regardless of political and economic events, yet want our customers to know the great value of their investments in U.S. manufacturing.

Because of your confidence, job openings for skilled CNC machining technicians are on the rise. Projections for the future show CNC manufacturing as a significant indicator for the strength of manufacturing in the USA-based industry. Our readers will also be interested in knowing that AmCon found the Denver area’s manufacturing sector outperforming the country as a whole in 2017.

Call our Denver-based Tag Team Manufacturing representative today, and get started planning to see the upcoming manufacturing innovations: 303.841.5697.

coolant

Coolants: Evolving to Support a More Healthful Machining Environment?

In CNC automation, knowledge of machine tool coolant is ever-evolving. At Tag Team Manufacturing, we have a stake in quality, including the environmental and health aspects of the materials used throughout U.S. manufacturing. Today we offer a rundown of the safety and performance improvements in coolants. 

Coolant is Essential

Metal cutting would be impossible without coolants of some type. Coolant is essential for moderating the temperature of tools, chips, and workpieces.

Yet a big concern surrounding coolants is whether they are safe for workers and the environment. Can coolant work well—without compromising health and safety? The answer is complicated, but progress is being made.

Mineral or Vegetable?

Innovations in cutting fluids are solving workplace hygiene problems related to tramp oils, by improving filtration performance. Traditional, petroleum-based cooling fluids would attract bacteria, as tramp oil mixed with debris tended to form a film on them. Managers would apply antiseptics, but those chemicals introduced further environmental health and safety issues, and could compromise metalworking performance.

Today’s coolant makers put an emphasis on vegetable emulsions in place of the traditional petroleum-derived fluids. Companies sell these newer products based on the fluids’ growing reputation for improved outcomes on the shop floors. It turns out the benefits of the innovations are environmental as well.

Beyond the Cheap Chlorine Mixes

Product developers once brought chlorinated paraffin into cooling fluids meant for application in nickel-based metals and stainless steel. The additive’s purpose was to bond under pressure, and create a lubricating film capable of withstanding high heat.

Chlorine alternatives, such as sulfur and phosphorous, tend to cost more. Today’s manufacturers avoid chlorine ingredients, and offset extra costs by recycling the fluids. Recycling systems are available from Eriez, PRAB, and Canada’s Custom Coolant Equipment corporation.

Additionally, we’re seeing innovative, ester-based coolants that take U.S. manufacturing workers’ safety and well-being to higher levels. These products significantly cut down on fume release, or misting. This is the way of the future, as Canadian suppliers recommend chlorine-free solutions, and in light of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent moves to restrict chlorinated paraffins in fluids marketed for manufacturing in USA workplaces.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Ester

The early, natural vegetable ester fluids lacked staying power. And, like petroleum-based fluids, they had an undesirable smell. Bio-stability was a key issue for the emerging products, because bacteria were attracted to the oils. But as Condat and others today develop synthetic esters, the chemical makeup makes these fluids practically bio-resistant.

Products based on vegetable esters, including Vasco, cost more up front, but pay off in performance. There is also Condat’s innovative MECAGREEN line. It uses a high-performance mix of synthetic, vegetable-based esters. Tool life is lengthened up to 20%, and the amount of product used can involve savings as much as 40% relative to petroleum-based fluids. Bonus improvements include smaller amounts of residue on parts, ease of cleanup—and a measurable difference in workplace skin issues.

Catch Up With Tag Team Today

Tag Team Manufacturing is an innovative CNC manufacturing company, dedicated to continuous improvement in the process of CNC machining.  Call us at 303-841-5697, or toll free at 866-915-2058.

manufacturing sector

Where is the highest concentration of manufacturing in the world?

Today, the highest concentration of manufacturing in the world is still in China. Having displaced the United States from the number one spot of world’s largest manufacturing nation back in 2010, China has continued to solidify its dominance as the world leader. As of 2013, according to data published by the United Nations, China accounted for 23.2% of the total world manufacturing sector while U.S. came in second with an 18.1% share. Japan, Germany and Korea rounded up the list of top 5 with 7.8%, 6.3% and 3.1% respectively.

China continues to be one of the most rapidly growing countries in the world. And when it comes to manufacturing, the country is definitely reigning as the supreme world supplier of electronics, automobile spare parts, commercial goods, steel products, communication equipment, and more. It currently has the largest concentration of manufacturing industries in the world, and according to statistics, 6 out of the major 10 export ports in the world are in China.

Here is a breakdown of China’s manufacturing empire, spread out in 5 major metroplexes;

1. Shanghai

Shanghai is not only one of the major financial, economic, trade, manufacturing and shipping cities in China, but also the world. It has rapidly been developing industries over the past 25+ years, which has massively attributed to its overall success. It is responsible for the manufacturing of automobiles, steel products, electronics, communication equipment and devices, petrochemicals and biomedicine.

