Southern California Precision Machining specializes in the machining of military and commercial connectors. Some years ago, they required new equipment, so they researched companies and walked many machine tool shows, eventually crossing paths with Eurotech Elite. Interested in the Eurotech technology, they talked to the engineers and their local Eurotech distributor.
SoCal Precision Machining’s culture is about win-win business relationships. So, not only were they looking to find an even better machining solution—one that would give them an excellent product, but they also wanted to find a manufacturer that provided top service and support like they, themselves, deliver to their customers.
“I first met the SoCal Precision Machining team at a machine tool show. They were looking for a machine for the manufacturing of connectors. They didn’t want a big double turret machine, but their part wasn’t quite right for a Swiss machine either. So I introduced them to the Eurotech Rapido B38SY2 model, which I thought would be the perfect solution for their parts,” said Jeff Walz, President of Eurotech.
Jeff talked to his distributor in California, Selway Machine Tool, and asked them to follow up with the president of SoCal Precision Machining, Tony Nguyen. “SoCal Precision Machining is truly a unique organization. I knew our Rapido model would be a great solution for their needs, and I felt that our cultures were so similar that it could most definitely be a win-win situation for all of us,” said Jeff Walz.
“The Eurotech Rapido B436 SY2 is an 11-axis turn/mill dual Y machine that gives 3-tools in the cut simultaneously. It has 15 HP on both the main and sub-spindles, a superimposed ClearShift sub-spindle that delivers the fastest cycle times for any machine in its class,” explained Jeff.
Ryan Selway, the sales representative for Selway Machine Tool in that area, visited SoCal Precision Machining and met with President Tony Nguyen. “When I got the information from Eurotech about their applications, I couldn’t wait to present the Eurotech solution because I knew the Rapido would not only be a good fit but would blow any other machines they were considering out of the water.”
A customer of Selway Machine Tool, Accratronics—having a shop close to SoCal Precision Machining has several Eurotech machines, including a Rapido model. They, too, were manufacturing connectors—very similar to the parts SoCal Precision Machining was making. Ryan contacted Accratronics and asked if they could bring the SoCal Precision Machining team to their shop to see the machines running. Accratronics agreed. “This was a great opportunity as they could not only see the machine in action but also talk to a long-time Eurotech customer,” said Ryan.
The SoCal Precision Machining team was skeptical that Eurotech could machine their connectors in the amount of time quoted provided via their time study. “Honestly, we didn’t believe Eurotech’s time study; the cycle time they quoted seemed too fast,” said Tony.
“I think our customer Accratronics actually became my secret sales weapon,” said Ryan. “Troy Jones from Accratronics talked to Tony about the speed and efficiency of the Eurotech machines, explaining that they are holding plus or minus .0005 tolerance all day long without any adjustment and that the thermal stability was fantastic. Troy also talked at length about Eurotech’s top-notch customer support and service.”
“We were skeptical that Eurotech could make the parts at the cycle time they promised,” said Tony Nguyen. But, he continued, “After we talked to Troy Jones at Accratronics, we realized that the time study Eurotech gave might truly be feasible.”
Accratronics was machining connectors with Inconel material with excellent results in cycle time and accuracy; SoCal Precision Machining would be machining aluminum to see an even faster cycle time than Accratronics. This led to Tony Nguyen accepting the Eurotech Challenge.
“Ryan is extremely energetic and tenacious. He never gave up and was determined to give SoCal Precision Machining a better manufacturing solution for their connectors. He eventually got SoCal Precision Machining’s permission to run a Eurotech Challenge,” explained Jeff.
THE CHALLENGE
Eurotech set their Rapido machine up on SoCal Precision Machining’s floor, directly next to the competition’s 9-axis model. They set up both machines to run connectors to see which could run them faster and better and provide the highest accuracy.
SoCal Precision Machining’s existing machines were making the parts, and there was a certain comfort level with them, so Eurotech had the challenge of proving we were a better solution. The Rapido is a unique machine with a rigid, fixed headstock, having 10-axes and plenty of horsepower in both turning and milling, yet also has the speed that surpasses Swiss machines.
“The Eurotech Rapido has a 2-axis sub-spindle and a gang slideway which allows 3-tools in the cut simultaneously and the flexibility to mount a tailstock or extra-long tools. With Eurotech technology, everything moves simultaneously, and all of the tools are in the cut at all times. In addition, unlike the other major generic brands that require the parts to wait until one operation ends to start another, our technology allows the gantry to remove the parts directly from the sub-spindle. As a result, there is no idle time or waiting,” said Eurotech’s National Service Manager, Art Silva.
“Eurotech crushed the competition with a cycle time over 55% faster,” said Art, “and we finished ahead of schedule; the competition took several more months to complete the run-off.”
Upon completion of the run-off, SoCal Precision Machining decided to invest in the Eurotech Rapido B438SY2. Initial training on the machine was held at Selway Machine Tool’s facility in their showroom. Tony, himself, went for close to a week to receive training directly from Selway’s engineers. Once he was comfortable, their new machine was delivered to their plant, and Tony trained his team.
“After spending time training, I’ve grown to love this machine, and I’ve realized it’s the best machine for the parts we are making. It’s incredibly fast and accurate. Once we had the machines delivered, I trained my team and set up the post process for the CAD-CAM system,” said Tony. “We are running unattended, and in comparison to our other major generic brand machines, we are seeing cycle time savings of over 55%,” shared Tony.
SoCal Precision Machining utilizes 4ft. bar feeders with the Rapido machines and special form tools for broaching.
Tony concluded, “All of our operators like running the Rapido machines. The work envelopes are larger, and they are easier to set up. Selway Machine Tool supports us locally with service and parts, and they do a terrific job. Eurotech comes out every few months as a courtesy, which has been very helpful. Our business partnership has been a win-win situation, and you can’t find a better team to work with.”
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