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If you are consistent OMNIview reader
you have seen us declare a "faster turn around time" with each
new machine tool purchase. We
previously reported on the acquisition of the amazing
water jet, the 3D
printers, a 28-ton injection
molding machine, a thermal
press, faster computers, Solidworks™
software, our Fadal CNC
machining center and the CNC
lathe. Is it possible
that every major addition to our toolbox offers that great promise, or
are we kidding ourselves?
We've had a Hurco vertical machining
center for a few years now. It
replaced an older, less accurate (we're talking .0001"), NC
workhorse we have had for years (The SuperMax is now in the model shop).
In many ways the CNC mill is similar to our current 4-axis
machine, the Fadal. The
Hurco has a large part-size envelope, the same point-to-point accuracy
as the Fadal, and it is programmable through our computer network.
One advantage for us and our customers
is the machining center's "conversational" input. We
have a tool that is easy to run, but still accepts G-code MasterCAM™
programming when required. Another benefit is availability: often,
the Fadal is tied-up for days in advance. With
the manual/production mill hybrid we routinely fabricate fairly
complicated shapes without having to wait for a time slot.
We return a major portion of our
earnings back into the business. If purchasing an additional machine or new tool is cost
effective and will speed development time, we'll probably add it to our
tool resources. Our
controller (Cathy Robinson, shown above talking with Jeff Smith, one
of our Mechanical Engineers) is not always thrilled with that
point-of-view, but our customers usually are.
There's other ways to do rapid
prototyping than machining. We have a fully-developed silicone molding
and urethane casting model shop, managed by Mike Ammerman, an
experienced individual with almost 30 years in the field. Click
here to read about Mike's talents and accomplishments.
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