Search:

Metalmite – Machine Shop Service Blog

World Class Quality, Service and Delivery at the right price!

About Us

Welcome to our Blog! As a full-service machine shop we manufacture, modify, and repair prototype and production parts for a wide variety of clients. What makes us different? For the past 41 years we have pursued manufacturing perfection with a precise mix of quality, service, delivery and price!

Steel Prices on the Rise

We have been told by every supplier in the last month that steel prices are on the rise again. I tend to wonder why in the midst of the worse economy in my lifetime they feel it is necessary to raise prices. So we did a little research into what is behind the steel price hike. Turns out that “steel production declined about 5% in February from January. And it declined across the board in China, other developing countries and the developed world. The appearance of decline January to February is caused by the upward restatement of January’s data. The good news is that the growth from December to January is now much stronger than I stated in the last steel production bulletin – rising from 1.8% December to January to a restated 6.1%. And contrary to the developed world growing substantially faster than the developing world as I stated then, China grew 10% from December to January and the developing world as a whole grew at 6%.” (2010, www.nerdsofsteel.com) So, to sum up, they decreased the production of steel because less people were buying in January 2010, then more people started buying in Febraury and March, now there is a shortage and the prices will rise again.  Seems simple enough, but somehow the prices never dip back down too much.Metalmite- Steel Prices Rise We will work hard to keep the CNC Machining prices low, but you will have to fight like the rest of us about your alloy, stainless, and mild steel prices.

Tags: , , , , ,

13.Apr.10 Uncategorized Comments (0)

Leadership is taught by Example!

Recently Amazon.com had removed all of the books from their Kindle store in order to fix a problem they had, the problem was that they did not tell anyone or warn them. This was the response by the CEO after they were trashed by the media and their customers.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO:

This is an apology for the way we previously handled illegally sold copies of 1984 and other novels on Kindle. Our “solution” to the problem was stupid, thoughtless, and painfully out of line with our principles. It is wholly self-inflicted, and we deserve the criticism we’ve received. We will use the scar tissue from this painful mistake to help make better decisions going forward, ones that match our mission.

That is the leadership we should see in more companies and in Government today! Take the heat and expect your employee’s to do the same thing when it is there fault. Metalmite has always run on this principle and I wish more companies were as well.

Tags: , , ,

11.Mar.10 Uncategorized Comments (0)

Family Warfighter

In 2008 our President and Founder, Michael Gendich Sr, had his oldest grandson, Roland Gendich, enlist in the US Army and serve in the war effort in the Middle East. Roland returned safely after a one year tour in Iraq. We all had the pleasure of attending his wedding to his high school sweetheart in October of 2009. Roland is currently on active duty in Alaska. He is awaiting word to find out if he will be needed again in the effort against Afghanistan. Please join Metalmite in our prayers for him and all our troops as they bravely protect our country and each of us everyday!

Tags: , , , ,

09.Mar.10 Uncategorized Comments (0)

CNC Screw Machine

Complex part made by 6 axis CNC lathe

Complex part made by 6 axis CNC lathe

Through the years the term “screw machine” and “CNC machine” or “CNC lathe” have been interchangeable. In recent years however the term CNC machining has become much more relevant to the end user. Our small prototype machine shop has even gone as far as to use 6 axis CNC turning centers made by Mori Seiki, the NL-2500 is our flagship multi-tool lathe. These new CNC lathes can not only turn in two chuck’s, but they can mill and drill from all sides as well!  If you look at the picture on the left you will see how a part could be made from solid at one time. This is a tremendous cost savings and time savings for the customer.  What typically took 3-4 weeks and 3 or 4 operations is now done in two weeks and in one operation. So when someone calls us and asks if we are a screw machining shop we always repond with a firmative and ask to see the part they want made.  Keep in mind the terms CNC machine shop, CNC machining, and 6 axis machining can all be interchangeable these days.  It is far better to descibe the part you would like completed rather than ask what kind of equipment the supplier has.

Tags: , , ,

16.Dec.09 6 Axis Turning & Milling, Uncategorized, cnc manufacturing Comments (0)

Military JLTV Program is moving forward

JLTV-GDYNAMUS Dept of Defense has issued continuing contracts for the JLTV, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. A program to develop a new family of light tactical vehicles for Army, Marine Corps and special operations forces is moving ahead at full steam, almost halfway through its technology development phase.

The joint light tactical vehicle is an Army, Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command program to replace the Humvee with a family of higher-performing, more survivable vehicles able to carry greater payloads, said Kevin Fahey, Army program executive officer for combat support and combat service support during a recent interview. The goal, he explained, is to fill a critical capabilities gap while developing a family of vehicles capable of performing multiple missions and sharing common components.

