Monthly Archives: October 2017

Toolots is happy to announce the addition of  a new vendor, Sharp Industries, to our e-commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Torrance, California, Sharp manufactures and sells precision machine tools. Sharp’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

Sharp's premium vertical knee mill has more precise lateral movement and can work demanding jobs for longer periods of time.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Sharp has supplied over 150, 000 machines worldwide to a variety of businesses in need of quality equipment and tools. Sharp's products include manual and CNC machine equipment such as lathes, mills, saws, surface grinders, vertical and horizontal CNC machine centers, CNC boring lathes, OD grinders, and more. To reduce costly downtime and repairs, Sharp keeps a majority of replacement parts in stock and will ship within 24 hours after an order is placed. 

Sharp's manual precision lathe is equipped with a geared headstock and a triple bearing support system.

In addition to its manufacturing and shipping capabilities, Sharp strives to offer its customers exceptional after-sales services. Currently the company has network of over 200 service dealers offering technical support, accessories, and genuine spare parts. Sharp also offers a one year warranty for its products including digital read out controls, and a two year warranty on parts and labor for FANUC controls. Furthermore, Sharp is committed to providing its customers with the necessary knowledge and expertise to use its products as safely and efficiently as possible. Due to this, Sharp offers operators training, tooling advisory, CNC programming, and more through both its in-house teams and partnered service providers. 

Toolots is proud to offer our domestic and international customers manual and CNC precision machine tools through the inclusion of Sharp Industries! For purchasing information, please visit Sharp’s marketplace on Toolots.com. 

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How additive manufacturing is being used to improve production and reduce costs in traditional manufacturing 

CERRITOS, California- October 26,2017- Since its creation in the 1980s additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has gained recognition within the traditional manufacturing and industrial industries due to its versatility and cost-effective applications. Originally, models were printed layer by layer using photopolymer resins as material and commonly used for prototyping. However in modern day printing, models can be made from a variety of materials such as carbon fiber, magnetic, metal, clay, biodegradable, and many more. 3D printing is used in a multitude of industries to create prosthetic limbs in the medical field, components for aerospace construction, and tools to improve the manufacturing industry.  

Through traditional manufacturing, an engineer would create a computer model of an engine manifold and wait about four months for a $500,000 prototype. With 3D printing, multiple iterations of the same component takes four days and cost[s] $3,000. -Jim Joyce, Deloitte 

For manufacturing SMEs, 3D printers offer cost saving alternatives in various production processes. During machining for example, segments of a material are removed to create a part, therefore creating scrap. Conversely, scrap is significantly eliminated when the same part is made using a 3D printer because material is added, layer by layer, instead of being removed. Essentially, 3D printed parts are usually made in one uniform piece, thereby increasing the parts' durability and overall strength. Thus, by printing the part in one piece, the part is lighter in weight and reduces the need for assembly. Furthermore, the computer-aided design (CAD) files for parts saves costs in both labor and resources that previously may have been dedicated to dies and fixtures. CAD files can also be altered or paused mid-print to make design revisions when necessary. Additionally, one of the major benefits of 3D printing is ease of use for the operator when printing two or more products with vastly different designs.  Currently, manufacturing companies use 3D printing for part replacement, cheaper prototyping, complex tool fabrication, and more.  Manufacturers and machine operators are able to download or design CAD files to print replacement parts in a matter of hours. This can significantly reduce production down time, and the same layer by layer construction process that reduces scrap also allows more elaborate tools and parts to be printed. During machining, these same designs might be too elaborate or time consuming to create. In addition, during the prototyping process various models can more easily be printed and revised, therefore consuming less resources. 

While the complexities of 3D printing may be daunting, Toolots is positioned to help SMEs or hobbyists explore additive manufacturing through its latest product, the Desktop Mini ISEE 3D Printer. The ISEE can be powered by a 12V power source and includes PLA filaments, a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like corn starch. PLA is one of the easiest filaments to work with, making the ISEE and its simpler design perfect for beginners. Learn more about purchasing the ISEE 3D Printer.

To learn more about the ISEE, or for purchasing information, click here. 

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Toolots is pleased to announce the addition of  a new vendor, DTC Products., to our E-Commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in St. Charles, Illinois, DTC designs and manufactures jigs, tools, fixtures, and dies. DTC’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

DTC's Slug Retention Machine comes with an adjustable light, a carrying case, and multiple grinder bits and accessories. At just 10 lbs, it can easily be used by a single person with just 90 PSI of compressed air to operate.

