At its 2024 Music Motion Meeting, Studer AG showed off its entry-level line of grinding machines, as well as its newest universal loading system.
Thanks to ballbar testing with a Renishaw QC20-W, the Autodesk Technology Centers now have more confidence in their machine tools. Homemade Power Feeder
While there are many changes to adopt when moving to five-axis, they all compliment the overall goal of better parts through less operations.
A company that was once a consulting firm has become a successful micro-laser machine shop producing complex parts and features that most traditional CNC shops cannot machine.
Horizontal five-axis machines cut cycle times in half at ARCH Medical Solutions – Newtown. But its leadership gives equal credit to a surprising factor: the OEM’s service department.
The hybrid machine tool is an idea that continues to advance. Two important developments of recent years expand the possibilities for this platform.
A study in repeatable and flexible workholding by one OEM for another.
Intech Athens’ inventory management system, which includes vertical lift modules from Kardex Remstar and tool management software from ZOLLER, has saved the company time, space and money.
To cut out laborious manual processes like hand-grinding, this briquette manufacturer revamped its machining and cutting tool arsenal for faster production.
Adopting PCD tooling has extended FT Precision’s tool life from days to months — and the test drill is still going strong.
Moving to five-axis machining enabled this shop to dramatically reduce setup time and increase lights-out capacity, but success relied on the right combination of workholding and automation.
Emuge-Franken received the award for its specialized tool based on the new Cera-Cut end mill design.
Controlling variability in a closed-loop manufacturing process requires inspection data collected before, during and immediately after machining — and a means to act on that data in real time. Here’s one system that accomplishes this.
Wolfram Manufacturing showcased its new facility, which houses its machine shop along with space for its work as a provider of its own machine monitoring software and as an integrator for Caron Engineering.
Global manufacturer Fictiv is rapidly expanding its use of data and artificial intelligence to help manufacturers wade through process variables and production strategies. With the release of a new AI platform for material selection, Fictive CEO Dave Evans talks about how the company is leveraging data to unlock creative problem solving for manufacturers.
Implementing ProShop has led to a massive process overhaul at Marzilli Machine. From 2020 to 2021, revenue increased 64% without capital investment.
Hexagon has rearranged its software portfolio into five process-based suites, which include software for every step in the workflow as well as a new program that connects everything, increasing automation and collaboration.
Napoleon Machine, a defense contractor that provides parts for the M1 Abrams tank, recently took advantage of a CAM feature that allowed the company to streamline its cutting strategies and program offline. Here’s how the shop cut cycle times nearly in half with its large-format five-axis machining operations.
Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.
Fixed-body mechanical plug gages provide fast, high-performance measurement for tight-tolerance holes.
Thanks to ballbar testing with a Renishaw QC20-W, the Autodesk Technology Centers now have more confidence in their machine tools.
Tool-toolholder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique vibration response. We can measure the response by tap testing, but we can also model it.
Measuring surface finish at the point of manufacture is often done by the same machinist who is manufacturing the part. They need tools that meet test requirements and are easy to use.
This new partnership will enable the automation of manual gaging processes, helping manufacturers eliminate bottlenecks and improve productivity.
Controlling variability in a closed-loop manufacturing process requires inspection data collected before, during and immediately after machining — and a means to act on that data in real time. Here’s one system that accomplishes this.
With the acquisition of PushCorp, Walter aims to help customers be more productive with robotics and automation for their material removal processes.
At its 2024 Music Motion Meeting, Studer AG showed off its entry-level line of grinding machines, as well as its newest universal loading system.
AI will become a tool to increase productivity in the same way that robotics has.
Muratec’s technology has marked turning points in automation, helping customers enhance competitive efficiencies across diverse industries.
Consider what types of implementation your shop prefers when deciding between workpiece-handling and pallet-handling automation solutions.
Across a range of technical presentations aimed at small and mid-sized job shops, the first-ever Automated Shop Conference (TASC) offered insights into several automated technologies, implementation strategies, shopfloor training tips, and even the untapped power of automated coolant delivery.
Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.
The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.
Looking to automate your shop floor? The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect shops with experts who can advise them through this transition.