The Army, lead agent for the program, announced just over a year ago that it had awarded three contracts valued at about 6 million for the program’s 27-month technology development phase. The three contractors are BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Ground Systems Division; General Tactical Vehicles, a joint venture between General Dynamics Land Systems and AM General and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration.

Metalmite Corporation has been a key prototype machine shop for many of these components. Although we are not at liberty to discuss any specifics, let us say that the addition 5 Axis Machining has really helped to speed up deliveries. As a Prime Contractor for the Department of Defense and as a sub for larger Prime’s, Metalmite has postioned themselves to be a critical player in the CNC machine shop service area. In general the turnaround required would not be possible without CNC machining. Stay tuned for the new, faster, lighter, and more precise military vehicles to come!

Tags: , , ,

24.Nov.09 5-Axis Machining, Uncategorized, cnc manufacturing Comments (0)

Metalmite Supports Ford in the Electric Race

FORDandEdison

Ford and Edison

Photo of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Metalmite Corporation has been a supporter of electric vehicle’s and of Hybrid Technology for years. Michael Gendich was one of the first owners of a Segway personal transporter, and Metalmite was one of the first machine shops to help make an electronic assist for a hybrid vehicle. CNC Machining has been a major player in the new technological advances made by Ford Motor Company and others recently. Metalmite has been approached by and helped several companies, such as Aptera Motors, Tesla Motors, and even FEV in the development of alternative energy vehicles as well.
The Vice President of Metalmite, Tom Gendich, was recently quoted as saying, “My grandfather retired from Ford Motor Company 30 years ago, so we have watched them closely in their fight to survive and find this new market. I feel they are very close to another breakthrough and I hope we can be there to help them with that!”

Greenmonk.net recently spoke with Greg Frenette, the manager of Ford’s Electric Vehicle program and he filled us in on just how long Ford has been working on electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technologies. Although not as long as may be indicated in the photo above, Ford’s Advanced Engineering Research group have been working on concepts with respect to plug-in hybrids since 2005.

Ford’s initial utility partners in their plug-in hybrid program were Southern California Edison but they soon expanded the program to include the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as well as a grouping of 10 utilities and research organizations across North America.

This quarter Ford will complete the build-out and deployment to the partner organizations of their fleet of 20 plug-in hybrid Escape’s. These vehicles are demo’ing real world vehicle-to-grid interconnectivity. According to Greg they have a prototype communication control system on the vehicle which works with a Smart Meter, through the use of wireless Zigbee technology, to give the vehicle owner control and direction in how they access the charging point.

Ford appears to be on the right track with this project. Metalmite is excited to monitor their progress and will certianly jump in at any point if asked. Yet another way to deliver World Class Quality, Service, and Delivery at the Right Price!

Tags: ,

12.Oct.09 Uncategorized, cnc manufacturing Comments (0)

Metalmite’s Job Tracker Software

JOBTRACKER 005

Machine Shop Job Tracker Software

Metalmite Corporation is continually seeking to use the latest technology. It is important to be on the cutting edge of technology and process improvement. While making a substantial investment in the CNC machine and Wire EDM capabilities, Metalmite Corporation struggled to manage its front office business with “off-the-shelf” software packages. These applications were used to write up jobs, track work flow, and invoice customers. Metalmite also had to archive documents, track quotes, and generate shipping documentation. In some cases, there were three to five different packages where information was stored. A few years ago the senior management Metalmite decided it was time to design, build and incorporate a ground-up software that would integrate all of these needs. After a few considerations, Software Designer and IT Consultant Matthew Cotterman was brought in to organize and complete the project. As major ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and SCM (Supply Chain Management) software platforms were examined, the team gleaned from what they liked and removed what seemed cumbersome and unproductive. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a term usually used in conjunction with ERP software or an ERP system which is intended to manage all the information and functions of a business or company from shared data stores. An ERP system typically has modular hardware and software units and “services” that communicate on a local area network.

As a CNC Machine Shop that knows that “time is money” the software for first and foremost to be fast and efficient. Matthew Cotterman worked feverishly for months to take out unnecessary steps and draw the databases together seamlessly. This resulted in a simple program that is accessed through a web browser on any PC in the shop that can search by any aspect of a job- customer, part number, material, buyers name, or even dates run or quantity ordered. When the matching jobs show on the screen one click allows the user to see all documentation involved with this job. These documents can then be printed, e-mailed, or simply reviewed at that moment. The new software also allowed us to streamline quoting and analyze profitability.

“The goal is to listen to the client,” said Matthew. “They know how to run their business. I have to understand how the client does business and mold the software around that. It must be quick and efficient. The software should do as many of the mundane as well as complicated tasks as possible. Above all, the system should reduce the amount of time and effort required to run the business. That way, the software pays for itself.”

