Modern Applications News articles from August 2008

Modern Applications News archives from August 2008

Heads in the sand; We've become an inward-looking society since we first set foot on the moon, and it's not something of which we can be proud.(EDITOR'S CORNER)
August 1, 2008... It happened 39 years ago last month. When it took place, many of the readers of MAN weren't even born. It was the biggest event of the 20th Century, and I'd say it was the high point in human history. I'm also willing to bet that most of the...

Advice for getting the most from an IMTS visit; Stay on task, but be flexible when walking the show floor, and mix both managers and employees to find the best solutions for a shop.(FROM THE SHOP FLOOR)
August 1, 2008... Whenever I fill out a survey concerning IMTS it generally asks questions about our company. It wants to know our size, number of employees, and the industries we serve. After that bit of fact-finding it gets down to its real objective: It asks...

CNC is the obvious choice for the future-minded shop: CNC offers so many advantages to metalworking shops that it isn't a case of why to make the switch, but when Let's start with the obvious: the benefits of CNC.(CONTROLLING INTEREST)
August 1, 2008... Quick setup is easier than ever, as CAD programming translates into the controller faster than ever. Using any number of data transfer, from Ethernet, to wireless, to a memory stick, developers can import programs into the controller. As I've...

Taken as an equal.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... I just read your editorial "Let's Make Machining a Girlie Profession" [MAN, Vol. 42, No. 6, June 2008, pg 6]. I just wanted to say "thanks," what a great article! I have been with the company for 10 years and am a CNC machinist. Guess...

Find the best-qualified, no matter what they are.(Letters)
August 1, 2008... Just a couple of minor comments regarding your editorial [Let's Make Machining a Girlie Profession, ibid]. I believe Lionel Trains made a pink electric train long before G.I. Joe donned his first uniform, but learned in the marketplace that...

Proud to be a woman-owned shop.(Letters)
August 1, 2008... I am the board secretary--as well as office manager--of a machine shop and custom manufacturer. I recently received a copy of Modern Applications News. Upon skimming the pages I came across your editorial [Let's Make Machining a Girlie...

The bull of the woods; The brilliant fool.(Cartoon)
August 1, 2008... HOW DID YOU DO IT? IT'S ABSOLLITELY IMPOSSIBLE TO DRILL THOSE HOLES WRONG WITH THAT JIG! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HOW COLILD YOU? WHY,BRILLIANT BRAINS HAVE FIGURKKED ALL THAT OUT TO MAKE SUCH MISTAKES IMPOSSIBLE I'D LIKE TO LIVE TO...

Cube art.(Letters)
August 1, 2008... Congrats on yet another great editorial [Let's Make Machining a Girlie Profession, ibid]. The other female trainer here at Mazak and I both have it hanging up in our cubes. And, we sure are outnumbered. I know of only one other female laser...

The industry is changing, slowly.(Letters)
August 1, 2008... I would like to say thank you on behalf all the women who work in manufacturing for raising awareness of women in manufacturing. As a woman who has worked with industrial lasers for almost nine years--after my mother introduced me to the...

Home-grown expansion.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... North American manufacturers consider the U.S. the most desirable country for expansion during the next three years, according to a survey released by the National Association of Manufacturers--NAM, The Manufacturing Institute, the Canadian...

Fuel hikes prompt work changes.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... Rising fuel prices are changing company work policies in order to fight gasoline and diesel prices. A mid-size manufacturer is asking its employees to shift from a five-day, eight-hour work week to a four-day, 10-hour day. The cost of...

And the rich get richer.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... According to the June 18 "Snapshot" by Lawrence Mischel, of the Economic Policy Institute, pay inequality in the U.S. continues to worsen. Huge gains at the top of the income scale have been fueled by, among other things, a surging inequality...

Resurgence predicted in Latin American manufacturing.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... Latin America, once thought as a growth area for manufacturing but overwhelmed by competition from the Far East, will soon see a manufacturing revival, according to comments published by Chris Kuehl, Ph.D., economic analyst for the Fabricators...

April manufacturing tech consumption down.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... April U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $396.47 million, according to The Association For Manufacturing Technology--AMT--and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association--AMTDA. The total, as reported by companies...

Company anniversaries.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... Wheelabrator Group, LaGrange, GA, celebrated its 100th anniversary. It was founded in Pittsburgh in 1908. The company is a provider of surface preparation and finishing answers. Hypertherm, Hanover, NH, a company specializing in plasma arc...

