On-machine finishing saves valve maker time, money

END USER: Wolfram Manufacturing, (512) 600-3220, www.wolframmfg.com

SOLUTION PROVIDER: Brush Research Manufacturing Co. Inc., (323) 261-2193, www.brushresearch.com

CHALLENGE: Perform finishing operations during the machining process.

SOLUTION: Tool with small, abrasive globules that are permanently mounted to flexible filaments.

For contract parts manufacturers, the ability to produce tight-tolerance parts at a faster rate is key to remaining profitable as competition continues to heat up. Therefore, those manufacturers constantly seek creative ways to reduce overall cycle times, including finishing operations.

Although machine shops may have auxiliary finishing equipment, the primary focus is on machining. As a result, many shops must outsource secondary finishing steps, such as thermal deburring, tumbling and burnishing.

However, for Wolfram Manufacturing, Austin, Texas, which machines metal parts with complex geometries on 4- and 5-axis machines, sending out parts for secondary finishing not only adds to the cost but can hurt quality and increase the time it takes to deliver parts to customers.

To complete the finishing tasks within the machining process, Wolfram Manufacturing applies Flex-Hone tools from Brush Research Manufacturing. Image courtesy of Brush Research Manufacturing.

“There’s the additional time, not to mention the additional cost, of having someone else do the work,” said Tim Urano, former quality manager for the company. “In the competitive environment of today, we’re often faced with short lead times from customers. Having to send parts to an outside vendor eats into our lead time and takes significant planning.”

A better alternative, Urano said, is to complete the finishing tasks within the machining process. “Anytime we can incorporate secondary operations right into the machining process, we save time [and] money and reduce our work in progress.”

In one example, Wolfram Manufacturing was charged with making a part for a sliding valve assembly with complex internal geometries that required a fine surface finish on the internal bores, where the valve assembly actuates, and no sharp edges from drilling.