Attend TASC, The Automated Shop Conference, in Novi, Mich on Oct. 11, 2023 for a comprehensive look into how to use automation to transform your machine shop.
Staying adaptable and leading through change for 95 years and counting, Modern Machine Shop celebrates its 95th Anniversary since its first publication in 1928.
The advance toward increasingly automated machining can be seen in the ways tooling, workholding, gaging and integration all support unattended production. This is the area of innovation I found most compelling at the recent International Manufacturing Technology Show.
The renewal of collaborations, partnerships and networking opportunities created a new level of excitement at IMTS 2022 for 86,307 registrants.
Manufacturing has a multi-talented bunch of people, but who knew so many were adept in the facial hair industry? Check out the best of the beards at IMTS!
This year’s show celebrates 10 years of co-location between IMTS and Hannover Messe.
Brent Donaldson of Modern Machine Shop sits down with Supertec's Don Staggenborg to discuss what the IMTS veterans brought to this year's show.
Meet NASA mission system engineer Mike Menzel and learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope at Mitsui Seiki USA’s booth (338700) in the South Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 15.
Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.
Fixed-body mechanical plug gages provide fast, high-performance measurement for tight-tolerance holes.
Safety commands help safeguard CNC applications from common programming or operation errors.
Global manufacturer Fictiv is rapidly expanding its use of data and artificial intelligence to help manufacturers wade through process variables and production strategies. With the release of a new AI platform for material selection, Fictive CEO Dave Evans talks about how the company is leveraging data to unlock creative problem solving for manufacturers.
While there are many changes to adopt when moving to five-axis, they all compliment the overall goal of better parts through less operations.
Moments of change shine a light on the priorities that have been consistent a long time, and on the worth we carry forward out of a rich past into the future.
Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.
Verifying parts is essential to documenting quality, and there are a few best practices that can make the quality control process more efficient.
Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.
Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.
Explore Tech-Max, a CNC machine shop that specializes in precision machining large and complex parts ranging from 10 in. to over 10 ft.
Jrlon, Inc. is recognized as a dependable source and leading supplier of plastic and specialty metal products. They are one of the premier PTFE processors in the United States. Jrlon's expertise also covers a wide range of other performance plastic materials and alloy steels for custom molding, machining, gear manufacturing, technical industrial coatings, welding, and sheet metal fabrication. Driven by innovative designers and engineers, Jrlon manufactures unique products vital to a wide variety of industries.
In this episode of Made in the USA, several executives and senior staff at Hardinge give their first-person account of how they formulated the plan to shift the manufacturing of its milling and turning product lines from its Taiwan plant to its plant in Elmira, New York, the major challenges they encountered and the rewards that made it worth the effort.
The L.S. Starrett Co. has been manufacturing precision measurement tools in Athol, Massachusetts, since 1880. Attention to U.S. manufacturing often focuses on reshoring manufacturing from other countries, but Starrett never left. The facility in Athol employs hundreds and produces thousands of tools that remain vital for measurement in machining and other fields.
The latest episode “Made in the USA” podcast explores a company that uses collaborative robots, one of the key tools helping US machine shops and other manufacturers compete with lower cost countries by automating production.
When Puneet and Neelam Neotia moved from India to the United States several years ago, they brought with them a family background in manufacturing and CNC machining. Now the couple is working to get their startup machine shop off the ground, sourcing new customers and getting the word out about their shop in Clarksville, Indiana. The couple — proud to publicize their "Made in the USA" parts — is leveraging family connections and manufacturing capabilities back in India, but not in the way that some people assume.
Entrepreneur Scott Colosimo found early success in China producing parts for his Cleveland-based motorcycle company in the mid-2000s. This is the story of how IP theft issues overwhelmed the business, prompting Colosimo and his team to start over from scratch — and move production back to the United States.
So far, Made in the USA has looked into system-wide effects of broken supply chains, automation, skilled workforce issues and our perception of manufacturing jobs — examining each topic through a prism of individual experiences. For this final episode for Season 1, let’s look at one more system-wide question and bring it back to personal perspectives: Is there today a new dawn, a new moment for American manufacturing?