Metalmite Office Manager Tina noted, “Our customer’s have been so impressed with our system that we often get calls asking us to look up old information or drawings and e-mail it to them, when we ask why they say it is because their system is too difficult to work with and take too long to respond!” As Metalmite works hard to stay current with high speed machining, Wire EDM technology, and 5 Axis Machining, they find it only logical that their software be just as cutting edge.

Tags: , , ,

12.Oct.09 5-Axis Machining, CNC Machine Shop Software, General News, Uncategorized, cnc manufacturing Comment (1)

Saving Time and Money for our Customers

LarryBinkowskiphotoMetalmite has worked very hard to save time and money for their customers over the years. Everything from adding 5 axis machining to CNC screw machining centers that have decreased our leadtime by half.  On this job in the picture we have manufactured these aluminum plates for over 10 years. The original setup was on 3 seperate CNC Machining centers with 3 serperate operator’s. After a few years of having the job repeat, we were able to maximize our CNC Manufacturing procedure’s. We currently use one CNC Machining center and have 3 separate clamp systems that hold the the part through the 3 separate operations. As a one stop machine shop we work hard to save time and money for our customers. We have used several methods learned from our high speed milling techniques that have further increased our efficiency as well. The part has decreased in cost by 50% to our customer and they are thrilled with the results during these trying times.  Metalmite works hard to offer World Class Quality, Service, and Delivery at the RIGHT Price!

Tags: , ,

28.Sep.09 5-Axis Machining, 6 Axis Turning & Milling, High-Speed Milling, Uncategorized, cnc manufacturing Comments (0)

High-Speed Milling

2009-9-1-1-5Axis 001Metalmite has made the jump to high-speed milling recently. Metalmite was the first machine shop in Michigan to purchase the new Mori Seiki NV1500 DCG Milling machine. People from all over have inquired as to how it performs as there are not many to see in the USA. Metalmite was told that there were only 8 machines in the USA. The machine has an amazing accuracy rate and the 27,000 RPM spindle makes cutting hardened stainless seem like nothing. High-Speed and Hard Milling are now being employed extensively, and those shops not effectively implementing this technology will eventually fall by the wayside in this highly competitive worldwide marketplace.

An overall reduction in production time of greater than 35 percent is regularly achieved — Less Time “in-process” means less cost!

Also, the very fine and smooth finish right off the machine may make it possible to virtually eliminate very costly and time consuming manual polishing and bench work.

High speed machining involves taking milling passes with smaller-diameter end mills at very light depths of cuts, but taking these passes at high feed rates

Hard Milling allows them to skip several time-consuming, labor-intensive steps in the machining process.

Hard milling is a much more reliable, predictable and productive process,

Hard milling is an offshoot of high speed machining techniques.

The essence of high speed machining is taking many light cuts at closely spaced step-overs, thus leaving minimal cusps between passes. The goal is to create an as-machined surface that drastically reduces the need for subsequent processing.

Routinely achieving surfaces finishes, as good as 8 to 10 Micro-inches, “Ra” (Roughness No. N4) with hard milling when needed. Because the steel is already hardened, subsequent heat treating, stress relieving, finish machining and grinding steps become unnecessary. More importantly, the process also replaces many costly steps that would otherwise require final processing.

Tags: ,

01.Sep.09 High-Speed Milling, Uncategorized Comment (1)

Metalmite works with Titanium

Titanium Part

Titanium Part

Recently a military vehicle manufacturer came to Metalmite and asked them to make some idler shafts out of 6Al-4V Titanium instead of the 8620 steel alloy they were originally designed out of. The ATI Ti-6Al-4V Alloy (UNS 56400) is the most widely used titanium grade. It is a two phase α+β titanium alloy, with aluminum as the alpha stabilizer and vanadium as the beta stabilizer. This high-strength alloy can be used at cryogenic temperatures to about 800° F (427°C). ATI Ti-6Al-4V alloy is used in the annealed condition and in the solution treated and aged condition. Some applications include: compressor blades, discs, and rings for jet engines; airframe and space capsule components; pressure vessels; rocket engine cases; helicopter rotor hubs; fasteners; critical forgings requiring high strength-to-weight ratios. This alloy is produced by primary melting using vacuum arc (VAR), electron beam (EB), or plasma arc hearth melting (PAM). Remelting is achieved by one or two vacuum arc steps.
Metalmite found that the machining was not as difficult as they were originally told, it must be turned slower and not pushed like the steel alloys. The finish came out very clean and smooth. The parts were turned in the Mori Seiki lathe and inspected on the CMM afterwards to verify that they were right to spec. Another CNC Machining job well done by Metalmite.

Tags: , , ,

13.Aug.09 6 Axis Turning & Milling, Projects, Uncategorized Comments (0)

« Previous Posts

Follow us on Twitter

Posting tweet...

Recent Posts

© Copyright Metalmite – Machine Shop Service Blog ::  RSS Feed