DTC designs, manufactures, and distributes industrial products like tools, grooving wheels, grind sleeves, and ABS sensor holders. Currently the company is the manufacturer of the Slug Retention Machine, which is a pneumatic powered grinder that machines a groove into the sidewall of the die cavity in a stamping die. This prevents slugs from pulling onto the die surface, which may result in damage to the metal strip on the surface, the stamping die, or the stamped part. Essentially, the Slug Retention Machine helps increase productivity and efficiency by reducing labor costs and time spent sorting through parts to find slug marks, while also eliminating the need to stop the machine and remove slugs off of the die and stripper surface. Additionally, the machine can be used to vent die stripper openings and add grooves to die bushings and die inserts.  

Toolots is excited to offer our domestic and international customers industrial products and the Slug Machine through the inclusion of DTC Products! For purchasing information, visit DTC’s marketplace on Toolots.com. 

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Toolots is proud to announce the addition of  a new vendor, Eoslift USA Corporation, to our e-commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Ontario, California, Eoslift designs, manufactures, and distributes high quality material handling equipment. Eoslift’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

Stock of Eoslift's fork lifts in their manufacturing facility.

All of Eoslift's products are designed by their in-house R&D engineering team, and include drum pickers, manual and electric pallet stackers, scissor lift table carts, manual and electric pallet trucks, fork lift extensions, and more. Since 1999, the company has distributed its products, with over 150 property rights, globally using its distribution facilities located strategically throughout the U.S. This year, Eoslift was awarded the 2017 Best of Ontario Award in the Material Handling Equipment category by the Ontario Award Program for its continued commitment to creating high quality products and generating long-term value in the city of Ontario.  

Eoslift Semi-Electric Stacker is energy efficient and perfect for narrow aisles or spaces.

A proud member of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA Group), Eoslift has an independent, in-house Q&C team to monitor and assess the quality and production of all products. Additionally, to ensure the quality of each product, all members of the production line are trained and qualified to use CNC machines, precision laser cutting, and automatic robotic welding and spraying lines. 

Toolots is happy to offer our domestic and international customers high quality material handling equipment through the inclusion of Eoslift USA Corporation! For purchasing information, visit Eoslift’s marketplace on Toolots.com. 

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Toolots is excited to announce the addition of  a new vendor, PolyShield LLC, to our E-Commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Pickerington, Ohio, PolyShield manufactures protective plastic films that can be used in a multitude of applications. PolyShield's products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

Specifications for PolyShield's ProtecTuff ML72 Clear Multi-Layer Protection Film.

PolyShield's films help extend surface life by protecting or minimizing scratches, preventing chemical damage, reducing unit surface soiling, and protecting surfaces from repeated handling. Traditionally, each film consists of 4-7 layers, unless customized for specific projects, that easily tear off to provide new, undamaged surfaces overtime while the original surface remains protected. PolyShield's films can be adhered to metal, plastic, stone, glass, laminates, and painted surfaces. Additionally, all PolyShield's polymer films are proudly Made in the USA in a variety of sizes. 

Toolots is happy to offer our domestic and international customer quality plastic protective films through the inclusion of PolyShield LLC! For purchasing information, visit PolyShield’s marketplace on Toolots.com. 

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Toolots is happy to announce the addition of a new vendor, Stratojet, to our E-Commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Santa Fe Springs, Stratojet manufactures wide format printers, flatbed cutters, and printing solutions. Stratojet’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

Stratojet's Shark EFB-2512 Flatbed Printer 4'x8' can print on a variety of rigid and flexible substrates.

Stratojet’s printers span from flatbed to dye sublimation, eco-solvent, and roll to roll UV curable to complete a variety of projects and signs. All printers are built with Accurate Dot Placement (ADP) technology which precisely places each drop of ink to improve midtones and the overall image quality while smoothing color transitions and reducing the number of printer passes. With over 20 years of experience in the printing industry, Stratojet ensures each printer is designed with the operator's ease of use in mind, and built with high quality components for durability in heavy or light production environments. 

Stratojet's Shark Cut 2516 Flatbed Cutter 5'x8' is capable of cutting and creasing multiple materials such as corrugated board, cardboard, hard PVC, foam board, and more.

