Tool Tech鈥檚 new five-axis CNC machining services have increased our efficiency and allowed us to take on an even wider range of parts. By reducing setups and leveraging automation, we can produce complex parts with faster turnaround and lower costs, ensuring a more efficient manufacturing experience for customers. 

Learn how five-axis CNC machining has improved our precision manufacturing.

How Five-Axis CNC Improved Our Efficiency

Our features a ten-station pallet system, allowing us to set up multiple jobs at once and enabling unattended operation. Operations are streamlined through reduced handling and setup time. 

With a 90-tool capacity and redundant tooling, programming time is cut significantly, and we can handle more complex parts than ever before. The result: faster production, fewer errors, and a more predictable workflow for customers.

Increasing Part Range With Five-Axis Machining

With the addition of five-axis machining, our services have expanded to support more complex parts. Five-axis machining is especially valuable for:  

• Complex geometry

• Tight tolerances

• Multi-face features

Tool Tech can now tackle precision machined components that were previously impossible or impractical to quote. We provide more accurate, predictable manufacturing to serve a wider range of industries, customers, and part types. 

This translates to increased flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs.

Reducing Lead Times and Costs for Complex Parts

Our initial investment in five-axis machining supported an aerospace project with a three-year contract. Previously, manufacturing this part required multiple machines and castings that were difficult to procure. 

Now, the part can be machined from aluminum bar stock in a single setup, saving time and material costs. 

Improved Quality Through Five-Axis Automation

Thanks to our new machine, customers also experience even more consistent quality. This is due to the machine鈥檚 Renishaw probing system that uses automated technology to live-inspect critical dimensions and monitor tool wear. 

The system allows us to catch errors before parts leave the machine, ensuring consistent, high-quality results while reducing the need for manual inspections and rework.

Maximizing Output and Accuracy Around the Clock

With lights-out capabilities, our five-axis machine can run overnight and on weekends, allowing us to focus on new parts and rush orders during the day. 

Customers benefit from a shop that can produce more parts, more accurately, across a broader range of industries, including , high-tech, medical, and defense. 

More Efficient Machining for Tool Tech Customers 

Five-axis machining strengthens 番茄视频鈥檚 culture of innovation and positions our precision machine shop to support projects requiring ultra precision parts.

If you have complex parts that were previously too difficult or costly to produce, request a quote today and see how Tool Tech鈥檚 five-axis machining delivers faster and more accurate results.

Fostering Long-Term Customer Relationships 

We have been producing some of the same parts for customers for over a decade. These long-term relationships were formed because we deliver dependable quality with each part we produce. 

But true partnership requires more than quality. We take pride in providing custom manufacturing services while remaining transparent and responsive to customer needs. Our team addresses questions within 24 hours, whether you need support with a quality issue or require a delivery schedule adjustment.

We also offer blanket ordering services that can increase predictability and planning on both sides of the partnership. When you place a blanket order, we can avoid the delays that come with time-consuming machine setups and support long-term programs from first run to repeat production, so you get your parts on time, every time.

A Real-World Example: Repeat Production in Action

In 2020, we began running a small family of parts for a medical application. The customer placed a time-sensitive order, requiring nearly 25,000 parts within 12 weeks. Because the fixturing and tooling were already set up on our horizontal machines, efficiency was maximized. 

Thanks to our automation capabilities and flexible scheduling at 番茄视频, we ran these parts on nights and weekends, speeding up production. We were able to meet the deadline and help the customer stay on schedule.

Equipment and Tooling for Efficient Production Machining

Our four horizontal machines support production by enabling efficient, repeatable processes for precision parts. This equipment:

• Stores up to 300 tools per machine, allowing us to program redundant tooling and minimize downtime

• Supports lights-out machining to speed production runs

• Uses built-in tool monitoring to alert us immediately if a tool breaks 

• Ensures all we have to do is verify critical dimensions or complete first piece inspections before production begins

This setup allows our Massachusetts machine shop to be flexible. By leveraging redundant tooling and fixturing, we can move jobs around to align production run timing with project demands and solve customer problems, expediting orders when needed.

Streamlining Repeat Orders 

We utilize ProShop ERP to store tool catalogs, programs, and tool offsets, ensuring fixturing is always accurate. On the shop floor, a is used to verify that first runs meet strict standards and ensure a smooth manufacturing process without surprises. We also complete in-process inspections to confirm parts are up to spec during each production step. 

Supporting Kanban and Just-in-Time Programs

Our shop maximizes production machining efficiency and increases predictability with Kanban workflows. Live tracking orders, splitting work orders, and adjusting schedules support just-in-time production. 

