Global Business Markets, Inc. (OTCBB:GBMK) announced today that the Company has recently been negotiating to acquire a lease on a manufacturing facility in Northeast Indiana. The facility is approximately 12,500 square feet and is located on just over 2 acres of land.

The Company has selected Northeast Indiana for locating its manufacturing facility due to the area's available workforce as well as the area's wide variety of available manufacturing facilities. The Company believes that the manufacturing facility being negotiated on would properly accommodate the Company's desired requirements for expansion of operations. The Company is also in negotiations to lease some of the equipment presently in the facility that would enable the Company to manufacture molded guitar cases in addition to the manufacturing of guitars within the facility.

Company management recently attended the Mid-America Woodworking Expo in Columbus, Ohio in order to view and evaluate woodworking equipment manufacturers' most recent innovations. While at the show, Company management placed a purchase order for a CNC router from AXYZ Automation, Inc. The CNC router will enable the Company to ramp up larger scale production of both guitar bodies and necks.

Edward Miers, President/CEO of Global Business Markets, Inc., stated, "I am both enthusiastic and optimistic about the Company's progress towards growth of operations. The new CNC router will enable Global to grow from a smaller scale manufacturer of hand-made guitars to that of a large-scale producer of quality custom guitars."

Miers additionally stated, "Company management is diligently working towards acquiring a proper manufacturing facility, as well as the equipment capable of processing large production runs, that will enable the Company to enter into the mass retail market with a superior quality guitar that the Company can proudly state is Made In America."

About AXYZ Automation, Inc.

AXYZ Automation, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of CNC router tables. For more information about AXYZ Automation, Inc. please visit the Company's website at http://www.axyz.com

About Global Business Markets, Inc.

Global Business Markets, Inc. is a development stage company focusing on design and manufacture of custom handmade and mass-produced electric and acoustic guitars, amplifiers and accessories. For more information, please contact Edward Miers, Chief Executive Officer, 3859 Wekiva Springs Road, Suite 302, Longwood, Florida 32779, phone 260-312-6789. http://www.globalbusinessmarkets.com and additional designs can be viewed on the Greg Reszel website at http://www.gmreszel.com

This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements, as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Statements, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The Company, through its management, makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the Company's best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. It is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the Company. They include, but are not limited to, the timing of the availability of the SEDA, the Company's ability to execute its business strategy, the actual receipt of funds from the investment fund, the Company's ability to consummate and complete operations, the Company's access to future capital, the successful integration of acquired companies, government regulation, managing and maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation, competition and other factors that may be identified from time to time in the Company's public announcements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Distributed by Precision International Corp., the Coborn RG8 is equipped with a reciprocating wheelhead and six CNC axes for machining applications such as rotary tools. To grind rotary cutters, helical cutters and multi-toothed saw blades, further axes can be added.

Two mirrored hard drives for "fail-safe" program and software protection are included. The machine incorporates the VS4 in-process vision inspection system, which is said to be more accurate than the previous VS3 system.

Available for use in conjunction with the machine is a range of rotary modules, which can be fitted with adaptors including hydraulic, HSK and ISO types.

Precision International Corp. is the sole distributor of Coborn products in North America.

Designed with rigid cast iron H bed and 114.6 x 74.8 in. footprint, Model M27 features rapid traverse rates of 394 and 295 ipm in X and Z axes, respectively. Belt-driven, cartridge-style gearless headstock is equipped with 30 hp AC GE Fanuc spindle motor with variable speed drive. Spindle is supported by angular contact ball bearings at nose and double-row of cylindrical roller bearings at rear. GE Fanuc 21i-T control includes 10.4 in. color LCD and full keyboard.

ERLANGER, KY - Romi Machine Tools, Ltd, an industry leader in turning machine technology, has built a reputation on providing customer-driven solutions to a broad array of precision turned-part challenges. The M Series of Combination lathes is yet another step in providing these solutions ever-more flexibly and is ideal for mixed volume, short run operations as well as dedicated high-volume applications.