Survey says weak dollar brings work back to the U.S.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... MFG.com, Atlanta, an online marketplace for the manufacturing community, announced results of its Buyer MFGWatch survey conducted in May. More than 500 respondents completed the sourcing survey targeting buyer members of MFG.com. The...

Michigan bearings really Dig Martian Muck.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... Some Muskegon, MI, machining assisted the Phoenix Mars Lander scoop samples of the Martian soil. Reali-Slim thin-section bearings made by the Kaydon Corp. Bearings Division in Muskegon were part of the lander's robotic arm built by Alliance...

2008 IMTS show promises to be bigger and better than ever; Chicago will be the place for the biggest machining trade show in the U.S. It promises more floor space, exhibitors, and attendees than any previous show.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The 27th International Manufacturing Technology Show is set for September 8 through 13 at McCormick Place Chicago. More than 1,200 exhibiting companies will occupy 1.2 million f[t.Sup.2] of the convention center. This guide provides floorplans...

Company says inserts adhere to its 3P philosophy.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The 3P Sumo Line of tools and inserts is based on the company's concept of Premium Productivity Products--3P--for better Productivity, Profitability, and Performance. The highlight of the 3P product introduction is Sumo Tec, which features a...

CNC system handles up to 31 axes.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The new Sinumerik 840D solution line is CNC technology that, according to the manufacturer, increases performance and user productivity. The 840D sL is a universal and flexible CNC system featuring the Sinamics S120 drives that can be used for...

"Sharp" drill bit maintenance.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The CNC XPS-16 automatic CNC drill sharpener sharpens conical, four facet, standard split point and radius split points 90[degrees] to 150[degrees] with one touch. It stores dozens of special drill point geometries in memory, and sharpens HSS,...

Drawing a blank.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Demonstrations of how purchasing machine-ready blanks allows dramatic reductions in the cost of labor, leading to lower overall part costs and greater operational efficiency, will take place at the show. According to the company, machine-ready...

Rotary table has patented "worm".(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The 5AX-20011 CNC Rotary Table has a patented carbide worm system that uses a carbide worm screw and ion nitrided worm wheel, rather than a conventional bronze or bronze alloy actuation mechanism. The result is an eight-times reduction in...

VMCs offer spindle speeds from 6,000 to 20,000 rpm.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The traveling X-axis VMCs feature spindle choices of 6,000 to 20,000 rpm, plus high torque of up to 453 ft-lb. Engineered with X-axis travel in the spindle and a supported table in the Y-axis, the line supports production or one-off work in...

VMC with large work cubes in small footprints.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The VM Series of machining centers have large work cubes and small footprints. The models added to the VM Series include more Y-axis travel, a longer table, and a faster spindle. In addition to the general purpose VM10, VM20, and VM30, the VM...

Boring head displays adjustments.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... A boring head with an optoelectronic adjustment measuring system and digital display with 0.0001" accuracy in the diameter range 0.118" to 4.882" will be on display. It has maintenance-free automatic balance compensation and flexible Screw Fit...

Turnkey high-speed drill units.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The SSM4 and SSM5 drill units are designed with a modified configuration which uses two servo motors, which are synchronized for through-hole applications. The units are capable on high-speed drilling and tapping to produce class 3 thread...

No outriggers with this boring mill.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The Johnford BMC-110 is a 50-taper horizontal boring mill. The 55,000 lb machine has a Meehanite cast iron structure and features a moving column for the Z-axis and a moving table for the X-axis only. This design allows rigidity, accuracy, and...

Twin-spindle automated lathe.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The TNW-3500R automated lathe provides turning, drilling, and milling operations in one machine. Now available in the U.S., the lathe has twin spindles, a gantry robot, and slant bed. A live tool turret performs secondary operations; live tool...

CNC simulation.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Vericut 6.2 CNC machine simulation and optimization software features enhancements that increase the ability of manufacturing engineers to develop, analyze, inspect, and document the CNC programming and machining process, according to the...

Waterjet sports 87,000 psi.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The HyperPressure 87,000 psi waterjet cutting technology benefits, according to the company, include cutting speeds that are 20 to 50 percent faster than 60,000 psi; 20 to 30 percent lower part cost than 60,000 psi; and lower abrasive...

Direct drive spindles on HMCs.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The EC-550 HMC horizontal machining center represents the latest expansion of the company's line of high-productivity HMCs. It is a 30"x34"x32" work envelope, 50-taper geared-head spindle, dual-pallet changer with 550mm pallets, 50-pocket...

