The development of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) custom machining services has significantly impacted the field of robotics in several ways: Advanced Precision and Complexity，Precision Parts and Gears，Sensor Housings and Mounts，End Effectors and Grippers，Joints and Connectors，

Customized Protocols for Robot Control，Integration of Electronic Components，Redesign and Improvement and Research and Education.

CNC custom machining plays a vital role in the development, production, and maintenance of robotics by providing precision-engineered components that are essential for the functionality and performance of robotic systems in various industries and applications.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) custom machining services have a multitude of applications in the field of robotics. Here are some specific ways CNC machining is used in robotics:



1.Prototyping and Development: CNC machining is crucial in the prototyping phase of robotics. It allows for the creation of precise and custom components necessary for developing and refining robot designs before mass production.

2.Frame and Structure Components: CNC machining is used to fabricate various structural components of robots, including frames, chassis, arms, and brackets. These parts can be precisely manufactured to meet specific strength, weight, and dimensional requirements.

3.Precision Parts and Gears: Robots often require intricate and high-precision parts, such as gears, actuators, and mechanical components. CNC machining ensures the production of these parts with accuracy and repeatability.

4.Sensor Housings and Mounts: Custom sensor housings and mounts are essential in robotics for securely holding sensors in place and ensuring their proper functionality. CNC machining can produce these components with precision to accommodate different types of sensors.

5.End Effectors and Grippers: CNC machining is used to create end effectors and grippers that robots use to interact with objects. These components need to be tailored for specific tasks and CNC machining enables the customization required.

6.Joints and Connectors: CNC machining is employed to create complex joint mechanisms and connectors, ensuring smooth and precise movement in robotic systems.

7.Customized Protocols for Robot Control: CNC machining can be utilized to create control panels or specialized components for custom robot control systems, meeting specific programming or interfacing needs.

8.Integration of Electronic Components: CNC machining aids in the production of housings and enclosures for electronic components within robots, ensuring proper fit, protection, and functionality.

9.Redesign and Improvement: CNC machining allows for the redesign or modification of existing robot components, enabling improvements in functionality, efficiency, or repair of older robotic systems.

10.Research and Education: CNC machining is used in academic settings for research and educational purposes, allowing students and researchers to create custom robot components for experimentation and learning.


Overall, CNC custom machining plays a vital role in the development, production, and maintenance of robotics by providing precision-engineered components that are essential for the functionality and performance of robotic systems in various industries and applications.For custom CNC production services, please choose us and we will provide you with the best quality service and the most competitive price. Let us jointly promote the innovation and development of the Robotics manufacturing industry.

Precision machinery parts processing plays a crucial role in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and manufacturing.Precision machinery parts have specific requirements to ensure optimal performance.One crucial aspect is the material used for processing. If the hardness of the material being processed surpasses that of the lathe tool, it can potentially cause irreparable damage.Therefore, it is essential to select materials that are compatible with precision machining.





So
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what are the specific requirements for precision machinery parts processing?




1. Material Strength and Durability

One of the key requirements of precision machinery parts processing is material strength and durability.Machinery parts often undergo significant stress and pressure during operation, and the selected materials must be able to withstand these forces without deforming or breaking.For example, aerospace components require materials with high strength-to-weight ratios, such as titanium alloys, to ensure structural integrity and reliability.

2. Dimensional Stability

Precision machinery parts must maintain their dimensional stability even under extreme operating conditions.The materials used in their processing should possess low thermal expansion coefficients, allowing the parts to retain their shape and size without warping or distorting due to temperature fluctuations.Steels with low thermal expansion coefficients, such as tool steel or stainless steel, are commonly preferred for precision machinery parts subjected to varying thermal conditions.

3.Wear and Corrosion Resistance

Precision machinery parts often interact with other components or environments that can cause wear and corrosion.The materials chosen for their processing should exhibit excellent wear resistance to withstand constant friction and minimize surface damage.Additionally, corrosion resistance is crucial to ensure the longevity of the parts, especially in industries where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or harsh environments is common.Materials such as hardened steel, stainless steel, or certain grades of aluminum alloys are frequently utilized to enhance wear and corrosion resistance.

