Tag : cnc production

Metal Wheel Concept

Improving CNC Machine Shop Efficiency and Productivity

As manufacturing continues to evolve, CNC machinists find themselves in stressful situations since the skills gap is diminishing with time. It has become very difficult to find experienced CNC manufacturing machinists in this industry. The level of competition is up which requires high CNC automation of machine tools to provide stiff competition to other CNC machine providers.

The high demand for quality parts means that mechanical engineering and milling processes must put more emphasis on increased productivity and manufacturing. Today, modern valuable CNC machining tools have made it possible for most shops to modernize their operations. To remain competitive, CNC machinists must find viable ways of increasing their output and maintain reliable, quality and exceptional customer care services.

Time is an important aspect in CNC manufacturing and each machine shop owner wish to make their shops more productive and efficient. Here are three main tips for improving your CNC machine shop efficiency and productivity.

Prolonging the Life of the Tool

Consider having a high-pressure coolant system or increase the concentration of the existing one. It is advisable to examine your tool holder and the inserts from time to time to enhance its lifespan. This simple process helps you to prevent any disastrous failures. You should also record the number of materials that are being removed. Mechanical engineering schools put a lot of emphasis on avoiding extreme contact time with the new materials.

During this process, it’s advisable to go for harder insert grades of your choice which will service you for long. To maintain your tool holder for a long time, some specific coatings like aluminum oxide will help you to reduce the cycle while increasing the lifespan of your tool, feed rates and cutting speeds. Alternatively, you may consider investing in a cryogenic machine.

Improve the Organization

Lack of proper organization may lead to loss of money and significant manpower. There is need to maintain a properly arranged workplace for your business especially if it’s a machine tool. You have to organize things and put them in place when you are done with your work.

You should make sure you invest in quality shadow boards, and tool draws such as those used at US manufacturing schools. You should also improve the labeling system of your arrangements to prevent confusions. Cleanliness of your equipment and shop floor should be maintained since it’s beneficial to your health and business.

Equipment Management System

It is profitable to keep your tool cost as low as possible and invest in US manufacturing tool management system while setting your time down. A good and reliable tool management system will help you to manage and track your inventory. This will enable you to reduce the cost of overstocking or understocking of the tool supply.

The manufacturing in USA enables you to find useful software that will help you control performance, tool usage and procurement in your CNC machine shop. The software also provides crucial purchase notifications to help you avoid costly downtimes. You need to understand that your production quantity isn’t the only factor that drives business growth. You need to thoroughly evaluate the kind of services you are providing to your clients and streamline your overall business processes.

Quality Control CNC Machine Shop

The Role of Quality Control in Manufacturing

Quality control in manufacturing can be defined as the oversight of the different aspects of the manufacturing process. The main goal of implementing quality control in manufacturing is ensuring that products produced conform to the company’s, industry’s as well as consumer expectation every time. Having a system for quality control monitors everything including the parts being produced as well as the employees that are assembling the parts. It is not only the customer that benefits from quality control by receiving products of high quality, but also the manufacturer since it reduces costs and increases efficiency.

To effectively implement quality control programs, you have to approach with caution. Imperfect implementation can be costly to the company. Effective implementation starts by defining the quality standard of each product. Then define the number of products to be tested before proceeding to employee training. Finally, there should be a communication system to report defects or potential issues in cnc manufacturing.

Below is an outline of the role of quality control in manufacturing in US.

Risk minimization
There is more to minimizing risks than having safety gear on the factory floor. There are plenty of other financial risks that should be considered not only in the factory but also after the product leaves the factory. Product recalls can be quite an expensive endeavor, they also influence the customer negatively hence tarnishing the name of your brand indefinitely. An effective quality control system that includes vigorous inspections at different stages of the manufacturing process helps ascertain that all manufactured products meet the minimum requirements before reaching the consumer.

Resource conservation
Resource conservation is important for manufacturers since it reduces the total upfront material expenses. It also helps improve the company’s reputation with its customers. With less assembly foul-ups there is greater throughput and higher gains for the manufacturer. The role played by quality control in resource conservation is making this a reality.

