FlexTrades Marketing Team, Author at FlexTrades

Let me take you back to my childhood living room. Picture it with me: a couch, a loveseat, a floor model television, a console table, and a lamp or two. Pretty standard. But one thing stood out. Sitting on the console shelf was a kaleidoscope. I’m not sure where my mom found it (or why she bought it), but I loved that thing. I’d pick it up, hold it to my eye, and slowly turn the end, mesmerized by the changing patterns and bursts of color. Back then, I thought it was magic. Now I know better—but it’s no less fascinating.

Kaleidoscope Components

Kaleidoscopes are built from simple components that come together in a surprisingly scientific way. At one end of the tube is an eyepiece, at the other, an end cap. Inside are two or three mirrors placed at precise angles to form a V or triangle. Most kaleidoscopes include small, everyday objects inside—beads, ribbons, bits of glass, buttons, or glitter—housed in thin transparent cells made of glass or plastic. The magic? It’s all in the angles and light.

Kaleidoscope Science

Here’s how it works. Light enters the kaleidoscope and travels in a straight line. When it hits a surface, it reflects. That reflection is where the visual show begins. Mirrors bounce light back and forth, while the objects scatter and refract that light in different directions. The result is a continuous, evolving display of color, shape, and symmetry. Think of it as a mini laser light show controlled entirely by what’s inside the tube—and your imagination.

Kaleidoscope Fun

Because the objects inside the kaleidoscope move freely, you’ll never see the same image twice. That’s part of the magic. Every slow twist of the end cap reveals a new scene, never to be repeated. So the next time you find one, take your time. Look closely. Rotate slowly. And take in the simple wonder of it all.

Want more articles like this? Check out FlexTrades’ blog for other interesting insights on how everyday things are made.

The history of manufacturing is an interesting one. While many people understand it through the lens of the four industrial revolutions, there is so much more to the story. One of the most enduring pieces of that story is the lathe—a machine tool that predates every industrial revolution and continues to evolve to this day.

The Ancient Origins of the Lathe

Archaeological digs show that lathes were in use as early as the 13th century BCE. Ancient Greek, Assyrian, and Egyptian woodworkers used early versions of the lathe, though it required two operators. One person would spin the piece of wood using a rope while the other shaped it with a cutting tool.

Even thousands of years ago, craftsmen were building the foundation of modern manufacturing.

Lathe Innovations in the Roman Era

The Romans and other early cultures in Northern Italy, China, and what is now Turkey made some key upgrades to the original lathe design. The biggest innovation? A foot pedal. When pressed, the pedal spun the workpiece, allowing a single operator to do the job.

Efficiency increased. Output grew. And so began a long journey of continuous improvement.

The First Industrial Revolution: Powered Turning

Fast forward to the early 19th century and the arrival of steam power. During the First Industrial Revolution, inventors found a way to attach steam engines and water wheels to lathes. This allowed the workpiece to spin much faster than before. With higher speeds came greater precision and the ability to produce more uniform parts.

The Second Industrial Revolution: Metal Takes the Stage

By the late 1800s, powered lathes featured electric motors and forged tooling. These upgrades allowed lathes to cut metal, not just wood. That development turned the lathe into one of the most versatile machine tools in history.

What was once a tool for craftsmen now became a cornerstone of industrial-scale production.

Industry 3.0 and 4.0: The Rise of the CNC Lathe

Every industrial revolution changed the lathe—and the third and fourth were no exception. As computers and automation became central to manufacturing, the lathe evolved once again into the CNC lathe.

CNC stands for computer numerically controlled. These machines are programmed to operate automatically with minimal intervention. They can execute precise cuts on complex parts at high speeds and with incredible consistency.

Want to dive deeper into how CNC machines work? Check out our article on CNC machinery here.

From Rope to Code

The story of the lathe is also the story of manufacturing. With each revolution came a new level of innovation. What started as a two-person wooden tool has become a computer-controlled system shaping the future of production. At FlexTrades, we believe in honoring that history while helping our technicians and clients stay prepared for what comes next.

Do you remember learning about the Industrial Revolution as a kid? History books often describe it as a single, world-changing event that reshaped economies, societies, and the future of manufacturing. While that is true, it is also incomplete.

There have been four distinct industrial revolutions so far, and we are already seeing the fifth take shape. Each wave has redefined how we work, what we build, and where we’re headed next. At FlexTrades, understanding this evolution matters—not just because it’s history, but because it helps us prepare for the future.

Let’s walk through each phase.

