San Diego CNC

RMS LASER and RMS ROUTER

patrick — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:00:00 -0800

THE RMS TEAM SPECIALIZES IN THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
> High precision laser cutting & engraving
> CNC Routing
> ADA Compliant Braille signs
> Custom business signage
> Short lead times
> Prototyping
> Large and small production runs
> Rapid design changes
> Quick quotes
> Optimized production runs for reduced waste
> Custom orders
> In house programming

>> APPLICATIONS

Automotive
Custom gaskets and obsolete parts for vintage car restoration are two more ideal applications. This is an area where our ability to fill very small orders proves to be a big asset. We can create the parts you need out of paper, plastic, metal, foam, rubber or cork. Industry-standard CAD files certainly help, but we've also been known to successfully cut parts based on an accurate hand drawing.

Architectural Models
Architectural design firms appreciate the way laser's precision and detail bring their models to life. We're able to cut intricate patterns that mimic brickwork, wood shingling, window and door frames and even lattice work. Choose from materials like wood, acrylics, paper and steel. Our technology can help you create impressively realistic miniature buildings, large topographical displays and more.

Signage
Looking for high-quality signs or storefront displays? RMS can create 2D and 3D point-of-purchase displays, custom backdrops for window displays, light box signage, lettering and even wooden signs featuring hand-crafted antique designs. Let us help get your business noticed with custom designs cut from wood, acrylics, Rowmark™, foam, brushed metals and more.

Consumer Electronics
Electronics manufacturers large and small rely on RMS for precision OEM parts used in a variety of components. Turn to us for value-conscious solutions on custom backing plates, access panels, cover plates and internal components like spacers and gaskets. Call us for design, prototyping or any size production runs cutting Delrin, foam, plastic or just about anything else your engineering department dreams up.

Trophies, Awards & Promotional Items
Custom trophies and awards can be cut from nearly any of our standard materials. We also manufacture a wide range of custom promotional items including key chains, business card holders, names tags and bag tags of all shapes and sizes. Our flexible laser cutting systems allow surface engraving on materials up to a full 12" thick.

Wood Floors and Inlays
From simple elegance to the unbelievably elaborate and ornate, we create custom inlays both for individual architects and for use as promotional items. The design possibilities and types of wood are limited only by your imagination. Once you have a good laser cutting specialist on your team, you'll quickly realize that the sky is indeed the limit. If you could use some fresh inspiration, ask us to send you a couple of samples.

Fabric & Leather
We can handle virtually any fabric - anything from polyesters and natural fibers to heavy-duty leather. The laser typically seals the fabric edge cleanly as it cuts. This means no loose fibers, and absolutely no charring. No wonder we're so popular with clothing designers, vehicle restoration companies and companies who manufacture accessories like shoes, belts and leather bags.

Hobby
We work with a number of model designers who sell from plans instead of maintaining expensive inventories. When an order is received, our client lets us know. Then, we simply place a sheet of material into our system. In a single streamlined process, parts are cut, then engraved with part numbers and assembly instructions. Within minutes, a complete set of components ready to ship (for the most cost-effective solution, we recommend running batches of ten or more at a time). This is efficiency at its best.

Medical
RMS manufactures parts for a variety of medical applications and well-known research laboratories. Our lasers are perfect for the medical field because of their clean, precise ability to cut plastics, metal parts and specialized materials that aren't easily easy to work with using any other process. We routinely cut Delrin, polyester fabric, mylar, stainless and spring steel for these demanding clients.

>> MATERIALS

Materials
Our state-of-the-art lasers easily handle acrylics, plastics, mylars, wood, metal, foams, papers and even textiles like leather and fabric. As you might imagine, we've become very adept at locating the best materials for any given application, and at finding our clients the most competitive prices. If you already have your materials, or have an established relationship with a supplier, that's great. But time and time again, our wide network of sources allows us surpass clients' expectations both for quality and pricing.

>> PRODUCT DESIGN

Including RMS in the early design stages of your project typically offers a number of important benefits. We can offer meaningful assistance at any point in the process, but generally clients find it best to call us early on. Our specialized knowledge allows us to offer suggestions in process and materials choices that can expand the bounds of your creativity. This often helps our clients design significant economies into the manufacturing process from the very beginning. RMS can accept direction ranging from a sketch on a napkin to sophisticated digital files. Acceptable formats include CAD, Corel, DXF/DWG, CDR, Gerber files, EPS, Photoshop and PDF.

CALL US WITH ANY QUESTIONS: 1-888-767-5273

Origin Engineering Solutions

patrick — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:00:00 -0800

Welcome to Origin Engineering Solutions!

OES, Origin Engineering Solutions, is a full service engineering, product design, cnc machining, and fabrication job shop conveniently located in Poway, California. OES offers over 40 years of engineering and product design experience serving small and large businesses throughout the Southern California area. With a complete in-house cnc machining department consisting of three cnc vertical mills and 1 horizontal cnc lathe, Origin serves the military/aerospace industry and other businesses by producing machined parts from prototype to full production from a wide array of materials ranging from plastic to chromoly steel to exotic alloys. OES offers welding and tube bending fabrication services. Machined parts and fabricated assemblies available in powder coated, anodized, hard anodized, zinc plated, polished, and tumbled finishes. We can also ship items direct to your place of business for your convenience.

At OES, we pride ourselves on customer service. We develop a relationship with every client to ensure the streamlined, accurate, and efficient completion of every project. Call or email us today and see what Origin Engineering Solutions can do for your business.

Machine List:

3- Fadal 4020 3 axis Vertical Mills

1- Hwacheon Hi Tech 200B Turning Center

1-Ercolina Mega Bender

1-Ercolina Roll bender

Miller TIG welder

Miller MIG Welder

West Industries, LLC.

patrick — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:00:00 -0800

We are currently in process of obtaining ISO 9000 certification.

Government Contractor: CAGE CODE : 1WNW4

West Industries was established in 1990 to provide manufacturing and assembly services. We specialize in production work and government contracts.

Every piece that we manufacture and/or assemble passes through stringent quality control tests. It makes us distinct from other machine shops operating in this sphere.

Our innovative team consists of highly skilled and trained professionals. Every member of this team is an expert in his/her area of work that ensures unmatched services. We are fully-equipped to undertake large-scale production as per the customer specifications.

Providing the highest quality manufacturing and product development services is West Industries primary goal.

Each project will be completed on time and will meet or exceed customer and industry standards.

Customer satisfaction is our priority. West Industries is a customer-driven organization and provides manufacturing and assembly services for a competitive cost.

Our capabilities include: CNC Milling and CNC Turning, Metal stamping, Plasma cutting, CNC routing, PBC and Electro-mechanical assemblies.

Hints and tips of the trade.

patrick — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:00:00 -0800

In the machining world, we sometimes have to improvise in order to complete a job. For this topic we'll look at some of the things that machinists do to accomplish a task at hand. Perhaps these tips can help you out when you find yourself in a bind.

Notable quotes...

patrick — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:59:18 -0800

Quotations from people throughout my machining career and life in general.

GetJar smartphone apps.

patrick — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:27:54 -0800

Tech update…

Many of you have the Apple iPhone and use various apps to tweak your iPhone experience. But what if you have any of the other competitor’s phones? Apps are usually exclusive to a specific phone and cannot be used on another brand. Apple’s iPhone represents about 17% of the world market. Nokia still has 40% of the market, followed by Research In Motion’s 21%. RIM is the maker of the Blackberry. All of these smartphone companies have their own app stores.

Enter Ilja Laurs, Lithuanian-born and founder of GetJar, an independent app sales portal. There are roughly 57,000 applications contributed by about 350,000 registered developers. GetJar has about 60 million downloads a month, second only to the App Store. This is where GetJar differs from all the other smartphone app stores… GetJar not only offers applications the iPhone, Nokia, and RIM but for competing platforms, to include Android, Blackberry, and Symbian.

