ELEVATING PRECISION AND PRODUCTIVITY WITH EUROTECH ELITE SOLUTIONS

Founded in 1972, ABCO Bar & Tube Cutting Service, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned machining company based in Maineville, Ohio. Specializing in high-production, CNC precision machining, ABCO has built a reputation for precision and reliability in the manufacturing sector. They specialize in offering customized solutions for the customers’ needs, acting as a one-stop shop for many machining requirements.

President and Owner, Jason Martin began his career at ABCO at the age of 13, starting by sweeping floors and working his way up through various roles withing the company. With over 20 years of manufacturing experience, he now leads the company, emphasizing quality and customer satisfaction.

Challenge

Jason Martin and Jeff Steele with the Eurotech Rapido

ABCO's operations primarily involved machining larger diameter parts (2"–4"). To diversify and handle smaller components, they invested in Swiss machines and a Ganesh Cyclone. However, these machines presented limitations.

“The Swiss machines had limited horsepower; the best cycle time we could achieve was 148 seconds for a specific 316 stainless steel part. The Ganesh Cyclone only had Y-axis only on the main spindle; the best cycle time achieved was 167 seconds.

In addition, valuable manpower was taken up to buff the sharp corners on the off-center rectangle being milled,” said Jason.

Solution

In collaboration with Superior Equipment Solutions, ABCO integrated the Eurotech Rapido into their operations. This decision was influenced by Superior’s persistent support and Eurotech’s promise of enhanced performance.

“Our local distributor, Superior Equipment, was incredibly persistent and proactive. They recognized the challenges we were facing with this particular part and repeatedly emphasized how the Eurotech Rapido could address our needs. Their ongoing support—combined with the promise of Eurotech’s enhanced performance and efficiency—eventually won us over. We decided to integrate the Rapido B438Y2 multi-axis lathe into our operations, and it’s proven to be a game-changer,” said Jason.

Results 

The implementation of the Eurotech Rapido yielded significant improvements:

• Reduced Cycle Time: The cycle time for the 316 stainless steel part dropped to 97 seconds and there was still dead time on the main so they were then able to incorporate chamfering of the milled feature without increasing the cycle time!

• Improved Tool Life: Tool longevity doubled, attributed to high-pressure coolant and machine rigidity.

• Extended Unattended Operation: Achieved 6 hours of lights-out/unattended machining.

• Rapid ROI: The Rapido is projected to pay for itself within 18 months.

“With the HP coolant and rigidity of this little guy (Eurotech Rapido), our tool life improved 100% and we now can run lights out for 6 hrs. at a time on 316 SST (stainless steel).”

“With the Eurotech Rapido we are now running this same part 65% faster and ready for shipment without additional handling or manual ‘buffing’. With the increased output, coupled with lower tooling and less manpower, the Rapido will pay for itself in 18 months." – Jason Martin, President of ABCO Machining

ABCO now operates a total of eight Eurotech machines, encompassing both single and double-turret configurations. Their partnership with Superior Equipment and Eurotech Elite has been instrumental in overcoming machining challenges, enhancing productivity, and achieving significant cost savings. Their experience underscores the value of investing in advanced CNC solutions and the importance of solution based and supportive partnerships.

“Thank you to Eurotech for being persistent enough to finally get us to purchase the Rapido.  Your support has always been appreciated and that is why we always come back.  Making more money off reduced cycle times helps as well.  Thanks again and we plan to purchase the 45 mm next year.”

  – Jason Martin, President of ABCO Machining

Goals

ABCO’s strategy for growth has remained unchanged over the last 5 decades.  We do not just look for any customer, instead we target strategic partnerships with customers that value a supplier beyond price alone.  ABCO is not the cheapest machine shop in the country, but when overall value is considered, we are one of the best.  Any customer that is willing to make long term commitments can count on ABCO to invest in the latest technology to provide the best product at a sustainable price.  We are known for our quality, service, and price stability.  We are family owned business that still cares about our customers and employees, always striving to reach the next level in manufacturing.  Investment in technology during times where labor costs are at an all time high, is essential for success.  The Rapido, along with the other Eurotech’s, have been instrumental in reducing labor costs with reduced cycle times, done in one, and lights out manufacturing.  We look forward to continuing our long partnership with Eurotech and Superior Equipment in the years to come!