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What do all successful entrepreneurs have in common?

What Do Successful Entrepreneurs Have in Common?

Most entrepreneurs are like a Lady GaGa song: they’re just Born This Way. Yet even the most attuned business owners have challenges that can potentially hinder them from reaching their potential and creating a successful company.

All business leaders have something to learn. Below, we look at some of these lessons that have refined some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs. These are common threads that bind them and set them apart from the pack.

1. They Cast a Vision for the Purpose and Direction of Their Company
Entrepreneurs always know why their company exists and where it is headed. They have a deep understanding of these two concepts either because they know them instinctively or they have learned them through both their successes and failures. They can communicate both the purpose and the direction of their company in a clear, succinct manner to their board, company executives, and the entire team on all levels. They inspire both the entry-level workers and the CEOs by casting a vision that is both practical and powerful.

What does it mean to cast a vision? In a nutshell, the entrepreneur communicates what the company is about, the culture that the leadership will create and the team will cultivate, and what the end game is. The vision is a roadmap that consists of dreams, goals, benchmarks, and assessments for performance. The vision gives everyone a clear understanding of their role in the organization and how their personal objectives align with the company’s aspirations.

2. They Seek Out Opportunities for Business Growth and Success
Entrepreneurs don’t just allow things to happen. Rather, they make them happen. Business leaders plan, scheme, organize, discuss, research, and innovate. Their intentional leadership sets the pace for the entire company. They are always moving forward and never satisfied with the status quo.

Successful leaders ask:

What are the gaps in our company’s performance?

What tools can we utilize to improve our processes?

What new products or services can we create or sell?

Who do we need to hire to lead this segment of our company?

How can we improve employee satisfaction and performance?

How can we best serve or connect with our customers?

How can we boost our reputation or image in the industry?

What is the competition doing that we need to be doing?

3. They Recognize and Address Failure Head-On
Even the best entrepreneurs are not immune to mistakes and failures — neither are the people in their company. Successful entrepreneurs embrace failures as much as they do successes because they recognize both as teaching tools that strengthen the company.

Some of the greatest failures can lead to some of the best ideas and solutions if everyone in the room is willing to accept responsibility for the failure — starting with the company’s owner, the entrepreneur.

The question every successful entrepreneur asks is: What did we learn from this mistake?

A careful and honest analysis of the defeat opens up a world of possibilities for doing it better the next time. It does not matter if…

The company went bankrupt.

The product did not sell.

The current system is not working.

The employee had to be fired.

The business fell prey to a PR disaster.

What matters is what comes next. What is the entrepreneur’s reaction? What is the very next step that he or she will take?

4. They Recognize Great Talent and Know How to Utilize It
Some companies only hire within. Other companies only seek fresh new employees to bring new life into the organization. Both are great strategies. However, an entrepreneur’s guiding principle is neither. Rather, he or she is on a relentless pursuit to discover and utilize the best talent on the planet regardless of where that individual resides.

Question: Are you making the best use of the talent within your organization? Are you seeking the best talent in your city, region, or nationwide? OR are you settling for mediocrity just to fill a position?

Successful entrepreneurs continuously assess talent and redistribute abilities as needed. It does not matter that a person was hired to perform a function. If the entrepreneur discovers abilities in this person that would be best suited somewhere else in the company, then it’s a win for everyone to assign the team member if that person is willing to take on a new role.

Entrepreneurs hire HR managers who are resourceful recruiters and know how to attract ridiculously talented individuals to work for their company. They are willing to pay a little more, add a few perks, and provide a favorable working environment to retain employees that demonstrate exceptional abilities.

5. They Embody a High Level of Discipline and Maturity
Entrepreneurs are willing to do things that no one else will do so that they can receive the benefits that no one else will get. They immediately recognize what is important and what is a distraction and respond to both accordingly.

Entrepreneurs get up early, stay up late, go the extra mile, and demonstrate exemplary behavior. When everyone else is whining and complaining about the industry, their income, their circumstances, or how unfair life is, and people are, successful entrepreneurs take full responsibility for everything around them, take control of their circumstances, and make life happen.

Question: What areas of your life do you lack discipline? How is this lack of discipline affecting your personal life, and, in turn, affecting your company?

Entrepreneurs don’t look at the positive or negative side of things. Instead, they merely see cause and effect. They don’t rely on belief. Rather, they rely on action. They are rarely governed by their emotion. Adversely, they rely on their knowledge, intellect, and common sense. How they feel on any given day is likely to pass. What they do in spite of how they feel, however, is likely to have lasting consequences.

They can cut through the crap to see what needs to be done and not hesitate to do it.

6. They Create Healthy Relationship with Others
Let’s be honest. Nobody wants to work with a jerk. Nobody wants to be around someone who is highly critical, manipulative, controlling or fails to see the good in others. Even worse is trying to work with someone who lies, cheats, and steals to get what they want.

A successful entrepreneur has a sincere and authentic desire to develop healthy personal and working relationships and will do what it takes to see those relationships flourish. What does this mean from a practical standpoint?

Entrepreneurs…

Are always honest, yet know how to communicate their honesty.

Do not think twice about apologizing when they’ve made a mistake.

Reward and praise others for doing a good job.

Use motivation — not manipulation — as a tool to stimulate action.

Learn to laugh…a lot!

Find solutions for conflict — not play the blame game.

7. They Know How to Have Fun
Believe it or not, successful entrepreneurs are successful because they DON’T WORK ALL THE TIME. They understand the balance between work, family, and personal fun, and they respect that balance. Within the organization, entrepreneurs know when and how to give their workers time off. They throw company parties, outlandish contests, and — when it’s appropriate — spend time with their team outside of work.

Entrepreneurs go home and spend time with their family and friends. They veg in front of the TV and watch the game or spend a Saturday on the green. They have a hobby that takes their minds off the cares of the world. They cherish time spent with others, and they don’t apologize for that occasional moment when they do nothing at all.

In short, entrepreneurs understand what it means to be an entrepreneur. They study from other successful business owners, read books about entrepreneurship, attend leadership seminars, and find out all they can about their lot in life. They learn the most important concept of all: how to lead an organization without self-destructing.

