Focused on Machining featured on The Job Shop Show with Jay Jacobs

Focused on Machining (FOM) was recently featured on The Job Shop Show with Jay Jacobs. The Job Shop Show is a podcast that was created by former Founder and CEO of RAPID, Jay Jacobs. Jay talks with owners of manufacturing businesses about their experiences and best practices around running their manufacturing operations. You can read about and download all episodes here.

In FOM’s episode, we discussed my transition from being an Ex Airforce mechanic turned Banker then owner of FOM. Being I was a commercial banker for 5 years I am able to share my unique perspective before taking over FOM. My unique perspectives of banks provide valuable advice for other shop owners I explain the mystery behind banking decisions. 

Additionally, I go into detailed financial metrics and what shop owners should key in on to ensure their financials will be well received by Banks. This will help with banking relationships and getting approved for new loans or lines of credits that may be needed to fund growth.

Check it out below!

CNC machining design for manufacturing, why it’s important and how Focused on Machining can help.

One of the questions we get all the time when quoting CNC machining projects is “how did you land on this price?” or “why is this so expensive?”. The answers can be complex, many factors go into pricing a part that varies based on the specific part geometry and customer requirements.

The two major factors of cost are tooling and time. Complex features often require special tooling to reach, cut, or form a part. These tools might not be needed again but must be expensed on a single job versus a tool that we could use every day and amortize the cost throughout the life of the tool. The other factor is time. As a machine shop, we sell time, time for the use of our expertise and machines. Some features will force us to slow down our cutting time vs. cutting fast like the machine is designed to do, this will increase the amount of time that the part is in a machine, keeping other jobs in the queue.

In an effort to reduce the time it takes for our customers to get parts on their desk, we created a CNC machining design for manufacturing eBook. The eBook is a guideline that communicates the cost drivers in machining and how to design parts to save on cost. Many of the topics in the eBook are not tolerance specific items, but general features that don’t change the intention of the part. This eBook can help you avoid putting features into the part that will increase costs unnecessarily.

In addition, there are a few items that we do not cover in the eBook that also increase costs, for example, material, plating, and shipping.

Material: Early in the design and prototype phase part quantities are typically low (we love prototype quantities at our shop!) One element that impacts cost is material usage. Most materials are sold in 12/20-foot bars, 4 x 8 feet sheets, or plates. Let’s use an example of prototyping a part out of 17-4 stainless, heat-treated to H900. Costs are going to be higher than a normal grade of 17-4, or even 1018 carbon steel. The reason for this is the amount of material used. A material supply house will absolutely sell a foot of material, but when they have to cut a bar, the remaining amount goes into their “remnants” section. Because this is not in their normal system, they will try to recoup a higher portion of that bar cost on the 1-foot piece that may be needed.

Plating/Heat Treating: All plating and heat treat shops have minimum lot fees. Most are in the $100-150 range. When prototyping, it’s important to consider this factor when there are only 1-5 parts. You’re simply increasing those parts by $25-$100 apiece for those services. When parts are proved out and higher quantities are achieved, the per piece prices for plating and heat treat can be $1 or less.

Shipping: Another factor that doesn’t get enough attention. A small quantity of parts in the prototype phase can have shipping costs attached to it 3-4X. For example, the initial material will be purchased online and shipped to the shop, shipping charge #1. Then it’s machined and shipped to plating, shipping charge #2. When plating is completed, it’s shipped back to the shop, shipping charge #3. Finally, the completed parts are shipped to the customer, shipping charge #4. All of these costs are charged to the machine shop and eventually built into the pricing for the customer.

Take a look at the eBook we’ve created - eBook Link. It will provide significant value during the design phase of your project. As always, we are available to talk anytime to help you get your project completed, feel free to reach out to us via our website, LinkedIn, or by phone.

Justin Quinn, President

How Focused on Machining Leverages Lights Out Manufacturing

Lights out manufacturing is the holy grail for machine shops, the thought of machining parts unattended can be daunting and is no easy task. For over a year, Focused on Machining has taken on this challenge, working towards processes and systems that allow us to run lights out so we can increase capacity and reduce costs. We finally achieved that feat in November 2019. It was a combination of hard work on programming, tooling, fixturing, and the right part count that all came together on a customer job.

Here is what we did differently to achieve lights out running from our normal day to day operation.

Programming: We typically program aggressively and achieve max feed and speeds on normal operations. However, to ensure a fail-safe operation without an operator we had to think differently about many things in our program. This is what we did:

• Turned down the aggression in our program and reduced our speeds and feeds, not by a lot, but enough to ensure we weren’t going to rip the part out of the vise or risk breaking a tool.

