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Problem becomes profit for Clarklake Machine
by Chris Gautz | Jackson Citizen Patriot | August 02, 2009
A local precision parts manufacturer knows that when your machines aren’t running, customers don’t get their products on time, and you’re not making money.
So when three computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines broke down at the same time several months ago at Clarklake Machine, workers there had had enough.
The problem was with the carousel disk the firm was using on its Haas VF-series milling machines, which are used to produce parts for heavy-duty trucks and motorcycle transmissions.
The solid disk can hold up to 20 interchangeable tools the computer-guided machine is able to use. Over time, the disk can start to crack and will sometimes snap. This forces the operator to remove the disk and each tool, a task that can take several hours, said Stephen DeKarske, sales manager for the company.
“Down time is immeasurable in cost,” he said.
So Matt DeKarske, the company’s tooling and process engineer, came up with a tool changer carousel disk with a modular design. Each of the 20 forks that hold the tools are independently assembled with roll pins. Instead of snapping in half, only the portion being weighed down will bend. If this happens, the operator can remove the fork that has been damaged and insert a replacement.
A standard disk runs more than $600, Stephen DeKarske said, but they sell their modular disk for $525 on eBay. They also sell replacement forks.
He said they not only use them in their machines, they manufacture the disks they sell on a CNC machine that has their disk installed in it.
“This is what the American system is all about,” said Bill Rayl, executive director of the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association. “Making opportunities out of adversity.”