Industrial ecology business internet concept. Green energy eco industry manufacture technology

5 Things you need to know about Green Manufacturing

Over the years, human activity, in particular, manufacturing has had a devastating effect on the environment due to pollution. It has also drained the available natural resources through wastage and bad manufacturing practices. In the recent past, there has been a push for green manufacturing prices along with other green practices. Here are five things that you need to know about green manufacturing and how they apply in your custom machine shop or OEM manufacturing facility.

Green manufacturing comes in two ways

Green manufacturing can be defined in two major ways. First, the production of green products. These are products that do not degrade the environment. They may be fully functional equipment or parts thereof which ensure a clean and green environment. Second, it involves the use of renewable energy and manufacturing practices that do not pollute the environment.

Green products can be achieved in many ways. First, the selection of the materials used in the manufacture is critical to ensure that they are materials that do not contribute to environmental degradation. You can use recyclable or recycled materials in support to the recycling initiative. The plastic menace around the world and lead poisoning are some common manufacturing challenges that can be dealt by either of these two approaches.

The use of renewable energy sources helps avoid over-dependence on fossil fuels which are rapidly declining over the years. Renewable energy also brings down the cost of powering up the manufacturing facilities. Renewable energy sources include wind energy and solar power.

Reducing resource use

Different natural resources are dwindling as the years go by. Metal ores, oil, and water are some of the rapidly dwindling resources of importance to the manufacturing community. With the green manufacturing effort, there is an emphasis on the reduction of waste as a way to stem the draining of the resources. Wastage reduction involves streamlining manufacturing process to create efficiency so that every resource that gets into the production cycle is put into use.These resources include raw materials and energy

The second approach involves recycling the used and left-over materials for use in production. In the process of manufacturing, cut metal pieces can be remelted and made into parts. The manufacturing facility can also work with recycling institution to get quality metal for the production. You can have pure and high metal quality for your machine shop from the recycled parts.

Besides, there are lots of resources such as water that can be reused at the manufacturing facility to reduce water consumption. With water purification systems, grey water can serve many other areas of the facility. The water should be treated as it leaves the facility to get rid of heavy metals such as iron and lead before joining the public sewerage systems.

Dealing with emissions

Emissions have been the greatest threat to a clean and sustainable environment. The use of fossil fuels over the years have deeply damaged the ozone layer, led to global warming and lowered the quality of breathable air around the industrial quarters. There has been a drive to reduce the use of fossil fuels which in turn helps reduce the carbon footprint from manufacturing companies.

The reduction in emission is achieved in a number of ways. The first common way is the use of renewable energy sources. Sometimes it takes the redesign of the common systems to use the renewable sources of energy. The second methods involve the restructuring the production methods to cut out some process that increases the production of greenhouse gases. The rapid development of technologies such as CAD, prototype modeling technologies, and precision manufacturing has simplified most technical processes thereby lowering the amount of emissions that leave the manufacturing facility.

Work with communities to improve the livelihoods and environment

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a crucial component of green manufacturing. The manufacturing facilities operate among communities. These communities provide the facility with the workforce, energy, and materials for the manufacturing procedures. The manufacturing organizations are bound to give back to the communities around them in a number of ways as explained below.

They can take initiatives to conserve resources such as water by helping in the planting of trees and building of dams.They can assist members of the community to improve their lives by instituting community-based projects such as research and design facilities, taking part in the production of renewable energy or supporting the needy students to get education.

Taking responsibility for any environmental degradation that may have happened in the past, such as pollution of land and rivers and taking the first step in cleaning up the mess.CSR ensures that the facility is part of the community, and its presence in the community becomes an asset to thousands living near it. It is vital that businesses join forces with bodies working towards improving the lives of the residents and the environment around them.

Business process improvement

Also called cradle-to-cradle manufacturing, the ecological business process improvement involves design, production, and manufacturing with an eye on reducing wastage, pollution and enhancing effective resource use. The manufacturing process consists of a lot of components as explained below. The processes cannot be said to be truly green if each of the components is not green. Work with the CNC machinist to redesign the components of the manufacturing process with a view of making them green. The components include:

1. Sustainable manufacturing

This involves manufacturing that does not exceed the environment’s ability to transform the waste into resources and nutrients. This manufacturing philosophy aims to ensure that the manufacturing does not lay the environment around is desolate due to draining and waste dumping.

2. Green operations

Green operations seek to strike a balance between pollution reduction and financial performance of the organization. It looks at such initiatives such as eco-design, re-use of old and worn-out components, refurbishment and eco-packaging of products. These products reduce environmental pollution while still ensuring that the business stays afloat.

3. Green supply chain management

The whole supply chain should adopt green practices in the production, packaging and supplying of parts and finished products. Consider purchasing raw materials and your CNC machine components from an original equipment manufacturer and Denver manufacturing company that is eco-sustainable. In the same breath, the company can recover the products that have reached their end of life for recycling.

Green manufacturing has long-term benefits on your CNC manufacturing process and the community surrounding the facility. Select a green machine shop Denver for your part supplies in support for the green manufacturing initiative.

Engineer Showing Apprentice How To Measure CAD Drawings

Why Engineers Choose Tag Team Manufacturing

Experience and longevity have traditionally been hallmarks of successful businesses. The same is true of CNC machine shops. Tag Team Manufacturing has taken the qualities that have allowed us to be in business since 1987 and created the top CNC machine shop in Denver and the surrounding area. Great precision manufacturing shops continually search for the best ways to improve to ensure that we can meet the needs of our customers. Just like the Post Office wouldn’t use outdated technology to deliver mail, Tag Team Manufacturing doesn’t use the equivalent of horse-drawn wagons to manufacture parts and products for our customers.

What You Get

With Tag Team Manufacturing, you get over 30 years of experience and service in our community. We also give our customers over 30 years of continuously improving machines, so we can create the precision parts our customers need. Each year, we determine how we should invest and reinvest to make certain that we meet the needs of our customers as they require ever-more precision.