To find out more about this amazing smartphone applications company, please visit their website at: http://getjar.com/ .

It's that time of year again!

patrick — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:05:56 -0800

Once again, we've come upon the winter holiday season. Soon, it will be Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. I would like to encourage each of you to take the time and do something for our military personnel... a token of your appreciation for their service to our country. It could be something as simple as a thank you card, a small gift, or inviting a few of them into your home for a home cooked meal. Also, please remember the soldiers in the hospitals recovering from their injuries.

I'll post the information to a great charity group called Operation Homefront below...

Operation Homefront is a local support group dedicated to our active military, their families and our wounded warriors once they return home.

If you're interested in giving to a worthy charity this holiday season, please consider Operation Homefront. There are a couple of annual holiday programs to choose from.

Adopt-a-Family:

Would you like a great way to connect one on one with military families to say a special thank you this holiday season by providing food and gifts to the family. Community sponsors must be able to provide an entire holiday dinner with all the trimmings for the family (estimated $50-$100) and gifts for each of the children (minimum of $30-$50 per child). If you would like to sponsor a family for the holidays please complete the Sponsor Participation Agreement below and fax to us at 858-695-6845. You will be contacted shortly to discuss your application.

Holiday Food Baskets:

Operation Homefront teams up with Lincoln Military Housing to present its annual Gift to You program to help set tables for over 1000 military families.

Say thank you to military families this holiday season by sending in a monetary donation or a grocery gift card. If you would like to donate non-perishable foods, please drop off the donation at any San Diego County Saturn Dealerships. Don't have time to shop, sponsor one food basket with a donation of $30. You can also mail your donation to Operation Homefront, PO Box 26747, San Diego, CA 92196 and indicate in the memo line "Holiday".

For more information on how you can help, please visit their website ( http://www.operationhomefront.net/Chapter_root/chapter_index.asp?Chapter... ).

An article about California's business climate.

patrick — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:35:50 -0800

Here’s some disturbing news for businesses in California. It’s an interesting read from California State Assemblyman Cameron Smyth. I urge you to read the article… http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/38/?p=article&sid=162&id=221614 .

Consequences are costly!

patrick — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:13:06 -0800

Yes, the machinists of Boeing are paying the price for their arrogant pro-union policies. Did they really think that they could push Boeing over and over again without paying a price or consequences? How much did they expect Boeing to bend over backwards before Boeing looked elsewhere to do business?

Let me bring you up to speed. The machinists of Boeing went on strike in Sept of 2008. The machinists rejected a compensation package worth "$34,000 in average pay and benefit gains per employee" (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,416361,00.html) and walked off their jobs. This was also the time when our country was just being sacked by the drastic downturn in our economy. It didn't make economic sense to me that the machinists would bite the hand that fed them at such critical time. It was as if they didn't realize, or care, if their employer would have to rethink their short and long-term business strategies in the face of a global recession. I guess their collective greed and over-estimated self-importance blinded them. Who knows? Whatever the case, the unionized machinists of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 751, are costing themselves their futures and their jobs. Boeing is starting to look for better business opportunities elsewhere.

On 29 October 2009, Boeing announced its decision to build their second 787 'Dreamliner' assembly line in North Charleston, South Carolina. This will result in the creation of 3,800 Boeing jobs in seven years and another 2,000 jobs for construction of the facilities, which begins later this year. South Carolina’s gain is the state of Washington’s loss. All thanks should go to the unionized machinists of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 751.
Here are some of the benefits Boeing will enjoy by setting up a new facility in South Carolina:
1. Boeing workers in North Charleston are non-union. The workers voted to oust the union in September.
2. The South Carolina General Assembly voted to give Boeing $170 million for infrastructure and other tax breaks.
3. South Carolina is also funding technical schools to train workers for jobs at Boeing.
4. And this could be the best reason for Boeing to choose South Carolina… “Boeing also reportedly was unhappy with the business climate in Washington State - unionized workers there who went on costly strikes, and that state's shortage of college-educated engineers.” (http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1003385.html)

Is the recession nearly over?

patrick — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:31:56 -0700

That's a question I've been asked by several people I come into contact with. The answer, in my opinion, is as complex as the question was simple. I believe we've just about seen the bottom of the downturn of our economy... for the near future. I also believe we're going to have another recession within the next two to three years. The reason for my pessimism is simple, President Obama and the Democrat controlled Congress have spent this nation into a deep hole. They've basically doubled our debt with their 'stimulus package' and now want to impose 'nationalized health care' upon us too.

Our deficit, just from the 'stimulus package' debt, has caused the world's producers of petroleum to reconsider the United States dollar as their international currency of choice. Currently, the countries of Japan, France, Russia, China and Brazil, are involved in these talks. That means the dollar will very shortly start to fall against other world currencies. Our buying power will continue to diminish and inflation will skyrocket. If this currency move does go forward, it is expected to happen over the next nine years.

I'll continue my response to the recession question in another post. It's a complex issue and has many tentacles that need to be addressed.

D & D Tool and Supply

patrick — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:24:45 -0700

It’s always hard to find great customer service nowadays. When I was running my own machine shop, I always had to beat deadlines for customers who wanted their machined parts yesterday. I know, its unreasonable but that just the way it typically goes. There's an old saying in the machining world... "The most expensive tool is the one you need but don't have." That's very true when you have a job running and a special tool breaks or you're going through tooling left and right for a variety of reasons.

The problem then becomes 'where can I get the tool I need right NOW?' When an emergency like that arises, the person whose responsibility it is to source tooling, is in a mad scramble to find the tool quickly. I've been in that situation many times and the one company that always came through for me was D & D Tool and Supply, specifically their tool salesman Tim Matheson. In my opinion, he's one of the best guys in the tooling business. So, if you're ever in a bind and need a tool quickly, and at a reasonable price, give Tim a call.

D & D Tool and Supply
1445 Engineer Street Ste. 110
Vista, CA 92081
Phone 760-510-9968
Toll Free 888-372-2155
Fax 760-510-9677

Quad-I Vises

patrick — Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

What is the NEW Quad-I Vise?
(http://www.quad-i.com/index.html)

by the designer and inventor of the original Quad-I Vise, Stanley Dornfeld

The Quad-I Vise was redesigned for the Machinist. Why? Because all the earnings coming into the machine shop, come in through the hands of the machinist first; and Quad-I is here to help him.

Quad-i (pronounced Quad One)The Clamp
The first order of business was to build a very good clamp. The “Straight Line Clamping” feature employed in the Quad–I Vise applies all of the clamping force to hold the part. The vise is very sensitive to feel. When needing a light force, a light touch can yield one. When needing a strong force for holding, the extra clamping force developed by “Straight Line Clamping” will supply one. The box way design of the moving jaw has a very close running fit, less than one thousandth of an inch, yet it still has a free running slide.

The Fixed Jaw
The second order of business was to have the fixed jaw in front to align the vise to the machine’s coordinate system. This is a big advantage in helping the machinist keep his mind clear of work a rounds and confusing extra steps needed to make accurate parts.

The fixed Jaw in front enabled other advantages to emerge. The Acme screw passes through the fixed jaw. The Capture nut which is attached to the screw applies the clamping force to the fixed jaw. This same force is also pulling the moving jaw in to clamp the work. These opposing forces neutralize each other and create a balance between the two jaws. This system offsets the pressure against the fixed jaw allowing it to remain a stable zero reference for repeatability.

The fixed jaw in front has made loading and unloading parts much easier, because part loading is done very close to the machinist’s body. Therefore the Quad–I Vise is also more ergonomic.

The entire working mechanism of the vise is embodied in the fixed jaw. Loosening one small screw allows the machinist to remove all the moving pieces from the vise if necessary for maintenance. This means the vise may be left bolted to the table with the fixed jaw and its removable jaw plate intact. When reassembled, machining can proceed as it was, as none of the locating references have been disturbed.