Effective compliance
Every industry has a set of regulations that it must meet including manufacture of cnc machining. Failure to comply with the standards set can be an expensive affair. It can also lead to production bottlenecks. A company with effective quality control systems will evenly distribute the checks throughout the entire process. Ensuring there are no financial losses resulting from bottlenecks in the manufacturing process.

Consistency
Consistency of the products produced and offered to the market plays a huge role in the overall company reputation. If you are not in a position to consistently produce high quality products, it will reflect badly on your company. Consistency not only affects your company reputation but it also affects production costs. If consistency is not upheld in manufacturing, you will definitely experience fluctuations in production costs. Quality control plays a huge role in ensuring you are consistent in the quality of products produced.

Improved final product
Naturally, products from a stringent and intensive the quality control environment are of higher quality. Quality control ensures that each step meets the standards that you have set. The results will be an improved product of high quality.

As evidenced above, quality control is an essential part in the manufacturing process. Not only does it ensure the company produces high quality products but also ensures that there is proper adherence to the standards set by the regulators.

CNC Machinist

Tips for Hiring the Ideal CNC Machinist

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology has revolutionized modern manufacturing in the US. With CNC machining, the role of a CNC machinist (operators) has reduced significantly. The operator only feeds instructions in the computer, set up the required tools, feed the materials in the machine, and control speed leaving the computer to do the rest.

Given the complexity and technicality of the CNC machines, the operators need top-notch skills for set-up and programming. CNC machinists are fabricators, builders, mechanics, craftsmen and quality assurances making them difficult to find. Below are 6 tips for hiring the perfect CNC machinist;

Consider All Means of Advertising

Although the manufacturing industry looks promising, there’s a real scarcity of machinists in the US. Other than placing your ads in the local newspaper, radio, monster and indeed, Craigslist is also a good starting point that most take for granted.

While at it, expand your search to major cities rather than concentrating on your locality. Make it easy for applicants to reach out by leaving the company’s details guiding to the company’s website for a direct application.

Go Searching in the Nearest Technical Schools

Although most of the technical schools in the US have shifted away from CNC machining, you can still find a local mechanical engineering schools approach. Approach a couple of potential job candidates just before graduating before all of them are taken. Consider expanding your search to other states.

Train the Applicants Desired to Learn and the Drive to Succeed

In as much as you’d bring skilled workforce aboard, it may not be possible as fresh graduates from the US manufacturing schools may have no experience. But you can choose the talent with attention to detail and drive to learn and succeed then teach them on the job.

Promise to increase their wages over time after the training, so they don’t run away to greener pasture after the training.

Set an Exam for the Ideal Candidates

Resumes are just a means used by prospective applicants to show off their supposed skills and abilities. Undoubtedly, resumes will help you separate the chaff from the grain. However, comparing the applicants solely by their resumes would be a disservice to the company. Some of the best machinists do not have the best resumes.

Instead, consider giving the applicants a test to gauge their basic knowledge of the CNC machining. Some people get intimidated by a written test. Prepare a list of relevant questions and ask them verbally.

Involve Other Machinists in the Interviewing and Hiring Process

Company Machinists have a proper understanding of the machines and other tools. They can help structure a test the cuts across all areas of the job. Involve in chit-chat to keep the interviewees at ease before hitting them with the tough questions.

Allocate enough time for the prospective employees to spend time in the shop together with the interviewers so you can check out how they handle the machines.

Hiring a CNC machinist can be a daunting task. The tips above should help you land the best candidates with ease. Tag Team Manufacturing is a modern manufacturing company specializing in machining CNC for OEMs in almost all industries. We can produce over 50,000 components annually and have the skills necessary to work closely with the engineers in producing prototypes. We’re working continuously to improve and develop our processes and capabilities.

Manufacturing Plant

4 Tips to Managers and Prospective Managers of Manufacturing Facilities

Several factors come into play when managing a manufacturing facility. The floor brings together different specialists sometimes from fields that are two worlds apart. For instance, the shipping supervisor gets to interact with the manufacturing specialist while production managers consult the plant manager or even the finishing specialist on matters concerning the manufacturing process. Additionally, it is imortant to note that management involves taking a more radical approach. There are ways of handling hurdles associated with the manufacturing plant. Here are four tips on how to manage a manufacturing plant. If you are planning to go up to the ladder, then understanding these early will set you up for the challenge.