Our focus in precision manufacturing is to use our expensive equipment and our experienced team to give our customers the support they need to have the final product they want. Whether our customers need something made from aluminum, brass, copper, carbon steel, alloys, stainless steel plastic, our team will create just what you need. Over thirty years-experience also means we have great relationships with our vendors as they will help to ensure your final product is exactly what you want and need.

Our automation not only ensures precision, but it also allows us to use our labor more intelligently to create finished products faster and to maximize our cost efficiency. New technology has also added to our shop safety, made our products even more precise, and allowed us to complete work that would not have been possible in the past.

Sawyer

One of our best new helpers is Sawyer. Sawyer is a robot that takes up the same amount of space as a drill press, but with more accuracy and with less human input and manipulation required. Sawyer is an amazing machine that can lift nearly nine pounds at once, and can be programmed to do literally thousands of tasks with incredible precision to allow his human co-workers to take care of tasks that require thought and variability.

Some of the specific things we ask Sawyer to do include communicating directly with the CNC machine—you might say they talk the same language—Sawyer can also be used for tending products in development, testing procedures, and precision. Sawyer can do everything from a test, to CNC tend, to fabricate and mold, and a dozen things in between. Sawyer is a one-armed marvel who works 24 hours without breaks!

DMG Mori NHX 5000 Machines

The DMG Mori horizontal machines at Tag Team enable high-efficiency, continuous machining and mass production machining. We have two machines, one with 2 pallets and one with 21 pallets. This DMG has a full 4th axis capability and allows us to run multiple operations, using up to 180 tools. The speed, accuracy, and efficiencies of this machine can reduce normal production times up to 75%. With 21 pallets, the “lights out” capability is perfect for the OEM that requires high quality, larger quantities and quick turn around as this machine can run 24 hours. With this new technology, we are able to complete jobs quicker and more efficiently, allowing the customer to receive their parts quicker then expected.

CMM and Smartscope

Tag Team’s CMM, which stands for Coordinate Measuring Machine, allows us to print the dimensional reports which accompany parts when they are delivered to clients. This saves our clients time and money because they know exactly how specific each part has been manufactured. Our Smartscope is able to take a series of photographs and create a product that is within .0005. The Smartscope is used to ensure the precision that our clients need in the production of many small parts, and it makes those evaluations quickly and efficiently. This means you get the parts that you need with the confidence they are accurately fabricated, and we complete them faster than others can deliver them. Most of our customers like that combination of accuracy and speed.

Quality at Tag Team Manufacturing

Our CNC manufacturing shop production works with a Quality Management Program in place to help ensure that the products and the services we provide are top of the line. Quality isn’t something that happens by accident, and it isn’t something that will only be provided for big customers. No matter what project our customers need—big or small—quality is something we do as we make the best products available; and we strive to ensure that our processes and procedures are observed, repeatable, and controlled. These are the things that make us recognized for our quality outcomes.

At Tag Team Manufacturing, we use the E2 manufacturing system which is software that allows us to track historical data which will tell us how efficient machine operators are, machine production, revision changes, and even more information. E2 also allows us to search, reuse, and adapt to other development efforts. This allows us to help customers get products that are made faster, more accurately, and less expensively than if that data was not available.

We also use an automated coordinate measuring machine, or CMM, which lets us determine if a component we have produced is within the accepted tolerance range. We have other automated quality control machines to help us ensure that what we are making for you is exactly what you want and need from us.

Over Thirty Years of Quality Service

Tag Team Manufacturing, rated a top machine shop in Denver, provides the kind of customer service that people expect when they walk into a retail store with high quality parts. We strive to help our entire team understand the importance of staying in communication with customers and potential customers. This communication does not just occur when we need questions answered, but we also want to talk about progress on your project or other questions you may have.

Part of ensuring quality is making certain that files you give us or that we create for your project remain safe. Gone are the days when security meant putting paper plans away when not in use. We use the best software and hardware protections available. We ensure that everything we work on with our machines has real-time backups to protect intellectual property from outside intruders, or from system crashes. Hard copies are protected by security cameras 24 hours a day, and hard copies are stored in fire-proof cabinets.

Tag Team Manufacturing, with top CNC machinists, makes our own product line and we have been named a top CNC shop in Denver. When we work this hard for ourselves, you can count on us working even harder for you. We stand behind our products as we produce the best ball racks in the world.

Consider the pool accessories we build ourselves. Our products have been called the best in the world by professional pool players. The precision that these professionals require keeps us focused on quality and perfection. We strive to be the top original equipment manufacturer in the area.

Find out why Tag Team Manufacturing has been a leader in CNC manufacturing for decades, and why we will continue to chase perfection.

Cutting of metal. Sparks fly from laser

How Laser Technology has made Manufacturing Easier

Highly precise and immense power in welding, laser technology has changed the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing over the years has demanded innovation, increased quality, and efficiency. As such, laser technology came in and revolutionized the manufacturing process. Precision manufacturing has become possible due to this technology. Its ability to transform and manipulate materials has made it ideal for computer, automobile and clothing industries. Laser technology has changed and made manufacturing easier. It is actually hard to see a consumer product that has not incorporated laser technology in its production. The continuous innovation and effort by scientists over the years has seen laser technology developed and perfected. From the development stage to the application in the field, laser technology has led to some social and economic benefits. Laser technology has led to the growth of the social economy with its development of natural science and technology.

Here are fields of manufacturing that laser technology is being used.

Laser Cutting

The traditional cutting techniques have not mastered the art of precision. The cost of cutting and the ensuing processing cost are high. Laser cutting is precise to the millimeter level and less costly. With the right incision by the CNC machinist, the cutting is smooth and precise. This eliminates the need for further processing. Laser cutting has many advantages over the traditional methods;

– It uses CNC programming hence the accuracy.
– There is no shear burr.
– The incision will have no mechanical stress.
– It has a very high utilization rate.
– Its repeatability is good.

Laser cutting has different categories;

Laser vaporization– it cuts through very thin metals and non-metal materials.

Laser melting cutting– used for non-oxidizable materials such as titanium

Laser oxygen cutting– used for easily oxidizable materials.