In the event of an issue, the Stratojet team is committed to assisting their customers by offering a variety of after-sale services like phone and online support for troubleshooting resolutions. Additionally, through its network of technicians, the company can expedite part changes to reduce costly machine downtime. Furthermore, Stratojet's engineers have extensive knowledge on wide format hardware and software, many of which possess over 10 years of industry experience, and are manufacturer trained and authorized. 

Toolots is excited to offer our domestic and international customers quality large format printers through the inclusion of Stratojet! For purchasing information, visit Stratojet USA’s marketplace on Toolots.com. 

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NAM Q3 Manufacturers Outlook Survey shows the highest rate of optimism for 3 consecutive quarters in 20 years. 

CERRITOS, California- October 12, 2017- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) recently released their Manufacturers Outlook Survey for the third quarter of 2017 containing updated information on manufacturers' perception of the current state of the industry and its growth within the following year. As the U.S.' largest manufacturing association, NAM represents small to large manufacturers throughout the country and "...accounts for more than three-quarters of all private-sector research and development in the nation" (NAM). Data from the survey is pulled from the responses of approximately "...524 manufacturers from all parts of the country, in a wide variety of manufacturing sectors and in varying size classifications" according to the report.  

In their Third Quarter Manufacturers Outlook Survey, NAM reported an average optimism rate of roughly 90% among manufacturers. This is the highest record of optimism recorded since the survey began roughly 20 years ago in 1997. Comparably, the third quarter average in 2016 was only 59.7%. Furthermore, the positive trends continued throughout the report in regards to exports, production, sales, and more. Respectively, the average expected increase in sales and production was 4.5%, and overall positive outlook for business was 89.8% among manufacturers. 

Moreover, the increases in sales and production anticipated by these manufacturers also produced an anticipated increase in labor demand. Thus, surveyed manufacturers expected to increase their full-time employees by an average of 2.2%, resulting in a matching 2.2% average increase in employee wages excluding nonwage compensation. This reinforces NAM's prediction that the manufacturing industry, which contributes an estimated $12 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, will create roughly 3.5 million jobs over the next decade. 

Similarly, the NAM Manufacturing Outlook Index also indicates strong levels of confidence in business conditions year-to-date, rising from 60.8 in the second quarter to 61.0 in the third quarter. By comparison, the index stood at 41.3 one year ago.-NAM Manufacturers' Outlook Survey Third Quarter 2017

Overall, this quarter's Manufacturers Outlook Survey reveals a positive shift in the industry's outlook, and an anticipation for growth or revival in regards to production, sales, and staffing. Specifically, data within the report suggests that production within the manufacturing industry could grow as much as "...3.6 percent between now and the first quarter of 2018". With increasing optimism in the industry, SMEs in the U.S. have the opportunity to explore business expansion. Toolots is uniquely positioned to offer SMEs assistance expanding their distribution network domestically, or entering into the global market by providing assistance overcoming barriers such as inefficiency, slow innovation, and high prices. For additional information, contact us via phone at (844) TOOLOTS or via email at sales@toolots.com. 

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CERRITOS, California- October 17, 2017- Since 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has celebrated World Food Day (WFD) on October 16 of each year to commemorate its founding. Yesterday, over 150 countries throughout the world celebrated WFD  to "... promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all." Specifically, this year's theme focused on solving the issue of migration through increased food security and rural development. 

One major component in ensuring food security however is the actual processing and manufacturing of agricultural materials into food and beverage products. Within the U.S., food manufacturing is a vital component of the greater manufacturing industry as it essentially generates significant revenue for the economy and helps create edible food products. In 2015 the products created during food manufacturing and processing actually accounted for "16% of the value of shipments from all U.S. manufacturing plants."  

The Value of U.S. Food Manufacturing 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food processing occurs at food manufacturing plants where "... raw agricultural materials [are transformed] into products for intermediate or final consumption by applying labor, machinery, energy, and scientific knowledge." Essentially, these manufacturers help transform the food grown by farmers into edible products for consumption after preparation, or for immediate consumption. In addition to helping supply the U.S. with food, the industry also employs a significant number of employees. As of 2015 these facilities employed roughly 1.5 million workers, which accounted for 14% of employment within the U.S. manufacturing industry as a whole. 