4.Machinability

Efficient and precise machining is a critical factor in the manufacturing of precision machinery parts.The material selected for processing should possess good machinability, allowing it to be easily cut, drilled, or shaped into the desired form with minimal tool wear.Materials like aluminum alloys with excellent machinability properties are often preferred for their versatility and ease of shaping into complex geometries.

5.Thermal Conductivity

Thermal management is significant in precision machinery parts processing, as excessive heat can adversely affect performance and increase the risk of failure.Materials with high thermal conductivity, such as copper alloys or certain grades of aluminum, help dissipate heat efficiently, preventing localized temperature rise and ensuring optimal operating conditions.

6.Cost-Effectiveness

While meeting the specific requirements is crucial, cost-effectiveness is also an important consideration in precision machinery parts processing.The selected materials should strike a balance between performance and cost, ensuring that the final product remains economically viable without compromising quality.Conducting a cost-benefit analysis and considering factors like material availability, processing complexity, and overall project budget can aid in making informed decisions regarding material selection.







The
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reasons why stainless steel material affects the machining accuracy of parts



Precision parts processed with stainless steel have the advantages of corrosion resistance, long service life and good mechanical and dimensional stability, and austenitic stainless steel precision parts have been widely used in medical, instrumentation and other precision machinery fields.



The reasons why stainless steel material affects the machining accuracy of parts

The exceptional strength of stainless steel, coupled with its impressive plasticity and noticeable work hardening phenomenon, result in a significant disparity in cutting force when compared to carbon steel. In fact, the cutting force required for stainless steel surpasses that of carbon steel by more than 25%.

At the same time, the thermal conductivity of stainless steel is only one-third of that of carbon steel, and the cutting process temperature is high, which makes the milling process deteriorate.

The growing machining hardening trend observed in stainless steel materials demands our serious attention. During milling, the intermittent cutting process leads to excessive impact and vibration, resulting in substantial wear and collapse of the milling cutter. Furthermore, the use of small-diameter end milling cutters poses a higher risk of breakage. Significantly, the decrease in tool durability during the milling process adversely affects the surface roughness and dimensional accuracy of precision parts machined from stainless steel materials, rendering them unable to meet the required standards.

Stainless steel precision parts processing precision solutions

In the past, traditional machine tools had limited success in machining stainless steel parts, particularly when it came to small precision components. This posed a major challenge for manufacturers. However, the emergence of CNC machining technology has revolutionized the machining process. With the aid of advanced ceramic and alloy coating tools, CNC machining has successfully taken on the complex task of processing numerous stainless steel precision parts. This breakthrough has not only improved the machining accuracy of stainless steel components but has also significantly enhanced the efficiency of the process. As a result, manufacturers can now rely on CNC machining to achieve precise and efficient production of stainless steel precision parts.





As an industry-leading manufacturer in precision machinery parts processing, HONSCN understands the significance of material requirements in delivering exceptional products. We prioritize using high-quality materials that meet all specific requirements, guaranteeing superior performance, durability, and reliability. Our team of experienced professionals meticulously evaluates each project's unique needs, selecting the most suitable materials to ensure customer satisfaction and industry-leading solutions.

In conclusion, precision machinery parts processing demands careful consideration of the materials used. From strength and durability to wear resistance and machinability, each requirement plays a vital role in achieving high-quality products. By understanding and meeting these specific material requirements, manufacturers can produce precision machinery parts that excel in performance, reliability, and longevity. Trust HONSCN for all your precision machinery parts processing needs, as we strive to deliver excellence through meticulous material selection and exceptional manufacturing expertise.

1 Tool change of hat type magazineThe fixed address tool change mode is mostly adopted, and the tool number is fixed corresponding to the tool seat number. The tool change action is realized by the lateral movement of the tool magazine and the up and down movement of the spindle, which is referred to as the spindle tool change mode for short. Because it has no tool change manipulator, the tool selection action cannot be preselected before the tool change action. The tool change instruction and tool selection instruction are generally written in the same program segment, and the instruction format is as follows:M06 T