Laser and welding

Laser welding is a different and more efficient type of welding. The laser radiation energy diffuses through the material to melt it and form a special molt. Laser technology has been ideal in achieving spot welding, butt welding and seal welding in thin walls. Laser welding has many advantages that have changed the manufacturing industry for the better;

– Regulation of the heat means that damage caused by heat conduction is minimal.
– No damage and contamination since no electrodes are required.
– High-speed performance
– Depth weld ration can get to 10:1, especially for perforated welding.

Laser welding is used widely in industries like civil vehicle manufacturing. The use of laser welding and CNC manufacturing in the vehicle industry has not only increased efficiency, but also production.

Laser Engraving

Under a very high energy density controlled by a CNC machinist, the laser beams irradiate the surface of the material making it melt instantly. This leaves a marking on the surface with the intended logo or text. Its efficiency and the fast pace has made laser marking the most popular in advanced engraving globally. Laser engraving has high repeatability precision, no pollution, beautiful in design, and firm. With laser marking, it is easier to achieve the synchronized flight print in a production line.

Laser Heat Treatment

This is a surface heating technology. As such, a laser is used to heat the meat on the surface to make the heat treatment. This has led to the improvement of the metal’s oxidation resistance, wear and corrosion resistance, and prolonged service time.

Laser and packaging

Laser technology is used in the weakening of packs to give an easy to open opportunity, puncturing holes in vegetable packages for ‘breathing,’ and scribing. This shows how laser technology has made packaging industry work more effectively and efficiently.

Laser and quality control

Measuring the laser light dispersion reflected back from ball bearings can figure their roundness. This technology has proved to come in handy in managing quality in manufacturing of various items.

Laser and Semiconductors

Semiconductor manufacturing needs clean cutting of materials rapidly. Nothing fits this demand like laser technology. The ability to cut shapes to high precision while minimizing roughness on the surface makes them cut out for this work.

Laser Rapid Prototyping Technology

With the increase in integration of the global market process, competition has intensified. The speed at which consumer products are produced has become the principal contradiction of the competition. With the users’ demand changing time over time, manufacturing firms have to be flexible. Producing in single or smaller batches without having an increase in the cost of production has become necessary. Rapid prototyping is like a computer 3D illustration and works by accumulating layer after layer in its designing. It provides a better concept than the one on a computer screen. At the product development stage, it serves to shorten the process of development, reduce cost, improve the quality and helps mitigate risks.

Laser technology is expanding at an incredible speed in various fields. In the manufacturing sector, laser technology has proved itself as a more efficient and less costly method of production. Known as the era of ‘light,’ industries have embraced this modern way of production. This has made the manufacturing process better, and consumer products have improved immensely. Manufacturing automation has increased labor productivity and lowered cost while prioritizing customers’ growing needs. Incorporation of the technology of automation has made consumer products more consistent and helped in processes that couldn’t be achieved manually.

At Tag Team Manufacturing, we combine this cutting-edge technology with highly qualified CNC machinists. Our manufacturing is efficient and precise. We boast as one of the leading machine shops in the state. Our dedication and investment in technology means that we are at par with the ever-changing demands of Original Equipment Manufacturers. Over the years we have improved our skills and capabilities in the progression of prototypes. Our team is a dedicated and versatile that understands the ever-changing demands in the manufacturing industry. Our operations are aimed at meeting the customer’s need for competitive pricing, on time delivery and high quality parts. Looking for machine shop in Denver? Tag Team Manufacturing is the right partner to turn to. With tailor-made services for CNC manufacturing, we have changed and revolutionized Denver manufacturing. Visit our website for more information on the services and solutions that we offer.

engineer working on computer at the design of mechanical piece

Impact of MasterCam 2019 3D Changes in Manufacturing

CNC Software Inc. The developers of MasterCam recently announced the completion and release of the much-awaited MasterCam 2019. The leading CAM/CAD creator software is now available for purchase by OEM manufacturing companies. It has made several improvements from the job setup to the completion of work. Here are some of the recent improvements and inclusions and the impact of these 3D changes on manufacturing.

Validation

MasterCam 2019 now shows toolpaths denoted in different colors based on the type of move. It makes use of the Dynamic OptiRugh toolpath that enhances the advanced display properties. The Advanced Display has to be toggled on for the display. If not you will still see the cutting and rapid motion shown in different colors. These properties are not available in the wire toolpaths.

In addition, the software comes with improved machine simulation and toolpath. It has analyze enhancements which enables you to analyze the distance, toolpath and block drill support. The analyze distance updates distance as you move the cursor on the screen, and allows you to try different positions without restarting the function. As for the toolpath analyze function, you can control the tool and holder opacity. The MasterCam simulator along with Classic Backplot enables support for different drilling holes at the same time.

Moreover, the previous versions only allow you to create bounding boxes in the current construction plane. However, the new 2109 version allows you to have a different bounding box orientation without changing the construction plane.

These features enhance the programming assurance helping machine operators to make informed decisions before they start a job run. The ability to make changes to different aspects without restarting the process reduces the job setup period thereby speeding up processes. The enhancements also improve the accuracy of the setup thereby improving the quality of the output.

Easy setup and preparation

In addition to the toolpath support, the MasterCam 2019 has improved the efficiency of the job set up with the enhanced CAD model import support capabilities. This enables you to use CAD models created by other programs and processes on your software rather than create new models from scratch. Companies that outsource CAD modeling tasks will find the import feature helpful. In addition, the new software release has a better fixture setup and has expanded the support for model-based definition.

The new features allow for greater collaboration with other CAD software at the premise. It allows for teams to work on different projects in different software and bring the models together on the MasterCam for enhancement and job completion. The features also improve the setup lead time and shorten the time spent from set up to completion of a task.

Tool support

The latest release comes with an expanded digital tool library which offers a variety of tools to the CAD programmers to create more accurate models. The new release has one of the most advanced tool technologies allowing for more precision when working on different models.