• Incorporated our spindle probe and tool probe into our program to check features and distances post machining to verify we’d achieved what we’d hoped.

• Used the tool probe to check tool edges to ensure we hadn’t broken a tool during a cycle. These steps we’re performed after each part was machined.

• Accounted for chips in the machine. We made tool path updates to ensure the chips would be blown a certain direction and not into a corner of the machine where they would build up and cause issues.

Tooling: We loaded redundant tooling into the machine in case we did lose a tool on an operation. (thankfully this wasn’t needed this time around) We upgraded a couple of tools for this job specifically and used higher quality endmills that would last longer and perform better during operations. This added a bit of cost to the job but was easily recouped by machining lights out.

Fixturing: This was the most challenging part of our task to achieve lights out. The goal was part density, we wanted as many parts in the machine as we could fit to take advantage of the number of hours after our normal shift as we could. We utilized an aluminum tombstone that saved weight and allowed for a greater part density on our pallet. We combined that with a modular rail system from tombstone city that allowed us to hold multiple parts per face of the tombstone.

Right Parts: This was the last piece, and we were happy to receive an order of 100 parts that had an ideal amount of cycle time in the machine. This allowed us to spend the time to develop all the other aspects that we previously covered.

Moving forward, Focused on Machining is making substantial investments into our lights out operation, building upon the current systems and modifying where necessary so we can depend less on “the right part” in order to make lights out a success. Our goal is to achieve lights out operations with as few parts as 3 or 4 parts. Stay tuned!

Justin Quinn, President

Leveraging Technology to Quote, Manufacture and Ship Parts Faster

Focused On Machining (FOM) is a Colorado CNC Machine shop that manufactures and ships precision machined parts in 2-4 weeks. For a long time, we quoted the same way as many other Colorado CNC Machine shops, but over the past year that has changed drastically. 

Here is a look at our old process: 

1. Receive RFQ and PDF prints from the customer. 

2. Print entire package. 

3.  Organize and disseminate the package to the person in the shop that knew how to make the part I.E. lathe vs. Mill. 

4. Receive prints with notes and times written on them. 

5. Quote material and any tooling noted on print. 

6. Build parts with material costs and run times into ERP System. 

7. Send quote via email to the customer. 

Depending on how busy our machine shop was, a package of 10-part numbers with the above process would easily take 5-10 business days. After losing work from long-standing customers due to quote lead times being too long, we knew we had to change something. We had always thought there could and should be a way to digitize this process to save time from all the administrative work. That’s when I came across an advertisement for Paperless Parts in Modern Machine Shop Magazine. 

Paperless Parts is a digital quoting platform that automates and streamlines the quoting process. It analyzes 3D CAD geometry and automatically estimates setups, setup times, and run times. This is exactly what we were looking for. We began a trial of the software to see how it would handle some parts that we’d already quoted. After making some initial settings to the software about how we setup and ran parts, I’ll be damned if it didn’t quote that part to within 10% of what we’d quoted it originally.  After seeing that, we signed up and our machine shop was on its way to start quoting digitally. From there the process went from 5-10 business days to 1-3 business days via the following procedure.

Here is a look at our new process: 

1. Receive RFQ / CAD model from customer. 

2. Upload CAD file into Paperless Parts. 

3. Email production manager to have him review setups and run times. 

   1. Simultaneously work on material quotes. 

4. Input material prices and review run time changes 

5. Send a completed quote with Digital 3D rendering of the part to the customer.

We eliminated one step in this new process, but the time for each step has drastically decreased. We can get a part uploaded, emailed, and material quote sent within 10 minutes. Once we received the run time suggestions and material quote it only takes another 5-10 minutes to finalize the quote and send it off. This new, more efficient process has increased the speed at which FOM can get back to its customers.

Here is an example of what my customer can see.

Our machining customers have benefitted from our new process in the time it takes for them to receive their quote. They can now get back to their customers or managers quicker so they can make the appropriate decision even faster. They are also getting options along with their quotes such as delivery date and price so they can see how that impacts the total cost.

For our customers, we often see that price is less of a factor than time. The digital quote with 3D CAD viewer built-in makes communication with the customer during the quote process very easy. There is a feature within the software that allows us to identify, highlight and comment on a feature of the part in question. I can send my customers a link where they will view the identical feature, highlight, and see my comments about it. They can respond right in the comments section with information allowing us to finalize and send the quote not just faster, but more accurately. An example of a common question in this process is around an ID radius. Creating sharp ID corners can cause our shop to have to slow down the machine, which increases the price of the part. In the image below you can see an example of an ID radius that I’ve highlighted and sent to a customer for clarification.

