New Investments in Automation

Not Just for High-Volume Manufacturing

110 Metalworks continues to grow by investing in automation for both low-volume, high mix parts, and for lights-out Production.  Automation is not just for high-volume production manufacturing.

Automation is about augmenting, expanding, and amplifying what our high-skilled team can do, freeing them up to do more with their time so we can do more for our customers.

While many think “robot” when talking about automation, it encompasses anything that helps reduce routine tasks such as specialized software, custom fixturing, handling or ergonomic improvements, and machines with added automation.  It is not a replacement for or an alternative for skilled people.

Some used to think of automation as taking jobs, yet companies are finding that it is actually encouraging more people to pursue manufacturing careers and resulting in increased retention.

Implementing and integrating automation is a journey that we continue to travel with the following new large investments:

Doosan, NHP4000, Horizontal CNC Milling machine with a 12-pallet feed system.

Parts get loaded while the mill is running and set to run untended, adding lights-out capacity to free up skilled machinists to run other jobs.

Zeiss Contura CMM

The added automation of this CMM increased our capacity to support the increased inspection and reporting requirements from our customers. It not only alleviated a bottleneck, it improves the accuracy and thoroughness of the data reports required.

 

Additional Investments

Recent investments beyond key machines included finished part handling equipment for lights-out CNC turning, and expanding our universal fixturing for machining and welding, enabling quicker setups and more flexibility where and when parts can be manufactured.

We understand that selecting and qualifying a long-term supply chain partner is a major investment and more than just about if they can make a part.   It is about selecting a supplier that continually invests in people, processes, and equipment for today and the future. We are that partner.

 

110 Metalworks – A Value Apart