Industry 1.0: The Mechanical Revolution

Industry 1.0 began around 1784 and introduced the world to steam power. Steam wasn’t new, but its industrial application changed everything. With powered tools, steamships, and railroads, the shift from farming to urban factory life began. Rail travel opened up new regions. Factories created new jobs. People began migrating to cities for work. This marked the first major transformation of labor and manufacturing.

Industry 2.0: The Mass Production Revolution

Around 1870, speed became the next big goal. Electricity, gasoline engines, telephones, and assembly lines ushered in an era of mass production. This was the age of industrial scale, where the modern manufacturing model took shape.

We also got our first taste of global connectivity—radios allowed ideas to travel faster than ever, while lighting and telecommunication extended work hours and workplace reach. The foundation for modern society was set.

Industry 3.0: The Digital Revolution

In 1969, the rise of semiconductors, computers, and the Internet marked the start of Industry 3.0. Known as the Digital Revolution, this phase changed how we made things, how we worked, and how companies managed their operations.

Production became more precise. Global supply chains expanded. Analog became digital. Curious what that really means? This Analog vs. Digital Electronics article breaks it down clearly.

Industry 4.0: The Intelligence Revolution

We are living through Industry 4.0 right now. This phase centers around Artificial Intelligence and its wide-reaching applications. From autonomous vehicles to robotic automation, predictive analytics, 3D printing, and virtual assistants, we are reshaping how we design, produce, and deliver goods.

This revolution is far from over. If you’re interested in a deeper dive, check out this detailed Industry 4.0 overview to learn more about what it is, how it works, and what comes next.

Industry 5.0: The Human-Centered Revolution

We are just beginning to step into Industry 5.0. What sets it apart is its emphasis on human-machine collaboration. The goal is to ensure technology serves not just businesses, but also employees, communities, and the environment.

While the exact definition is still evolving, one thing is clear: inclusion, sustainability, and human value creation will drive this next industrial chapter. At FlexTrades, we’re excited to see what’s ahead—and we’re preparing our workforce to grow with it.

From commuter sedans to long-haul trucks, tires are essential to everyday life. At FlexTrades, our skilled technicians travel across the country to support U.S. manufacturers — and many of them drive thousands of miles to reach their assignments. So when it comes to the reliability of tires, we don’t take it lightly.

In fact, we support several leading tire manufacturing clients nationwide, providing the talent that helps keep production lines rolling. That’s why, in this edition of How It’s Made, we’re exploring the process behind the rubber that meets the road.

Tire Materials

Tire manufacturing starts with a mix of natural and synthetic materials, blended for strength, flexibility, and durability.

Natural Rubber
Synthetic Rubber / Polymers
Steel Wire: Used in belts, beads, and truck tire plies
Textile Cords: Provide structural support within plies
Fillers: Carbon black and silica, used to reinforce rubber during the Banbury mixing process
Antioxidants & Antiozonants: Protect the rubber from heat, oxygen, and ozone damage
Curing Additives: Sulfur and zinc oxide, key ingredients during vulcanization

Rubber Manufacturing Process

There are three key operations used to prepare rubber for tire building:

Banbury Mixing: Raw and synthetic rubbers are mixed with fillers under heat and pressure to form solid, workable rubber
Extruding: Shapes the rubber into usable forms
Calendering: Layers rubber with fabric or steel to create belts, plies, and edge covers

Once processed, the material is cut, sheared, spliced, or shaped to exact specifications — ready for tire construction.

Tire Components

Every tire is made of multiple layers, each with a specific purpose:

Innerliner: Keeps air sealed inside the tire
Plies: Provide strength and hold air pressure
Bead: Ensures an airtight seal with the wheel
Sidewall: Protects the structure from road and curb damage
Belts: Add strength to the tread and improve performance
Tread: Provides grip, traction, and durability

How Tires Are Made

The tire-building process happens in two stages on highly specialized machinery, such as:

Tire Building Machine (TBM)
Tire Assembly Machine (TAM)
Tire Forming Machine (TFM)
1st and 2nd Stage Machines

These may be manually operated or fully automated depending on the facility.

Stage One: Casing Building

This step forms the base structure of the tire — also called the carcass. It includes:

Wrapping the innerliner onto the drum
Layering body plies over the innerliner
Placing the beads at each side
Inflating the drum bladder to shape the plies over the beads
Adding and pressing sidewalls into place

Stage Two: Tread & Belts Application

The carcass moves to a second machine where steel belts and tread are added. At this point, it’s known as a green tire — shaped but not yet cured or hardened.

Curing the Tire

The green tire is placed into a curing mold, which functions like a large clamshell. A bladder inside the mold inflates with steam, pressing the rubber into the mold to form the tread pattern and sidewall lettering.