Quad-i (pronounced Quad One) The Moving Jaw

Before the 1970’s most of the vises had one glaring difficulty. The moving jaw lifted, which in turn lifted the part when clamped. Most of us used “dead blow” hammers to re-seat the part for machining. In the early seventies I saw my first Kurt Angle Lock vise. It did what the other vises could not do. It kept the moving jaw down. It was a big deal and a big help.

Kurt came in and sold over the other vise manufacturers because those manufacturers were not paying attention to what the machinist needed.

All that was needed was to machine a close running fit for the moving jaw. These moving jaws were sometimes lifting twenty thousandths of an inch.

When I redesigned the Quad-I Vise I decided to remove the lock down mechanism. The lock down system uses some of the clamping force to hold the moving jaw down. That meant you needed to use about fifty percent more force to hold the work as you would with out it. You first had to tighten the jaw enough to take up slack in the mechanism; and then to that, add enough to hold the part. To me, what was most the most annoying is the inability to feel how tightly I was holding delicate pieces.

The Quad-I Vise now has a very close running box way fit. The target allowance is between .0005-.001 inches. The Dura-Bar iron used in the vise has quite a bit of graphite in its matrix and is nearly self lubricating which helps prevent galling and gives the vise a long working life.

The moving jaw was also “folded” to make a shorter vise which can still hold over six to seven inches. The moving jaw has what I call a integral “tongue” which sits down inside the vise body and protrudes toward the fixed jaw about one half of the moving jaw length. This jaw in conjunction with its bottom plate develops a nice long bearing surface for the clamping process.

The Acme Screw
Keystone makes very smooth rolled Acme screw stock. The six inch vise uses a 1 inch 6 lead Acme screw. The screw’s pitch diameter and lead combination yields a 3.3 degree helix angle for good clamping leverage. It is an alloy screw with some degree of work hardness. I chose the Keystone Acme screw for its efficiency of manufacture and its strength.

The Acme screw stock in combination with the capture nuts yield the advantage of tandem vises which can hold very large pieces. Combining two Quad-I vises and a three foot long Acme screw assembled into the tandem setup can hold over twenty four inch long parts. The screw stock also comes in six foot lengths.

The Quad-I Vise Body
The vise body accommodates bolting to the table through the inside for close multiple vise nesting. The sides of the vise have “keyhole” slots for side mounting as well. These slots are back counter bored (milled) for socket head cap screws. This feature helps accommodate end work and edge work on hard to hold pieces.

The Capture Nuts
What is a capture nut? Well, it is a nut which fits an Acme screw thread; but is not a working nut. Its purpose is to hold on to the screw and not slip. To do this the capture nut has a specially designed thread to help the nut bind to the screw. It also is a split nut which uses a socket head screw to constrict it around the Acme screw. If it were not for this nut design, I would not have been able to use the pre-threaded rod.

The Over All Picture
A gentleman called me to buy another vise. “You know what I like about this vise?” he said. “It’s so easy to clean!” I liked that.

At a later time I heard, “The first thing I do when I receive a vise is get the body grinder out and radius all the sharp corners.” I don’t like sharp corners either. So I’ve milled radiuses on the vises so the machinist will feel more comfortable working around them.

“I really like the fixed jaw in front. It makes loading and unloading the vise easier.” “We are from Viet Nam and we are shorter than you Americans.” I smiled and thought, of all the ideas and features I built into this tool, I would have never suspected that. And I laughed out loud and told those fellows that. They bought two more vises. I delivered them and they took me to lunch. Good people.

I’ve tried to make the vise as versatile as is reasonable without getting it too complicated. I’ve been in the trenches too, as a machinist. So I’ve tried to address the aggravations which have annoyed me the most.

I hope you like our new Quad-I Vise.

Please visit our website for more information: http://www.quad-i.com/index.html

Best regards,

Stanley Dornfeld
858-485-7357
San Diego, CA USA

Employment Opportunities!

patrick — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The way the current job market is locally, as well as nationally, I would like to do what I can for my fellow machinists looking for employment opportunities.

Should anyone know of companies that are looking for machinists, please email me and I'll post the relevant information within this thread.

***UPDATE***

There are a few companies which seem to be hiring on a regular basis. Instead of posting their jobs, which can be several at a time, please visit their websites and look for current openings.

General Atomics-ASI (Great company!)
http://www.ga-asi.com/
Open the 'Careers' tab, then the 'Search Current Open Positions' tab.

Alphatec Spine
http://www.alphatecspine.com/job_postings.asp

Advanced Machining & Tooling Inc. (Really good people to work for!)
http://www.amtmfg.com/employment.html

Veridiam
http://www.veridiam.com/careers/careers2.html

5th Axis Inc.
http://www.fifth-axis.com/index.shtml

K-Tech Machine, Inc
http://www.k-techmachine.com/employment/employment.html

--------As a courtesy, please mention San Diego CNC when applying for any of these positions. Thank you.--------

CNC Dynamics, Inc.

patrick — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:58:59 -0700

CNC Dynamics, Inc. specializes in precision waterjet cutting, CNC Machining, precision sheetmetal fabrication, welding, tool design, tool fabrication, and CAD design / engineering. For more than ten years CNC Dynamics has met the needs of customers in aerospace, defense, marine, electronics, transportation, medical, security, energy, construction and many more. CNC Dynamics, Inc. is an ISO 9001 / AS 9100 compliant company; assuring you will receive the highest quality products and services.

CNC Dynamics, Inc. was established in 1998 as a waterjet cutting service.

Today, CNC Dynamics is a sophisticated producer of a wide range of products, parts, sub-assemblies and final assemblies.

We take great pride in the skills and know-how gained over the years. Our personnel have very high levels of skill. They are experts in the use of computer-aided-design and computer-aided-manufacturing tools. Because of this, our customers regularly consult with us throughout the development of their products.

CNC Dynamics is a proven and reliable source of supply for your critical components and products. Please feel free to contact us today to discuss your needs.

CNC Dynamics, Inc. offers the following services:

Waterjet shape cutting
CNC Machining
Precision metal fabrication
Welding and assembly
Composite manufacturing
Rapid prototyping and product manufacturing
Tool design and tool manufacturing
Product design and engineering
Marketing materials and point of purchase displays

Our personnel are experts in the use of computer-aided-design (CAD) and computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) technologies. We can design products and tooling in a three dimensional virtual work environment. After the design is complete we then produce the products using high-tech computerized machine tools. It is truly amazing to see first hand.

Machinist training.

patrick — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:06:28 -0800

Ok, I’ve been asked many times about ‘how does one learn to become a machinist’?

The answer is simple… start at the beginning. Once you’ve decided that being a machinist is what you want to become, you must seek out a local trade school that can teach the necessary skills to enable you to become a machinist.

Here, in the greater San Diego area, one program stands out. It’s at San Diego City College. The instructor of the Machine Technology program at City College is John Bollinger (619-388-3659). I would recommend that any prospective student personally meet with Mr. Bollinger and discuss their educational possibilities. Make a determination as to what type of degree you want to pursue and enroll in the Machine Technology program.

Below are some general information about the Machine Technology program at City College and a brief listing of degrees/certificates offered;

http://www.sdcity.edu/careertech/mact/certificate.asp

Academic Programs
The certificates of completion and achievement and the associate degrees in Machine Technology require completion of the courses listed below.

Certificate of Performance:
C.N.C. Operator Option*
Courses Units
MACT 140, Basic Principles for Machine Technology ..............4
MACT 150, Introduction to CNC & EDM..................................4
MACT 170, Introduction to CNC Controlled Vertical
Machining .......................................................................... 4
MACT 171, Application of CNC Controlled Vertical
and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) I.......................... 2
MACT 172, Application of CNC Controlled Vertical
Machining and Electrical Discharge Machining
(EDM) II............................................................................. 2
Total Units = 16
*This is a department award in recognition of information on the transcript and does not imply that a graduation requirement has been met.