Shanghai is also connected to the nearby cities of Ningbo and Hangzou by the Hangzou Bay Bridge and an overland high-speed rail. These two brother cities also indulge in heavy manufacturing of commercial and consumer goods daily.

2. Beijing

Beijing, the capital and most populous city in China after Shanghai, is another major hub for manufacturing companies in China. It is home to 52 of the Fortune 500 companies and its industrial sector is mainly dominated by heavy industries which contribute to over 80% of its gross industrial output.

The city’s manufacturing sector is mainly involved with electronics, pharmaceuticals, telecommunication equipment, chemicals, and food & beverages. It is also one of the leaders in information technology and bio-engineering.

3. Tianjin

A sister city to Beijing, Tianjin is another giant manufacturing sector on its own.  It is one of the 4 autonomous municipalities in China; the others being Shanghai, Beijing and Chongqing, that offer immense opportunities and resources to manufacturers hence attracting them here. It is a leader in the manufacture of mobile phones, automobiles, alternative energy products, and aerospace & aviation products.

4. Guangzhou

This another prominent city in China with thousands of factories spread out all over its manufacturing zones. The factories are so diverse in their production that you can get anything from toothpicks to automobile parts here. The city is also popular with traders of African descent, most of who came here in search of low-cost goods but ended up settling down and exporting these goods back home.

5. Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a world-renown electronics manufacturing city. It is the electronics manufacturing hub of China and the world at large. Home to over 12 million people, this city is just the perfect place for you to establish an electronics manufacturing business in China.

And there you have it, the country with the highest concentration of manufacturing in the world together with its major manufacturing metroplexes and their corresponding areas of specialization.

six sigma

Can a Manufacturing Company Benefit from Having a Black Belt Sigma on Staff?

Modern CNC companies manufacturing in USA have taken up Six Sigma training for their staff, in an effort to boost productivity. The rigorous process employees undergo before receiving a Six Sigma certificate is essential in creating an all rounded company that not only has customer loyalty but generates numerous profits.

CNC manufacturing is a steadfast cornerstone of the manufacturing industry. Having taken root in the aerospace industry, automotive, bike, electrical, drone, health, music and environmental monitoring, CNC manufacturing is part of our day to day lives. Like any other company, a CNC automation company in the US seeks to increase profits and reduce costs. For this reason, the implementation of the Six Sigma is imperative in any US manufacturing company.

How Will a Black Belt Sigma Benefit your Manufacturing Company?

The Six Sigma training has six levels, hence the name. In second place from the top, is the Six Sigma Black Belt. This means that a trainee under the black belt program has already completed four stages. Here are some of the advantages of having the Black Belt certified employee in your CNC manufacturing company.

1.      Improved Communication Skills.

A Black belt trainee is aware of the client’s importance to the CNC manufacturing industry. This means that the client’s satisfaction should be the company’s aim. Good client feedback creates goodwill for the company, an intangible asset that lures more clients in.

More importantly, a Black Belt trainee is skilled in communicating changes that need to be effected. Instead of merely pointing out what needs to be done, the Six Sigma training advocates for coaching for precision.

2.      New Business Practices.

A Black Belt trainee has deep process knowledge, which makes him/her most suitable for coming up with better strategies to improve CNC manufacturing strategies. With advanced college degrees and years of experience in the industry, a Black Belt will demonstrate his critical thinking skills in managing resources within the industry to increase productivity without an increase in costs.

Team Leadership.

With years of experience and previous training, a black belt can lead a team towards a specific goal through constant motivation and effective listening skills. A Black Belts role in CNC manufacturing is indisputable, given the different contracts of manufacturing that are taken up.

More importantly, Six Sigma Black candidates are fun loving and passionate about what they do, which makes them effective team leaders. Remember that a team in a CNC automation is diverse and a neutral leader that recognizes every employees’ skills and capacity is crucial.

In the initial stages of developing a computer program, a Black Belt will keep a sharp eye to ensure that the program is accurate to minimize errors during manufacture.

Conclusion

With the right leadership, a Black belt will help the team achieve the intended goal within a planned time. Accurate programming ensures that all the stages of manufacturing are error-free since a computer gives what it receives. Apart from that, the team is put on high alert to watch out for any malfunctions and identify products that unsuitable for the market.

CNC machining companies should also remember that a Black belt candidate is a link between the company and the client. Any US manufacturing company should take up the Six Sigma training for their employees and reap numerous benefits.

manufacturing jobs

What geographical areas in the US have the biggest increase in manufacturing?

In the US, the auto industry is currently experiencing a resurgence with the introduction of CNC manufacturing and under the backing of rising consumer confidence, low-interest rates, and the need to replace older cars.
As CNC automation leads the way in spurring industrialization in the U.S., several regions are seen as major players in manufacturing, in this huge economy.