Passenger tires cure for 10–15 minutes at 300°F
Heavy-duty or off-road tires may cure for 24 hours

Once cured, the tire is cooled on a Post-Cure Inflator (PCI) to stabilize its shape before inspection.

Inspection & Testing

Every tire undergoes strict quality control to ensure safety and performance.

Tire Uniformity Testing: Measures balance and roundness under simulated road conditions
X-Ray Testing: Detects internal flaws
Destructive Testing: Verifies structural limits under extreme stress

After passing all inspections, the tire is ready for the road.

For a closer look, watch this Tire Manufacturing Video. And if you’re curious about tire care, check out our article on safe driving and tire maintenance.

Safe travels!

The pandemic disrupted the global workforce in ways few could have predicted. Now, as industries rebound and evolve, many workers are rethinking their future — and if you’re one of them, it might be time to consider a career in manufacturing.

At FlexTrades, we believe in the power of skilled trades to provide growth, advancement, and long-term stability. One of the most promising career paths in this space is in CNC machining and programming — a field with strong demand, competitive wages, and clear opportunities for advancement.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, here’s how you can carve out your path to becoming a CNC Programmer, starting from the ground up.

Step One: CNC Operator

Getting started doesn’t require decades of experience. Here are three common ways to launch your CNC career:

Go Back to School: Enroll in a technical or trade school with an accredited Machine Tool or CNC Manufacturing Technology program. You’ll build a strong foundation in both theory and hands-on skills — including safety, print reading, machining techniques, and quality control.

Become an Apprentice: An apprenticeship with a local manufacturer gives you real-world experience. Whether it’s short-term or leads to full-time work, make the most of it by learning everything you can and building relationships.

Start Entry-Level: Find a nearby manufacturer using CNC equipment. Even if they’re not hiring operators, apply anyway. Be willing to start in another role and work your way up. Express your long-term interest in CNC from the start.

Once you’re in, show up, speak up, and keep learning. The manufacturing floor rewards initiative and consistency.

Step Two: CNC Machinist

As a CNC Operator, your job is to load materials, run the machine, monitor operations, and inspect finished parts. But when you’re ready to step up, your goal is to become a CNC Machinist — someone who sets up and configures machines for each new job.

To make that move:

Ask questions and learn from your team — coworkers, leads, supervisors, anyone who’s done the job before
Observe setups, take notes, and look for opportunities to shadow
Do your research. Understand the steps involved in setups and study tooling and processes
Request hands-on training and be proactive when a gap appears
Pursue certifications from organizations like NIMS to solidify your credentials

When a skilled machinist retires or advances, be ready to step in. Let your leaders know you’re prepared and committed.

Step Three: CNC Programmer

Programming is where art meets precision. To reach this level, build on everything you’ve already done — and take it further.

To become a CNC Programmer:

Master G & M Code — it’s the core language of CNC operations
Study CNC tooling to understand what tools to use, when, and why
Consider buying your own seat in CAM software like Mastercam or Fusion 360 to practice at home
Enroll in a CNC Programming course at a local technical school
Take advantage of online training options — many software vendors offer detailed, video-based instruction (like Mastercam University)

The more you learn, the more valuable you become — not just as a programmer, but as a problem-solver and leader on the floor.

Keep Growing with FlexTrades

Once you’re a skilled CNC Programmer, your path doesn’t end. The world of advanced manufacturing is constantly evolving, and so are the machines, materials, and software behind it.

That’s where FlexTrades comes in.

As a CNC Operator, Machinist, or Programmer working with FlexTrades, you’ll get to travel the country, work on cutting-edge equipment, and gain exposure to new technologies across industries. You’ll sharpen your skills and expand your experience while helping American manufacturers grow.

Just starting out but recently graduated from a technical school? Join the FlexTrades ReTool Team. We help new grads get hands-on experience that complements classroom learning and sets you up for long-term success.

In Minnesota, we like to say we have 11 seasons — not four. They are:

Winter
Fool’s Spring
Second Winter
Spring of Deception
Third Winter
Mud Season
Actual Spring
Summer
False Fall
Second Summer
Actual Fall

Right now, we’re somewhere between Actual Spring and Summer, which means shelves are stocked with bug spray, sunglasses, and (of course) sunscreen. That got us thinking… how is sunscreen made?

Let’s break it down in this month’s How It’s Made feature.

What Does Sunscreen Do?