Furthermore, food manufacturing is able to contend with fellow subsectors in regards to revenue generation. During Industry Week magazine's IndustryWeek US 500 2017 for example, a ranking of the largest U.S. public manufacturers by revenue, 31 food companies appeared on the list.  

Only four manufacturing categories -- petroleum & coal products, computers & other electronics products, chemicals and machinery -- had a greater number of representative companies on the IW 500 than [the] food manufacturers. -Industry Week 

Altogether these food companies earned a collective $337.3 billion dollars in revenue, out of the $12 trillion NAM estimates the manufacturing industry collectively contributes to the U.S. economy annually. Additionally, manufacturing production increased this month indicating signs of recovery since June 2017 following several hurricanes and natural disasters in the U.S. As such, Toolots is uniquely positioned to help food manufacturing SMEs expand their current distribution network, break into the global market, or offer assistance with after-sales services, organization, and competitive pricing to tap into the growing market. For additional information, contact us via phone at (844) TOOLOTS or via email at sales@toolots.com. 

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CERRITOS, California- October 11, 2017- Toolots, an online marketplace and international cross-border platform for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, equipment, and technology, announced it recently achieved $1 million in lifetime sales.  

Headquartered in Cerritos California, the company was originally founded in May 2016 by CEO Jason Fu, who has 17 years of industry experience through his machinery supply company Bolton Tools. Through its innovative platform, Toolots aims to bolster the global manufacturing industry by helping SMEs overcome barriers, expand their businesses, and generate more revenue. 

This is accomplished through Toolots' scalable, comprehensive services and ERP system currently being finalized. Vendors who partner with the company maintain their branding rights usually lost in traditional distribution models. In addition, vendor partners gain access to data allowing them to make transparent decisions and focus on daily operation tasks or overall business growth. Essentially, Toolots' model offers its customers quality equipment at competitive prices, thereby manufacturing SMEs to focus these funds on additional employees or services. Furthermore, the issue of after-sales services for purchased machinery and equipment, which often serves as a major concern to customers, is resolved through the company's network of service technicians on its YuuTool  repair app. 

With the achievement of $1 million in lifetime sales, Toolots strives to support SMEs to strengthen cross-border relations and aid in the growth of the global manufacturing industry. 

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CERRITOS, California- October 10, 2017- The sixth annual National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) 2017 concluded last Friday wherein approximately 3,000 events occurred nationwide. Of this number, over 170 of the events took place in the state of California alone. MFG Day, which occurs each year on the first Friday of October, strives to celebrate the modern manufacturing industry while simultaneously educating individuals on the current state of the industry and its future.  

Often events include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) opening their facilities to their community members, students, and educators to provide an in depth look into their average day. In addition, SMEs may also attend events hosted by local colleges or universities to demonstrate the function and use of their products, or discuss career opportunities in their field and dispel misconceptions. 

This year, Toolots sponsored transportation for over 30 high school students from Artesia, Cerritos, and Gahr high schools within the ABC Unified School District (ABCUSD) to attend MFG Day at Cerritos College. Attending students had the opportunity to tour five departments within the college’s Technical Division that displayed woodworking, welding, engineering, and machine tooling technology. Students were provided with knowledge regarding the use of several machines, including a live demonstration of machines in operation by professors and general safety tips. 

30+ students from ABCUSD attend MFG Day at Cerritos College

High school students from ABCUSD listen to a professor for Cerritos College's MFG Day event

Sponsorship of the event is one example of Toolots’ efforts to actively partner with the ABCUSD to educate and encourage youth interested in fields such as manufacturing, engineering, and technology to support these industries and promote growth. Current projections estimate the manufacturing industry will create roughly 3.5 million jobs over the next ten years, offering interested students a variety of potential career paths to choose from. However in addition to educating students about the industry, Toolots helps bolster manufacturing by offering U.S. SMEs assistance in overcoming barriers, such as inefficiency, slow innovation, or high prices, which previously hindered their ability to expand domestically or abroad. This assistance is facilitated through the company’s innovative platform and business model which supplies partnered SMEs with scalable, comprehensive services such as after-sales services in addition to access to ERPs and corresponding data which will allow them to focus on daily operations or make transparent, executive decisions.  

Thus the effect of events that educate and encourage students interested in manufacturing and technology like MFG Day, in tandem with the support of U.S. SMEs, are vital to sustaining and promoting the growth of the manufacturing industry which contributes roughly $12 trillion to the U.S. economy annually.  

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