1. Focus on Profits

It is possible that your facility still uses the output as a measure of performance. While this can be good for accounting purposes, it is not a great way of handling workers. Only machines are rated based on the quantity they churn out. Instead of focusing the attention of employees on the number of tons churned out per day, let them understand how their effort contributes to the overall profit.

It is then possible to create a reward program that grows as the profits increase. As a result, the employees, partners, and shareholders can share in the fruits of good labor. If you are planning to be a manager, then start viewing your input in relation to the profits. Figure out how you can do more than add daily output.

2. Annual to Weekly Review

How often do you review your performance or that of your team? Time flies, you are handling more customers, and the staff is changing even faster. The only way to grow is to have short-term goals usually daily goals and review your success weekly. Yearly performance review is an outdated idea that has no place in the 21st-century manufacturing industry management.

As an employee, have your daily targets. If you are working with a team, set these goals and share them with your supervisor. At the end of the week have a sit-down and analyze your performance.

3. Teammates are Not Soul Mates

While teamwork is to be encouraged in the workplace, these people are not to be welded together as a unit. A workforce in a manufacturing facility is not similar to a police task force where people are partners for life. Managers should bring together the best team for the work at hand. They can get to know each other during briefings. However, such a structure requires that personnel allocations decisions be flexible.

As an employee eyeing a managerial post, learn to work in different teams. When faced with a hurdle, find ways of getting help from the person best qualified to help even if they are not part of your team.

4. Process is King

Profit based rewards propagate a focus on the results. The problem with this is that it assumes the role of the process. Only a properly designed process can lead to an excellent performance and product that, in turn, leads to improved profits. A manufacturing manager should recognize employees who excel at how they carry out their operations.

A prospective leader in the manufacturing plant should also learn to improve the efficiency of the part of the process for which they are responsible.

Managing a manufacturing facility requires one to think broadly and creatively. Have a gamer’s mentality; you and your workers should always be aiming higher to an attainable goal. Once achieved, let the reward be tangible and worth the struggle. Above all ensure everyone shares in the victory and fruits.

original equipment manufacturer

What Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) Stand to Benefit from Tag Team Manufacturing

Are you an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in search of a state of the art technology in machine CNC precision? Tag Team manufacturing is your genuinely supportive manufacturing partner. The company is a modern machine shop that is continuously advancing in technology to provide the best solution to the needs of the current manufacturing industry. Their products are not only of high quality, but made to yield high outputs. Tag Team understands the challenges facing today’s production industry and strives towards providing long-term solutions. Solutions that not only reduces the cost of production, but also maintains the high quality of products manufactured promptly.

Introducing Two DMG Mori NHX5000 Generation 2 Machines
Recently, they added two DMG Mori NHX5000 Generation 2 machines in their manufacturing facility. One of the machines has 2 pallets while the other has 21 pallets. If you are in need of a speedy turn around, the new DMG Mori Machines will help increase the rate of production. Developed with the latest spindle, the machines guarantee more products being produced than before with un-compromised production precision. The machine parts are perfectly manufactured to required specifications eliminating the need for programming adjustments. Loaded with 21 pallets, one of the NHX5000’s can operate throughout the weekend lights out. Its structure is not only optimized for improved static performance, but also for dynamic rigidity.

Celebrating Sawyer
It’s been over a year since Sawyer joined Tag Team and has been a pillar of strength in the production facility. Various things make him stand out. He can carry out multiple tasks with seven degrees of freedom. His sensors are top notch giving him precise movements and positioning. Moreover, the high degree of accuracy coupled with his 8lb lifting ability makes Sawyer safe to work with fellow human coworkers. Sawyer uses less space compared to other robots; his arm can fit through any of their CNC equipment, allowing him to help with the machining of smaller parts. Finally, his integrated visual interface with robotic hands makes him collaborative and a team player. What original equipment manufacturer would not want to meet Sawyer?

Aluminum Billiard Line
In the manufacturing business, quality control and marketing are paramount. After several years of research, Tag Team developed an aluminum billiard rack line named Delta-13 to address the industries challenges. The billiard accessories are made from high-quality aluminum. The billiard racks guarantee durability and maintaining high aesthetic qualities. With over 10 years of experience in the billiard market, the company continues to create high quality, custom and visually pleasing USA billiard equipment.