The sun emits three types of light: infrared, visible, and ultraviolet (UV). UV light is the most harmful to humans. There are two types of UV rays:

UVA: Can penetrate deep into the skin, damaging cells and the immune system
UVB: Can burn the outer skin and contribute to skin cancer

Sunscreen helps by either blocking UV rays or absorbing them before they penetrate the skin. To do this, sunscreen includes active ingredients such as:

Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
Avobenzone
Octisalate
Oxybenzone
Homosalate

These are mixed with liquids (like purified water), functional agents (emulsifiers, stabilizers), and skin-nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E.

Here’s a graph showing the ingredient percentages typically found in sunscreen.

Four Steps to Making Sunscreen

Step 1: Purify the Water

Sunscreen starts with reverse osmosis purification to ensure clean, contaminant-free water.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Solids, powders, and flakes are added to large kettles or vats with purified water. Recipes outline exact measurements, time, temperature, and mixing speed.

Curious how similar this process is to other manufacturing operations? Check out our past articles:

Step 3: Transfer to Stainless Steel Tanks

Once mixed, the formula is pumped through sanitary piping into 1,000-gallon tanks inside sterile rooms.

Step 4: Fill & Package

From these tanks, sunscreen flows into pressurized filling machines via more stainless piping.

Bottles are fed in by conveyor
Nozzles fill, cap, and seal each bottle automatically
Products are then boxed, palletized, wrapped, and shipped

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Manufacturing it may be straightforward. Buying it? Not always.

If you’re standing in the sunscreen aisle unsure what to choose, you’re not alone.
Here are two great resources:

American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen FAQs
Understanding SPF: Sun Protection Factor

And remember — no matter how many “seasons” your state has, wear sunscreen year-round.

Happy (and SAFE) Sunning!

With warmer weather finally arriving, chances are you’ve been opening windows to let in that long-awaited fresh air. But spring isn’t just about renewal — it’s also a great time to talk about window safety.

Window Safety Week, observed during the first full week of April, is a reminder of the simple, proactive steps families can take to prevent accidental falls and keep loved ones safe.

Why It Matters

Falls from windows are more common than you think. According to a report by SafeKids Worldwide:

An average of eight children under five die each year from window falls
More than 3,300 children are injured annually

These incidents are tragic — and preventable. That’s why we’re joining the Window Safety Taskforce and the National Safety Council in encouraging families to take action.

Window Safety Tips

Follow these simple tips to help protect the ones you love:

Close and lock windows when small children are present
Open windows above child reach height when ventilating
Supervise children and keep play away from windows, balconies, and patio doors
Avoid placing furniture near windows — kids love to climb
Don’t allow jumping on beds or couches, especially near windows
Don’t rely on insect screens — they keep bugs out, not kids in

Windows rank among the top five hidden hazards in the home. With a few mindful changes, you can greatly reduce the risk of injury — not just during the spring, but year-round.

Please share these tips with friends, neighbors, and family. One conversation could save a life.

Happy Spring!

Want more tips to protect your home and workplace?

Check out our post on National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.

The first day of spring arrived on Sunday, March 20, and with it comes sunshine, fresh air… and spring break! It’s the perfect season to get out, explore, and maybe try something a little different.

This year, we invite you to think outside the box and take your travels in a new direction — one shaped by American manufacturing and industry.

It might sound niche, but industrial tourism is more common than you think. And with a wide mix of in-person experiences and virtual options, there’s something for everyone whether you’re traveling or staying in.

Regional Manufacturing Travel Ideas

The Rust Belt: This Great Lakes region (PA, MI, IN, WV, OH) shaped the American industrial backbone. Rich in coal, iron, and transport networks, it’s known for automotive, metal fabrication, food, and chemical manufacturing.

California: A hub for electronics, computers, chemicals, and petroleum products. California has long been a leader in both tech and heavy industry.

Texas: Similar to California, Texas is strong in petroleum and chemical production. It also leads in food and building materials like brick and cement.

New England: With deep roots in America’s earliest industrial revolutions, New England (MA, CT, NH) is now a powerhouse in aerospace, electronics, and appliance manufacturing.

Must-See Museums and Exhibits

American Precision Museum – Windsor, VT
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation – Dearborn, MI
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Louisville, KY
Kregel Windmill Factory Museum – Nebraska City, NE
Baltimore Museum of Industry – Baltimore, MD
Museum of History & Industry – Seattle, WA
The Kazoo Factory – Beaufort, SC
Minnesota Transportation Museum – St. Paul, MN
Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship – Dayton, OH
Lowell National Historical Park – Lowell, MA
Goodenough Silver Mine Underground Tour – Tombstone, AZ

Statues and Historical Memorials

The Hat Maker Statue – Danbury, CT
Mechanics Monument – San Francisco, CA
Rosie the Riveter Memorial – Richmond, CA
Thomas Talbot Statue – Atlanta, GA
Brown Building Plaque – Manhattan, NY

Virtual Tours & Online Exhibitions

If you’re interested in more manufacturing history, don’t miss our post:

Inventors & Leaders – Black History Month

Mr. Yuk might not be on every household bottle anymore, but his message still matters.