When the command is executed, the tool magazine first turns the tool holder corresponding to the tool number on the spindle to the tool change position, and switches the tool on the spindle back to the tool holder, and then the tool magazine turns the tool specified in the command to the tool change position and changes the spindle.For this tool magazine, even if TX x is executed before M06, the tool cannot be preselected, * the action of final tool selection is still executed when M06 is executed. If there is no TX X in front of M06, the system will give an alarm.2 Tool change of disc and chain magazine
Most of them use random address tool change mode. The corresponding relationship between tool number and tool seat number is random, but its corresponding relationship can be remembered by NC system. The tool change of this tool magazine depends on the manipulator. The action of the command and tool change is: the tool command TX controls the rotation of the tool magazine and turns the selected tool to the tool change working position, while the tool change command M06 controls the action of the tool change manipulator to realize the tool exchange between the spindle tool and the tool change position of the tool magazine. The tool selection command and tool change command can be in the same program segment or written separately. The actions corresponding to tool selection and tool change command can also be operated simultaneously or separately. The instruction format is as follows:
Tx x M06;When the command is executed, the tool magazine first turns the TX tool to the tool change position, and then the manipulator exchanges the tool of the tool magazine with the tool of the spindle to realize the purpose of changing the TX tool to the spindle.After reading the above two methods, it can be seen that method 2 overlaps the tool selection action with the machining action, so that when changing the tool, it is not necessary to select the tool and change the tool directly, which improves the work efficiency.
As mentioned earlier, the tool change command of the tool magazine is related to the machine tool manufacturer. For example, some tool magazines require that not only the Z axis must return to the tool change point, but also the Y axis must return to the tool change point. The program format is as follows:
When writing the instructions of tool selection and tool change in the same program section, the execution rules of tools from different manufacturers may also be different. If any, regardless of the writing order, the rules of tool selection and tool change shall be followed. Some rules stipulate that the tool selection command must be written before the tool change command is executed. Otherwise, the action is to change the tool first and then select the tool, as shown in the above program. In this case, if the tool selection command is not written before the M06 command is executed, the system will give an alarm.

"CNC machining often has many advantages. From the perspective of automotive, aerospace and consumer applications, it is widely used in the manufacturing of components in these fields. And, in a way, it has similar properties to metal."

Polyformaldehyde, or POM, is a fascinating plastic resin that is widely used in various industrial fields. The aerospace, automotive and electronics industries are important consumers of this polymer. The processing of polyformaldehyde, especially when used in the manufacturing field, can achieve fast and efficient processing. In addition, it benefits users due to its high mechanical strength, stiffness, machinability and variety of grade choices.

This article contains the following key details of POM CNC machining, as well as its basic characteristics in terms of functions, applications, advantages, etc. Let's get started.




What is POM?



POM, a homopolymer, is also known as Delrin. It is widely adopted as an engineering grade thermoplastic for manufacturing prototypes for industrial use. It usually comes in two forms: copolymers or homopolymers. From complex prototypes to flexible machine parts, it brings economic benefits to manufacturing.

Product designers can benefit from its structural integrity, color diversity and stiffness characteristics. In addition, its reliability and resilience in wet environments make it suitable for Marine, medical and aerospace applications. POM, usually has some other name, such as; Acetal (acetal), polyacetal (polyacetal), polyformaldehyde, etc.


Why use POM for CNC machining?



POM formaldehyde or polyacetal has significant advantages when used in machining. Benefit from leading technologies such as precision machining POM or CNC machining; For example; Milling, drilling, punching and punching. In addition, its versatility in various grades is very beneficial for machining experts. Delrin is also compatible with advanced cutting technologies; Examples include laser cutting and extrusion processes.

Some of the main features of CNC machining include:



It is lightweight, wear-resistant and has low friction properties.


POM's low friction capability means it can be used in high-precision rotating parts, such as automotive bushings, bearings and gears.


POM is similar to acrylic because of its inherent optical transparency and crystallinity.


Delrin comes in a variety of textures, colors and grades.


POM CNC machining is essential for high volume production and runs efficiently.


It has a lower heat absorption rate compared to other grade polymers such as nylon and polyethylene.


Evolved into CNC POM prototyping, CNC machining plays a key role in prototyping.


Delrine or POM is also known as metallic plastic or super steel because of its high rigidity and strength.


POM can be efficiently milling, drilling, grooving and cutting with CNC machining.