Full 50 "horses" powers HMC.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The Niigata HN80D Horizontal Machining Center machines medium to large parts in a wide range of materials. It features traverse rates of 1,181 ipm and feed rates of 592 ipm on heavy-duty box ways. Full 50 hp cuts are achieved through a...

Magnetic workholders with attractive grip.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... A product line will be on display that includes material handling devices, precision I mechanical and magnetic workholding, demagnetizers, custom sine tables, and custom rail milling systems. SAV North America, Booth F-2345 [ILLUSTRATION...

One thousand layers of coating.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Featuring a Super ZX multi-layered coating, the new grades AC510U and AC520U are designed for roughing, finishing, and medium-cut machining of super alloy materials. The coating consists of ultra-thin layers of TiAIN and AlCrN, alternately...

Diamonds are a dressing's best friend.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The Model FC-250W Diamond and CBN Wheel Truing and Dressing Machine will be shown at the exhibition. The Model FC-250W is designed for truing and dressing of flats, angles, and radii on diamonds. According to the manufacturer, the FC-250W...

Laser drill designed with aviation in mind.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The VLD-300 is a small, vertical, Nd:YAG laser drilling machine for 12" cube parts--300mm x 300mm x 300mm in X-, Y-, Z-axes. This machine was developed in collaboration with aerospace engine component manufacturers, who expressed a need for a...

Infrared probe sans battery.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The TS 444 battery-free infrared probe, the TS 740 probe, and the UTI 192 interface box, which allows for probe integration to non-TNC controls, will be on display. Heidenhain Corp., Booth D-4419 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

CAD/CAM software: the next generation.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The next generation of Mastercam CAD/CAM software -Mastercam X3--will be unveiled and demonstrate its Feature Based Machining--FBM--the Master-cam in SolidWorks product. FBM will detect solid machining features for the chosen FBM operation...

Gear tester.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The GMX 400, a Class 1 universal gear tester provides analysis for a range of gear and gear tool applications on gears with ODs up to 15.75". The GMX 400 in-corporates a 4-axis Power PC controller with automatic tailstock and a high-accuracy 3D...

Nanoscanner measures up.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The Hommel nanoscan can measure surfaces with a stroke of 24mm with a resolution of 0.68nm for the entire measuring range. It features integrated software and hardware that lets users capture micro-and macro-structures of parts with narrow...

Portable CMM scanner.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The naviSCAN is a portable system for scanning and probing in the object coordinate system without the use of targets or post-process patch stitching. It is designed for inspection and reverse engineering of large components on the shop floor,...

Compact heads at the right angle.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Two new angle heads include the ONBS and the Compact Angle Head. Angle heads combine vertical, horizontal, and angular operations on one machine, eliminating multiple setups. The ONBS Angle Head offers a coolant-through-the-tool design. ONBS is...

Magnetic lifts hoist more than three tons.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Working together, EZ-Lift material handling magnets and MagVISE magnetic workholding systems reduce setup and part changeover times by 50 percent or more compared to traditional material handling and workholding methods, including clamps and...

Tooling and accessories for Swiss work.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Specialized high-precision tooling and accessories designed for users of Swiss-type machines and the broad range of small parts manufacturing equipment will be on display, including Utilis Swiss made inserts providing repeatability of less than...

Cableless probe detects broken tools and settings.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The cable-free Twin Probe System combines part setup and measurement with tool setting and broken tool detection. The system uses the same optical receiver to process signals from a spindle-mounted OMP40-2 inspection probe and OTS tool setting...

Bar feeder works in limited space.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The Elite 112 bar feeder will operate on a Star CNC lathe. It can feed bars of 0.8mm to 12.7mm on lathes with high rotation and headstock acceleration speeds without limiting performance. It has a minimum inertia---40 percent--mechanical...

Three-turret turn mills.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The C100 series of production turn-mill centers are designed for production of medium-complexity parts turned from bar stock from 30mm to 42mm in diameter. The three-turret machines fit into a small floor space, and are targeted to handle fixed...

A traveling column machining center.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)(Column)
August 1, 2008... The SHW UniSpeed 5 traveling column machining center is designed for precision applications in the aerospace, petroleum, mold-making, subcontracting, and other fields. It has a work envelope of 63"x63"x47"-X, Y, Z and five-sided machining and...

No pilot hole drill.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The Revolution drill is engineered to drill without need of a pilot hole by using an over-center cutting geometry for the indexable carbide inserts and the single, adjustable cartridge. This cartridge--removable for fast replacement--allows the...

Factory-aligned precision grinders.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The VSS Series 2 Single Stroke machines are factory aligned for precision centering of the spindles and tooling plate to produce better bore geometries. Alignment accuracy exceeds DIN 8635 requirements for vertical honing machines. The machines...