Michigan

During the recession, this area lost most of its manufacturing jobs, but it has since been able to recover 40% of these. It is currently leading in the generation of new manufacturing jobs. America has 70 metropolitan areas for manufacturing employment growth with Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia metropolitan area taking the top spot.
So far, this territory has created more than 89,300 jobs, and this has reversed the overall decline in employment, which is partly attributed to the advent of CNC machining. Detroit is in second place after Silicon Valley in the concentration of engineers, and there are many skilled workers here. The implication is that manufacturing in the USA is well endowed with a knowledgeable workforce. Warren-Troy-Farmington and Grand Rapids-Wyoming are other areas within Detroit playing a significant role in the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Toledo, Ohio

Among the mid-sized cities in the U.S. Toledo is leading in industrial employment and is located 60 miles from Detroit.

Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro, Tennessee

The Southeastern region is another US manufacturing hotspot, as a result of several establishments by major investors from Japan and Germany among others. Within Central Tennessee, small domestic parts companies continue to thrive thanks to the presence of Bridgestone and Nissan manufacturing plants. This is where you find Nissan’s U.S. headquarters since its relocation from Southern California.

Louisville, Kentucky

The region is supporting major domestic auto makers such as Ford which employs more than 14,000 workers, making it one of the largest MSAs. The area leads the park as one with the highest number of employees in “advanced industries,” which are technically oriented parts of the factory economy and tend to pay workers better.

Savannah, Georgia, Colombia, South Carolina., and Charleston, South Carolina

In second position among mid-sized industrial hubs is Savannah, Ga., which acts as a major center for German car companies. On the other hand, expansion of aerospace suppliers and Boeing in Charleston, S.C., places the area among leaders in manufacturing in the United States. The revolution of industrialization in each of these locations did not happen until recently when the growth of workforces is being experienced.

Cape Coral-Ft Meyers, Florida, Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, and Sebastian-Vero-Beach, Florida

Are also viewed as southern stars and out-performers in the mid-size industrial regions category.

Oklahoma City and Houston

These areas are home to the country’s oil exploration and drilling companies. What makes them top the list of MSAs is that petrochemical and refining industries in these regions have realized an enormous boon. Falling oil prices have caused organizations engaging in exploration activities to rein in their budgets, but that has not stopped Houston from ranking third, among those with the largest concentration of manufacturing jobs.

More companies are shifting to smaller cities within America, and though manufacturing jobs may not be the central force of the economy, their impact is being felt by both small and huge economies.

mechanical engineering

What are the Highest Ranked Mechanical Engineering Schools in the U.S.?

Though it’s a broad field of engineering, mechanical engineers are generally tasked with the design, construction and testing of everything from thermal sensors to engines to heavy-duty equipment and machinery. But before mechanical engineers can enter the workforce and contribute to the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing, it’s first essential for them to acquire the professional skills and knowledge required by employers. By earning a degree from one of the nation’s prestigious mechanical engineering schools or U.S. manufacturing schools, students will have the necessary know-how on essential skills like CNC manufacturing, CNC automation and CNC machining to propel them to success in the workforce. With that said, here’s a look at the highest ranking mechanical engineering schools in the U.S.

Top 5 Highest Ranking Engineering Schools in the U.S.

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Engineering education is somewhat synonymous with MIT. And when it comes to mechanical engineering, the school is the top ranked, according to a report from College Factual, which lists it No. 1 out of 270 colleges with such programs. In fact, at MIT, nearly 15 percent of all undergrads are working toward a mechanical engineering (ME) degree. But first you have to get in – and getting into MIT is highly competitive. According to U.S. News, only about 8 percent of all applicants are admitted.
  2. Georgia Institute of Technology: College Factual slots the Georgia Institute of Technology, or GIT, as No. 2 on its list of schools with the best ME programs in the country. Like MIT, about 15 percent of all undergraduate students enroll at GIT to pursue an ME degree.
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology: Located in the Hoboken, New Jersey, area, the school doesn’t just pride itself on having one of the safest campuses in the country, but with producing some of the best ME graduates in more of an intimate setting than the top two school on this list. For instance, in 2016, only about 150 students graduated with a degree in the program.
  4. California Institute of Technology: One of the neat things about those who graduate with an ME degree from the California Institute of Technology is that they typically see a 12.6 percent average earnings increase compared to other ME graduates. Oh, and you can’t beat the Pasadena, California, location of the school, making for great year-round weather. Another great thing about the California Institute of Technology is its extremely favorable 3:1 student-faculty ratio.
  5. Stanford: Stanford University rounds out our top 5 mechanical engineering schools list, as it offers both undergraduate and advanced degrees in the field of study. Stanford, an Ivy League school, also happens to be among the most prestigious colleges in the nation, coming in at No. 7 out of a possible 1,383 universities, per College Factual. It’s also the best university in the state of California.

Though we’ve detailed the top 5 mechanical engineering schools above, there are several more worth mentioning. Just think of these as our honorable mentions, a list that includes Kettering University (Flint, Michigan), the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, New York) and Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).