Cutting tools are described as ldquothe primary consumable in the manufacturing processsrdquo and the yeartodate decline is illustrative of the decelerating demand in overall manufacturing activity

US Cutting Tool Consumption Rises, Still Off-Pace YTD

Dec. 11, 2015
+3.4% September-to-October rise in consumption ends three-month slide, cannot overcome 10-month trend $177.2 million total -15.4% year/year Optimism about aerospace, automotive

U.S. manufacturers consumed $177.2 million worth of cutting tools during October, the total rising 3.4% above the September result, ending a three-month decline for an index that closely tracks overall manufacturing activity. However, the latest figure remains 15.4% behind the level recorded for last October.

The new result also means the 10-month total for 2015 cutting-tool consumption is 3.4% behind the pace set in 2014.

The monthly Cutting Tool Market Report (CTMR) is presented jointly by the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT - the Association for Manufacturing Technology, which track consumption of cutting tools as an indicator of manufacturing activity in the U.S.

CTMR data is based on actual totals reported by participating companies, who the sponsors note represent the majority of the U.S. market for cutting tools.

The sponsors maintain that cutting tools are “the primary consumable in the manufacturing process,” and that cutting tool consumption “is a true measure of actual production levels.” By contrast, the monthly U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report presented monthly by AMT measures new orders for machine tools as an indicator of manufacturers’ confidence in the future business cycle.

Read the details reported at AmericanMachinist.com

About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)

Sponsored Recommendations

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!