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(BLACK RIVER FALLS, WI) . . .
expanded their cutting capabilities by installing a new Messer MG Titan II cutting system. Michael Dougherty, president of D&S, announced, "This sizeable investment in new equipment enables us to expand the range of projects we are able to accommodate internally, resulting in a more efficient and economical approach to the manufacturing process."
Quality manager Joe Lane explained that the new unit, which replaces the company’s existing ESAB Avenger and Sector Technologies Model ST1200 equipment, was researched and selected by a team of employees. "The Titan II unites oxyfuel and high definition plasma technologies within one integrated system by placing them on a common rail. This enables us to increase machine duty cycle and versatility while reducing the time and expense associated with operator training. This system also accommodates raw material as lengthy as 85 ft, a significant increase over our existing capabilities and a major differentiator in our industry," he revealed.
The speed and quality of the oxyfuel cutting process is enhanced through the integration of automatic height sensing technologies. This proprietary feature eliminates the need for manual adjustments to compensate for material shifts caused by heat or natural distortion of the steel. As a result, the 4-torch system will consistently deliver uniform cuts throughout the entire production run for parts as thick as 6 in. Rapid cutting speeds for components as slim as Ľ in will be achieved by employing the single torch of the high definition plasma process. Automated programming, utilizing the company’s existing MRP software, results in seamless nesting.
According to Lane, the Titan II uses downdraft tables that draw air from the bottom of the cut to significantly improve air quality by removing particulates and dust from the cutting process. It also eliminates wastewater, reducing the time and expense associated with weekly maintenance.
D&S, which is certified ISO 9001:2008, has served as a custom manufacturer of large scale components, assemblies and complete weldments for Caterpillar, Oshkosh Corporation, Parkson, The Trane Company, CNH and other corporations for more than 40 years. This installation coincides with the completion of the company’s extensive building expansion program that re-engineered the floor plan for the entire production facility, including machining, laser, high definition plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, manual and robotic welding, liquid spray painting and shot blasting to assembly and testing. The resulting reduction in raw material handling will dramatically improve work flow, yielding significant cost savings. www.dsmfg.com
LSA LASER (PLYMOUTH, MN) . . .
moved into a new 26,000 sq ft manufacturing and office facility in Plymouth which more than doubles the size of the previous operations of this precision laser processor of components and assemblies for the medical device industry. This manufacturer performs laser cutting, laser welding, laser ablation and laser marking used in a broad range of medical devices, including defibrillation leads, stents, catheters, surgical instruments, dental instruments, orthopedics, hearing devices, neuro applications and a host of other applications.
Thomas Noll, LSA Laser president, announced the move by stating, "These new facilities are designed to accommodate our rapidly growing work with the medical community. While we have more than doubled our physical plant and offices, more significantly we have expanded our R&D capabilities and laser technology range to include a large scale research and development department. To form partner relationships with customers, we go far beyond the manufacture of components and products. We often team with customer design engineers throughout the product development process. Together, we work through various design iterations utilizing our laser machines and engineers to refine a design and an appropriate manufacturing process."
LSA Laser is certified ISO 13485:2003 and has over 11 years of experience supplying the medical device industry. The company utilizes twenty-two laser welding and cutting systems, with up to six-axis motion control and computer aided manufacturing capabilities, to produce components used in guidewires, pacing leads, surgical instruments, electrical leads and assemblies. Many are made of exotic metals in very small sizes. Some of the materials include platinum, titanium, nitinol and nichrome in sizes down to .001 in, which is smaller in diameter than a human hair. www.lsalaser.com
JET EDGE, INC. (ST. MICHAEL, MN) . . .
introduces its new waterjet parts website, https://waterjetparts.jetedge.com, a user-friendly, secure source for ordering consumable and replacement water jet parts. This designer and manufacturer of waterjet systems for precision cutting, surface preparation and coating removal carries a wide variety of competitively priced parts, including waterjet cutting heads, abrasivejet cutting heads, dual pressure valves, high pressure tubing and high pressure fittings. Custom waterjet swivels, lines and coils are also available.
The company is offering all new online accounts 25 percent off on their first online order made through December 31, 2009 (this offer applies to all parts, except for nozzles and hp hoses). Established in 1984, Jet Edge systems are used around the world in a broad range of industries, from the world's leading airlines to automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturers, machine and job shops.
In addition to waterjet parts and accessories, Jet Edge also manufactures precision waterjet cutting machines, waterjet pumps, portable waterjet cutters, and ultra-high pressure water blasting tools for cleaning and surface preparation. www.jetedge.com
GF AGIECHARMILLES (LINCOLNSHIRE, IL) . . .
announced a reorganization of its Swiss facilities to adapt to the ongoing worldwide economic crisis. The move will include realigning resources to boost efficiency, accompanied by some layoffs to reduce current excess capacity. In addition to these changes, the company is working to ensure maximum profitability through continued investment in research and development and customer service.
Production of EDMs that previously took place in Geneva, Switzerland, will now be integrated into the company’s manufacturing facilities in Losone. The Losone campus will also house some aspects of research and development, along with the sales organization serving Switzerland and several other European nations.
The campus in Geneva continues to be responsible for the majority of GF AgieCharmilles’ research and development efforts, as well as housing the company’s international headquarters. International marketing, customer service and worldwide spare parts will also be located in Geneva. The company, a leading North American supplier of wire EDM, CNC and manual diesinking systems, and high speed/performance and 5-axis CNC milling machines, currently employs approximately 1,000 individuals through its Swiss operations.
"The current economic hardship has presented an enormous challenge to manufacturers around the world," says Glynn Fletcher, president of GF AgieCharmilles in North America. "Some layoffs will accompany the realignment of our production resources, but our primary goal is to increase efficiency so that we may continue to provide standard setting products and services. Even as we make these changes, we continue to invest in our customer service and support centers and develop new technologies."
The manufacturer just invested in a new state-of-the-Central Art phone system to serve their U.S. and Canadian customers more efficiently, and can now connect or forward calls directly to any of their U.S. locations utilizing VOIP technology. GF AgieCharmilles will be unveiling a variety of new machines and technologies at EMO 2009, including the HSM LP High Speed Machining Center and Cut 1000 Oil Wire EDM, along with the new IQ Generator and a new HEM milling product line. The company will also introduce the Laser 1000 5Ax, a new machine created to provide surface texturing on a wide array of materials.