Want to see our interactive quote in action?

Justin Quinn, President

Top Seven Reasons to Hire a Local Machine Shop in Louviers, CO

When you need to hire a machine shop in Louviers, CO, it’s important to work with someone you can trust to get the job done right the first time. Working with a local company makes this much more likely. But why?

A local machine shop in Louviers, CO offers several advantages. As you weigh your options, consider the following benefits of working with someone local and what you should look for when doing so:

• You can get specific: To get the end result you desire, it’s essential to clearly communicate the specifics of the project. By delivering this information in person, you can make sure your parameters are accurately conveyed and the machine shop in Louviers, CO understands exactly what you need. You can specify the tolerances needed and work with the local company to achieve accurate measurements and optimal results.

• You can make roughness smooth: An important aspect of your project is determining the desired roughness of the surface. Do you want smooth components, with a very polished surface? This depends greatly on the functionality of the parts. A local professional can explain how the roughness will affect the performance of your equipment and work with you to decide what roughness is best for your project.

• You can choose wisely: The materials you use for your manufacturing affects the final durability and performance. It also greatly affects the cost of production. A local machine shop in Louviers, CO can review your options with you and let you personally examine various materials to determine which is best. You may even be able to look at similar products the shop has made in the past to make an informed comparison.

• You can enjoy savings: A local shop can save you both time and money. Enjoy a smaller budget by saving on delivery costs. Complete your project faster by cutting out delivery wait times. By working with someone local, you won’t be wondering where your parts are in transit or when the project will be completed.

• You can be involved: When you work with a local machine shop in Louviers, CO, you can be actively involved in the manufacturing process. This will provide peace of mind and a better overall experience with production.

• You can get prototypes: After partnering with your local machine shop in Louviers, CO for one project, they will be able to easily get prototypes from them for future projects. They will have your design as a reference point, which will allow you to order more parts at a lower cost in the future, since you won’t have to pay for designing.

• You can complete the process: Once the machine shop in Louviers, CO has designed and manufactured your piece, they can also install it. It is typically easier for the same professionals who created the part to also perform the installation. Working with someone local makes this possible.

Shop local with Focused on Machining. You’ll enjoy the advantages of working with a local machine shop in Louviers, CO and some of the top professionals in the industry. Reach out to us today with any questions or to get started on your next project.

Top Six Considerations When Hiring a CNC Machine Shop in Louviers, CO

Do you need to hire a CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO? When you need the specialties of a CNC machine shop, it’s important to understand exactly what the shop has to offer. Will the shop be able to meet your needs? Will you have a good experience if you work with its team?

Before hiring a CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO, use the following criteria to determine the answers to these questions. Following are the top six items you should evaluate as you consider a CNC machine shop:

• Their capabilities: Of course, the most important aspect is whether or not the CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO is capable of handling the job you have in hand. Does the shop offer the processes needed to create your components? Do they have expertise in the techniques needed to finish the job? Keep in mind that not all machine shops are created equal.

• Their materials: What materials does the machine shop offer? Do they work with the alloys that will be best for your project? A wide variety of materials are available, but typically only one will provide the best solution for each project. Determine which materials you need for your components, then find out if that option is offered by the shop.

• Their methods: What surface roughness and tolerances does your project require? Measured at microscopic intervals, surface roughness helps determine how economical your project is, as well as its finish. The tolerance level determines how exact your product must be. If you need high precision and efficiency, make sure the shop can offer tight tolerances. You’ll need experienced professionals with a track record of success to achieve the surfaces and functionality you desire.

• Their quality: What quality of work does the CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO offer? Are they consistent with their offerings? Ask the shop for samples of their work. Look at previous projects to determine the level of quality they produce. If the shop cannot provide any examples of previous projects, or if they refuse to provide them, this is a red flag.

• Their reputation: What are others saying about the CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO? Ask for references. Check online reviews. Look at their website for testimonials. Find out whether others are having positive or negative experiences with the shop. Their reputation in the industry and the community can go a long way toward telling you whether or not you would want to work with them.

• Their certification: Does the CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO have any certifications? They should adhere to industry standards in all respects. Look for a shop that is certified and can demonstrate that their professionals are qualified.

When you need a CNC machine shop in Louviers, CO, turn to the professionals at Focused on Machining. We offer excellent customer service and turnaround time. Our team specializes in manufacturing precision machine components and outsourced machined parts for aerospace, commercial, industrial, and food and beverage applications. We use a variety of materials, such as aluminum, plastic, steel and stainless steel, brass, copper and laminate to build the perfect custom pieces for our customers. Contact us today to get started on your next project.