CVRD Completes Ore-Price Negotiations with ThyssenKrupp
CVRD, the world's largest iron-ore miner, has finalized its 2006 supply-price negotiations with Thyssen Krupp Stahl AG, Germany's largest steel maker. The Brazilian group stated its price for ore fines is due to increase by 19% over the 2005 price, while blast furnace pellets will be reduced 3% in price. Read more


Manufacturing Output Rises; Operating Rate Above Long Run Average
U.S. factory output increased seven-tenths of a percentage point in April, the second consecutive monthly increase this year, the Federal Reserve reported on May 16. Its index for manufacturing production now stands at 114.3 (2002=100) and is 5.5% above the index figure for April 2005. In contrast, neither utility nor mining output has fared as well year-over-year. Mining output declined three-tenths of a percent between April 2005 and April 2006, while utility output rose 2.5%. Read more


Infor Acquires SSA Global
The contest to see who could acquire more supply chain software companies -- SSA Global or Infor -- has come to an end, with Infor declared the winner by virtue of its acquiring SSA Global for roughly $1.4 billion ($19.50 per share). Both companies are providers of extended enterprise solutions, primarily for the manufacturing and distribution industries. Read more


Dassault Systemes Acquires MatrixOne
Dassault Systemes, a producer of 3D and product lifecycle management (PLM) products based out of Paris, France, has acquired MatrixOne Inc., a provider of collaborative PLM solutions. The all-cash purchase price was $410 million in the aggregate, before reflecting cash balances and estimated tax benefits. Read more

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CNC Machining -- My new Mini Mill is here
My mini mill arrived yesterday... Thanks to everyone that has answered all of my questions and helped make this a reality!
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CAD/CAM -- SolidCam users
"Is there anyone that can give me some feedback on SolidCam? ... How does SolidCam compare to the other cam packages?"
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EDM Machining -- What speed with what machine is the fastest?
"I am wondering... what is the fastest cutting machine?"
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