Certificate of Performance:
C.N.C. Technology Option*
Courses: Units
MACT 140, Machine Technology ...................................... 4
MACT 150, Intro/Computer Num Control (CNC)
and Elec Dis Mach ......................................................... 4
MACT 160M, Introduction to CAD/CAM or
MACT 160S, Introduction to CAD/CAM ............................. 4
Total Units = 12
*This is a department award in recognition of
information on the transcript and does not imply that a
graduation requirement has been met.

Certificate of Achievement:
Machine Technology
C.N.C. Technology Option
Courses Required for the Major: Units
Certificate of Performance, C.N.C. Operator Option...16
MACT 160M, Introduction to CAD/CAM or
MACT 160S, Introduction to CAD/CAM .................... 4
Total Units = 20

Certificate of Achievement:
Machine Technology
Computer Aided Manufacturing Option
Courses Required for the Major: Units
Certificate of Achievement, C.N.C.
Technology Option .......................................20
MACT 161M, Applications of CAD/CAM I or
MACT 161S, Applications of CAD/CAM I................... 2
MACT 162M, Applications of CAD/CAM II or
MACT 162S, Applications of CAD/CAM II ................. 2
MACT 180M, Advanced CAD/CAM or
MACT 180S, Advanced CAD/CAM ............................ 4
MACT 181M, Application in Advanced CAD/CAM I or
MACT 181S, Application in Advanced CAD/CAM I ..... 2
MACT 182M, Application in Advanced CAD/CAM II or
MACT 182S, Application in Advanced CAD/CAM II..... 2
Total Units = 32

Associate in Science Degree:
Machine Technology
Computer Aided Manufacturing Option
An Associate in Science Degree may be earned in
Computer Aided Manufacturing Option. Complete the
Computer Aided Manufacturing Option Certificate of
Achievement as specified above (32 units).
Courses Required for the Major: Units
Certificate of Achievement, Computer Aided
Manufacturing Option ...................................32
Total Units = 32
Additional general education and graduation
requirements for the associate degree are listed in the
catalog ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS section. The
associate degree requires a minimum of 60 units.
Recommended electives: Machine Technology 290.

Advertisers

patrick — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:37:12 -0800

If you'd like to advertise your machining industry related products, services, etc., please email me and I'll add it to this thread.

Thank you!

Machinist vs Operator

patrick — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:36:07 -0800

What is the difference between a machinist and an operator?

There are several definitions of what constitutes a machinist. Here are a few examples:

www.yourdictionary.com

ma·chin·ist (mə s̸hēn′ist)

noun

1. a person who makes or repairs machinery
2. a worker skilled in using machine tools
3. a worker who operates a machine

http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/machinist.html

ma·chin·ist [ mə shnist ] (plural ma·chin·ists)

noun
Definition:

1. somebody who machines something: somebody whose job involves machining something or operating a machine or machine tool, especially in a factory

2. machine maker or repairer: somebody who makes or repairs machines

3. U.S. Navy position: a naval petty officer who is assigned to a ship's engine room

--------------

While both describe, in very general terms what a machinist is, they both are woefully lacking in depth and understanding. A great percentage of the general public has no real concept of machining. To add to the confusion, machine operators in some circumstances, are viewed as machinists. I'd like to take a moment and more accurately describe what a machinists is and the differences between a machinist and a machine operator.

A machinist is a person that can accurately machine parts to print, using a variety of machines and/or methods, relying on his/her skills, obtained through an accredited trade school or from many years of on-the-job experience. An operator, on the other hand, is not a machinist at all. Operators are an entry level position, lacking necessary machining skills, that run jobs that have already been proven out by a machinist. In the industry, we call them 'Button Pushers'. Sure, operators have their place in a machine shop, but they should never be considered a machinist. That's an insult to true machinists and an unwarranted/unearned elevation of an operator's real status.

General notices.

patrick — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:18:11 -0800

This thread is set aside for those companies who want to announce open houses, new machining services, and recognition for local awards. Please send me any requests you'd like to see posted here.

Some of my favorite links.

patrick — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Here are some of my favorite links to websites that cater to the machinist and the machining industry.
*
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***Tooling and Supplies

Centerline Industrial - www.centerlineind.com/

MSC Industrial Supply - http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/nnsrhm

U. S. Shop Tools - www.usshoptools.com/
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***Metal and Plastics Suppliers

Industrial Metal Supply - www.industrialmetalsupply.com/

Online Metals - www.onlinemetals.com/

PlastiFab - www.plastifabonline.com/

Ridout Plastics - www.sdplastics.com/

San Diego Plastics - www.sdplastics.com/
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***Plating Specialists

Sheffield Platers - www.sheffieldplaters.com/

Southern California Plating - www.socalplating.com/
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***Business Portal (information on corporations, partnerships and companies)

State of California business portal - www.sos.ca.gov/business/

Well, it couldn't happen to a better group of people.

patrick — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:27:01 -0800

Boeing Swings to Loss, Announces Jobs Cuts
Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Kathryn Elizabeth Tuggle
FOXBusiness

Boeing, (BA: 43.21, -0.01, -0.02%) the Chicago, Ill.-based airframe manufacturer, reported a fourth-quarter loss of $56 million and 10,000 job cuts on Wednesday.

On the company's earnings conference call, CEO Jim McNerney said that Boeing will cut 10,000 jobs, which is about 6% of the company's work force. That's more than twice as many cuts as the company announced earlier this month.

The company attributed the loss to a well-publicized 58-day strike by its machinists, which led to fewer airplane deliveries and further delays on its 747 jumbo jet.

Boeing’s $56 million loss translates to eight cents per share, which compares to a gain of $1.36 per share or $1.03 billion for the same quarter in 2007. Additionally, Boeing has adjusted its 2009 earnings forecast to $5.05 to $5.35 per share, down from guidance of $6.80 to $7 a share. Analysts had predicted an average of $5.75 per share for this year.

Because the strike delayed deliveries for many planes, Boeing’s quarterly sales dropped 27% to $12.68 billion from $17.48 billion the year prior. Overall deliveries for airplanes fell from 112 last year to just 50 this year, a severe blow to a company that gets half its earnings from the sale of commercial airplanes.

The company has also been hurt recently by lost contracts to rival Airbus, and additional unexpected costs on the completion of the new 787, including design changes and engineering delays. The company now estimates that the much-awaited "Dreamliner" that has now been delayed five times will not be delivered until 2010.

Other concerns for the company include the global slowdown of air traffic, both for passenger and cargo transport. This has led many to fear that Boeing and Airbus may see increased deferments for aircraft “on the books” expected to be constructed in the next five years. Also, the company announced plans earlier this month to slash 4,500 jobs in its commercial airplane division in an effort to cut costs.

*********END OF ARTICLE*************

This line, contained within the article, says it all... "The company attributed the loss to a well-publicized 58-day strike by its machinists, which led to fewer airplane deliveries and further delays on its 747 jumbo jet."

Machining and the economy...

patrick — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

I guess right now, many of you are probably wondering what the current and future domestic economic situation holds for you.

If you're an employer, you're concerned about future contracts, and getting paid for work already completed... not to mention if you will eventually have to let go of some of your employees. What do you do? It may be a little late, but one of the things I use to do when times were good was to always keep some sort of idea brewing on the back burner. When things got a little slow, I would devote some time to that idea. How to develop it, what my target market would be, how to get that product in the hands of potential consumers. And the list went on and on. The main thing you're concerned with is keeping those spindles going and the parts coming off the machines. When that stops, everyone is in a world of hurt.

