USCTI Overview

UNITED STATES CUTTING TOOL INSTITUTE

INDUSTRY UNIFICATION.

The United States Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) was formed in 1988 when two of the largest associations of cutting tool manufacturers joined forces. The Metal Cutting Tool Institute and the Cutting Tool Manufacturers Association combined their efforts, resulting in a single, stronger organization representing more than two-thirds of the domestic cutting tool market.

USCTI is comprised of seven product divisions: Carbide Tooling, Drill and Reamer, Milling Cutter, PCD & PCBN, Tap and Die, Tool Holders and All Other Tooling. Additional product divisions are anticipated.


STAY ON TOP OF WHAT'S HAPPENING

By joining USCTI, you will benefit from the useful information and national representation that current members are utilizing right now!

Don't miss out on the vital information distributed by USCTI to its members. This information comes to you in the form of timely newsletters, technical bulletings and manuals, and statistical reports.

Institute activities are designed to benefit you. Some of these activities include:

• The exchange of ideas and information between industry peers.
• Collection and distribution of data on cutting tool production and sales.
• Promotion of advances in engineering and manufacturing techniques.
• Standardization of sizes, dimensions and tolerances to assist end-users and manufacturers.
• Representation of the cutting tool industry in matters of business and national concern.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

As a member of USCTI, you'll share ideas and information with your cutting tool industry peers. For example, our comprehensive Labor Relations Program allows you to exchange information on key labor issues.

Other opportunities for interfacing with fellow members include USCTI's two national meetings, as well as several committee meetings held throughout the year. These meetings typically include panel discussions and/or speakers covering important industry issues.


BENEFICIAL STATISTICS AND SURVEYS

The Institute's statistics program is one of the best, providing valuable, accurate, and timely information. This information can be very helpful in assessing your company's strengths and weaknesses, as well as in developing your marketing plans. Statistical information available through USCTI includes:

• Product Line Statistics Report - A detailed monthly analysis of cutting tool shipments.
• Current Business Report - A composite indicator of members' incoming orders and monthly billings.
• Survey of Operating Ratios - An annual look at key performance indicators.
• Early Warning Forecast - A quarterly economic forecast and a more specific cutting tool industry forecast.
• Import/Export Report - A quarterly summary of international cutting tool shipments.

VITAL PERSONNEL INFORMATION

USCTI's comprehensive Labor Relations Program includes an annual Labor Relations Meeting and updates on timely personnel issues, as well as three very valuable surveys:

• Middle Management and Supervisory Salary Survey - Information on annual salaries and bonuses for more than 40 positions.
• Wage and Fringe Benefits Survey - An annual compilation of wage rates and fringe benefits for hourly plant workers.
• OSHA Injuries Survey - An annual study tracking data on occupational injuries specific to cutting tool manufacturing plants.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE WORLD

The Institute is continually working to promote and strengthen the U.S. cutting tool industry. USCTI conducts an ongoing program to promote the benefits of buying American-made cutting tools. Such promotions, in conjunction with your company's own promotional efforts, serve to strengthen your business and the industry as a whole.

The Institute works with prominent trade publications to expand awareness of its activities and gain wider recognition for its members. Frequent news releases provide distributors and end-users with updated information on how to Institute's programs benefit them. All of these promotional efforts result in greater stature for the Institute and its members.


ACCESS TO VALUABLE TECHNICAL RESOURCES

Publication of important technical information is another benefit of USCTI. The Institute is recognized as a leading source of technical information on cutting tools.

The Institute maintains and distributes a comprehensive "Handbook of Specifications" covering standard sizes, dimensions and tolerances for drills, reamers, end mills, milling cutters, taps, dies and other types of cutting tools.

User-oriented booklets include "Standards and Dimensions for Ground Thread Taps", "Tolerances for Twist Drills and Reamers", "Drilled Holes for Tapping", and "Drilling Today's Materials."

The Institute's various technical committees contribute their extensive knowledge and expertise to the "Metal Cutting Tool Handbook", a comprehensive guide to the nomenclature, classification, and use of cutting tools.


HOW WE OPERATE

The Institute is headed by a 15-member Board of Directors. The Directors elect a President, a Senior Vice-President and a Vice-President. An Executive Committee provides further direction. A Secretary/Trreasurer is retained to manage the Institute's operations and finances.

Members have many opportunities to become involved in the Institute's operations through a network of committees. In addition, each product division maintains a technical committee to address standardization and engineering issues.

All Institute activities are closely monitored by legal counsel to ensure strict compliance with our nation's antitrust laws.


HOW TO JOIN

To become a member of USCTI, your company must be a North American manufacturer of cutting tools or tool holders. These products must account for a minimum of 10 percent of your company's gross sales. More than 50 percent of your firm's U.S. cutting tool sales must be manufactured domestically.

Every full member has a vote, regardless of the size of the company; so all member companies have an equal say in elections and Institute policy-making.

As for dues, USCTI follows the traditional principle of basing membership dues on company size. If you're interested in becoming a member, contact the Institute office for dues information.

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