Productive Times

END USER: Milwaukee Machine Works Inc., (414) 476-3285, www.milwaukeemachineworks.com. CHALLENGE: More accurately measure and document extremely large parts. SOLUTION: An ultraprecise coordinate measuring machine with a capacity for large parts.

END USER: Colt Defense LLC, (800) 241-2485, www.colt.com. CHALLENGE: Eliminate concerns about part accuracy and cutting tool runout when machining faster than 9,000 rpm. SOLUTION: A press-fit toolholding system.

END USER: Houston Precision Process LLC, (713) 856-0510. CHALLENGE: Efficiently saw aerospace-grade materials while minimizing material waste. SOLUTION: Oscillating bandsaw technology.

END USER: Superior Drilling Products, (435) 789-0594, www.superiordrillingproducts.com. CHALLENGE: Without prior experience, program a multitask machine. SOLUTION: Using CAM software with online training resources and local support.

END USER: Aragon Surgical Inc., (650) 543-3100, www.aragonsurgical.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce costs when procuring a stainless steel part for a laparoscopic surgical device. SOLUTION: A contract manufacturer that stamps some previously machined part features and machines only the critical features.

END USER: Focus: HOPE's Center for Advanced Technologies, www.focushope.edu, (313) 494-5500. CHALLENGE: Accurately mark machined parts. SOLUTION: A flexible laser marking system.

END USER: Three Sigma Manufacturing Inc., (253) 395-1125, www.threesigma.net. CHALLENGE: Improve cycle times and prevent catastrophic failure when drilling a hole in a complex aerospace part. SOLUTION: A replaceable-tip drill that reduced cycle times and provided progressive failure indicators.

END USER: U.S. Alloy Die Corp., (216) 749-9700, www.usalloydie.com. CHALLENGE: Improve productivity when drilling H-13 tool steel extrusion dies. SOLUTION: Carbide drills that eliminated pecking and more than doubled throughput. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: OSG Tap & Die Inc., (630) 790-1400, www.osgtool.com; Shop Supply & Tool Co. Inc., (440) 951-4700, www.shopsupply.net.

Courtesy of United GrindingThe Studer S40 CNC cylindrical grinder from United Grinding enables Damen Carbide to process shafts up to 63" long and weighing 286 lbs.Technology change has a universal impact on parts manufacturers—from the largest plant to the smallest shop.

END USER: Tech NH Inc., (603) 424-4404, www.technh.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce polishing time when producing hardened steel molds. SOLUTION: Long-reach, small-diameter endmills for hard milling. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Harvey Tool Co. LLC, (800) 645-5609, www.harveytool.com; Industrial Tool Supply, (888) 200-8887, www.itslowell.com.

END USER: Genesis Attachments, (715) 395-5252, CHALLENGE: Increase productivity when machining high-strength steel jaws and other components for recycling and demolition equipment. SOLUTION: Implementing new cutting tools and high-speed machining based on lean manufacturing principles.

END USER: Single Source Inc., (574) 656-3400, www.singlesourceinc.us. CHALLENGE: Reduce programming and setup times when producing increasingly complex parts. SOLUTION: A combination of CAD/CAM software and mill/turn machines. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: DMG/Mori Seiki USA Inc., (877) 275-6674, www.dmgmoriseikiusa.com; DP Technology Corp., (805) 388-6000, www.dptechnology.com; Ellison Technologies, (630) 393-8900, www.ellisontechnologies.com