You employees, you're in a tight spot. You really don't want to leave the job you currently hold because the next job may be only temporary. At least with your current job, you know what you have. But keep your ears open and your resume up-to-date. You just never know. Its far better to be prepared and not need the resume than it is to scramble around and get one together on short notice. Also, be sure to maintain your friendships from past shops. Past co-workers can be some of your strongest leads in acquiring new employment elsewhere.

I'd like to hear from the employers and machinist employees. Give me some feedback about how the current market conditions are affecting your niche of the local machining market. I won't use your company's name or your name (unless I have expressed written consent). If I can be of help in possibly directing some of the laid off machinists in obtaining new employment, I'd be glad to try. I make no promises.

God Bless!

Happy New Year!

patrick — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:45:57 -0800

Wishing everyone the very best in 2009!

Remember our troops and their families this holiday season.

patrick — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Operation Homefront is a local support group dedicated to our active military, their families and our wounded warriors once they return home.

If you're interested in giving to a worthy charity this holiday season, please consider Operation Homefront. There are a couple of annual holiday programs to choose from.

Adopt-a-Family:

Holiday Food Baskets:

Operation Homefront teams up with Lincoln Military Housing to present its annual Gift to You program to help set tables for over 1000 military families.

For more information on how you can help, please visit their website ( http://www.operationhomefront.net/Chapter_root/chapter_index.asp?Chapter... ).

Vote on November 4, 2008!

patrick — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:49:06 -0700

While I hope all the candidates I support will win their respective elections and the ballot initiatives I'm interested in do pass, I want to encourage each of you to vote in Tuesday's elections. It is a right and a privilege to be able to vote. Please do your duty as citizens.

Way to go, Northrop Grumman!

patrick — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:03:54 -0700

Northrop Grumman and USO Debut Renovated Center for San Diego's Active-Duty Military Families

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 16, 2008 -- San Diego's active-duty military and their families can enjoy some relaxation and comfort at the newly renovated United Service Organizations (USO) Downtown Center. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) joined forces with the USO and local businesses to remodel the center, unveiling the high-tech 18,000-square-foot facility today with a ceremony and tour.

Photos accompanying this release are available at http://media.primezone.com/noc/.

"For many active-duty service men and women, USO San Diego is their home away from home and a popular place to spend time with friends and family," said Tim Verhoef, acting CEO for USO San Diego, in front of more than 100 guests and representatives from local military and government agencies. "Northrop Grumman and its employees are commended for their hard work in making this renovation possible."

The Downtown Center now boasts new amenities such as a state-of-the-art computer lab, fireplace, pool table lighting and kitchen, as well as fresh paint throughout the entire facility and updated furniture, movie room, library and playroom.

"Northrop Grumman is committed to the communities in which our employees live and work. We are especially proud of our work with the USO to enhance the quality of life for San Diego's active-duty military men and women," said Gene Fraser, vice president and deputy for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "The 4,000 Northrop Grumman employees in San Diego are honored to do their part to provide a more welcoming place for local and visiting military members and their families."

USO renovations were made possible thanks in part from Northrop Grumman employee and company contributions totaling more than $100,000, and from other local corporate supporters, including Sony Corporation, KST Micro, G.L. Foster Construction, Chula Vista Electric, DB Electric, Cox Cable, and Sprint Corporation.

The Downtown Center is open year-round and serves more than 150,000 patrons annually. The center gives active-duty military personnel and their families their own home away from home where they can watch television, play pool, e-mail friends, read or just relax. All services are provided to active-duty military and their families free of charge.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

CONTACT: Sudi Bruni, Northrop Grumman
(858) 592-3407
sudi.bruni@ngc.com

Sara Pagano, USO San Diego
(619) 235-6503
sara@usosandiego.org

http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=152327

AMT - Advanced Machining & Tooling Inc.

patrick — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:17:55 -0700

Advanced Machining & Tooling, Inc. (AMT), a California Corporation, commenced doing business in 1989. As the years have passed, we've expanded into a 31,500 sq. ft. facility of fully climate-controlled space in the city of Poway, neighbor to San Diego. Employment has increased to over 45 full and part time Toolmakers, Machinists, EDM Specialists and administrative personnel.

It is our belief that AMT produced tools or parts allow a competitive advantage to our customers due to the increased precision, interchangeability and improved inherent quality of CNC & EDM produced components. Being ISO 9001 & AS 9100 approved assures you the highest quality of consistent work. We are committed to our customers to help define and resolve technical & manufacturing issues with cost-effective solutions.

Mission
It is the mission of Advanced Machining & Tooling, Inc. (AMT) to provide exceptional service and quality Precision EDM, Waterjet & CNC manufactured parts, products and assemblies that consistently meet or exceed our customers ' expectations.

Product/Services Capabilities
AMT's focus is the design and manufacture of high precision tools, dies, molds and complex parts. Our competitive advantage is the utilization of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) and Waterjet equipment coupled with state of the art CNC machining and turning equipment to produce the majority of our precision components. Our Waterjet provides precision components at lower cost than standard techniques. The EDM process results in repeatable components at extreme high precision. Our combination of technologies allows a unique approach to be utilized for the machining of complex shapes or difficult materials. Superior results are consistently obtained and the interchangeability of components is achieved.

Quality/Business Systems
AMT has achieved approved supplied status by maintaining an efficient quality control and business system that is certified to ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100:2001. Our calibration system meets Mil-STD 45208A and all of our final inspection instruments are traceable to NIST. Our processes and manufacturing are accomplished in strict accord to our ISO documented systems. The business systems are continuously being upgraded and improved. We are training our talented associates on a regular basis to maintain the state of the art in manufacturing techniques and systems.

AMT specializes in creating unique or difficult to fabricate components by coupling the efficiency of CNC Turning and Machining and Waterjet machining with the high precision of Wire & Ram EDM. We manufacture prototype and production quantities of tools, dies, injection molds, fixtures, fabricated assemblies and complex precision parts. Tolerances of +/- .0001" (.025 mm) are achieved by any of our skilled associates operating in our climate-controlled 31,500 sq. ft. facility. We are an ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100:2001 certified small business.

Materials we process include:

-aluminum
-aluminum bronze
-beryllium copper
-beryllium nickel
-brass
-bronze
-carbide
-copper
-copper moly
-copper tungsten
-delrin
-inconel
-invar
-hastelloy
-kovar
-Lexan
-magnesium
-maraging 350
-molybdenum
-nickel
-niobium
-nylon
-rhenium
-silicon
-silicon carbide
-stainless steel (all grades)
-hardened steel
-tantalum
-tin
-titanium
-tool steels (H13,S7,P20,D2,O1,A2, M2)
-tungsten
-Ultem 1000
-Ultem 2400
-waspalloy
-zircon

We work together with our customers to create successful results utilizing our specialized equipment and persistence to achieve the desired results. Let AMT manufacture you one of our prototype parts as well provide production quantities of thousands of parts per week that meet your requirements.

Q3-CNC

patrick — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:01:57 -0700

The Q3-CNC Advantage

Q3-CNC has earned a reputation for quality. We offer highly skilled, close tolerance machining expertise and bring a wealth of experience to every project.

Over the years we have machined parts for the aerospace, medical and telecommunications industries.

We employ the latest in engineering and machining technology. Our core competency is in the machining of complex components to close tolerances. It is our goal to meet any customer requirement.

Q3-CNC specializes in serving OEMs and aircraft components suppliers with rapid prototypes and quick turn around of critical parts for customers in an AOG or "line down" situation.

Our expertise includes machining precision parts from difficult-to-manufacture materials such as Inconel, Hastelloy, Haynes and other high-temp, super hard materials.

Q3-CNC's capabilities include:

* Precision CNC Milling
* CNC Turning
* Drilling
* Surface Grinding

Difficult materials such as Inconel, Kovar, Haynes, Hastelloy and other high-strength, super alloys are regularly used.