Undoubted Experience
The Colorado based company has an indisputable team bringing a combined 140 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. It takes pride in having 6 employees who have worked with them for more than 10 years since its founding in 1987. Because of high repute in the industry, the company has managed to work with the same companies for more than the 30 years.

Customer Relations
Tag Team takes pride in offering quality products and services to their clients. It takes two to tango, customers speak, Tag Team listens then strives to provide quality services promptly. Products are not only delivered promptly, but guaranteed high outputs without compromising on quality. With proven skills and ability to work with engineers from all over the US, customer’s interests are secured and guaranteed. The company can produce on a large scale with competitive pricing. If you are an original equipment manufacturer, you should contact Tag Team Manufacturing today for all of your CNC manufacturing solutions.

cnc mill

What changes have manufacturers of cnc mills and lathes made in the last 5 years?

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is the automation of machinery such as CNC lathes, screws and drills, which are commonly used in the machining. The above tools are used to cut metallic components to the desired dimension. CNC Mill machinery popularly referred to as machining center has been in existence since the early 1970`s and is currently used in the production of widgets and other tools. Most of the people in the manufacturing domain will have come across these tools since they are widely used in the sector, from small scale ventures to large scale premises. Since the inception of the milling program, there has been a considerable improvement and development on the overall structure and operation of the program.

Below we look at some of the notable changes that manufacturers of CNC mills and lathes made in the last five years.

CNC Turning

Turning is a manufacturing process in which bars of materials (metal, wood, plastic, or stone) are held in a chuck, then rotated, and the cutting screw traverses across two axes of motion to generate precise dimension. Turning can either be done on the interior or exterior side of the material, through a method known as boring. The process can also be used in the production of tubular components to various depths and diameters. Although turning used to be done manually, it`s now more common to see CNC machine shops using automated lathe which is superior to the manual process since it doesn`t need human intervention.

CNC Milling

This new development involves using of commands or G-codes. The alphanumeric codes are then automated into the milling machine with every code carrying a specific role to be executed by the machine. The machine then drills and turn along the axes to model the material depending on the specifics automated on it.

A CNC mill can either be controlled using computerized programs or physical overrides positioned on the face of the mill. Even though the computerized program control is the ideal method of the mill control, using the manual override allows the mill operator to speed up or slow down the milling process when necessary.

CNC Machining

In comparison to the manual machining, CNC Machining has allowed manufacturers to have improved productivity, accuracy, efficiency, and reduced the number of accidents, thanks to the limited/reduced interactions of humans with the machinery. Additionally, the technological advancement has now made it possible for the CNC mill to run unmanned for extended periods. But what is probably exciting about the CNC Machining is that in case the machine develops a problem, the CNC software robotically halts its operations and calls an off-site officer.

With the world consuming millions of products, which are in turn manufactured using billions of components, it`s imperative for the manufacturers to utilize CNC automation.  The CNC mills have taken over where human beings could not match the accuracy, and speed of the automation process. Keep in mind that the process of evolution of the CNC mills is still on as each manufacturer tries to outdo the other.

skillscncmachinist

What are the Skills and Qualities Required to be Successful Machinists?

People tend to misunderstand what a CNC Machinist is and the skills they possess. Given that it takes at least seven (or more) years of technical tool and advanced manufacturing to become a certified machinist, summing up the qualities and skills required for the occupation can be difficult to explain in a simple sentence. So to give context brief to the occupation, a machinist is a person who performs techniques and operations without assistance in all facets of advanced machining techniques and operations. Much of their knowledge is gained through apprenticeship, which requires 576 hours of educational training and 8,000 hours of work learning all aspects of manual machining.

A Machinist’s Skill & Quality Set

Many individuals view machinists as people who operate by hardware and produce/cut materials into what is intended. However, this isn’t always the case as many industries utilizing Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines. Some of the skill sets required for effective machinists are:

  • They must have the tolerance to gather and produce engineering parts that have been created from a wide range of materials. In addition to this, they should be able to work within size distinctions that are oftentimes only a hundredth of a single millimeter.
  • They must be proficient when handling the latest and current tools at their disposal, whether it be machine tools or measuring and hand paraphernalia. Machinists must also have experience and knowledge about laser cutting, screw machining, stamping, machine maintenance, machine building, machining, metalforming, and other techinical skills required for production.

