Metals & Alloys

Recent articles present conflicting opinions on whether or not the anticipated economic recovery has begun. "Gut feelings" in the metals market can support either contention. Based on what you've seen in your business, which camp are you in—looking at an upturn or still riding out the storm? Has the hoped for economic recovery begun?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Metals & Alloys, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Metals & Alloys today.

The NADCA says it pays to produce at home. Information from a recent North American Die Casting Association study paints a bleak picture from OEMs that have off-shored die casting of metal parts. Do you have any of these 'horror stories' that NADCA notes, or has your experience been positive so you'll continue to do it? Does offshoring have inherently higher shipping costs, longer cycle times, and lengthy logistics issues?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Metals & Alloys, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Metals & Alloys today.

Recently, industry experts are beginning to predict a big market rebound coming late this year or early next. What will drive a metals market resurgence? Do you think this is a valid expectation? From where you stand is a recovery even possible with current planning? Will the metals market bounce back by year end?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Metals & Alloys, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Metals & Alloys today.

Few articles today talk about a foundry's current success. Even fewer tell how one foundry operation has been thriving in the U.S. since the Civil War by filling a niche market. Do you think such a business model is the wave of the future or a rear-guard action against jobs and manufacturing going overseas? While U.S. technology innovation is second to none, is U.S. manufacturing in permanent decline? Can niche marketing turn the tide?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Metals & Alloys, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Metals & Alloys today.

In the metals arena, the leading articles lately highlight how China has been able to corner the global market in rare-earth metals. Do you think the country will try to leverage its advantage for greater profit and influence? Does it need world markets too much to attempt such a power play?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Metals & Alloys, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Metals & Alloys today.