Q3-CNC excels in rapid prototyping of critical parts for Aircraft, Aerospace and Defense applications. Other industries served include Medical, Telecommunications, Electronics, Energy and other OEMs.

We offer CAD-CAM design and can handle different file formats that include: IGES, Solidworks, Catia, ASCII and DWG.

Q3-CNC is capable of using customer electronic drawing files to reduce initial costs and time to develop the manufacturing process. Using these files can also eliminate a great number of problems typical of paper drawings.

We are able to communicate in AutoCad, ProE and CAD files with .dwg, .dxf, .prt, .asm, .igs and .par extensions.

We are highly regarded for designing sophisticated fixtures and proprietary cutting tools required to meet the most exacting standards.

Our extensive experience in fixture, tool and computer related technology allows us to provide concurrent engineering support, thereby minimizing manufacturing costs to customers.

Quality

Q3-CNC maintains a formal quality system. The company has been approved by Goodrich (formerly Rohr Aerospace), Lockheed Martin, Nokia and Qualcomm, among others.

Our QA department includes sophisticated CMM machines and a wide range of height gages, micrometers, thread plug and ring gages, along with gage blocks and standards all calibrated and traceable to the National Bureau of Standards (NBS).

Quality procedures include conformance to MIL-I-45208 and other independent standards as required by customer contracts.

We've established a Quality Control program complete with formal documentation to provide employees and customers with a comprehensive description of company policy for maintaining an effective Quality Assurance program. The Quality Control program and manual define the responsibilities and procedures that Q3-CNC utilizes to assure acceptable quality standards and compliance to customer requirements.

Still on Strike...

patrick — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Machinists strike at Boeing continues into its second week. To get a more in depth look at why the Machinist Union went on strike, please read the article at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008169753_boei... .

Our domestic, as well as global markets, are in turmoil. And yet, these Boeing machinists somehow think that a strike strengthens their ability to bulldog Boeing into an unfavorable union contract. Its no wonder why Boeing is outsourcing their work to other countries, who have people more than willing to do the 'jobs Americans don't want to do'. It would not surprise me in the least if Boeing ends up sending nearly all of their work offshore, with the exception of those government contracts that require the work to be performed domestically. If and when that does happen, the unions will have no one to blame but themselves.

Boeing Workers Back Strike

patrick — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This is what is wrong with unions in the United States. They've outlived their usefulness and have become a financial burden to manufacturers. Take this excerpt from an article I was reading today...

*****
Boeing's three-year "best and final" offer included bonuses totaling at least $5,000, raises averaging 11 percent, pension increases and a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment — $34,000 in average pay and benefit gains per employee, according to the company. (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,416361,00.html)
*****

Did you get that? "$34,000 in average pay and benefit gains per employee". How in the world can companies compete against foreign manufacturers when they have extortionists like this machinist union, representing aircraft assembly workers, working for them? Now multiply that $34,000 figure by the 27,000 workers that will be covered by said proposed contract and the financial hit amounts to $918 million dollars over three years. And the American public wonders why so many companies are opting to offshore their manufacturing and production needs.

“Where do you guys all hang out?”

patrick — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

“Where do you guys all hang out?”

That was the question I was asked a few years ago by a young female recruiter for a large temporary agency. She had called on day when I wasn’t too terribly busy at my shop. Normally, I wouldn’t have had a lot of time to spend with non-business related calls but, like I said… I had a little extra time that day.

She started off the conversation by introducing herself and asking if I could help provide her some assistance in finding machinists to fill vacancies she currently had in her agency. The conversation went something like this…

Headhunter: Can you tell me, where do you guys all hang out?

Me: What do you mean?

Headhunter: I’m having a little trouble finding machinists in the area.

Me: Ok, what are the qualifications you're looking for and how much are you willing to offer as a salary?

Headhunter: Well, the requirements are ‘…must be able to read measuring instruments, blueprints…’

Me: ***My eyes were starting to glaze over*** Excuse me. I meant ‘what level of machinist were you looking for’. Asking for a machinist to be able to read his or her measuring tools is like asking a pilot if he knows how to fly.

Headhunter: Oh, I was just reading what the job description says on my printout.

Me: I understand. Do you want a ‘button pusher’ or are you looking for a real machinist? In other words, do you want someone able to make parts to print or do you just want someone with very little experience to push a button?

Headhunter: I need real machinists.

Me: And how much are you looking to pay?

Headhunter: Between $9.00 and $12.00 an hour.

Me: ***Now I’m dumbfounded*** Really? That much, huh?

Headhunter: Yes, it’s with a great company.

Me: I think you’re misunderstanding me. I think I know why you can’t find machinists.

Headhunter: Why?

Me: Because you’re not willing to pay what machinists are worth.

Headhunter: Well, I have a salary range I have to stay within.

Me: And you’ll never fill those vacancies because of the low wages you’re offering.

Headhunter: So what should I do?

Me: You really only have two choices. Either pay an acceptable wage or your jobs will go unfilled.

****************************************

I’m telling this story because it has stuck with me over time. I’m troubled by the lack of understanding the general population has as to what a machinist is and the years of experience it takes to produce a top-notch machinist. When I was a younger, single man, I would meet ladies who would ask what I did for a living. My response would be “I’m a machinist.” I cannot tell you have many times the reply would be “Oh really? What kind of cars do you work on?” But you’d expect temp agencies to at least know what machinists are and what they’re worth. I mean, its their job to be able to match the best qualified applicant for the job, right? One would think a temp agency head hunter would have some grasp of what they're seeking. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

LSI, Leonard Scholl Industries, Inc.

patrick — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:45:25 -0700

LSI, Leonard Scholl Industries, Inc. was started by Leonard Scholl, Sr. in 1970 in his out building to make precision parts for the emerging computer industry. This effort was quickly followed with him receiving several computer related copyrights. His ingenuity was sought after by the companies who encounterd his work. He set a quality standard far beyond industry standards and that principle still guides the company today.

Early in 1982, his son, Leonard M. Scholl, Jr.(Marc) came on board and like his father, soon established himself as an industry leader in setting new quality standards. Marc, is the CEO today, and is striving to keep quality first and get you your parts on time.

Each year has brought with it continued growth. In 1992, the current facilities were purchased and already, the plant is bursting at the seams. If you already are an LSI customer, you know what we mean when we say, that our shop is unparalleled in its operation and streamlined management implementation. If you are not an LSI customer, we challenge you to compare our work with the best, and we are certain, you will be glad you found us.

CNC Machining at its best. We really have the quality other shops talk about. From prototype to production, we are a full-service metal working shop with the emphasis on WORKING.

LSI is committed to excellence in metalworking. We don't do things half way. It is high quality, or we don't do it. Our equipment is the best, our professional staff is highly qualified. We machine, drill, mill, turn, punch, deburr, sand, finish, weld, anodize, chrome plate, paint, cut, extrude, pem-nut, package, and handle our customers work with TLC.

For any existing or new project you have, LSI can do it. Bring us your next prototype to make, and we are certain you will demand our quality forevermore.When you are ready for production runs, bring them to us for "just in time" delivery. Consider us your "JIT" resource. We will save you money in lower inventory costs.

Europe is looking to the U.S. for their manufacturing needs.

patrick — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:06:57 -0700

Manufacturing trends change over time. Our economy is constantly changing. Sometimes we’re experiencing growth, sometimes its contractions. Our ability to deal with the changing trends allows us to remain competitive as well as survive the ebbs and flows.

For many years, I’ve watched as a lot of manufacturing jobs have been sent outside the United States to other countries like China, Mexico, etc. This was done in part because it was cheaper to produce manufactured good in those countries since their labor costs were much lower than our own. Some of the other variables for this phenomenon included pressure from shareholders for larger profit margins and corporations having to constantly deal with labor unions who kept threatening to go on strike.