Extended lengths for deep pockets.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Extended length versions of the T90cn-0.5 through T90cn-3.5 right angle heads are available. These tools are suited for machining deep pockets and bores. Alberti extended length tools are constructed with the same chromium plated, high tensile...

Keeping threads honest.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The CHT Thread Inspection System is designed for the in-process inspection of large diameter parts featuring an extended range of measurement capability. Available for any UN, UNJ, Buttress, Metric, or Acme thread greater than 3". All existing...

Predicting future chip forms.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Deform-3D is used by cutting tool and other manufacturers to analyze the influence of tool design, cutting parameters, and tool wear on machining performance. It is a finite-element based system that can predict chip form, cutting forces,...

Tapping into high-speed threading.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... The XTF Forming Tap is a TiCN coated tap for high-speed tapping of stainless and carbon steels. The taps produce threads by displacing material to create the thread form. Since there are no cutting chips, higher speeds can be achieved compared...

Two-armed robot.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... Slim and agile, with human-like flexibility of movement, the dual-arm SDA10 robot is slimmer, stronger and has significantly faster acceleration than the previous DIA10 model. With a shorter link distance between the P-point and flange, the...

Easy drill length adjustment.(IMTS COUNTDOWN)
August 1, 2008... SDM Tool Holders feature one-touch drill length adjustment without the need for tools. Drill projection length can be adjusted by handrotating the knurled guide ring on the outside of the SDM Toolholder. Axial adjustment range varies from about...

Know your options; After it took advantage of a new machine's high-speed option, a medical parts manufacturer saw immediate results.(VERTICAL MACHINING CENTERS)
August 1, 2008... Just as there is no profit in missed opportunities, there are also no advantages in neglecting the abilities of new equipment. Advanced capabilities of a top-of-the-line machine don't profit the owners if its potentialities are not being used...

A major complement; To keep up with customer demand, a manufacturer bought a waterjet to do work its laser couldn't.(WATERJET)
August 1, 2008... Aloma Shim and Mfg. Co., Oakmont, PA, buys technology to keep pace with the needs of its customers. Between 40 to 60 percent of the business is dedicated to contract manufacturing for a wide range of industries that includes pulp and paper,...

Getting the right grip on workholding; Using specially-designed fixturing for high-volume production runs, an automotive supplier more than doubled its output.(WORKHOLDING)
August 1, 2008... It is somehow appropriate that what became a successful supplier to the automotive industry began in a garage. Keith Armour, founder, owner, and president of Southland CNC, Cornelia, GA, began the company with a single machine 19 years ago and...

New coolant was the right prescription for a medical manufacturer's sump woes; Biostable metalworking fluid improved a shop's environmental outcome.(COOLANTS)
August 1, 2008... Coolant deterioration was leaving a sour taste in the mouths of the managers of a medical manufacturer, as well as sour coolant in the storage tanks. The company went looking for a different fluid prescription. Manufacturers of medical...

Turning into a faster shop; Customer demands for faster cycle times prompted a shop to buy a new machine; Now it's saving days or production time on single jobs.(TURNING CENTERS)
August 1, 2008... When a shop's machines are not keeping up with its workload due to customer demand, a change is in order. Oftentimes, a new purchase is needed to speed-up the shop. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lanese Quality Tool, Centerville, OH, which...

Multi-task turning centers with increased throughout and reduced cycle time.(TURNING CENTERS)
August 1, 2008... The GS 200 MSY and GS 250 MSY Performance multitasking turning centers offer expanded levels of functionality to address complex parts resulting in increased throughput and reduced cycle time in a single setup, according to the manufacturer....

Built for the flexibility of a job shop.(TURNING CENTERS)
August 1, 2008... The Sigma 20 Pursuit, a sliding headstock turning center, is a highspeed, turning center designed for the flexibility required of today's job shop, according to the manufacturer. The machine comes pre-loaded with attachments and accessories,...

Lathe offers 66 option variations.(TURNING CENTERS)
August 1, 2008... The LB3000EX SpaceTurn CNC Lathe offers 66 option variations. It is built on a box slant-bed, and is able to achieve machining dimensional changeover time of less than 5[micro]m. The machine is equipped with a PREX motor, and offers a max...

Small-parts turning in compact package.(TURNING CENTERS)
August 1, 2008... The SL--10 CNC lathe takes up 6.5'x4.5' of floor space, yet provides an 11" turning diameter, 14" turning length, and a 16.25" swing over the front apron. It comes standard with a 6.5" hydraulic chuck and a 12-position bolt-on tool turret. A 15...