In addition, the software comes with Accerelated Finishing TM that enhances the quality of the finished work through an increase in the number of tools that you can work with. The proprietary system includes taper and lens style tools, and oval form and barrel tools. Users are able to work with precision manufacturing on sloped surfaces while enhancing the finish of the surface and reducing cycle time. The new system outperforms the standard ball nose cutter methods in terms of quality of output and precision. Collaborate with a reputable Machine Shop Denver if you have problems configuring the tools to work with any tool in the library.

CNC programming made easy

CNC programming is one of the cost centers in many machining companies. However, the 2019 release of MasterCam lowers these costs while improving productivity through the use of automated 2D toolpaths that work through axis improvements. In addition, the software has improved chamfering which allows for the creation of symmetrical sloping as well as 45 and 90-degree angles with increased precision. When combined with multi-axis deburring capabilities, it results in smooth edges and easy removal of the sharp edges. Ensure that you work with a custom machine shop to ensure that you have the right parts for your machining equipment.

Moreover, the software has re-engineered holemaking by making the work of a CNC machinist simple and fast. It also has several technologies including the Equal Scallop toolpath to improve the surface quality during machining. In a bid to make machining even more versatile, the software supports Sandvik Coromant PrimeTurning™, bar feed, enhanced grooving along with most features of turning and mill-turn tasks. Finally, it also offers support for Lathe technology and Swiss machining technologies.

These technological enhancements have significantly lowered the cost of machining, reduced material wastage, enhanced efficient energy consumption and improved the surface appearance for finished goods. The support for popular technologies allows companies working with different machining technologies to tap into the MasterCam wealth of features for improved production.

Enhancing documentation and task management

Quality certification is at the heart of every OEM manufacturing company. With the certification comes lots of paperwork and rolls of documentation for both the technology and the processes used in the production. The new released makes documentation a lot easier with its various capabilities. These include the new toolpath visualization capabilities and availability of section view tools which enable you to provide accurate diagrams of various processes with ease.

Moreover, the software has made great improvements in the view and set up sheets enabling information for each level in the production process to be accessed with ease for reference and job planning. In addition, there several system level enhancements that are put in place to allow you to manage job flow with increased efficiency. You can also access several process documentation tools for report and quality control initiatives.

Shortened training and adoption periods

When new programming employees join the company, the process of training and orienting them to use the software products in the company may take a long time and high costs. The new release has made learning, use of the software for CAD and production processes a lot easier. It has a variety of features that include enhanced graphics for tool support, analytics, and documentation, rearranged setting systems that enable fast access to a variety of features, and detailed documentation that enable users to access as much information as possible in every stage of production. MasterCam has the most extensive collection training material among CNC manufacturing software making it easy to learn and perfect skills. The faster the new users get on board, the more advantageous it is to the company due to the increased workforce and ability to maintain consistent quality of output.

Buy your machining components from an Original Equipment Manufacturer and Denver Manufacturing reseller to work with your software for good results. A custom machine shop is able to provide quality parts for your specialized manufacturing equipment.

Denver Manufacturing

10 Ways To Take Your Machine Shop To The Next Level

All business people desire to expand and grow their entities. They would like to see these businesses increase performance production, strategies, and numerous other practices. While some these people may have the right idea, some are implementing ineffective approaches. Taking your machine shop to the next level will not just happen through your usual business practices. You have to introduce advanced methods that will elevate your success. Here are some of the top proven techniques that our Denver Manufacturing facility has implemented.

Automation

The mention of this term brings the idea of introducing robotic science to your shop. Automation entails other different and simpler ways besides robots. However, robots are the most effective and versatile tools of automation, but you have to be realistic. If you cannot afford it, opt for other alternatives while you plan about it. Automation makes work efficient and faster. For instance, automation is a fundamental requirement in precision manufacturing to achieve high accuracy. Evaluate your business and determine where to begin as you gradually increase your automation.

Additive Manufacturing

Elevating your business could mean introducing a new function such as original equipment manufacturer. Additive manufacturing has the capability of transforming your machine shop. Adding a new function will undoubtedly require a substantive investment. If your shop is not ready for this new level, keep in mind and consider it for the future. It has a lot of potential in part designs, supply chain and lead times. Additive manufacturing may demand a heavy capital outlay but later give big returns. It is also a major step in your business and requires keenness. Think about it and deliberate with other stakeholders to evaluate feasibility.

Lean Production

Your custom machine shop will never realize success until you avoid wastage and have a consistency of lean production. That means you will always have to conduct evaluations that identify non-value added practices and eliminate them. Most of the wasteful efforts and steps are invisible and cannot be identified without an examination. Walking through your shop and noting these processes is the most effective way of making this change. Lean management is not just about cutting waste. It also entails fully utilizing resources and the available tools to increase production.

Training

The manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly, and something new is emerging on a daily basis. You cannot make progress in your shop if you do not adopt new business practices. This entails purchasing new work tools and integrating emerging models. Any further changes ought to be accompanied by training and educating employees. Training is not just to orient and teach them about new things. It is also to enhance workplace health and safety. Workplace hazards characterize CNC manufacturing, and hence, employees should be protected. Training forms a culture of learning in your business. Your team will always be enthusiastic to get more information and knowledge.

Routine Maintenance

A CNC machinist understands that maintenance is necessary. You do not have to conduct this exercise because some areas require an expert. For instance, a machine shop Denver will hire an engineer to do this work. Maintenance also includes updating software and upgrading tools. They are the lifeblood of your machine shop because these tools significantly determine your performance. Modern machines are programmed to diagnose themselves. In case an emergency situation happens, a device or machine will shut down automatically and minimize possible damage. Conducting routine maintenance should not cost you much.

Organization and Collaboration

Business does not flourish and prospers because on one individual’s effort. Your custom machine shop certainly has several employees and other stakeholders. Advancing your shop will require improved organization and collaboration of both people and activities. As the leader or CNC machinist in that workplace, you must provide guidance. Establish cohesion through properly organizing tools and equipment in the shop. An orderly workplace increases workflow pace. Teach people how to work together and cooperate in their activities. Each employee contribution major counts in the progress of the business.