Well, it seems that we have turned a corner in manufacturing jobs leaving the United States. Since November 2002, the value of our Dollar as compared to the Euro, has dropped more than 35%. The European Union and the United States account for the largest bilateral trade relationship in the world. It has now become profitable for the EU to take a serious look at the United States as their source of manufactured goods.

EADS (www.airbus.com/en/), the premiere aerospace company in Europe, outbid Boeing in a USAF contract to build 179 KC-45A tankers worth $40 billion U.S. dollars over the next two decades. EADS has partnered with Northup Grumman to build a wide body jet factory in Mobile, Alabama. The new facility will fulfill the $40 billion dollar USAF contract as well as manufacture A330 freighters for the world market.

Another European company, BMW Group (www.bmwgroup.com), will invest $1billion in the U.S. by 2012 to retain its position in the American car market. “The investments are a clear sign of our strong belief in the potential of the U.S. market. We know that we have to invest in the world’s biggest market if we want to be successful on a worldwide scale,” said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The long term market outlook for the U.S. is positive – even though the country is navigating through a soft economy today. The U.S. will remain by far the leading premium vehicle market in terms of size and impact and we are well prepared to be part of the growth.”

The general consensus is that the current low value of the U.S. dollar will encourage other European Union companies to shift their manufacturing to the United States.

Introducing VoluMill

patrick — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:20:01 -0700

I belong to many forums to include political, engineering, inventors and manufacturing. In talking to people in these many varied internet settings, I'm able to acquire pertinent information related to running this referral website. Here is a link to something that may be helpful to machine shops who are looking to reduce cycle times and to increase productivity. Below is a brief run down about VoluMill, in the company's own words, as taken from their website. ( http://celeritive.com/ )

The VoluMill Advantage:

What exactly is VoluMill?

VoluMill is a high-performance toolpath engine from Celeritive Technologies. Using VoluMill in place of traditional pocketing routines will reduce your cycle times, extend the useful life of your cutting tools, and place considerably less stress on your machine tools, thereby reducing your costs while increasing your productivity. VoluMill provides the above benefits by fully utilizing the performance capabilities of modern machining hardware to maintain a constant rate of material removal; it plans the toolpath based on the abilities designed into the machine tools and cutting tools, irrespective of the shape being cut. Traditional toolpath strategies, by contrast, are derived from the geometry being machined, filling the bounded area with a zigzag pattern at some fixed angle, or offsetting the boundary geometry until it collapses on itself.

Why does it increase productivity?

The VoluMill approach brings several advantages, all of which result in the opportunity to leverage your machining hardware capabilities more effectively. Since VoluMill toolpaths are significantly different from their traditional counterparts, they need to be used differently in order to realize their benefits. A VoluMill toolpath is slightly longer than a traditional toolpath. This additional length, which is necessary to maintain a constant rate of material removal, is more than compensated for by using more aggressive machining parameters. Since determining exactly which machining parameters to use depends on many factors, and can vary greatly from shop to shop, here are some conservative guidelines to improving your productivity.

______________________________________________

Please visit their website for more in depth information and the CAM programs supported.

How can I best use this website when looking for a shop?

patrick — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:16:50 -0700

To use this site with ease, either search through the selected shop categories in the left toolbar or by shop, under the 'All Shops' tag at the top of the page. The 'Categories' toolbar only lists those shops who perform the services listed within said category. The 'All Shops' tag shows all the shops on the San Diego CNC website.

Proto-Solutions & Machining

patrick — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

We offer services that take you from drawings to prototype. With many years of experience in prototype machining, we can consult and help troubleshoot during the design phase of your project.

Our machine shop is ready to build your concept from drawings. We are also able to provide for your manufacturing needs with custom drill jigs and fixtures, as well as inspection alignment tools. Arrangements can also be made for short run production and mechanical assembly.

For your convienience, we can take your project from start to finish by outsourcing to reliable and cost-effective vendors for your sheet metal parts.

Expedited Service Available (with prior arrangement)
To meet your deadlines, we can accomodate your needs with extended hours, including weekends.

About the Owner:

Leon Fung is owner and head machinist of Proto-Solutions & Machining. He opened the shop for business in May 2003 in the Miramar area of San Diego, CA.

In the early 1970s, Leon worked for Boeing as a tooling machinist responsible for tooling production and tooling design. He then moved to San Diego in the 1980's and became a senior prototype machinist at Instrumentation Research Technologies (IRT Corporation.) He gained a great deal of experience with X-ray inspection equipment, and eventually served for 7 1/2 years as supervisor for a machine shop of eleven members.

Leon continued his trade at Nicolet Imaging Systems (later GenRad Corporation) and specializes in practical mechanical design from concept, as well as prototype machining.

AAA Electrical Discharge Machining

patrick — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

AAA Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a high quality electrical discharge machining company located in Poway, California, in San Diego County.

Founded in 1997, AAA EDM's focus is designing and manufacturing precision parts for medical device companies. Our highly skilled staff of machinists, toolmakers and EDM specialists is able to hold tight tolerances of +/- .0001"(.025 mm) on most materials, which means our customers are able to maintain a competitive edge within their respective industries by offering a high degree of precision and quality of their EDM components.

We provide precision EDM services to a variety of industries including:
● Automotive ● Computer ● Electronics
● Medical ● Aerospace ● Dental
● Surgical ● Defense ● Telecommunications

Customer Service
Founded as a contract EDM machining firm, we are committed to offering effective and efficient service with precision and accuracy on every part we manufacture. Whether it is sub-thousandths tolerances, or less stringent requirements, our mission is to be consistent from part to part and lot to lot. Our preeminent goal is to meet and exceed our customers' precision EDM requirements.

Our staff works with our customers to define and resolve any technical or manufacturing challenges that are encountered at any point in the design or production process. This ensures that your EDM job is executed exactly the way you want it–and on budget and on time.

Services Offered
AAA EDM provides all aspects of EDM manufacturing to its customers. We operate wire and sinker electrical discharge machines as well as high-speed EDM drills and employ only the latest state-of-the-art EDM equipment in our factory.

Other precision EDM services we offer include:
● Complex Precision EDM Parts ● Ram EDM ● Wire EDM Manufacturing
● Injection Molds ● Fixtures ● Tool & Die Work
● Fabricated Assemblies ● Prototyping ● General CNC Machining
● Small Hole EDM ● CNC Turning ● Waterjet Machining

We are ISO 9002 compliant.

San Diego Mold Corporation

patrick — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

At San Diego Mold, we produce high performance plastic injection molds like this Computer Tape Drive Housing.

We offer prototype to production services. All our molds are built with precision as well as performance expectations. We do prototypes as well.

At San Diego Mold, we believe in early vendor involvement. This gives us the opportunity to pay special attention to the part design, thus allowing for the best possible mold design. We take great pride in designing and producing high quality, close tolerance, performance, production molds.

What sets us apart from others is our focus of building quality relationships with our customers while producing the industry's best molds.

Customer service is a priority and is based upon 100% accountability. We strive to accommodate our customers when a "quick turn around" is needed. At San Diego Mold, we understand that there is nothing more expensive than when a mold and machine are down stopping production. The team at San Diego Mold goes into action with a "whatever it takes attitude" until you are up and running again.

We are located in San Diego, California. Our customer base is largely in San Diego, Los Angeles and Northern Mexico. We also provide services for companies throughout the United States.

Take a look around, meet master toolmaker, Jim Nolan, and his team. Please browse through some of the molds on our website that Jim has designed and built. We welcome any of your questions or comments by phone or e-mail.

Thanks for visiting!

Deft Precision

patrick — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Deft Precision Machining is committed to providing high quality machined parts, built to your specifications, delivered when and where you need them, at a fair price. We desire to develop a long term relationship with your company. No matter what size the job, we will give your order the attention and priority you deserve.