Manufacturers can use it for a variety of applications such as aerospace, automotive and consumer goods.


Design engineers can benefit from its dimensional stability and achieve tighter tolerances of ±0.0005 inches.


Rapid prototyping with CNC machining is feasible.


CNC lathes are also available for POM machining.


It describes low-cost solutions and offers economic benefits when produced in large volumes.


POM is a common technique; For example; CNC machining, injection molding, and 3D printing.


Prototypes and complex geometric shapes are easier to manufacture with POM CNC machining.




POM numerical control machining method


Plastic CNC machining can be deployed through various technologies; For example; CNC milling, CNC drilling, lathes, grinding, blanking and punching. Its ease of processing greatly affects its use in these processes. In addition, it has also received a lot of attention for its high elongation. Now, let's discuss the method to get the best results POM CNC machining.

The process begins with computer-aided design and programming to improve accuracy, quality, and optimization levels. After the virtual configuration, the instructions are forwarded to the CNC machine in the following form: G code for further processing prospects.

A cutting operation is then performed on the workpiece material (POM) to obtain the optimal dimensions and dimensions. It is recommended to use coolant when machining Delrin at high speed to prevent ineffective processing operations such as chip buildup or overheating.

The following are some of the techniques commonly used to process strong polyformaldehyde or POM.

1.POM CNC milling

CNC milling is often used to machine POM parts. Tools with sharp edges help to get the best Angle, as well as surface finish. Therefore, it is reasonable to use a single slot milling cutter to process Delrin. These cutters prevent chip buildup during machining operations.

2.POM CNC drilling

Standard twist and center drills are best suited for processing polyformaldehyde resins. These materials have strong, sharpened edges that ultimately allow for smooth milling operations on Delrin. The optimal cutting speed of the drilled POM must be approximately 1500rpm and the lip torsion Angle 118°.

3.POM CNC turning

POM CNC turning operation is similar to brass turning operation. The best results can be achieved by maintaining high speed turning at the same rate as the medium feed rate. In order to prevent interference and excessive chip accumulation problems, a chip-breaker must be used for precision turning operations.

4. Blanking and punching

Blanking and stamping, both methods are preferred for small and medium-sized complex parts. During operation, cracks in the sheet can lead to major problems of improper processing. To eliminate this problem, it is best to preheat the Delrin plate and use a manual or high punch.

Highlights: "During POM CNC machining, it is important to keep the POM tight or hold the POM and use a hard steel or carbide tool.




List of Delrin grades for CNC machining


The two most common acetal grades are very useful for CNC machining; Polyformaldehyde resin 150, polyformaldehyde resin; 100 (AF). Let's evaluate their compatibility;

1. Delrin 150

Derlin 150 belongs to the acetal homopolymer family. It has high mechanical strength, stiffness and wear resistance. Thanks to these unique features, it is ideal for CNC machining of gears, bushings, gaskets and automotive interior and exterior finishes. In addition, its stability under high temperature conditions makes it ideal for irrigation and conveyor parts.

2. Delrin 100(A)

Delrin 100 A is integrated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for enhanced mechanical stability and viscosity. It is widely used in gear systems or components that require low friction characteristics. In addition, it has strong moisture and chemical resistance. In addition, it eliminates the self-lubricating (oil or grease) characteristic, making it different from other Delrin grades.


Surface treatment options for POM


The desired surface finish plays a key role in the machining process. When it comes to surface treatment, two options are usually employed: machining and sandblasting. Here is a brief introduction to these;

After processing

CNC machining often leaves a bumpy surface or texture on the surface of the acetal part. When rough or textured parts are needed to improve the frictional properties of the parts, the surface treatment is preferred. The typical roughness range that can be achieved by machining is about 32 to 250 microinches (0.8 to 6.3 microns).

Pearl burst

In most cases, machining tools leave marks on acetal parts. Sandblasting is often used to prevent tool marks and enhance the visual effect of Delrin machined parts. It works by releasing glass beads or fine particles onto the surface of machined parts under high pressure. In addition, it improves durability and provides a valuable, smooth, matte, aesthetically pleasing and satin-polished appearance to polyformaldehyde resin machine parts.