This allows us to respond quickly to customer needs while maintaining quality and turnaround expectations consistently. 

All of these systems work together to make repeat production efficient and reliable at our shop.

Proven Processes for Repeatable Quality

So why do our customers keep coming back to us? It鈥檚 all thanks to how we鈥檝e set up our equipment, technology, and processes to consistently deliver excellent quality, reliable delivery, and responsiveness to customer needs. 

For production machining that goes the extra mile, request a quote today.

Many shops can deliver quantity, or tight tolerances, or quick-turn manufacturing, but few can deliver all three at once. We recently took on a demanding project that showed our ability to combine all of these for a single customer, helping a customer hit aggressive timelines even on a complex part.

The Challenge: Complexity at Scale on a New Part

An aerospace customer needed a new part from us, and they needed it quickly. We鈥檙e well-versed in the industry, with a long history of aerospace manufacturing and our status as an AS9100-certified machine shop. But the requirements on this project were particularly tough:

• Fast turnaround to recover lost time on a slipping schedule

• High-volume machining, with thousands of complex parts required

• Tight tolerances, with several features in the tenths

• Intricate features that demanded a careful machining strategy

• Material had to be sourced domestically, adding another challenge in procurement

The customer not only wanted a fast first shipment, they were also looking for repeat production and predictability long-term. We aligned on a blanket order agreement and built a plan that met their scheduling needs and supported steady production.

The First Steps: Proven Process in Days, Parts in a Week

To meet their timeline, we dove in fast, taking several steps simultaneously. Material sourcing began immediately, and we started programming and process planning in parallel so we wouldn鈥檛 lose time waiting for other steps to finish.

Because the customer required material to be sourced domestically, there was additional complexity in procurement. We leaned on our trusted supplier relationships to locate the right material to meet their requirements. We also quickly obtained the best tooling for the part鈥檚 geometry.

Our Mazak was the clear fit for the part, combining operations for maximum efficiency. Within days, we established a proven process because of our immediate action and preparation. Within a week, we were able to provide initial samples for customer review. After first article approval, we were ready to scale fast.

The Result: Unattended Production, Day Shift to Lights-Out 

We quickly entered production, and the customer received exactly what they needed: quality parts delivered reliably. Months later, we鈥檙e still running the job both unattended during the day and . Several times each day, we inspect a part complete, and we鈥檝e seen that our machine has held tolerances without issue.

Over time, our efficiency has helped the customer make up time for a project that they were once falling behind on. And because we鈥檝e been able to machine ahead, they even have a buffer with our inventory, in case of unexpected needs in coming months.

High-Volume Machining for Your Next Project

If your next project involves high quantities, tight tolerances, and a fast timeline, the right is critical. This job is just one example of how Tool Tech is a great match.

It challenged us in multiple dimensions, including speed, precision, complexity, and sourcing, but ultimately the outcome was straightforward: quality parts and a satisfied aerospace customer.

Do you have a demanding project coming up? Contact us to discuss capacity and lead times with our Massachusetts machine shop!

In recent years, that鈥檚 led to several major investments. These additions have touched many areas of our business, but all of them follow one core philosophy: stay at the forefront of technology so we can deliver the best experience for the people who trust us with their parts.

Customer Value: Our North Star

Every successful business needs a clear goal to work toward. For us, that guiding principle is maximizing the value we provide to our customers. 

That value is partially measured by classic metrics like on-time delivery and , but it also shows up in our efforts to create a simpler customer experience. When we invest in our shop, we want to not only reduce lead times for your precision parts; we want to eliminate friction for you, as well.

The Impact of Our Investments

Our recent investments in technology have come in both modern software and machining equipment. All of these tools are intended to in multiple ways.

Automated Machining Cell

Our cell, featuring four horizontal machining centers integrated with robotics for part handling, has added capacity to our CNC machining services, but it did more than that. The system gives us flexibility to run multiple jobs at once, handling both and high-mix work. That makes it easier to support different types of customer projects, from varying complexity to different quantities, without sacrificing delivery.

Modern ERP

Our ProShop ERP has transformed our scheduling and planning while adding transparency to our customer communications. Before a job hits the floor, we can confirm we have the correct material, tools, and documentation, and then we fully kit the job so everything is ready when it reaches the machine. That for your project and helps us communicate our status more clearly.

Quoting Software

Our software helps us respond to RFQs with quick quotes, and it offers several other customer experience benefits as well. It produces clear quotes, streamlines communication, and enables an easy online portal to submit your RFQs. 