With a swing of 26.97", the M27 couples high performance turning with large machining capacity within a compact 114.6" x 74.8" space-saving footprint. Rapid traverse rates of 394 imp (Xaxis) and 295 (Zaxis) mean accelerated machine cycle times and reduced non-cut time which increases overall throughput. Also increasing cycle time is an optional electric automatic drum turret offering a fast 0.48 second station-to-station indexing time. The turret holds eight tools with pockets for square tool holders and bolt-on I.D. tool blocks.

The M27 has a rigid cast iron "H" bed design. All guideways are induction hardened and ground. They feature a Turcite-coated carriage and cross-slide that move smoothly on the solid cast iron bed and saddle guideways, thus ensuring superior rigidity, increased accuracy, improved cutting tool performance and long machine life. The M27 offers a large bed with three length options: M27 by 40, M27 by 80 and M27 by 120. Distance between centers is, respectively, 42.36", 87.73" and 121.1"

The spindle. A new belt-driven cartridge-style gearless headstock features a high-torque 30 hp AC GE Fanuc "P"-type spindle motor with a variable speed drive. The M27 provides the opportunity to select the spindle design that best meets production needs: A2 spindles feature rigid mounting, larger through-hole capacities and higher RPM, while Dl Camlock spindles offer quick chuck changing between three- and fourjaw chucks. Both A2-8" or D1-11" spindles have a large 4.1" through hole, while the A2-11" has a 6.3" through hole. The headstock has two gear ranges (2 - 1,800 RPM) to provide the heavy cutting necessary for larger-sized components.

To assure the rigidity required for heavy-duty cutting, the spindle is supported by angular contact ball bearings at the nose and a double-row of cylindrical roller bearings at the rear. The spindle cartridge is lubricated for life, and the spindle design eliminates the need for oil recirculation or refrigeration systems to maintain spindle temperature, thus offering years of reliable performance with reduced operating and maintenance costs.

A rigid tailstock with dual clamping affords rigidity for turning heavy parts or manual large diameter drilling. The tailstock has a large manually operated quill with cast-in tang stop and drill knock-out. An optional hydraulic quill has a built-in live center.

Fully automated lubrication system, a complete coolant system and splash guards with overlapping doors are standard.

The control. The GE Fanuc 21i-T features the latest technological advancements in a uniquely small space. The 10.4" color LCD and full keyboard conveniently swivel and move along the Z axis for ease of operation. A shock absorber keeps the control in position when keys are pressed. GE Fanuc CNCs and associated spindle and servo drives have an exceptional reputation for reliability. For example, according to GE Fanuc, sub-system failures per month are nearly unheard of - 0.00495 on the CNC, 0.00099 on the servo drive and 0.00376 on the spindle drive.

Operator-friendly software. Romi Machine Guidance software in the 21 i-T is the ideal CNC for operators with varying levels of experience, as it simplifies the transition from manual programming to G code programming. As the operator's skill level rises and/or part geometry complexity increases, the operator can easily move through four levels of part programming generation. These are:

Manual Cutting. The operator uses the electronic handwheels, and the CMC's position registers to cut the part manually. This is the simplest mode, and die moves are limited to X and Z cuts.

Guidance Single Cutting. The operator uses the electronic handwheels, and the CNC's position registers to cut die part. He enters additional data and uses one handwheel to cut tapers and radii on the part. In this mode, the axis moves and other commands can be recorded as a part program. The "taught" program can be "played back" to produce additional parts.

Shops and plants that are thinking of investing to realize a more automated process may be overlooking an automation tool that already waits in the machining center.

Through the use of a machining center's spindle-mounted probe, a shop can save time and effort in a variety of ways. Prior to machining, probing can be used to automatically confirm that the correct part has been loaded to match the program. Probing can also locate that part, wherever it sits on the table, so time-consuming setup might be eliminated. During machining, probing can check the semi-finished part to see how much of a finishing pass is needed. And after machining is done, probing can be used to perform certain inspections right at the machine tool, before the part is unclamped and taken away.

