This year, Methods Machine Tools Inc., Sudbury, Massachusetts, a supplier of precision machine tools, automation and additive manufacturing solutions, celebrates its 60th anniversary. Founded in November of 1958, with 3 employees and a few refurbished machines, Methods has grown into one of the largest, most innovative, high precision machine tool suppliers in North America. Methods today has roughly 350 employees, 8 sales and technology centers and over 35,000 machines installed throughout North America, ranging from EDM machines to sophisticated 5-Axis CNC Machining Centers to state-of-the-art robotics, automation and 3D printing solutions.
The company’s founder Mr. Clement McIver Sr. established principles that have continued to set Methods apart from conventional importers or distributors: “Anyone can sell a machine. But not everyone provides the extra effort that makes a difference on a company’s bottom line”‒ Clem McIver Sr., 1917 - 1995.
“Staying true to our founder’s vision, we have built an excellent reputation in the machine tool industry by closely partnering with machine builders and customers, as well as providing strong application expertise," says Mr. Scott McIver, Methods Chairman and 3rd generation Owner. "We offer a total service solution from design and applications to engineering, installation, training and unmatched support, to help manufacturers be more profitable, productive and competitive."
Methods' product line strategy offers only the most advanced, optimal technology for each machining discipline or class. Machine tool partners include Nakamura-Tome, Yasda, FANUC, KIWA-Japan and most recently, Niigata Machine. EDM partners include FANUC Wire EDM's and new partner Ocean Technologies Co., Ltd. In addition, Methods 3D, Inc. provides the industry's most advanced 3D printing solutions through 3D Systems and MarkForged. For measurement and inspection solutions, Methods offers Digital Optical Comparators from VISIONx INC.
Demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to quality and reliability, many of Methods' machine manufacturer partnerships have been long term, such as being the exclusive U.S. importer of premier Nakamura-Tome Multitasking Turning Centers for 35 years, and 25 years with FANUC as importer of the world’s most popular tapping/ drilling FANUC RoboDrill Machining Centers and FANUC Wire EDM Machines for all of North America. The close, collaborative relationships with Nakamura-Tome and FANUC have provided Methods' customers leading machine technology solutions for decades. In addition, Methods' close attention to applications and dedicated service ensures productive, profitable, customer centric solutions and support.
"We are excited to celebrate our 60th anniversary milestone," said Mr. Jerry Rex, President & CEO of Methods. "Our dedicated, experienced team, together with our powerful partnerships, have provided us a strong foundation for serving our customers. We are proud of our heritage and are looking forward to further expand our leading technology solutions in machine tools and automation, including the most proficient ways to apply and support them."
Strategically located across the U.S., Methods Sales and Technology Centers complement an extensive, national network of distributors and dealers, offering the latest technology and automation solutions, machines, training, spare parts and engineering support demanded by manufacturers. In addition, the company has state-of-the-art Automation Centers in three locations as well as 3D printing labs throughout the U.S.
To commemorate its impressive anniversary milestone, Methods will be hosting Open Houses, holding Technology Events and introducing new product lines throughout the year.
Related Glossary Terms
- centers
centers
Cone-shaped pins that support a workpiece by one or two ends during machining. The centers fit into holes drilled in the workpiece ends. Centers that turn with the workpiece are called “live” centers; those that do not are called “dead” centers.
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- electrical-discharge machining ( EDM)
electrical-discharge machining ( EDM)
Process that vaporizes conductive materials by controlled application of pulsed electrical current that flows between a workpiece and electrode (tool) in a dielectric fluid. Permits machining shapes to tight accuracies without the internal stresses conventional machining often generates. Useful in diemaking.
- robotics
robotics
Discipline involving self-actuating and self-operating devices. Robots frequently imitate human capabilities, including the ability to manipulate physical objects while evaluating and reacting appropriately to various stimuli. See industrial robot; robot.
- turning
turning
Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery or across its end or face. Takes the form of straight turning (cutting along the periphery of the workpiece); taper turning (creating a taper); step turning (turning different-size diameters on the same work); chamfering (beveling an edge or shoulder); facing (cutting on an end); turning threads (usually external but can be internal); roughing (high-volume metal removal); and finishing (final light cuts). Performed on lathes, turning centers, chucking machines, automatic screw machines and similar machines.
- wire EDM
wire EDM
Process similar to ram electrical-discharge machining except a small-diameter copper or brass wire is used as a traveling electrode. Usually used in conjunction with a CNC and only works when a part is to be cut completely through. A common analogy is wire electrical-discharge machining is like an ultraprecise, electrical, contour-sawing operation.
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