Planning Our Next Investments

We鈥檙e actively evaluating what comes next, and we鈥檙e guided by the same customer-focused mindset. Adding 5-axis machining, for instance, is one likely direction. It would allow us to take on more complex projects while adding capacity to our floor. We鈥檙e also watching new AI-driven programming tools, which could shorten programming time and further improve consistency from job to job.

Whatever we choose, we won鈥檛 just be tempted by fancy new technology for its own sake. We search out the tools and equipment that support better experiences for the customers who rely on us.

Ready to Help

If you鈥檙e looking for a Massachusetts machine shop that pairs long-term experience with a commitment to value, let鈥檚 discuss your next project. Whether you need complex precision parts or high-volume production, we鈥檙e ready with our CNC milling and turning services.

Request a quote today!

At 番茄视频, we鈥檝e found that strong supplier relationships can make a major difference in achieving consistent quality and dependable lead times. We鈥檝e partnered with customers across industries like aerospace, defense, and semiconductors, and it鈥檚 always clear that the best outcomes come from open communication. Here鈥檚 how that kind of partnership benefits everyone involved.

Clear Communication Leads to Predictable Results

No shop can specialize in every manufacturing process and capability, and that fact is the key to why strong manufacturing partnerships are so important. When buyers and manufacturers communicate regularly, they can match each project with the shop best suited to the requirements of the job, from tolerances to materials to equipment and beyond. 

That kind of collaboration helps create:

Reliable lead times: When a supplier understands your parts and priorities, they can plan more efficiently and proactively. That can mean managing materials well in advance of your project and maximizing scheduling efficiency. These steps will reduce the risk of delays and give you confidence that you can meet your delivery goals.

Consistent quality: When you work consistently with a trusted manufacturing partner, they develop familiarity with your specifications, inspection standards, and more. That familiarity leads to fewer surprises and more confidence that all precision machined components will meet your expectations. At Tool Tech, we maintain an external quality rating of over 98%.

Greater flexibility: A trusted partner can help you meet unexpected needs. Sometimes, they can even anticipate them. Whether that means holding extra parts under a blanket order or helping to expedite a rush job, it only works through transparent communication.

Collaboration Is a Competitive Advantage

At Tool Tech, we make relationships part of our everyday process. During quoting, we keep an open line of communication so that questions are answered quickly and expectations are clear. We often invite customers to visit our facility, where they can see our automated CNC equipment and quality systems firsthand.

Many buyers also appreciate seeing that our owners, Brian and Gregg Noel, are closely involved with operations on the shop floor. Customers will have direct access to them, and Brian and Gregg are clear about their availability. You can rest assured that you won鈥檛 have to work through layers of red tape to get an answer. 

In some cases, Brian and Gregg have even visited customer facilities to gain a better understanding of the customer鈥檚 needs and projects. That dedication to collaboration helps ensure we鈥檙e making the best decisions possible on behalf of customers.

Let鈥檚 Build a Partnership

No matter what you need in your next project, strong manufacturing partnerships can help you get there with fewer surprises. At 番茄视频, we鈥檙e committed to long-term success for our customers. From blanket orders to ultra precision parts, we provide the reliability you need to meet your goals.

Request a quote today from our Massachusetts machine shop, and let鈥檚 start building a stronger relationship together!

That commitment influences nearly every stage of our manufacturing process. To show you the difference automation makes to your project, let鈥檚 walk through the path a part takes in our shop and all the ways in which it may be assisted by automation and state-of-the-art tech.

A Faster, Smarter Quoting Stage

We鈥檝e refined our process over the years to ensure we respond with quick quotes as often as possible, leveraging , a digital quoting platform to automate many of the important steps. Customers often tell us we鈥檙e the first to respond, a notable benefit in helping to keep your project moving.

Artificial intelligence within this platform automatically flags potential design-for-manufacturing (DFM) concerns, allowing us to recommend small design changes that could reduce costs and lead to faster production. 

Just as importantly, our system immediately identifies jobs with requirements our shop can鈥檛 deliver, so that customers won鈥檛 have to wait days for a no-quote. This transparency is important to us because we never want buyers to waste valuable time at this stage.

Preparation and Scheduling After the PO

Once a purchase order is received, preparation begins immediately. We never want a situation where we reach our start date and we have our material only to find that a tool was missing or wasn鈥檛 right for the project.

With our , we can generate a complete production schedule within minutes. Even when we鈥檙e managing outside processes for a customer like heat treating or anodizing, ProShop accounts for these in all deadlines to keep production steady.