In fact, because probing can improve efficiency in so many different ways, it is probably sate to say that the probe is underused in almost every shop that owns one.

The shops themselves are not entirely to blame for this. Part of the reason probing is underused is the awkwardness that often comes with adding probing to the process. Shops generate milling and drilling tool paths with ease, using any of a variety of CAM systems. But probing calls for macros that are often either added to the NC code through manual editing, or else entered right at the CNC.

Some recently introduced software tools attempt to address this shortcoming. The systems described in the following pages make it more practical to program probing operations off-line. They could all be thought of as "CAM for probing," in that they generate machine-independent probing routines that can be postprocessed for individual machining centers. However, the three examples of probing software included here also represent three different ways of thinking about the way that probing is used.

One of the systems recognizes the probe-equipped machine tool as a metrology device. This system allows programs to be shared seamlessly between CMM and machine tool, and it allows the same analysis that is applied to CMM data to be applied to data captured with a machine tool probe.

Another system emphasizes the role of probing in specialized machining challenges, seeking to coordinate probing with the machining moves in cases where an important part of the job is unpredictable.

A third approach, and the first one described below, is intended simply to make probing in general a more natural part of the typical machining process. By operating as a plug-in within the CAM software that is used for tool paths, this utility expands the reach of the shop's primary CAM system to include probing moves.

Probing As A Plug-In

Productivity+, pronounced "productivity plus," is a CAM software plug-in from Renishaw (Hoffman Estates, Illinois), the maker of probes and probe accessories. Currently, the plug-in is available with GibbsCAM software from Gibbs & Associates (Moorpark, California).

The point of this plug-in is to allow the CAM software that uses it to call upon the probe as easily as it might call up any cutting tool in its library. That means probing no longer has to be a separate programming consideration apart from the tool paths. In addition to the convenience this provides, improved confidence is another benefit. Like the tool paths, the probing moves can be verified using the CAM software's own verification capability.

This utility supports probing for part setup, identification and inspection. It can also be used with the stationary tool setting probe to automate tool length and diameter measurements.

There is another version of the utility that is not a plug-in. Productivity+ Active Editor is a stand-alone software product. For existing CAM systems that do not include functionality for probing, this software lets the programmer import and modify NC programs, so the programmer can add probing moves as a follow-up step.

Probing The Unknown

PS-Fixture from Delcam (Windsor, Ontario) is part of the company's Power Solution family of integrated CAD/CAM products. That same family includes PowerMill software for generating NC part programs, and also PowerInspect software, which is capable of equipping these programs with probing routines. The focus of PS-Fixture lies between these modules. Its purpose has to do with putting probing to work in ways that overcome unknown variables in the machining of certain complex parts.

Exactly what variables are addressed can vary, depending on the application and the shop. For an ordinary part program, three things can be treated as known. They are: the precise position of the workpiece, the precise shape of the stock before machining and the precise shape that the machining program is supposed to create. When any one of these three aspects of the job cannot be known, PS-Fixture can potentially fill in the gaps.

Here are examples:

* Unknown work position. Plenty of production applications use dedicated, customized fixturing to lock a part in place precisely where the NC program expects to find it. But as the part size gets bigger, setting up the work that precisely becomes more difficult to do. Shifting and rotating a large workpiece can be time-consuming, not to mention fraught with error. It would be easier just to move the program instead--and that is what PS-Fixture attempts to do. After probing a complex workpiece in numerous locations, the software can use best-fit calculations in conjunction with a CAD model to determine the part's location and orientation in space. The software then sends a variety of offsets to the CNC that both shift and rotate the program's coordinate axes so that the program aligns with the part.

With Mastercam Art, users can craft and cut 2D sketches, clip art, photos and CAD files on screen. According to the company, the Windows-based software reduces typical problems associated with creating artwork for machining.