When it comes to CNC machines, they are milling machines that are automated digitally. The main reason for CNC machine popularity is due to the fact that they reduce manpower, reduce time , and increase the quality of the product being produced. However, these machines do require machinist oversight in the event of failure. For example:

  • A CNC Machinist should be able to identify and interpret the 2D engineering blueprints/illustrations of the engineering machines or components. In addition to this, the CNC machinist must economically complete and plan the manufacturing of all components when utilizing the available equipment and time.

Aside from the technical aspects of the machine, the machinist must also know how to formulate procedures, set priorities, set schedules, and create a 3D image of the product mentally before it is created. This is a common quality found in expert machinists. Other important qualities include:

  • Paying careful attention to errors found in current manufactured equipment or components. If faults or errors are found, the machinist must correct them so the equipment or components can be used properly.
  • Maintaining a high level of craftsmanship. This is the most important quality a CNC Machinist can possess. They should have no problem finding safe, effective, and economical ways to improve productivity within a company or production.

Contact tagteammfg.com today by visiting the contact page or calling 303.841.5697.

Denver Manufacturing

The Search for Talented Machinists

As a Denver Manufacturing company with over 30 years of experience serving customers of all shapes and sizes, Tag Team has always prided itself on being a forward thinking and tech-savvy organization. We’ve employed a wide range of different techniques to guarantee that our customers can expect to receive a quality product every time, with CNC machining being just one of them.

What is CNC Machining?

Short for “computer numeric control,” CNC manufacturing involves the automation of tools that can be programmed very precisely using computers and software. With CNC manufacturing it’s possible to automate every aspect of component design, for example, through the help of not just CAD and CAM systems but also the types of tools that needed to be controlled manually just a few short years ago.

For a Denver Manufacturing company like Tag Team, CNC manufacturing is about more than just saving time. It’s about increasing production in a meaningful way. It’s about boosting product volume and delivery figures. It’s about delivering the type of consistent quality that our customers have come to expect and depend on, helping to drive the success of their own businesses and forge the types of relationships that will last a lifetime.

We’re Always Looking For Talented CNC Machinists

Tag Team is ALWAYS looking for passionate individuals who have the skills and talents necessary to take our CNC efforts to bold new heights. Our CNC machinists are senior level positions, as without them our operations would cease to function. In addition to three to five years of real-world experience both programming and operating CNC mills and lathes, we’re searching for talented machinists who:

  • Have experience in the operation of CNC horizontal mills
  • Have at least one year of experience programming MasterCam and/or SurCam, the state-of-the-art CAD/CAM programming system that guarantees the speed our customers need with the accuracy they deserve.
  • Have the ability to produce parts from a set of engineering prints to develop things like fixtures, jaws and more
  • Are ready to bring fresh and new ideas to the table in an effort to minimize run time
  • Are efficient at burr removal techniques for most materials, including but not limited to ones like aluminum, steel, titanium and more
  • Are excellent at reading detailed engineering drawings and who know how to correctly interpret key dimensions, finishes and more
  • Have the ability to set up and edit jobs fast, efficiently and accurately

More than anything, Tag Team is looking for the type of person who is never satisfied. Someone who understands the power that CNC manufacturing already brings to the table and is always looking for new opportunities to do better work at faster speeds with higher quality. Someone who is ready to not just start a career, but to become a part of a family – who excels in the type of working environment where everyone can truly come together and help Tag Team become the living, breathing whole it was meant to be.

Tag Team Manufacturing

If you’ve got the skills necessary to become a CNC machinist and are looking for the perfect opportunity to put those skills to the test on a daily basis, you’ve come to the right place. Contact our Denver Manufacturing Company, Tag Team Manufacturing, today to find out more about available positions, job requirements, training programs and more.

roboticsmanufacturing

The Wave of Robotics Manufacturing

It’ll be a long time before we see the rise of Skynet, the global artificial intelligence that controlled an army of robotic automation warriors as depicted in the movie Terminator, but robots are already very much a part of our lives and will be even more so in the very near future.