At the same time, software quickly balloons, prints, and organizes inspection plans, whether the customer needs critical features only or 100% inspection. By handling quality plans upfront, we never risk delays late in the process.

Engineering and Proving Out

Even before material arrives, our team reviews parts for potential challenges and problems that may require new purchases like specialized tooling. Once the stock is in our shop, we鈥檙e already well ahead of the game, and we鈥檙e ready to prove out the most efficient way to run the job. All of these proactive steps for any project in our shop, and by saving and reusing programs, we can automate repeat production long-term.

Running in the Automated Cell

With four horizontal machines integrated with robotics for automated part handling, our automated cell is a perfect example of the effectiveness of automation in precision machining. Each machine includes 330 tooling stations, so tooling can be prepared well in advance while other jobs are run. 

The robot selects pallets and keeps the machines operating continuously, even lights-out. Its flexibility lets us switch between and high-mix low-volume machining, with minimal intervention from our team.

Why Repeat Production Is Even Simpler

With programming complete, tooling already set up in our robotic cell, and detailed process notes, we can get started almost instantly on repeat production runs. 

Currently, for instance, two of the machines in our cell are producing thousands of precision machined components from stainless steel for one customer, with hundreds shipped out daily. At the same time, another machine in the cell is handling repeat short-run work for a high-tech client. This versatility allows us to serve a wide range of industries and customer needs.

Automated Inspection for Reliable Quality

Our is supported by automation, as well. Our coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) can be programmed for automated inspection. Once set up, the process requires minimal operator involvement and can easily be run again in the future for repeat parts. That means our inspectors can manage other tasks in the shop without ever compromising on accuracy.

What It Means for You

Everywhere we can, we use automation to enhance our work. When you partner with Tool Tech, you gain a team that embraces innovation in every possible way to benefit your business. If you need CNC milling and turning, we鈥檙e ready to tackle your next project.

Request a quote and see how simple your next project can be with our Massachusetts machine shop!

Recently, for instance, we partnered with a medical device customer on six different parts for a new product. This project began with prototype runs of about 50 pieces, soon ramped up to batches of 200, and then quickly grew to nearly 1,000 parts per month. 

At 番茄视频, thanks to our dialed-in processes and our shop鈥檚 automation, we were able to scale seamlessly, ultimately running three machines virtually unattended for 20 hours each day. That level of adaptability is what enables us to take on your production machining with confidence.

What Parts Are Good Fits at Tool Tech?

Not every precision machine shop is built for scale, but we鈥檝e organized our operations around production success. This requires both flexibility and efficiency, and those are two areas where Tool Tech excels.

We鈥檝e developed strong relationships with vendors to ensure outside processes never become bottlenecks. Internally, our systems are well-refined and continually improving. We are an ISO 9001:2015 and , so our processes meet rigorous quality standards.

With this foundation, we can tackle a variety of work. Meeting the demanding standards of industries like aerospace and medical means we can handle repeat production challenges across a spectrum of sectors and part complexity. Any component that can be milled within a six-inch cube, especially in aluminum or stainless steel, is an ideal fit for our production capabilities. 

The Equipment That Powers Production

Every successful production job is powered by a combination of our people, processes, and equipment. Our most recent ISO 9001 review found a , proving just how fine-tuned our shop is.

Some of the key equipment in our CNC machining services includes:

Automated machining cell: With four horizontal machines integrated with robotics for automated part handling, this cell maximizes unattended machining for the greatest possible efficiency. Each machine holds up to 300 tools, enabling complex jobs to run simultaneously.

Automated coordinate measuring machine (CMM): With our CMM, we can quickly inspect both completed parts and in-process parts, catching potential issues early. This prevents rework and keeps your manufacturing running smoothly.

Why Customers Choose Us for Production Machining

At 番茄视频, we know what matters most to our customers: fast delivery and reliable quality. To achieve that in production machining, you need a partner that not only has the equipment to support you, but the mindset and grit to scale with you and solve your manufacturing challenges.

That mindset influences everything we do at 番茄视频. If you鈥檙e searching for a partner to support your production machining, let鈥檚 talk. With advanced equipment, automation, and a ready-to-go mindset, 番茄视频 is the partner you can trust.

Request a quote today to learn how our Massachusetts machine shop can support your project!

By combining cutting-edge equipment, software, and processes in our shop, we鈥檝e continued improving our quality in recent years. Learn how we achieve the highest quality, and find out the numbers that prove it.

Our Quality Rating: Over 98%

Plenty of shops claim to be 鈥渜uality-focused,鈥� but we can back that claim with hard data. As an ISO 9001-certified and ISO 13485-certified shop, we measure and review our quality performance regularly. Twice a year during our ISO management reviews, we discuss metrics in detail. 