Since our inception, we've striven to put the needs of our customers first. We are a service oriented company. We move to meet each customer's request as soon as an order is placed. Our machine shop was created to fill a need that we saw in the industry - the need for quality machined parts, provided quickly and at a fair price.

Founded in 1995, Deft Precision began in a small 800 square foot warehouse in the Miramar \ Golden Triangle business district of San Diego, CA. Deft Precision has grown considerably over the last 10 years and today we occupy a 5500 square foot shop, with an impressive client list and many loyal customers.

Deft Precision Machining specializes in both short run and high volume sub contract machining services. Our services also include the precision turning and manufacturing of large machined parts in our modern, state-of-art job shop.

Types of Precision CNC Machined Products

* Aluminum parts manufacturing
* Cast molding machining
* Custom milled parts
* Custom turned parts

The service I'm looking for is not listed under 'Categories'. Why?

patrick — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:30:14 -0700

There are many different listings under the 'Categories' section. The category becomes visible when a machine shop client meets the requirements within that listing. Until then, the service listing remains hidden.

I want to have a prototype or single part machined. How do I select a shop that will do that for me?

patrick — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:23:03 -0700

Many shops don't like doing prototype or single part jobs. Its not because those jobs aren't important. It has more to do with the amount of time spent in getting those jobs completed with very little or no financial gain for the shop involved. Of course there are exceptions to every rule.

In order to make this site a benefit to both the customer as well as the machine shops posted here, I've created an additional tag under the 'Categories' bar to the left of your screen marked 'Single part shops'. Shops under that category have expressed an interest in accommodating small jobs such as prototypes and single part jobs. If that category is not visible, then its because no shop has opted to be categorized as such.

Congratulations 5th Axis CNC!

patrick — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

5th Axis CNC Receives 2008 Best of San Diego Award

WASHINGTON D.C., June 17, 2008 -- 5th Axis CNC has been selected for the 2008 Best of San Diego Award in the Machine Shops category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

What are some of the advantages in using San Diego CNC's referral service?

patrick — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:45:57 -0700

There are several advantages. Here are but a few to consider;

1. San Diego CNC's referral website ranks very high in the search browser results (top 10 typically) when using common search terms such as 'San Diego, machine shop, CNC'. Having your company linked with ours, you'll automatically have the same high ranking, but within our website.
2. San Diego CNC's referral service brings together many different machining disciplines into one web site. That means larger companies looking for new sources for their machining needs will be able to find your company much easier.
3. If you have a smaller company and don't want to spend lots of money to have your very own website built, you can just simply use our service as your company's web page. Your URL will look like this: www.sandiegocnc.com/yourcompanynamehere . Simple, yet cost effective.
4. Another advantage for using San Diego CNC's referral service is that we limit the number of companies allowed to join our site. This is the reason why we look for and accept only the best companies in the greater San Diego area.

index.html

patrick — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:21:38 -0700

Oops! It seems you've been directed to a side door. Please click on the 'Home' tab at the top of the page to view this site properly. Thank you!

San Diego CNC is a valuable resource for both the consumer looking for reputable machine shops as well as for the machine shop itself to gain the necessary exposure of their unique capabilities. San Diego CNC was founded several years ago by expert machinist Patrick Yepes.

Patrick Yepes has over 15 years of high precision machining experience. A large portion of that experience has been in the close tolerance machining for aerospace and medical device industries. Patrick has been an integral member of large corporate machine shops and has also owned and operated his own startup machine shop. In both roles, Patrick was known for his responsive, personal customer service and industry leading attention to detail.

San Diego CNC began as a startup machine shop founded and operated by Patrick Yepes. Through that experience, Patrick realized that there was a significant, unmet need for a service that connected customers with unique machining requirements with reputable machine shops that were perfectly aligned to meet those customers needs. Prior to the creation of the San Diego CNC referral service, customers were forced to job bidding boards or the yellow pages to attempt to find qualified and competent machine shops.

Now, customers have the ability to gain the valuable insights of a professional machinist, Patrick Yepes, who will provide them with detailed information about the best machine shops to meet their machining, production, and prototype requirements.

So, enjoy the service and let us know if there are other ways we can assist you!

About Us

patrick — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:33:28 -0700

Patrick Yepes has over 15 years of high precision machining experience. A large portion of that experience has been in the close tolerance machining for aerospace and medical device industries. Patrick has been an integral member of large corporate machine shops and has also owned and operated his own Southern California startup machine shop. In both roles, Patrick was known for his responsive, personal customer service and industry leading attention to detail.

So, enjoy the service and let us know if there are other ways we can assist you!

Can you help me find a machine shop to meet my specific needs?

patrick — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:17:59 -0700

Yes. If you can't find the right machine shop using the navigation features on the left side of the screen, just send me and message using our contact form and I will get back to you as soon as possible with a recommendation.

San Diego CNC

patrick — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:31:31 -0700

Patrick Yepes has specialized in extremely high tolerance, exotic alloys machining work, utilizing multi-axis CNC lathes, CNC mills and screw machines. Patrick Yepes is the founder of San Diego CNC and has been in this industry for over 15 years. His work has been praised for its precision in both the aerospace and medical instrument industries.

Quality Policy

patrick — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:23:12 -0700

San Diego CNC is committed to providing the highest quality machining services at competitive prices with exceptional attention given to customer service.

San Diego CNC's strength and future growth depend directly on his promise to our valued customers.

Mission

patrick — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:22:19 -0700

San Diego CNC strives to produce the highest quality products possible at the lowest cost to our valued customers.

With over eleven years of experience in machining many types of high-temperature alloys in the fields of aerospace, medical devices, and deep sea oil drilling, we can provide the best machining solutions for your manufacturing needs.

San Diego CNC specializes in close tolerance machining, from prototype to production runs.

Welcome

patrick — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:02:11 -0700

San Diego CNC is a locally owned and operated machine shop referral service. Our goal is to promote the very best machine shops in the greater San Diego area.

To navigate this website with ease, please select from the categories on the left side of the screen that best meets your machining needs. Clicking on the "All Shops" tab at the top of the page will list all the shops currently listed on this site.

Mr. Frank Pace, Exec. V. P. of General Atomics-ASI given Lifetime Achievement Award

patrick — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Company EVP Receives Lifetime Achievement Award in Aerospace Engineering

SAN DIEGO – 23 May 2008 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical reconnaissance radars, today announced that Frank Pace, executive vice president of the company’s Aircraft Systems Group, has been honored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) with a local lifetime achievement award in aerospace engineering. The San Diego Section is dedicated to promoting awareness, activism and access throughout the aerospace community.

Mr. Pace was recognized at the San Diego Section’s 2008 Annual Awards Banquet held yesterday for a lifelong career in aerospace engineering highlighted by his successful full life-cycle management of many unmanned aircraft systems that have revolutionized the field of UAS and their use in combat. The award is presented to candidates who have made a significant contribution to aerospace engineering over a lifelong career.

“Mr. Pace’s significant contributions over his distinguished 27-year aerospace engineering career have transformed the global UAS industry,” said Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr., president, Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. “His innovative engineering programs have dramatically improved UAS capabilities, accelerated global UAS procurement, and established the standard against which all other UAS are judged. His impressive efforts have contributed to GA-ASI’s recognition as the world’s premier supplier of unmanned aircraft systems, and we are very proud to have him on our team.”

Frank Pace has been a leader in unmanned flight for over 27 years and in unmanned aircraft for 22 years. An aerospace engineering “pioneer and pacesetter,” his engineering prowess, vision, and innovation have been pivotal to GA-ASI’s development and production of more than 275 proven and reliable UAS that have logged over 450,000 flight hours, with over 80% of that time spent in combat. His engineering achievements have produced a series of proven UAS that have been critical to U.S. and coalition forces during combat operations in the Balkans Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.