Productive Times

END USER: Backerworks Manufacturing LLC, (505) 342-2943, www.backerworks.com. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Axis Machine Services LLC, (505) 206-2726, www.axismachineservices.com; Houghton International Inc., (800) 666-4684, www.houghtonintl.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce the amount of coolant makeup and the sticky coolant film that forms on machine surfaces. SOLUTION: A soluble-oil metalworking fluid for multiple-metal machining and grinding.

END USER: Sonaca Montreal Inc., (450) 434-6114, www.sonacamontreal.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Fives Liné Machines Inc., (450) 372-6480, www.fivesgroup.com. CHALLENGE: Machine aerospace parts more efficiently and precisely while increasing part size. SOLUTION: A 5-axis, high-rail vertical gantry mill.

Productive Times Article. 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.

END USER: Premier Industries, (763) 786-4020, www.premierind.us. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Horn USA Inc., (888) 818-HORN, www.hornusa.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce cycle times, extend tool life and impart finer surface finishes when parting off parts for pressure regulators. SOLUTION: A modular toolholding system.

End User: DoubleStar Corp., (888) 736-7725, www.star15.com; Solution Provider: DP Technology Corp., (800) 627-8479, www.espritcam.com; Challenge: Write CNC programs to efficiently machine knives. Solution: 3D milling strategies in a CAM program.

END USER: Niagara Gear Division of Gear Motions Inc., (716) 874-3131, www.gearmotions.com/locations/niagara-gear-division. CHALLENGE: Reduce lead times and enhance flexibility and control to meet customer delivery requirements.

END USER: Northeast Tool & Manufacturing, (704) 882-1187, www.northeasttool.us. SOLUTION PROVIDER: MachineMetrics, (413) 341-5747, www.machinemetrics.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce the time and manual inspection required to measure productivity. SOLUTION: A machine monitoring system.

END USER: Lowercase, (212) 510-7621, www.lowercasenyc.com. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Axis Inc., (908) 429-0090, www.axisnewjersey.com; Robotiq, (888) 762-6847, www.robotiq.com; Universal Robots USA Inc., (844) 462-6268, www.universal-robots.com. CHALLENGE: Cost-effectively integrate automation into the production of eyewear frames. SOLUTION: A collaborative robot tooled with an easy-to-use, flexible gripper.

END USER: Mennie Machine Co., (815) 339-2226, www.mennies.com. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Engman-Taylor Co. Inc., (262) 255-9300, www.engman-taylor.com; Walter USA LLC, (800) 945-5554, www.walter-tools.com/us. CHALLENGE: Reduce cycle times, deburring, inconsistent tool life and varying costs. SOLUTION: A program for productivity services.

END USER: Hansen Engineering Co., (310) 534-3870, www.hansenengineering.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: JM Performance Products Inc., (800) 322-7750, www.jmperformanceproducts.com. CHALLENGE: Increase productivity and decrease machine downtime. SOLUTION: Install high-torque retention knobs in toolholders.

END USER: Manes Machine & Engineering Co., (970) 224-3311, www.manesmachine.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Lang Technovation Co., (262) 446-9850, www.lang-technovation.com. CHALLENGE: Eliminate the time spent machining dovetail cutouts and holes in a workpiece so it could be held in a dovetail-type vise for machining.

END USER: Amsted Rail – Brenco Inc., (804) 732-0202, www.amstedrail.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Jorgensen Conveyors Inc., (800) 325-7705, www.jorgensenconveyors.com. CHALLENGE: Eliminate bushy stringers from repeatedly jamming chip conveyors. SOLUTION: A chip conveyor with a dual-belt conveyor that reduces or eliminates jamming problems.