Input ranging from a scanned pencil drawing to a fully developed CAD model, can be "sculpted" on-screen in 3D. Modifications can be made, including reverting to a previous design, by using the suite of tools.

The software converts artwork into flat, machinable geometry, giving the user a basic palette from which to craft a finished model. Creating a 3D sculpture from 2D artwork is made possible by selecting elements from the flat art. The program "puffs up" the art using a cross-section the operator controls.

In many of the CNC courses I teach, one question keeps coming up. "How do I find qualified people to work in the shop?" Since most of my students are at least partially responsible for the finding, hiring, and training of people for their CNC departments, they are commonly faced with the problem of locating qualified applicants. Though there are many factors that contribute to how easy it will be to find good people (your company location, how close you are to technical schools, the manufacturing base in your area, the wage you are willing to pay, and so on), this brief article will give a few suggestions as to where you can begin your search.

Employee referrals - One of your best sources for finding new people is to encourage your current staff to help. Possibly someone in your company has a relative, friend, or acquaintance that has the qualifications you seek. Many companies even offer a reward to employees that make successful referrals. Employees hired through employee referrals usually work out quite well since they not only feel the need to satisfy their new employer, but also to make the employee making the referral look good.

Local newspaper want-ads - Depending upon the job market in your area, your response to want-ads may meet with mixed results. While they almost always render some applicants, it can be difficult to adequately screen these applicants without holding an interview. You may find that many of these applicants simply do not have the qualifications you seek. For this reason, we recommend using some kind of proficiency test to ensure that applicants have the CNC experience they claim to have. This test can be given at the time the applicant fills out an application. Of course, you'll only schedule interviews with those applicants that score highest on the proficiency test (more on how you can attain a sample proficiency test later).

Regional newspaper want-ads - Depending upon the size of your community, you may wish to enlarge your search area by including ads in the newspapers of larger cities in your area.

Trade journals - Many trade journals (including Modern Machine Shop's Business Opportunities) offer a classified ad section in which you can place a reasonably priced want-ad. Since this will give your ad national (even international) coverage, you may wish to use this avenue only when hiring higher level people.

Temporary services and employment agencies - There may be employment services available in your area that cater specifically to the manufacturing sector. Good ones will provide screening of applicants (based on your requirements) and will work for a small percentage of the new-hire's wage. Temporary services provide the additional benefit of a prolonged evaluation period prior to actually hiring the person to work for your company.

Technical schools in your area - One of the best ways of handling your long term CNC hiring problems is to work closely with the technical schools in your area. While students completing the school's standard CNC curriculum may have the qualifications you need, many technical schools will work closely with local industry to fine tune their programs to specifically suit the needs of manufacturing companies in the area they serve. In fact, some will even custom tailor in-plant training for your current employees as well as new-hires. In this manner, you can reap many of the benefits of an apprenticeship program for a very small investment.

Sales people that visit your company - Another excellent source for finding people is the group of sales people that call on your company. Machine tool and cutting tool sales people, for example, commonly call on many companies in your immediate area. They often know who is hiring and who is laying-off. Additionally, they may know of high level people who are unhappy in their current position. Since all sales people are highly motivated to satisfy all needs of their customers, most will be willing to share this information if you simply ask.

More on the proficiency test - As stated earlier, you can use this test to determine how much CNC expertise people really have. Since your want ads will be specific enough to relate precisely what you want in the new hire, anyone applying is indirectly saying they have the necessary skills. This test will prove them right or wrong. Unfortunately, space does not permit us to include the entire four page test in this short column. To receive the test, simply request it from CNC Concepts, Inc. at the address given under the CNC Tech Talk heading.

As you decide whether to use this test, keep in mind that proficiency is but one of three important attributes a new hire should possess. Of equal or greater importance are motivation and aptitude. These attributes will ensure that the new hire will overcome any problems with proficiency. Additionally, your screening may determine that there are currently no qualified applicants in your search area. In this case, you will either have to expand your search area or be prepared to train new people after hiring.

