In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing, efficiency and productivity drive success. Acutec’s recent investment in its Swiss Turn Department demonstrates how this leading aerospace manufacturing company strives to continually improve these drivers. The Swiss Turn Department, located at Acutec’s Meadville facility, operates four state-of-the-art Tsugami B0386-lll CNC precision automatic lathes that were acquired throughout 2022. Acutec uses them to make critical aerospace components such as heat shields for fuel injection systems on jet engines, braking components, and more.
For anyone interested in making such components, jobs are available now for Swiss CNC Machinists to operate a Tsugami B0386-lll on night shift. Entry-level employees may be able to acquire in-house training to acquire the skills to operate these technologically advanced machines.
Offering unparalleled precision and versatility, the Tsugami B0386-III is a highly sophisticated modern version of a Swiss turning machine (lathe). The first Swiss turning machines were developed in the late 19th century to produce tiny screws in high volumes for Switzerland’s famed clocks and watches. The early Swiss lathes were powered by belts and controlled by mechanical cams. Today, computer-controlled Swiss machines are renowned for their multitasking capabilities during the creation of complex small parts. In addition to turning operations, they can perform milling, drilling, reaming, threading, and sawing tasks.
With the capacity to have three to four tools cutting simultaneously, these machines significantly reduce production time. In addition, the chip-to-chip time (the time needed to change tools), often is one second or less. All these features eliminate the need for secondary operations, streamline the production workflow, and save time and resources. Parts made on these machines start as raw material, generally, a 12-foot bar. Most then are washed or go directly to inspection.
Acutec acquired these machines after the company had to decline a new project because of lack of in-house capability. Gilliland and other team members attended the Precision Machining Technology Show in Cleveland, where they saw the opportunity to incorporate the Tsugami B0386-lll into their production floor. Acutec bought the first two as a trial run. Only six months later, two more were acquired.
At Acutec, the Tsugami B0386-III machines stand out as the sole CNC machines using oil rather than coolant for cutting. The high lubricity of oil reduces friction, thereby minimizing heat generation and extending the lifespan of cutting tools. With minimal deflection and vibration – the Tsugami weighs more than five tons, which includes a one-piece cast iron base — these advanced machines also ensure unparalleled precision and accuracy throughout the machining process.
To further enhance the efficiency and profitability of the Swiss Turn Department, Acutec has paired each Tsugami B0386-III with a Royal Rota-Rack (Figure 2). The Rota-Rack is an automatic accumulator that optimizes the use of any bar-fed CNC lathe. In certain cases, Rota-Racks enable Acutec to extend the operation hours of their Tsugamis because unmanned production can proceed for extended periods during nights, weekends, and breaks. Gilliland explained, “Unmanned production is very job-specific. More often than not, someone is always keeping the machines running, cleaning parts, etc. Unmanned or not, the Rota-Racks are a huge aid in allowing for the team to stay on top of things.”
By investing in these advanced technologies, Acutec aims to streamline its production processes, reduce costs, and deliver superior-quality products to its customers.
Acutec encourages skilled machinists interested in working in their Swiss Department to apply here or call 814-336-2214 and ask to speak with Austin, Tina, or Rachel.
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About Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc.
Founded in 1988, Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc. is an award-winning, family- and employee-owned manufacturer of critical components and subassemblies for aerospace and defense applications. Acutec is a subcontractor both directly and indirectly for numerous platforms including but not limited to fixed wing, rotary wing, space, power generation, and naval programs. These components are made from a diverse set of metals including inconel, titanium, and novel materials.
Acutec provides the services that customers require to meet their aerospace and defense commitments by providing CNC milling, CNC turning, EDM, grinding, assembly & knitting, and NDT & finishing. Acutec partners with its suppliers, with full documentation, engineering, and supply systems (JIT) support. With two locations in Northwestern Pennsylvania and one in South Carolina, Acutec runs the newest in CNC machinist equipment, is AS9100D and IS9001 certified, and has multiple NADCAP certifications.