There are other techniques; For example; Anodizing, polishing, painting and stamping. However, most design engineers prefer the above two options due to economic feasibility.




What are the limitations of Delrin CNC machining?


However, there are huge benefits to using Delrin for CNC machining. Besides, it also has some disadvantages. Here are Delrin's limitations;

Adhesion: Although acetal has excellent chemical resistance, it often presents challenges in bonding with strong adhesives. To overcome this problem, designers may need to employ post-treated surface options for best results.

Thermal sensitivity: Thermal sensitivity is a noteworthy issue for design manufacturers. The ability of acetone alcohols to withstand high temperature conditions is very significant. However, it is well suited for applications where mechanical stability is critical. But in some cases, when it is exposed to high temperature conditions, there will be deformation or distortion problems. Compared with nylon, nylon shows higher strength and structural strength even in harsh environments.

High flammability: The processing of polyformaldehyde resin faces the challenge of flammability. It is sensitive to temperatures above 121 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to always use a coolant, such as air coolant, to maintain the temperature during the processing operation. In order to overcome or control flammability problems, it is also necessary to use A Class A fire extinguisher when processing POM.


Delrin NC machining applications


From automotive interiors to aerospace components, Drin is used in a wide range of applications. Let's take a look at some of its key applications in manufacturing;

Medical industry

POM is an important material for medical components or equipment. As an engineered thermoplastic, it meets the strict quality standards of the FDA or ISO. Its applications range from enclosures and housings to complex functional components; For example; Disposable syringes, surgical tools, valves, inhalers, prosthetics and medical implants.

Automobile industry

Derlin supplies a wide range of automotive components to the automotive industry. Its high mechanical strength, low friction, and wear resistance allow engineers to use it to make important car, motorcycle, and electric vehicle parts. Some common examples include: articulated housings, locking systems, and fuel transmitter units.

Consumer appliances

When it comes to convenient applications, polyformaldehyde processing describes several significant benefits. Manufacturing experts use it to make zippers, cooking utensils, washing machines and clips.

Industrial machinery parts

Derlin's great strength enables it to be used in industrial parts manufacturing. Its ability to withstand wear and low friction characteristics makes it ideal for components such as springs, fan wheels, gears, housings, scrapers and rollers.

As an industry pioneer, Honscn is always at the forefront of market developments. We know that in the fierce market competition, only by constantly honing ourselves can we create indestructible competitiveness. Therefore, we adhere to technological innovation and integrate scientific management into every production link to ensure that every step is accurate. We not only focus on the pulse of the domestic market, but also in line with international standards, with a global perspective to examine the industry trend, grasp the pulse of The Times. With an open mind, embrace the world, with excellent quality, win the future!

Please feel free to contact us to discuss your project needs!