In our most recent review, our external quality rating was over 98%. We鈥檙e proud of this achievement, and we think it speaks to our consistency in the industries we serve. 

Our owners, Gregg and Brian Noel, have built a culture on quality, and they鈥檙e personally committed to upholding our standards. If a rare quality issue arises, they take accountability and respond to the issue themselves. That leadership sets the tone throughout our Massachusetts machine shop that quality is not negotiable.

The Certifications That Matter

We鈥檝e invested the resources to obtain certifications that give our customers confidence in our quality, our processes, and our capabilities. These include: 

: Quality management systems for reliable production and documented processes.

: Quality management standards specific to medical device manufacturing.

AS9100: Aerospace industry quality standards ensuring traceability, risk management, and process control.

ITAR-Registered Manufacturer: We securely handle defense-related projects and safeguard sensitive information.

We can meet required quality modules for FAIs and certifications, and we align with customers from the start on specific manufacturing quality requirements for their projects.

Dedicated to Quality at Every Step

Our quality department uses advanced tools such as our Global S CMM to ensure precision, but it鈥檚 important to realize our inspector doesn鈥檛 just check parts at the end of production. He鈥檚 involved early in the process, helping our machinists proactively plan to prevent defects before they happen.

Machines in our quality department are calibrated annually, and strict inspection protocols are in place. We use software to balloon prints and create quality plans in minutes. This used to be a time-consuming manual process, but High QA has significantly reduced the time involved, helping to speed up production. 

Partner With Us for Long-Term Quality

With Tool Tech, you鈥檒l be collaborating with a partner that鈥檚 committed to manufacturing quality in every sense of the word. We鈥檝e built it into our culture and our processes, supporting it with technology and certifications. Our documentation ensures repeatability, and our automation and process control allow the job to run consistently every single time.

Whether you need an expert aerospace manufacturer or you鈥檙e looking for in any other demanding industry, we鈥檙e ready to partner with you. You can count on us to deliver the results that meet your requirements the first time.

Request a quote today to see how our deep focus on quality can lead to a better manufacturing experience on your next project!

When you need accuracy at scale, our Massachusetts machine shop is a perfect match. Learn about the equipment, processes, and technologies driving our continued growth.

Embracing the Power of Automation and Robotics for High Volumes

One of the biggest drivers of our expanded capacity is our automated machining cell, featuring four horizontal machines integrated with robotics for part handling. Each machine can accommodate up to 300 tools, giving us the capacity to set up multiple jobs at once while handling a wide range of production volumes for our customers. 

Once a job is proven out, it can be run with minimal intervention, in many cases even lights-out. This means better timelines and more consistent quality, even at production volumes, with the agility to switch jobs quickly and seamlessly.

Mill-Turn for Efficient Simultaneous Machining

Our advanced mill-turn machine has made our shop extremely efficient with complex, multi-feature parts. We can complete entire parts in a single setup, reducing production time and eliminating the risk of errors that arise when operators have to switch machines.

The multi-turret design of our mill-turn machine also allows for simultaneous machining, which significantly reduces cycle times. Parts that once required three minutes per side can now be completed in just three minutes total. This efficiency gain translates directly into growing capacity and increased availability for high-volume machining.

Beyond Machining: Optimized Scheduling and Fast Inspection

Our transformation extends beyond machining. We鈥檝e analyzed every aspect of our operations to maximize our capacity, and some of our most notable tools include:

Digital ERP

We鈥檝e transformed our operations by moving to a new digital ERP system, eliminating paper travelers and gaining real-time visibility into our production. 

Operators can now update job statuses through our ProShop system, giving us insight into where every job stands and how our schedule looks. We鈥檙e able to think more strategically about production planning, preparing several jobs in advance to pre-order tooling and stage tooling and materials to reduce downtime.

Precision Inspection

Tool Tech has built its reputation on quality, and our automated coordinate measuring machine (CMM) capabilities have only improved our inspection processes. 

We can inspect parts during production, focusing on critical features while at the machines before completing full-part checks later. In addition, our custom fixtures allow us to inspect multiple parts or surfaces at the same time.

Let鈥檚 Discuss Your Next Project

Even as our shop has evolved, we鈥檙e still looking to the future. Over the coming years, we plan to continue investing in our high-volume machining capacity while remaining as committed to quality as ever. Whether you need CNC milling and turning or an ITAR-registered manufacturer, we鈥檙e ready.

Request a quote today to partner with our precision machine shop on your next project!