The Top Shops 2024 survey for the metalworking market is now live, alongside a new homepage collecting the stories of past Honorees.
To combat the skilled labor shortage, this Top Shops honoree turned to partnerships and unique benefits to attract talented workers.
Doubling sales requires more than just robots. Pro Products’ staff works in tandem with robots, performing inspection and other value-added activities.
From cobots to machine monitoring, this Top Shop honoree shows that machining technology is about more than the machine tool.
Deciding to narrow down its jobs and customers was a turning point for 2023 Top Shops Business Strategies honoree Manda Machine that has led to improvements in the front office and on the shop floor.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.
Verifying parts is essential to documenting quality, and there are a few best practices that can make the quality control process more efficient.
Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.
Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.
Explore Tech-Max, a CNC machine shop that specializes in precision machining large and complex parts ranging from 10 in. to over 10 ft.
Jrlon, Inc. is recognized as a dependable source and leading supplier of plastic and specialty metal products. They are one of the premier PTFE processors in the United States. Jrlon's expertise also covers a wide range of other performance plastic materials and alloy steels for custom molding, machining, gear manufacturing, technical industrial coatings, welding, and sheet metal fabrication. Driven by innovative designers and engineers, Jrlon manufactures unique products vital to a wide variety of industries.
With the acquisition of PushCorp, Walter aims to help customers be more productive with robotics and automation for their material removal processes.
The 92W series electric power clamps feature integrated intelligence to reduce the need for additional components.
The Women in Manufacturing Association has elected 20 members to its 2024 board of directors, who begin their terms on April 1, 2024.
The TapX one-machine grinding concept provides faster tap design, setup and changeover to reduce lead times and boost competitiveness.
Altera C HA ceramic-bridge CMMs provide volumetric accuracy from 1.3+L/350, repeatability from 0.0013 mm and scanning accuracy from 0.002 mm.
The Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute brings together manufacturers and research institutions to drive innovation in digital infrastructure and security for advanced manufacturing, supply chains and workforce development.
This two-part webinar series will explore various levels of AI automation available in today’s manufacturing software. HCL CAMWorks will explore technologies in CAD and CAM software – along with presentations of workflows that save time during both programming and machining processes. This series will focus on ways to improve delivery times by speeding up your part programming and decreasing part machining time. Agenda: Learn about technologies that allow you to decrease machining time and simultaneously increase tool life Watch a presentation of revolutionary toolpaths generated by CAMWorks VoluMill, VoluTurn, and Sandvik Coromant’s PrimeTurning See details on the time-savings experienced on a variety of machines
Join Phillips for an illuminating webinar on the transformative impact of integrating 3D printing technologies into CNC machining operations, featuring insights from industry experts Jesse Cranfill, application engineer at Phillips Corporation, and Nate Samson, application engineer at Markforged. This session will delve into the substantial benefits of 3D printing, including accelerating prototype production, expanding service offerings and facilitating more intricate designs. The speakers will explore how 3D printing offers a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for creating prototypes, drastically reducing the development cycle and enabling faster iterations. Attendees will learn about the potential for new market opportunities through expanded offerings, allowing shops to cater to a broader range of client needs with enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the webinar will cover how 3D printing overcomes traditional manufacturing constraints, empowering designers and engineers to realize complex geometries and designs easily. Whether you're looking to diversify your manufacturing capabilities, streamline your prototyping process or unlock new levels of design complexity, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical advice. Take advantage of the opportunity to hear from leading experts in the field and discover how adding a 3D printer to your CNC shop can revolutionize your operations. How 3D printing accelerates prototype production Comparison of time and cost savings with traditional methods Explore new market opportunities with 3D printing Enhance service capabilities for a broader client base How to diversify product lines and services Overcome manufacturing constraints with 3D printing Advantages in design complexity and customization Real-world examples and case studies
This two-part webinar series will explore various levels of AI automation available in today’s manufacturing software. HCL CAMWorks will explore technologies in CAD and CAM software – along with presentations of workflows that save time during both programming and machining processes. This series will focus on ways to improve delivery times by speeding up your part programming and decreasing part machining time. Agenda: See how you can maintain the digital thread through fully integrated CAD/CAM software Watch a presentation of SolidWorks and SolidWorks CAM programming with intelligence based machining Learn about powerful application programming interfaces (APIs) that streamline programming Hear how other machine shops have experienced dramatic time-savings by implementing CAD/CAM AI automation