Seven diverse wood products application reflect the diverse capabilities of CNC machining centers.
For a machine that not so long ago did not even exist, the uses for CNC machining centers have quickly become vast and continue to grow.
Woodworkers today are using these versatile machines for a variety of uses ranging from high-speed, flat-panel production work to very intricate carvings. Combining high speed boring with routing, profiling, cutting and other features, these computer-controlled marvels are being successfully utilized in shops that produce everything from beautiful high-end architectural woodwork to flanges for take up reels.
In the following pages, WOOD & WOOD PRODUCTS interviews woodworkers from around the country who have increased their productivity and accuracy while reducing labor costs through investments in CNC technology. Following are their stories.
SPEAKER MAKER USES CNC MACHINERY TO MAKE IT'S DIVERSE PRODUCT As an OEM supplier of audio speakers, the products that Tiffin, Ohio-based Ameriwood Industries International Inc. manufactures vary in size from small bookshelf-size speakers to large symphonic speakers.
Jim Harrington, plant manager of Ameriwood, said, "We do a variety of sizes and styles. We work with different types of materials, with different thicknesses and locations of holes. No two things are alike." Because of this product diversity, Ameriwood Industries (formerly Tiffin Enterprises) used to perform multiple machining operations for every item. Multiple operations meant that several workers had to handle each part, "and the more you handle it, the more opportunity there is for the product to be damaged," Harrington said.
To minimize parts handling -- and thus reduce their labor costs -- the company made an investment in a CNC machining center from Roger Stiles & Associates.
MACHINING CENTERS Vinyl overlayed particleboard is trimmed, cut-to-size, drilled and routed on the machining center. Computer programs are downloaded from a computer system directly into the machine's controller.
"We used CNC routers for a number of years," Harrington said. "The machining center is taking the place of routing and vertical-type drills." The machining center allows the company to do up to 12 workpieces at a time, Harrington said. After all the machining operations have been completed it is a "totally finished part" without need of further machining, Harrington added.
EFFICIENT PLANT HELPS COMPANY CONTROL COSTS In the past two years, Warvel Products-North Carolina has experienced dramatic price increases for the raw materials used to produce curved plywood components. These components are then sold to contract furniture manufacturers such as Haworth.
"We had 30 percent increases in our raw material costs," said sales manager Robbie Wiltcher, "so we have improved plant efficiency by purchasing machinery and technology that would allow us to absorb as much (of the price increase) as possible without passing these costs on. It is important for us as a vendor to help our customers be as competitive in their markets as possible." One of the ways Warvel did this was through the purchase of a multiple-station, four-axis CNC machining center from C.M.S North America. The machining center allows the company to mount up to six components at a time, and complements the company's existing three and five axis machining centers, Wiltcher said.
This is important, considering the amount of product which is shipped from the company's plant in Linwood, N.C. Approximately 100,000 parts a month are produced at the facility, the majority of which are customized. The company has a catalog with standard components, but Wiltcher said that 80 percent of the company's orders are made per customers specifications.
"The machine is capable of multiple machining tasks," Wiltcher said. "In most cases all that's left to do is light sanding and tee-nut installation where required." Another benefit, Wiltcher added, is the very tight tolerances obtained with the machine. The company supplies curved plywood which must integrate with plastic and steel components in ergonomic chairs.
"It is essential to be able to maintain tight tolerances in the various required operations such as drilling on angles, profiling and notching so that all of the different chair components fit together the way they were engineered. This machine provides all of these things," Wiltcher said.
To increase productivity even further, the company purchased machines and software that complement the machining center, including a digitizing machine. The digitizer will read a template part and the software will create a program which is downloaded into the machining center. The company also uses the system to internally produce its own compound tooling.
"The system has reduced the lead time on new tooling from months to days," said Wiltcher. "All of these capabilities assists our customers in bringing many new products to market rapidly and competitively." HIGH-TECH HELPS HIGH-END ARCHITECTURAL FIRM Powell Cabinet & Fixtures of Sparks, Nev., is a high-end architectural woodworking company whose work ranges from luxurious residences to glistening casinos.
The 42-year-old company, which bills itself as the oldest architectural woodworking company in the state of Nevada, is owned by the father/son team of Roger and Bill Powell.
One of the company's most recent projects was for the new Luxor Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. The company did a variety of work at the hotel, including a 3 1/2-inch thick, 13-inch wide, solid-mahogany handrail that was built on a 255-foot radius. The handrail also featured solid-cast bronze support pieces and etched glass.
The handrail was manufactured utilizing a Komo VR 512 CNC machining center the company got in January 1993. Prior to that, the company had been doing everything with multiple machines. "The machining center is exceptional on irregular shapes and curves," Bill Powell said.