ABSTRACT

A integrated virtual learning system is being researched and developed to teach students about programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This system, called the Virtual PLC, incorporates intelligent tutoring system, simulation, and animation technologies. This article describes the development and evaluation of modules on PLC timer and counter instructions. These modules were first developed using an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) authoring tool and animation tools. After the concept was proved positively, a Web-based ITS was developed to incorporate both modules. The authoring tool-based ITS timer modules were evaluated with 90 undergraduate manufacturing engineering students in 2002. The Web-based ITS timer and counter modules were evaluated by 38 undergraduate students in 2003. In both cases, students made statistically significant learning gains as a result of taking the modules, and rated the modules positively in terms of ease of use and understanding, clear objectives, amount of interaction, ability to motivate, relevance, and pace.

I. INTRODUCTION

Modern automated manufacturing systems typically use programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to orchestrate and synchronize the process being automated. A PLC is a solid-state control system with a user-programmable memory, used to read input conditions and set output conditions to control a machine or process. Thousands of PLCs have been used for such applications as monitoring security, managing energy consumption, and controlling machines and automatic production lines. PLCs are said to be among the most ingenious devices ever invented to advance the field of manufacturing automation [1]. PLC sales are now about one billion dollars per year and there are more than thirty manufacturers [2]. The world market for programmable logic controllers will continue to grow as units become smaller, more functional, and more able to work in tough environments [3]. Clearly there is a great need for engineers with strong skills and knowledge in this area.

Although PLCs are often covered in undergraduate automation and control-related courses, many educational institutions lack resources to help students to become proficient PLC users due to high faculty-to-student ratios, limited access to labs, and limited equipment to support lab assignments. Needed are technologies that can help instructors to make the most of limited resources. Personal computers hold enormous promise in this regard because they are relatively inexpensive, widely available, and can be used to supplement or replace existing educational methods in a variety of ways.

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs), for example, are computer systems that provide individualized instruction, much like that of a human tutor. Although they cannot replace the experience of using actual equipment, they can often be used to teach preliminary information students need to know about equipment before using it, so that lab time can be spent more productively and efficiently. In addition, unlike human instructors, they can be available around the clock, wherever there is a computer. Although ITSs can be very time-consuming to develop, in recent years, there has been increasing interest in the development of authoring tools to make ITS technology more accessible [4]. Examples of such tools include RIDES [5], which can develop sophisticated equipment simulations, and XAIDA [6], which can be used to teach factual information about a subject (e.g., parts of a car, steps in a procedure) and theory of operation. The authors previously used such a tool to develop an intelligent tutoring system to teach students to operate a computer numerical control (CNC) machine [7]. Results indicated that most of the students who participated in this evaluation: (1) learned from the modules, (2) changed their perspectives on learning with computers, and (3) believed that the modules were easy to use, motivating, and relevant to their education.

Gaming approaches utilizing interactive multimedia and/or simulations have also been shown to be effective in improving teaching and learning of various subjects. These subjects include accounting [8], decision maiding skill acquisition [9], and engineering education [10, 11]. Perrone, et al. [12] presents a case study of converting a physical board game (Mr. Roger's Sustainable Neighborhood) into a medium that can be accessed via the World Wide Web. The result was very positive, preserving not only the usefulness of the board game but also increasing its accessibility. Siemer and Angelides [13] argue that gaming-simulation environments have become valuable tools for education and training. They note, however, that for these environments to be maximally pedagogically effective, they should include intelligent tutoring support. In other words, gaming systems should be integrated with intelligent tutoring systems.

The authors have recently undertaken a project to integrate these approaches into a prototype Web-based learning system called the Virtual PLC. The Virtual PLC is intended to be comprehensive in its treatment of PLC topics, motivational, and always available, thereby alleviating current problems arising from low availability of equipment and enabling students and engineers to learn independently. Table 1 lists the modules that have been developed thus far.