Replacement parts for robotic torch systems.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... Replacement parts are available for use on the Cloos Tandem and Twin Wire robotic torch Systems. The expanded consumables line I includes parts for the ZMW600, ZMW610, and MRW500 robotic torches. The products provide high quality and close...

Welding with style.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... The Lucky's Speed Shop design has been added to Elite and Digital Elite Series auto-darkening welding helmets. This graphic design comes in a gloss-black finish and features crossbone pistons and a flying eyeball accented by a spider web. Elite...

Redesigned PowerCut line improves ease of operation.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... The PowerCut 1300 and 1600 have high speeds and thickness capabilities. They have an external housing designed to be damage, corrosion, and weather resistant. Features include a tool-less quick disconnect torch that disconnects from the machine...

CAM software certified for inventor 2009.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... GibbsCAM has been certified for Autodesk Inventor 2009 under the Autodesk Inventor Certified Applications Program. Certification is granted only after a product has been thoroughly tested by internal staff at Autodesk. Certified applications...

Turning inserts for improved surface finish on stainless steels.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... The UP turning inserts developed for the Kenna Perfect turning system represent an improved turning geometry for stainless steel applications. The redesign delivers improved chip control in 300-series stainless steels and provides a soft...

Self-clinching fasteners for stainless assemblies.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... PEM Type PFC4 self-clinching stainless steel panel fasteners install permanently and flush in thin stainless-steel sheets. They are made from 400 Series stainless steel for use in stainless sheets up to HRB 88 hardness on the Rockwell "B" scale...

Enhanced long-range scanning capabilities.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... Leica Geosystems HDS6000 scanning system and software is a portable High-Definition Surveying high-speed laser scanner with long-range scanning service capabilities, including structural analysis, historical and legal archiving, and online...

Metrology software extends capabilities.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... PC-DMIS V4.3 metrology software incorporates dozens of new or enhanced features to extend CMM measurement and reporting capabilities and improve programming productivity. Version 4.3 introduces modules that streamline the job of programming and...

Band saw can cut a wider range of materials.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... Model CP-21A has a 2" blade for greater beam strength and a powerful 10 hp AC inverter band drive system with variable speeds from 40 to 360 fpm for cutting materials up to 21" diameter round or square. It incorporates an NC control with 12"...

High performance and precision for machining mold and die parts.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... A redesigned VMC 4525 that combines 53.5"x25" table with 15,000 rpm air/oil spindle and Infimatic Freedom NC 200 control featuring special mold and die package. The high-speed spindle enables faster axis feeds and finer finishes, while air/oil...

Gentle vibrating action for nice finish.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... Model KVF3 Vibratory Finisher is designed for deburring, polishing, and other finishing operations requiring the gentle vibrating action of rotating media. The unit features a 3.3 ft (3) capacity steel tub with cast urethane lining that's easy...

Tapered roller bearings accommodate combined axial and radial loads.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... Tapered roller bearing feature tapered rollers arranged between tapered inner and outer ring raceways to accommodate combined axial and radial loads and promote optimized rolling conditions. Their design is less sensitive to misalignment than...

Low-stress Unicable technology reduces robotic welding downtime.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... Tough Gun ThruArm Series with LSR--Low-stress Robotic--Unicable technology is designed specifically to minimize downtime and improve welding performance on today's through-arm robotic welding systems. It is available as a complete package--from...

Keeping a cool head.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... Coolant Driven Angle Heads develop up to 100 in-lb of torque. The heads incorporate a planetary gear with a five-to-one ratio for applications where high torque at lower speeds is required. The angle heads are powered by an integral positive...

Ironworker produces 50 tons of pressure.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... The 5014 TM Ironworker offers a three-station revolving turret that accepts up to three pieces of tooling that can be changed in seconds. It has 50 tons of pressure and the ability to punch a 13/16" hole in a 3/4" plate. It is made in America,...

Combined saw/drill unit.(New Products)
August 1, 2008... The Amsaw R-series saw is designed to improve efficiency and productivity. The saw's benefits include smooth, accurate cuts; durable machinery; and long tool life. The saw's features include a saw blade changeover time of less than three...

Foreigners aren't buying-up America, they're investing in our future.(THE LAST WORD)
August 1, 2008... Foreign direct investment--FDI--is a critical component of the economy and the U.S. welcomes FDI, and foreign investment in all forms. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Foreign capital is a key driver of economic growth and creates jobs for...