Realistic Goals

Endeavors of improving business at your shop will take time before they give substantial returns. It is like a journey that entails one step at a time. Set goals and have a plan after you decide to expand or elevate your business. Ensure these goals are manageable and practical. Some business people want to aim too high and hope to achieve it within a short time. Unrealistic goals will discourage you or even push you to unwise decisions. Small milestones are advisable because after you accomplish each, it motivates you to the next level.

Working Hard

The cornerstone of Denver manufacturing is working hard. All these tips and strategies of making you shop better will require a lot of effort. While most successful people emphasize on working smart, the hard work is part of it. No success will come from mediocrity and doing thing ordinarily. The manufacturing business is competitive, and only those who differentiate themselves will thrive. While pursuing prosperity and new levels in your business, failure and mistakes are part of this journey. Do not be derailed because humans are bound to err at any particular point. Note the mistakes, learn from them and move forward.

Team Work

Your team of employees and work associates hold part of the key to your success. Team building activities would help in teaching employees how to cooperate. Teams need to learn effective communication, which is the foundation of their cohesion. Take these teams through drill work and assist them in optimizing their functions and efforts. Teams also require problem-solving knowledge. They do not have to wait for senior management to make decisions for them. These ‘red tapes’ are sometimes redundant. When low-level employees are allowed to make decisions, it saves time and resources.

Routine Appraisals

Implementing new practices and upgrades is not enough to maintain the expected standards of your shop. Due to the rapid changing of the manufacturing industry, regular appraisals are essential. Auditing your work processes and strategies uncovers waste, areas of weaknesses that require attention, challenges, strengths, and any other significant information. The information is an asset that guides you on areas to adjust, revise or do an overhaul. It also points out the strengths and opportunities that you would capitalize to maximize positive results.

Denver manufacturing has significant potential with many opportunities. Maximize on these openings and take your business to a higher level. These tips and approaches are practical and viable for any machine shop seeking to advance its level. Apply one at a time and enjoy operating on an improved realm. Remember that effort is mandatory in accomplishing the new level and maintaining it. Your clients will always be watching you.

ISO 9001

Top 10 Benefits of ISO Certification to a Custom Machine Shop

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent body that develops standards. Standards developed regulate services, products, and systems to guarantee safety, quality, and efficiency. ISO certification is essential for any machine shop. Why?

Some ISO standards govern custom machine shops. The ability to get certified gives several benefits to your business. For example, ISO 9001 sets out criteria for a company’s quality management system (QMS). ISO certification shows that your precision manufacturing company values its products and services.

Here are the top ten benefits of ISO certification to a custom machine shop.

1. Boosts Staff Morale

When business processes are well-managed and defined, employees feel more secure. They enjoy excellent job satisfaction in return. This contributes towards the success of your CNC manufacturing shop. Also, it makes your team satisfied, passionate and motivated towards achieving a common goal.

Motivated employees adhere to and carry out all processes put in place. This allows for quick identification and resolution problems and challenges at the workplace. Lots of research demonstrate the relationship between staff satisfaction and a company’s success. Motivating employees is excellent, but keeping them happy is the real deal.

It is advisable to have a complete QMS. A complete one contains documents, procedures, processes, and responsibilities in a formalized system.

For your business to thrive, it must follow QMS procedures and requirements. ISO certification also provides guidelines on employee training. For instance, CNC machinists need training to cope with ever changing technology. They also need training programs tailored to suit evolving customer needs.

With ISO certification, your business operates well when key people leave. The system implemented enhances teamwork.

2. Customer Satisfaction

Universal acceptance of ISO standards ensures that client confidence is a top priority. Leading CNC manufacturing companies enjoy consistency, efficiency, and dedication thanks to ISO.

ISO standard tracks customer satisfaction levels and reports issues and complaints. Businesses that seek and maintain ISO certification prove that they value quality assurance.

Additionally, areas important to your customers never go unnoticed. ISO certification outlines best approaches and practices based on customer needs and expectations. Manufacturing products that reduce costs and waste enables you to deliver quality products. As a result, it reinforces customer loyalty to your custom machine shop.

3. Improves Supplier Relationships

Best supplier relationships are primary to ISO certification. When followed, ISO certification processes streamline documentation and testing. In return, quality raw materials and general supplies get to your business. The process needs a rigorous evaluation of new suppliers before cutting deals. This enhances consistency on how and where your custom machine shop sources its supplies.

4. Promotes Proper Documentation

ISO standard certifications require proper documentation of business operations. Proper documentation shows any errors, changes, and discrepancies. Appropriate documentation process guarantees consistency throughout production boosting accountability.

Moreover, traceable records are available in case of substandard, non-compliant products or raw materials. This also helps you to pinpoint areas of weaknesses and unaccountable staff.

5. Improves Processes

ISO certification helps you manage reviews, audit processes, and improvement processes based on data. To improve business processes, careful planning and implementation based on facts obtained is crucial. Such data comes from system analysis and documentation. As a result, it helps you to make informed decisions on your business.

Streamlining business processes reduces unnecessary paperwork. Through improved processes, you focus on what’s important- innovation, enhanced growth, happy employees and profitability.

6. Improves Efficiency

ISO certification determines the requirements necessary for a company to source quality management system certification. First, a machine shop must enhance customer satisfaction through efficient and extensive application of management systems. The application features the guarantee of conformity to customer relations and applicable regulatory requirements. In addition, a company should adopt implementation of processes for constant improvement of the system.

Also, a machine shop in Denver has to demonstrate its capabilities to offer products and services that meet applicable regulatory and customer needs. Companies that undergo ISO 9000 QMS certification process strive to maximize quality and efficiency in their operations.

Once the company gets certified for QMS, establishment of precise processes commences. Guidelines are also put in place for all employees and CNC machinists to follow easily. That making transitions, training, and troubleshooting a breeze.

7. Increases Revenue

Several studies reveal that ISO certified companies enjoy improved financial performance and increased productivity as compared to uncertified companies. Having ISO certification for your Original Equipment Manufacturer and Denver Manufacturing business can enable you get partnerships from private and public sectors.

With regards to public sector tenders, ISO certification is a strong indication that a business is credible and well-managed. It eliminates the need for rigorous and extensive due diligence.