Manual data capture continues to plague manufacturers. This band-aid approach to data-driven manufacturing not only forces operators and other personnel to capture and compile data but also leads to delayed and inaccurate information. In this webinar, a leading medical device manufacturer, Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, will share their story of transitioning away from paper-based documentation to automated production monitoring. Get an inside look at how the Orchid team is automating data capture and leveraging advanced analytics to drive daily operations with MachineMetrics. Agenda: The negative impact of manual data collection efforts How a leading medical device manufacturer transitioned to paperless data collection The value of automated data collection and advanced analytics for daily operations
Understanding the CNC surface grinding world is important to manufacturing, as many applications require CNC capabilities. Whether using a straight wheel for flat grinding, a relief wheel for shoulder grinding or a formed wheel for profile grinding, Okamoto has the technology to support a vast variety of applications. Learn more about the CANC series and its potential to modernize your everyday grinding requirements. Agenda: Grinding and common obstacles Machine functions and capabilities How Okamoto addresses these obstacles
Cloud-Native CAM with Onshape uses parallel cloud computation, reducing calculation time for toolpath generation and machine visualizations. Onshape’s architecture provides advanced data management support such as versioning CAM strategies, storing a history of all CAM operations in one centralized location. Onshape’s CAM studio supports two-axis, three-axis, four-axis and simultaneous five-axis machining scenarios with a broad range of industry-proven, optimized strategies such as adaptive roughing, profiling and more.
The Women in Finishing (WiF) FORUM features a variety of professional development and industry related sessions geared toward women in our industry. Supplementing the general sessions is a finishing facility tour, networking and team building activities. Through unique programming, participants will learn new ways to deal with issues that impact effectiveness, maximize professional impact, build strategies for success, learn about the latest trends in industrials finishing, and much more. All women who have chosen or are pursuing a career in industrial finishing, from the finishing line to executive management, are invited and encouraged to attend the WiF FORUM. PROGRAMMING Networking Events: WiF hosts a number of networking events throughout the year enabling members to connect in a relaxed, social atmosphere. We host an annual Women in Finishing reception at FABTECH. WiF FORUM: The WiF FORUM is an annual conference that features a variety of professional development and industry related sessions geared toward women in our industry. Supplementing the general sessions is a facility tour, networking, and team building activities. 2024 WiF FORUM April 15 - 17, 2024 Orlando, FL The WiF FORUM is being held at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Room Rate: $199. Hotel cut-off date is Friday, March 22, 2024. CLICK HERE to make your reservation. Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to your group number 10067311. Details coming soon! Check back for updates.
CCAI is offering a comprehensive Industrial Finishing Safety Seminar developed by industry experts well-versed in safety for finishing operations. This day-and-a-half seminar focuses on NFPA 33, the Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials and will deliver important and critical information on how to safely operate an industrial finishing line. Topics Covered: An introduction to safety Overview and definitions General requirements and electrostatic spray equipment Ventilation Storage handling and distribution Fire protection Operations, maintenance and training Drying and curing Liquid and powder coatings Authority Having Jurisdiction panel discussion Who Should Attend? Manufacturing, staff and environmental engineers (industrial health & safety) Lead painters Maintenance leads and personnel Finishing equipment designers System controls and project engineers Facility managers Finishing industry distributors Injuries, fire and explosions DO happen. Be prepared and don't let them happen to you! Register for this seminar today. Date: April 24 - April 25, 2024 Time: Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Thursday: 8:00 AM - Noon Cost: $550 - CCAI Members / $695 - Non-Members
SUR/FIN is the primary conference and trade show dedicated specifically to the surface technology industry. It is where leading surface technology companies connect, collaborate and contribute. And because it is the only conference and trade show sponsored by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF)—representing the $28 billion finishing industry—it attracts noted business leaders and prominent thinkers to a forum where relevant issues are addressed and technologies presented. Join noted business leaders, visionary thinkers and the who’s who of the industry as we delve into the most pressing issues and explore the latest cutting-edge technologies. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of networking opportunities, enriching education and unbeatable collegiality. 2024 Show Dates: Wednesday, June 5: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, June 6: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday, June 7: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
RAPID + TCT is returning to the west coast after a decade away! For more than 30 years, RAPID + TCT has defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and empowered the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. SME and Rapid News Publications have teamed up to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event, which takes place June 25-27 in Los Angeles, California. The event is for those who provide technology and for those who need to understand, explore and adopt 3D printing, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection technologies.
Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.
While there are many changes to adopt when moving to five-axis, they all compliment the overall goal of better parts through less operations.
Consider what types of implementation your shop prefers when deciding between workpiece-handling and pallet-handling automation solutions.
When getting a grip on stainless steel, make sure you are very specific in how you talk about it and understand the pertinent information you need.
Consider these spindle attributes to make a choice that is balanced, usable and compliments your processes as best as possible.
While nearly all ER systems will have cross compatibility, they’ll have small differences across manufacturers that make their implementation at the shop level not as standard.
Cam-actuated Swiss lathes are still the fastest way to process many parts. By adding modern bar feeders, this shop has dramatically improved their utilization with the ability to work unattended, even in a lights-out environment.
PrecisionPlus VP of Engineering, Mike P. Reader, with one of the company’s cam-actuated Swiss lathes.
Precision Plus is not your typical machine shop. Founded as a cam-type Swiss screw machine shop 40 years ago, Precision Plus has transformed into the modern part supplier it is today, with an array of state-of-the-art machining equipment. Just in the last few years, Precision Plus has spent some $3 million in precision CNC machines alone.
While still specializing in Swiss-type work, Precision Plus manufactures small parts with large length-to-diameter ratios, though these days with increasingly complicated geometries and high-quality requirements. A large amount of the high-volume work continues to produced on Tornos cam-actuated lathes. By combining the inherently efficient lathes with material handling automation, Precision Plus has figured out how to transform traditional technology to reach higher levels of efficiency with the ability to run mechanical machines in a lights-out environment.
Precision Plus runs 33 CNC Swiss lathes, 9 CNC turn/mill centers, and 30 cam-actuated Swiss lathes.
Today Precision Plus has 33 CNC Swiss lathes including Stars and Tsugamis, as well as nine CNC Miyano turn/mill centers. This equipment offers wide capability and flexibility to process short and medium-run work. But a number of high-volume jobs run on their bank of 30 Tornos cam-actuated machines with some updated with modern magazine-type bar feeds from EDGE Technologies. This method couples the inherent efficiency and reliability of a cam-actuated lathe with a substantial reduction in the labor required to run it.
The cam-actuated Swiss lathes have the lowest operating costs and can often yield the best return per square foot. Click image to view full size.
VP of Engineering, Mike Reader offers a quite simple and practical reason why they still use Tornos cam-actuated machines. “For small cylindrical parts with higher annual volumes, the Swiss cam machines are very economical,” he says. “The fleet of mechanically driven Swiss-type lathes have the lowest operating costs and can often yield the best return per square foot compared to any Swiss CNC. In the right application, certain parts can be machined significantly faster.
How much faster? “We have one part that would take eight seconds per piece on a Swiss CNC,” Reader says. “On the cam machine, it takes three seconds.”
While faster cycle times are obviously important, the cost advantage diminishes quickly if the machine sits idle waiting for an operator to manually load every bar. This is where material handling automation comes in.
In the old days, Swiss cam machines had a bar tube – descriptively referred to as a “rattle trap” – that supported the bar as it was pushed into the lathe. With short cycle time parts that could require that a new bar had to be manually loaded every ten minutes or so. Not only does that demand constant attendant labor, it also means nothing is being produced when the lathe needs stock. That’s why Precision Plus started retrofitting their cam machines with modern bar feeds in the early 2000s.
