Direct Machine

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08/31/2026

Rush job!

Customer was updating their coil straightening machine and the installation technician noted that the machine did not match their internal designs for the update and needed modified. They’re based out of Texas so it needed to be modified locally. Fortunately, we were able to machine down the case hardened drive wheels 1/2” to add the required clearance for the retrofit to be installed!

Another multislide crash repair! We were able to get this hardened front tool welded back up for our customer to complet...
08/27/2026

Another multislide crash repair!

We were able to get this hardened front tool welded back up for our customer to complete their order. However, due to the way it broke we did advise that they replace entirely.

By repairing this tool through welding rather than replacing it, we saved our customer a minimum 2–3 week lead time. The weld repair itself was completed in just 2 days.

When time is money, every minute counts!

Here is the last set of extrusion fixtures we designed and built! This particular extrusion profile the cut length range...
07/28/2026

Here is the last set of extrusion fixtures we designed and built! This particular extrusion profile the cut length ranged between 162” to 200” This fixture was more complex than the others because we wanted to be able to machine 2 operations simultaneously, due to the long lengths this eliminated an extra process and handling.

So far, all these fixtures have been running great for our customer! They have proven the versatility of what the current 3D printing and laser technologies can bring to the manufacturing world. Being able to simplify fixturing while being more cost effective and reduce lead times.

Fun fact: These 4 sets of 3D printed fixtures combined total print time was just over 1,600 hours and total number of tapped holes in both the laser plates and 3D parts was 1,118!

Another few sets of work holding fixtures to locate and retain a couple aluminum extrusion for machining.These fixtures ...
07/22/2026

Another few sets of work holding fixtures to locate and retain a couple aluminum extrusion for machining.

These fixtures were designed and built in house, utilizing laser cut steel plates and 3D printed plastic components to avoid marking the extrusions. These setups incorporate a quick style fixture changeover using the machines programmable vises.

Recently completed a set of work holding fixtures for our customer to hold and locate an aluminum extrusion to be machin...
06/18/2026

Recently completed a set of work holding fixtures for our customer to hold and locate an aluminum extrusion to be machined!

These fixtures were designed and built in house, utilizing laser cut aluminum plates and 3D printed plastic components to avoid marking the extrusion. This setup incorporates a quick style fixture changeover using the machines programmable vises.

Multislide front tool welded up! The lower plate had been broken off due to a wreck. We remade the plate and welded back...
06/12/2026

Multislide front tool welded up!

The lower plate had been broken off due to a wreck. We remade the plate and welded back on to the hardened front tool taking precautions to ensure a long lasting repair.

This plate that is welded to the bottom of the front tool helps act as a positive blank holder. This helps ensure the material blank is in the correct spot after being cutoff, prior to being held in position by the front tool and arbor.

New additions to the shop! These are essentially identical Fanuc Robodrills but one has a 6” riser for additional Z heig...
05/22/2026

New additions to the shop!

These are essentially identical Fanuc Robodrills but one has a 6” riser for additional Z height! We had ran into issues in the past with not having enough Z height to accommodate the work piece and the tool/holder combo.

Shared Specs:
2001 Fanuc Robodrill Alpha T14iBL
Max Spindle Speed = 8,000 RPM
Spindle Taper = BT30
Spindle Motor = 7.5hp
Control = Fanuc 16iM
Axis Travels = X-27.5”, Y-15.7”, Z-13”
Table = 25.6” x 15.7”
Spindle to Table = 5.9”-18.9” and 11.9”-24.9”
Tool Holders = 14 Tools
Rapid Traverse = 2,125 IPM
Tool Change Time = 1.0 second
Chip-to-Chip Time = 1.6 seconds
Chip Evaluation = Conveyor

Fun Fact - Serial number is off 5 digits
(S/N: P014TM472 & S/N: P014TM477)

Both of these machines were purchased new by the seller that primarily made aluminum manifolds in Grand Haven, MI. They are very clean machines for the age! The only reason they were selling was to get another set of band new Robodrills.

Soon to come; shop rearranging!

Multi-slide tig weld repair!This is the result of a crash on one of the hardened slides on the multi-slide press. This i...
05/06/2026

Multi-slide tig weld repair!

This is the result of a crash on one of the hardened slides on the multi-slide press. This is not typically were you want the failure to take place but it does happen.

This is a critical piece to the machine and requires absolute precision to ensure the repair is true on all surfaces. Any misalignment would cause the slide to bind and break or prematurely wear out the machines guides.

Fortunately, we are able to put back together and make whole again! Repairing this was a much cheaper and time-saving solution for our customer!

Completed extrusion die shrouds. ✅These are new shrouds our customer purchases from the manufacturer and welds up the ex...
05/04/2026

Completed extrusion die shrouds. ✅

These are new shrouds our customer purchases from the manufacturer and welds up the existing holes. We then re-machined the bolt hole pattern to fit the extrusion die and adapter.

Another round of electrical lamination cores tig welded! ✅
05/01/2026

Another round of electrical lamination cores tig welded! ✅

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Elkhart, IN

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