Majority of private sector organizations have made it a mandatory requirement for suppliers and partners to have ISO certification. Certified companies demonstrate reliability in all business aspects, professionalism and value quality work.

8. Encourages Consistency

Consistency remains a recognized foundation of ISO. All business processes from research, development, production, to shipping, are exhaustively defined, outlined, and documented. Room for error is minimized significantly. The process of making changes to a custom machine shop process is documented. It guarantees that all alterations made are well designed and executed with the best possible strategy to enhance efficiency.

ISO recommends various industries to use particular software formatting in reports, data collection, and product labelling. Consistent formatting eliminates the risks of using obsolete labels or documents.

9. Get Global recognition

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is wholly recognized as a global benchmark authority for quality management. When your machine shop gets ISO certified, global doors open. International recognition helps you engage international business community, partners and customers.

10. Better Management

Proper analysis and reporting are a fundamental in efficient and prosperous management of any business. The requirements and guidelines set by ISO standards help precision manufacturing businesses to seamlessly manage all their operations. Also, it helps in realizing factual approach to decision making.

For instance, ISO 9000 QMS standards elaborate clear instructions for process reviews and audits. In return, the approach assists in information gathering techniques and decision-making based on factual data from your business.

ISO certification increases the chances of a custom machine shop thriving in business. It makes your employees satisfied, clients safe and confident, and takes your business global. As the world continues becoming more globalized, the need for universal standardization becomes undisputed.

Today, it takes two to tango in business. What you produce contributes to a global business community. Are you interested in working with an ISO certified company? Get in touch with Tag Team Manufacturing.

CNC Machinist

Machine Shop Presents: Top 10 Ways to Keep Machinists over 10 Years

It’s never easy for manufacturers to attract, recruit and retain machinists. The problem isn’t going away any time soon. By 2025, the manufacturing industry will have approximately 3.5 million positions., but only 1.5 million getting filled according to study by the Manufacturing Institute in Partnership with Deloitte.

Numerous industry leaders suggest that quick advancement in manufacturing technology may alienate seasoned workers. Some think that robotics, programming skills and automation is the solution. Other players believe that lack of female presence on machine shop floors could be untapped labour source. Is it?

We spoke with top players in manufacturing and recruitment in a bid to unravel ways to retain CNC machinists for many years. Here is what we gathered.

1. Pay well

Paying competitive salaries with a tight budget and low funds can be difficult. But if you calculate the cost of replacing your machinist, it can help. It can cost between 30% and 50% of an entry level machinist annual salary to replace an experienced one. Most machinists in the manufacturing industry find they can get about 30% salary increase by moving to another company.

2. Make manufacturing jobs secure

Manufacturers struggle with the negative image of closing plants, driving down labour costs and offshore jobs. That perception has to change to attract and retain top machinists. You must show that manufacturing sector offers employment security.

3. Run newer fleet

Assuming you had to choose between operating a brand-new energy efficient machine or something built in the Reagan era, which one would you prefer? Most machinists would prefer working in a more pleasant environment. It’s more attractive to work in a clean, safe and comfortable environment. And when it comes to performance, new tech can make a big difference. If you’re having trouble retaining your machinists, think about their “office” and equipment.

4. Invest in training

Career growth is quite challenging especially for start-ups and young companies. Creating an organizational structure that allows for career-development is key. It is essential to help your machinists grow. Today, technology changes at breakneck speeds and machinists have to keep up.

Find innovative ways to generate resources for professional development. Provision of growth and learning opportunities is an ideal way to retain top machinists in your company.

Training is one of the best strategies to improve retention and increase employee loyalty. It’s also an incredible way to enhance productivity and manage costs, especially energy costs, which is achievable when a skilled machinist is in the cab.

The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) recommends at least 40 hours of training annually for every employee. While that may sound daunting, keep in mind that training includes low cost activities like on the job mentoring and lunch time coaching.

Some more costly training includes classroom instructions, simulator-based training, offsite seminars and online courses. Regardless of how you do your training, it’s imperative to understand today’s labour market. “Nice-to-have” option is now replaced with “must-do-list.”

5. Make your mission and purpose clear

In modern workplace, millennial employees are the majority. They always need to understand the ‘why’ behind everything that your custom machine shop does. They need to recognize the purpose behind their job detail and believe in the mission. The new generation of CNC machinists desire to know that their work matters.

Ensure that your machine shop has an excellent mission and purpose statement. It should always be genuine

6. Promote creative thinking

Jobs that encourage creative and critical thinking encourage top talents, more so machinists. Creative minds make your precision manufacturing employees to enjoy their work and feel connected.

At least half of today’s workforce is not wholly engaged at work. Some employees ‘show up’ to get a salary. A large number of the workforce is disgruntled with what they do. It is up to the top management and authorities in machine shops to set up creative opportunities.

If you can come up with these opportunities, you’ll not only attract top talent, but also retain machinists. Who wouldn’t enjoy working in a creative setting?

7. Encourage innovation and problem solving

Innovation is wildly popular and a high selling point to the current workforce. Top talents enjoy challenges and innovation. Through creation of an innovation lab or department within your company, machinists can create projects.

Encouraging innovation helps improve your company image, makes machinists appreciated and benefits your clients. Innovation also displays thought leadership in the precision manufacturing industry.

The autonomy to create fundamental and viable solutions to problems is a significant attraction to modern machinists. Similar to creative thinking, it fosters the feeling of connection and enhances collaboration within the company. When machinists feel acknowledged, they are more likely to stay for long.

8. Reward and recognize your machinists

All rewards and recognition must be extrinsic and intrinsic. External motivation such as public recognition and external rewards include praise, bonuses, among others. Inherent motivation enables your staff to feel connected without compromising their autonomy, freedom, and opportunity for personal growth. Monetary bonuses are a plus. Recognition enhances goodwill and loyalty.

Make top machinists feel respected, appreciated, and worthwhile. Custom machine shop clients need to feel that their contributions are significant. Sincere praise and feedback are vital. Top talents are smart enough to recognize platitudes and sincere appreciation.

