December 2, 2013 - Micron Manufacturing has found that PartMaker has given the company the competitive advantage that it needs. "We are now able to machine parts easily that are almost impossible to program by hand,” claimed Manufacturing Engineer, Pete Vellenga.
To see how, Micron Manufacturing uses PartMaker, please go to www.delcam.tv/micron
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Micron Manufacturing is a family-run business which has been handed down through generations, working with an ethos of holding long-standing relationships and going beyond merely satisfying its customers. Micron prides itself on being able to produce parts of all sizes and complexities, and puts all its efforts into giving customers what they want, when they want it, and how they want it. Its lean manufacturing practices were recognised with presentation of a Shingo Silver Medallion Award in 2008.
"The goal at Micron Manufacturing is to get away from the easy stuff that everyone can do and move toward the higher end, getting us to the next level to make us a great company,” Mr. Vellenga explained. With help from PartMaker, the team at Micron Manufacturing have got machining complex parts "down almost to a science.”
The range of equipment at Micron Manufacturing includes the largest Citizen machine available, the Citizen L-32. This machine has five stick tools, turning tools, four live tools and four back-working tools. "Writing the code to produce these parts is almost impossible by hand, but with PartMaker, it’s easy,” claimed Mr. Vellenga. "You can simulate the part in PartMaker and see what’s going to happen before you’ve even put it in the machine. That saves us a lot of time.”
Micron Manufacturing also appreciates the training and the support that it has been given. "After our week’s training with PartMaker, we were able to get back and start programming straight away,” said Mr. Vellenga. "On occasions when we have needed support, I’ve not ever waited more than 24 hours for a response from anyone at PartMaker. We’re never left out there on our own; we’ve always had help”.
In a highly competitive industry, it is essential that Micron remains ahead of its competition. "We have to get ahead of our competitors and stay ahead of them,” Mr Vellenga explained. "PartMaker gives us the competitive advantage that we need”
"Our customers are very happy; they always come back. Adding PartMaker software has made it possible for our customers to be able to send us more of their complex parts that they couldn’t send us before. Whether it is a standard part or a complex piece, we don’t shy away from a challenge. Our goal here is to go after the more difficult work and PartMaker is the thing that makes that possible for us.