"It is more adaptable than to have a journeyman do it by hand. The radius work takes more time to program, but instead of having a journeyman woodworker spend several days on something, the machine will produce the same product in significantly less time." Powell added that there is a learning curve to the machine. "The purchase of the machine is just the first step," Powell said.
"The time that it takes to learn how to program and operate it is a major expense, as is the tooling and all the programming updates that are needed to keep up-to-speed." But while these factors need to be taken into account, Powell said he thinks it is becoming essential for companies to invest in high-technology equipment. According to Powell, one of the reasons the company purchased the machining center was because "the quantity of qualified, journeyman cabinetmakers that can produce this type of work is diminishing. You have to rely on the technical aspects of the industry to help fill that void," he said.
COMPANY GROWS A STEP AT A TIME When Denny Beuter and Bob Bloss formed Diamond Cut Inc. eight years ago they had a plan. The two men wanted their South Bend, Ind.-based company to become a leader in the field of commercial sound equipment. A daunting task made all the more difficult considering they did not own any sophisticated equipment.
"We went on the premise that we needed extremely good equipment to make a really good product," said Beuter. "But in order to get good equipment you have to have a product with enough volume to keep the machine running." What Beuter and Bloss did was to start slowly, acquiring equipment and producing parts for other companies. "We would do cutting and edging, anything to get work into the plant," Beuter said. "To sell machine time you have to do everything a little bit better than what the (source) companies can do in their own shop. We got real good, real fast, because otherwise we had to eat the cost of the job." From doing this job-shop-type-work, the next step was doing contract work. "My partner (Bloss), whose background is in the speaker business, went out (to speaker companies) and said, 'We can make speakers boxes for you and we can do them with high precision,'" Beuter said.
Diamond Cut began producing speaker cabinets for such companies as JBL and Panasonic. The product Panasonic wanted the company to produce necessitated an equipment upgrade. "The Panasonic people wanted a (speaker) box that was trapezoid shape," Beuter said. "This product would have been almost impossible to make with the router we were using." Beuter and Bloss chose a U-26 Morbidelli machining center from Tekna Machinery. The machine not only allows them to produce the trapezoidal shapes, it also has reduced labor costs. "For example, we had one full-time worker on the payroll whose only job was to make jigs, Beuter said. "I have no more jigs." While Diamond Cut has grown, with sales projected to reach around $2 million in 1994, the company continues to move toward that plan. In 1993, the company started a proprietary line of heavy-duty commercial sound equipment under the moniker, Bull Frog.
The Bull Frog equipment is sold throughout the United States and a number of countries around the world. "For 24-hours a day, for the last three months, we have been so busy with our own proprietary work that we have not been able to do any outside work, Beuter said.
"Hopefully by the end of the year we will be completely out of contract work." BOOTH MAKER FINDS SIGN TO SUCCESS Utilizing a variety of materials, Farmington Displays of Farmington, Conn., creates trade show displays for companies in industries as diverse as food, computers and guns.
Farmington Displays, which was founded in 1973 by Paul DiTommaso Sr., counts 278 companies as its clients. On average, Farmington Displays' clients update their booths every three to five years.
"We have a pretty good job flow," said general manager Sal DiTommaso, son of Paul Sr. and one of three sons and a daughter currently working for the company. "Not everybody is building their booth at the same time." Farmington Displays boasts an impressive client list, including General Electric, NEC and gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson. In the traditionally very labor-intensive field of display manufacturing, the company stands out for its use of high-technology equipment. More than three years ago, after extensive research on available machinery, the company began its investment in CNC machinery.
"The first thing that sparked my interest in obtaining CNC machinery was watching one of my men cutting out an eight-foot circle," said Sal DiTommaso. "It was so archaic, I just said there had to be another way to do it." Farmington Display's plant now features two Heian CNC routers and a computerized panel saw from Stiles Machinery, as well as a computerized graphic/design laboratories linked together as a Local Area Network.
The Heian machining centers have allowed the company to branch out into areas such as manufacturing signage and store fixtures. Farmington Displays had always created graphics for signs, but the CNC routers allow the company to manufacture them in-house. Additionally, the company is now doing contract machining for other, non-competing manufacturers.
To create their distinctive products, the company utilizes a variety of materials. On its CNC routers, the company utilizes everything from acrylics to solid woods. On a separate metal machining center the company works with brass and other metallic alloys. "We don't farm anything out," DiTommaso said. "We try to keep everything in-house so that we have complete quality control over the finished product." FAMILY-OWNED LUMBER YARD SEIZES CHANCE TO DIVERSIFY ITS BUSINESS In 1922, Hans Lars founded Hansen Lumber in Galesburg, Ill. Over the next 70 or so years, the business would be handed down from family-member to family-member, and would remain a traditional lumber yard.