9. Build a collaborative culture

Teambuilding is an excellent way to enhance performance in a company. Although teambuilding courses and outdoor bonding activities are necessary, ingrained it the culture of your CNC manufacturing custom machine shop. A team-oriented culture can be extensively created and nurtured in your company’s daily operations.

Culture may include the types of meetings you have, where your machinists sit, and how you interact with customers and partners. Bringing in people with a shared sense of belief and purpose in your mission and values may also attract and retain the best machinists.

10. Leadership

Research shows that most workers quit their bosses, not companies. They need to know the managers, senior executives, founders, among others. Machine shops need excellent leadership that exhibits integrity.

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to retaining machinists. Other options to consider include:

  • Start your apprentice program
  • Pay retention bonuses
  • Invite your retired machinists to come back on part time basis
  • Develop ties with family members
  • Interview departing machinists and take their feedbacks seriously

Improving machinist retention rates doesn’t have to be an uphill task. By being a positive role model and connecting with your team, you’ll have a better chance to understand what they need to remain. what do you think? Contact Tag Team Manufacturing for more information.

quality control

Deburring and Metal Finishing: Choosing the Right Process for Your Manufacturing Needs

As a metalworker, there is no doubt that you appreciate the importance of deburring and finishing different parts before they are either completed or processed further. Over the years, significant strides have been made in terms of advances in technology, a factor that has made it possible to refine metal parts in such a way that they will meet the needs of the market. Regardless of the size of your machine shop or the type of pieces you deal in, technology can help you to produce metal parts for a wide range of applications. Denver manufacturing relies on machine deburring and metal finishing as some of the ways to address the flaws that metal parts may have.

The Difference Between Deburring and Fnishing

Before metal parts can be used for different applications, they must be refined to get rid of most of the flaws. This is the stage at which machine deburring and metal finishing are done. However, even as you think about precision manufacturing, it is important to bear in mind that these two processes are a bit different. This will make it easy for you to choose the more appropriate one.

Once a workpiece has been modified, there may be raised edges or pieces of material that are attached to its surface. These edges and pieces of materials are usually removed through deburring. With finishing, scaling and pitting on the surface of a workpiece are removed to prepare it for the next step or to enhance its quality and physical appearance.

Advantages of Machine Deburring

The fact that machine deburring is among the most popular ways of getting rid of flaws during various CNC manufacturing processes is a clear indication that the process has certain advantages.

Compared to hand deburring, automated deburring will greatly help to save both time and energy. In the long run, using machines will ensure that you maximize efficiency.

Since the grinding media will be attached to the machine, employees will not have to be in the work zone. This will minimize the risk of injuries caused by repetitive motion, effectively increasing safety in the workplace.

Without automation, it will be impossible for employees to achieve the perfect consistency. With automated deburring, the processed metal parts will have consistent quality despite changing operators when one finishes their shift.

Machine deburring is also associated with a wide range of new products that feature high quality finishes. This can go a long way in helping you stand apart from your competitors.

Disadvantages of Machine Deburring

For all the benefits linked to machine deburring, it is not without its downsides. Here are some of the disadvantages you should be aware of.

Most modern deburring machines feature advanced technology. It is partly because of this that buying a deburring machine makes for a huge investment. The high price tags on the machines are beyond the reach of a good number of people. This has stood in the way of the machines becoming widely available to many individuals and businesses.

Depending on the metal you wish to debur, you will have to constantly change out parts such as belts to achieve the desired results.

Machines cannot debur everything as required. This may require the use of a finisher to touch those parts that the machine could not work on.

Advantages of Metal Finishing

Metal finishing makes for another popular way of getting rid of rough surfaces and sharp edges. Some of the pros of metal finishing include:

By using machines that comprise both brush heads and abrasive belts, metal finishing will make it possible to achieve a wide variety of finishes. This means that you will have more decorative opportunities to explore.

Finishing specialists can prepare metal parts for secondary processes such as painting. The technique will play an important role in ensuring the next step is easier and delivers the great results that any original equipment manufacturer expects.

By working on the surface of the workpiece, metal finishing helps to improve the appearance of metal parts. The process also works to lengthen the lifespan of the pieces by enhancing their resistance to corrosion.

Metal finishing produces extremely smooth surfaces, a factor that not only ensures ease of cleaning but also eliminates the need to use harmful chemicals to keep such surfaces clean.

Disadvantages of Metal Finishing

Just like with machine deburring, metal finishing has a number of downsides. Before seeking the services of a skilled worker, here are some disadvantages you should know about.

Using a finisher to debur metal parts is bound to be a time consuming process. This is likely to undermine productivity.

To do high quality work that meets customer expectations, you will need a lot of high precision tools. You will not only have to invest in the wide range of tools but also learn how to use each one of them.

With a finisher, there is a chance that some parts will be deburred incorrectly. This will require that you spend more time on the parts to produce them in line with the specifications of your customers.

As a result of the disadvantages associated with using a finisher, this process can result in high production costs that may lower your profits.

Choosing a Deburring and Finishing Machine

When choosing the right machine for your needs, you must ensure that it will serve the intended purpose. In case your shop grinds similar materials consistently, you can choose to have dry machines. This means that shops that deal with different types of metals will benefit more from wet deburring and finishing machines. To get optimum performance from your machine, you should think about the type of abrasive as well as the specific characteristics and qualities of the workpiece you will be working on.

Consult the Experts

Choosing the most suitable deburring or finishing machine to handle your needs will not be a walk in the park. If you are not sure which machine will be appropriate, you can consult an expert in metal fabrication. Just like when looking for a CNC machinist, there are a few factors that you will have to keep in mind when selecting the expert to consult. These include whether they have the relevant industry experience if they have the right manufacturing partners, the kind of services they offer as well as relying on references from previous customers.

Since both machine deburring and metal finishing cost a significant amount of money, it is important to ensure that the process you choose will deliver the results you expect. Today, the opportunities available to you are limitless. In case you have unique needs, you can select a custom machine shop that offers quality and reliable services. At Tag Team Manufacturing, we specialize in machining CNC precision components for OEMs in different industries. Our skills and extensive experience make us the best machine shop Denver residents know.