If at first you don’t succeed, try again — this time with a better game plan! That’s exactly what we did with this Inconel 718 part, which was by far our hardest production run in 2024. Achieving the required OD finishes proved incredibly challenging, and maintaining a .002″ tolerance on several ID features pushed our limits. Despite the hurdles, we were driven by the possibility that our end user might place another PO for this precision-machined part.
When our end user placed a significantly larger PO in late 2024, we knew we needed a better game plan. Partnering with Betar Inc., a precision gun drilling company in NJ, allowed us to rough bore the ID in a fraction of the time. What previously took nearly two months in-house was completed in just three weeks at Betar.
Outside of the initial roughing operation, our production team strategized ways to cut down on chatter during the finishing operations. The machining process became much more successful as we added in smaller passes with new inserts, utilized two CNC machines, and purchased sturdier fixturing.
In addition to these production changes, Cer-Mac Inc. invested in a Eurotech CNC lathe to improve machining efficiency for future runs. Featuring a 7″ spindle and live tooling capability, this advanced equipment is set to arrive in March 2025. We’re excited to showcase it once it’s up and running in our facility!
We often get caught up in the daily grind—endless emails, stacks of quotes, and unexpected HR issues. But it’s refreshing to step back and realize how small production tweaks and collaborative engineering changes can significantly improve a production run. Sometimes, it’s worth pausing to think, “Wow, that procedural change made a real difference. That’s pretty cool.”
Our production and inspection teams are here to help you with some of your toughest machining projects.
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Call me today, let’s talk! 😊
📞 215-721-0120
✉️ michelle@cermac.com