Created by Dr. Richard Moriarty, founder of the Pittsburgh Poison Center and the National Poison Center Network, the green-faced Mr. Yuk stickers were developed in the 1970s and 80s to help parents warn children away from dangerous household substances. Moriarty believed the traditional skull and crossbones was outdated — even appealing — to kids. Mr. Yuk, on the other hand, was meant to scare. And if it did? It worked.

Today, we might not see Mr. Yuk’s face as often, but the risk is still very real. So is the need to teach, not just warn, when it comes to preventing poison-related accidents.

Child Poisoning Facts

800,000 children are rushed to emergency rooms each year due to accidental poisoning.
Around 30 children die annually from those incidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Nearly 70% of non-fatal poisonings involve toddlers ages 1 to 2.
24 million people call poison control centers each year. While most cases aren’t serious, that number highlights how common these accidents are.

Tips to Prevent Poisonings

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just someone with little ones around occasionally, these steps can help reduce risk:

Choose products with child-resistant packaging — but don’t rely on them completely. Children can and do learn to open them.
Keep all medicines, cleaning products, and chemicals out of sight and locked away. If a cabinet isn’t locked, assume it’s not safe.
Don’t leave dangerous items unattended, even for a second. Take them with you if you need to step away.
Always store products in their original containers. Don’t pour cleaners or medications into other bottles or cups.
Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home.
Never take medicine in the dark, when label-reading is impossible.
When taking multiple medications, read labels closely to prevent dangerous interactions or overdoses.

And most importantly — talk to your kids. Teach them what’s off-limits and why. Explain what poison is and how it harms. Prevention starts with information.

Poison Help Hotline: 1-800-222-1222

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March is a big month for meat lovers. In the UK, it’s SPAM® Appreciation Week. In the U.S., we celebrate National Deli Meat Month — and what better way to join the fun than by demystifying one of the most iconic canned meats ever made?

In this edition of How It’s Made, we’re taking a closer look at SPAM® — what it is, how it’s made, and why it’s still flying off shelves after more than 85 years.

SPAM® Facts You Might Not Know

SPAM® is produced by Hormel Foods, which has sold over 8 billion cans since 1937 — in 44 countries.
The name came from a naming contest. The winner received $100. No one truly knows if it stands for “spiced ham,” “shoulder of pork and ham,” or something else.
Originally popular with U.S. troops during WWII, SPAM® was used to lubricate guns and grease boots, not just for meals.
Today, three cans are sold every second worldwide.
SPAM® is found in one out of three American households.
Guam and Hawaii are among the biggest consumers per capita — in Guam, the average person eats 16 cans per year.
In South Korea, SPAM® is often considered a luxury gift.
McDonald’s in Guam serves it on the menu.

And for us Minnesotans? SPAM® is a point of pride — Hormel was founded right here in 1891.

How SPAM® Is Made

SPAM® was born when Jay Hormel saw a butcher slicing canned meat at a deli and thought: “What if consumers could skip the butcher and slice it themselves at home?” The result was a shelf-stable, high-protein product that didn’t require refrigeration — a game-changer for American kitchens.

The Ingredients (Yes, Only Six)

Ground pork mixed with ground ham
Salt
Water
Sugar
Sodium nitrite
Potato starch (added in 2009)

Most of the pork used is pork shoulder — a cut that was once hard to process for other purposes. Sodium nitrite acts as a preservative, preventing bacterial growth and creating SPAM’s signature pink hue. Potato starch, added decades later, helps bind the meat and retain moisture while cooking.

Manufacturing Process

Creating SPAM® might be simple on paper — but the process is a high-volume, precision operation:

Hand carve and grind the meat in 8,000-pound batches at controlled temperatures (approx. 20 minutes).
Use a vacuum mixing machine to super cool the meat.
Add remaining ingredients and blend.
Funnel the mixture into cans, vacuum seal, and apply labels.
Cook the cans using hydrostatic cookers (steam + pressure) — up to 33,000 cans per hour!
Package and palletize for global shipment.

Six ingredients. Six steps. No mystery.

Give It a Try

Never tried SPAM®? As a proud Minnesotan, I think you should.

Grab a can at your local store and give it a go. Fry it, bake it, or turn it into SPAM sushi (yes, it’s a thing). Pair it with cheese (and check out this article on how cheese is made) for the full experience.

Happy Eating — and Happy National Deli Meat Month!