The new installations are now getting Scout 320 bar feeds from EDGE Technologies. Able to accommodate round, square or hex bar stock up to 12 feet in length and 3-20 mm in diameter, these bar feeds are particularly well suited to the application.
Because the EDGE Scout 320 magazine can hold up to 40 bars at a time, it enables long periods of unattended machining.
While bar feeds today are designed for CNC machines, Precision Plus was able to adapt the Scout to Tornos cam machines with the technical support of EDGE Technologies. Not any bar feed can be adapted to a sliding headstock machine, but that’s what the Scout is designed for. Standard on the Scout 320, the synchronization device for Swiss-style lathes electro-magnetically links the lathe's headstock Z-axis travel to the bar feeder's pusher. This ensures synchronous movement and no connection loss between bar stock and collet pusher.
Because the magazine can hold up to 40 bars at a time, it enables long periods of unattended machining. Precision Plus runs two 8-hour shifts per day. Reader says they check on and load the feeders at the beginning of each shift and then run with little attention required. At the end of the 2nd shift they are loaded again and run lights out until morning.
Running mechanical and CNC equipment in the same shop is no easy task in part because the skills required are so different. As Director of Education, Stefan Brusky puts it, “The advantages of mechanical machines are the lower cost of running them, smaller footprint, and lower capital cost. For the right part this can be an incredibly efficient process. The disadvantage is that the tooling and engineering are more difficult. You need to make a set of cams for each part, and executing a simple feed change is much more involved than editing a CNC program.”
Precision Plus places great emphasis on training their own people in operation and maintenance of its equipment.
Finding people skilled in CNC is hard enough and for Swiss cam machines it’s nearly impossible. That’s why Precision Plus places great emphasis on training their own people in operation and maintenance of this specific set of equipment. As Swiss cam vendors became scarcer, Precision Plus brought this capability in-house.
Integrating mechanical machines with automatic bar feeders was a similar scenario. Precision Plus has actually been doing this since the early 2000s. Since there wasn’t really a bar feeder readily designed for this purpose they had to manage much of the integrations themselves. Matt Dowell, a young next generation manufacturing engineer at Precision Plus, has more recently executed a number of these integrations. He says, “Initially we were rewiring the machines and using old school relays (9 on each machine) for inputs and outputs to the bar feed. Now we use off-the-shelf PLCs,” which Dowell can program in house to integrate a specific bar feeder and lathe.
Having the electrical skills to do this is only part of the challenge; it also requires a keen understanding of how cam machines work. Dowell says being able to draw on the knowledge of experienced cam machine operators was critical to accomplishing the task.
Three generations of leadership at PrecisionPlus. From left, president Mike P. Reader; VP of engineering Mike J. Reader; and former president Phil Reader.
Though impressive, this is not an isolated experience at Precision Plus. “We have subject matter experts (SMEs) for all our equipment,” says Reader, and those people function as a resource to anyone who needs their help. The organization continually invests in regular on-site training programs while also supporting a youth apprentice program since 2011.
Most shops talk about, or complain about, the need for skilled workers. Precision Plus has a larger view. “We look at everything as a challenge,” says Reader, “and there are usually multiple ways to solve a problem. We need people who are skilled, talented, and smart to work in this environment.” And they provide support for those people to reach their potential.
Precision Plus is also paying it forward in their community by supporting countless manufacturing engagement and outreach programs in southeastern Wisconsin, such as the Reader Precision Manufacturing (RPM) Center, at Gateway Technical College’s Elkhorn Campus. Precision Plus puts an emphasis on educating local, state, and national stakeholders on all things manufacturing: the importance of career opportunities, workforce development initiatives, and pertinent legislative issues. They are a leader in educating the next generation on opportunities in today’s landscape of high-tech manufacturing careers.
There are few cases you’ll find where a shop has done such an effective job of mixing traditional and new state-of-the-art technology. The key is having a keen understanding of how to find the best method, old or new, and augmenting that technology with the right level of automation to reach its full potential.
Please visit the PrecisionPlus website for more information on their capabilities. Please visit the EDGE Technologies website for more information on their bar feeds.
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