It remained solely a lumber yard until two years ago when Hansen Lumber seized an opportunity to diversify. The company was asked to do some circular panel cutting for a Galesburg-based manufacturer of wooden reels. Approximately a year later that manufacturer, who believed the reel industry was going to dominated by the use of plastics, first contemplated shuttering the facility and then offered to sell the business -- and its client list -- to Hansen Lumber.
The family-owned company, currently being run by Shard Hansen, the founder's grandson, with help from his daughter Karen (the fourth-generation family member in the business), decided to purchase the company, and quickly realized the need to upgrade its equipment.
"Taking up wire or rope around a reel must be done at very high feed rates, especially if it is a small diameter wire, because unless your doing it at a 1,000 feel a minute it would take forever to wind," said Hansen, "so the arbor hole has to be exact. If the arbor hole is off center the whole thing will be jerking." A little more than a year ago the company purchased a CNC machining center from Accu-Router. The machine features two vertical routers, which can machine 1 1/2 inch southern yellow pine industrial grade plywood used for the flanges on the reels and maintains tight tolerances.
Prior to working with the machining center, the company would have to cut out a square and in subsequent steps radius the panel down to the required size and shape.
Having a high-technology machining center not only provides for accuracy, it also helps to utilize the plywood. "Our flanges range in size from eight inches to 48 inches round," said Hansen.
"When we are cutting the circles, we can nest them in such a fashion that we get great yield and waste is very nominal." CNC EQUIPMENT HELPS CARVING COMPANY MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC Investing, not only in new equipment, but also in the training of its workforce has helped this Thomasville, N.C.-based carving company increase its capacity while reducing its overhead.
Founded in 1968, Piedmont Carving carves furniture parts -- specializing in chair parts -- and parts for such musical instruments as the cello and guitar.
Over the last few years, the company has sold some of its older carving machines and invested that money in computerized machinery including CNC Robot Carvers from Thermwood Corp.
"We used to have 13 carving machines and we would run all of them in one shift," said Gay Jones, who along with her twin brother Ray, and her father, company-founder Jimmy, own the business. "We sold three carving machines and still are projecting to triple our capacity with the robotic carvers." The company has reduced its labor costs in part by computerizing its carving, but also by cross training its 29 employees so that they can work on other machines in the shop.
Learning to efficiently use the CNC robot was a difficult challenge for the company, Gay Jones said, "but I'm glad we did because it gives us an advantage over companies who are just now getting into robotic carving." Piedmont Carving bought its first robotic carver four years ago. The company is planning to purchase additional machines.
One of the benefits of computerized machinery is consistency. This is important when Piedmont is crafting its furniture and musical instrument components.
"Chair parts have to fit together perfectly when they're sent to the manufacturer," Jones said. "With the robotic carving everything stays so consistent. This consistency is also very important when we are doing the musical instruments because the craftsmanship that goes into the part can affect the sound." CARVING WOOD PARTS 20 AT A TIME Intricate handcarvings are being quickly and accurately duplicated by Carving Research Inc. of Huntersville, N.C., using a 20-head Kitako CNC Machining Center distributed by Tekmatex Inc.
Carving Research is a 2-year-old, 12-employee company with projected 1994 sales of $840,000. The company supplies intricate wood carvings to such major residential furniture makers as Henredon Furniture Industries Inc. and Baker Furniture Co.
What once had to be done one at a time by master handcarvers can now be done 20 at a time by the company. This results not only in time savings but cost savings as well, without sacrificing the look of the product, according to company owner Tom Bowker. An example of the speed of the machine is a rice carved bed post; typically it would take a master handcarver approximately six to eight hours to complete, "while we can do it in an hour," Bowker said.
To produce the carvings, an initial handcarved template is made. This carving is sent to Tekmatex, where a digitizing machine creates a computer program which can be downloaded into the machining center. Once this program is completed, an infinite number of a given carving can be created with precision.
There are certain "essential ingredients" to creating the carvings, said Bowker. Tooling is one of the most important. Because of the nature of the product, the Carving Research utilizes unique tooling, including a razor-sharp veining bit developed by Oertli Woodworking Tools Inc. that leaves such a clean cut, that secondary carvings are not necessary, Bowker said. Another example is a 1/16-inch flat-bottom or straight router bit which is used on many of the carvings.
"Nobody else uses anything like that," Bowker said.
"Because of the intricacies of many of the carvings, we have to use a wider variety of tooling including some carbide tooling, than what you would use if running a normal carving operation. Many of our bits have to be small because you have to get in and do a cut and make it look like it was done with a chisel.