There are already almost a million robotic machines at work around the world in a variety of automation manufacturing roles, and with rapidly developing technologies, and falling costs, that number is expected to grow almost exponentially over the next two decades.

In the 1980s, almost all robots were used in the auto industry. Today they are used in many different industries for robotic automation including; manufacturing, as well as in warehouses, hospitals, laboratories, nuclear power plants, and more.

Some futurists are predicting that by the year 2055 at least 50% of the manufacturing jobs that are now performed by humans will be done by robots. Ready or not, robots are the future of manufacturing, and the future is here now.

Robots And CNC Manufacturing

Yes, robots can do many things well, and they are constantly improving their skills. One part of the manufacturing process that they have proved particularly effective at is CNC machining. When you need precision parts made to exacting tolerances, over and over again, no human can match the tireless performance of a robot.

Of course, robots could do nothing without humans to program them and tell them what to do. Artificial intelligence may get to the point some day that they’ll be able to do it themselves, but we’re not there yet. That’s why we employ professional machinists with years of experience, who also understand the technology behind the robots they direct. That’s a tall order, and you could say our staff is among the elite in their profession.

Robotics manufacturing not only increases productivity and produces and produces an exacting product every time, it also significantly lowers costs. That’s why we can deliver superior OEM parts at the lowest cost, every time.

Meet Sawyer, The Newest Member Of The Team

Sawyer is a robot, and he has amazing capabilities. Even though he only takes up about four square feet of space, he can accomplish many tasks. Sawyer is a collaborative robot, with a visual interface that allows his fellow workers to communicate with him, and to anticipate his actions. He has seven degrees of freedom, extremely advanced in robotic automation, and he has over a four-foot reach, can lift almost nine pounds, and can be controlled to the most exacting specifications required for high-tech CNC machining. Sawyer can work independently, and requires very little supervision. He is one of the most valuable members of our team, gets along great with his co-workers, and is our leading edge in providing you with the highest quality OEM parts.

To learn more about how Sawyer, robotic automation, and high-technology CNC machining can help your business, contact Tag Team Manufacturing today.

lean manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing at Tag Team

At Tag Team, we believe that “lean” as a concept is more than just a way to streamline and simplify the manufacturing process. It’s a way to shine a powerful light on the areas of manufacturing that add value in a way that lets you support them and strengthen them. It’s a methodology that lets you get the right products into the right places at the right time. Most importantly, it’s a way to guarantee the type of competitive advantage necessary to be able to constantly grow and evolve within the ever-changing demands of the market as a whole.

What is Lean Manufacturing?

At its core, lean manufacturing is a concept built on the idea that if you take steps to identify and eliminate waste and overburden within a system, you immediately identify the core pillars that are truly adding value to your organization. It’s a philosophy that was spearheaded by Toyota during the 1990s and is also directly responsible for that company transitioning from a small, niche company to the largest automaker on planet Earth.

Lean focuses on eliminating three core types of waste from within the manufacturing process:

  • Muda. As a term meaning “futility” in its original Japanese, these are all the steps within your process that may get you the results you want, but in the least efficient way possible.
  • Muri. This is the type of waste generated by overburden. These are decisions that may have seemed great when you made them but that, over time, prevent you and your team from working “smarter, not harder.”
  • Mura. This refers to the waste in your process created by uneven workloads.

By overhauling a manufacturing process with an eye towards these three simple ideas, you don’t just improve the quality of the work you’re doing – you improve costs, delivery times, stability and absolutely everything in between.

The Lean Manufacturing Approach

At Tag Team, lean is the very foundation on which our entire manufacturing process has been built. We use one of the best manufacturing software systems available in the world today – E2 – to track everything from machine and employee efficiencies to material and labor costs. We automate wherever possible, allowing us to not only use technology to do things we couldn’t have dreamed of even 10 years ago but to free up the valuable time of our employees so that they can focus on the things that matter the most.

At the end of the day, lean manufacturing doesn’t just allow us to support our own growth and profitability. It lets us support yours, too.

Tag Team has over 30 years of experience serving customers just like you by way of a highly trained, passionate staff with a commitment to quality that is second to none. If you’d like to find out more information about how lean manufacturing can benefit your organization, or if you’d like to sit down and speak to someone about your situation in a little more detail, please don’t delay – contact Tag Team today.