The die detail is the most critical part of a die. It’s what makes one die different from another and allows for the customization that companies want. In order to produce high-quality dies, manufacturers need to know how to create intricate details with precision.

This is why many companies hire professional manufacturers for die details instead of trying to do it themselves. Here are six reasons you should hire professional too!

1. Expertise

If you’re looking for someone who has experience with the design and manufacture of dies, then it makes sense to hire professionals who specialize in this area. One of the most important aspects when creating a die is ensuring that all details are correct, and your supplier should be able to assist you with this.

A professional manufacturer can create die details tailored to your needs. They also provide the right advice and assistance for your specific needs.

2. Efficiency

Another reason for hiring expert manufacturers is efficiency. Professionals will spend less time and energy on each project; as a result, they will get more done in less time and produce high-quality products.

3. Quality

The third benefit of using professional manufacturing die details services is that they provide higher quality workmanship than an amateur would provide at home or with standard equipment. In addition to being more attractive and functional, these manufactured die details will also last longer.

4. Cost-Effective Rates

The fourth benefit of using professionally manufactured die details for your business is that they are cost-effective over time. You will only need to buy one product when making changes or updates instead of buying many different types every time there’s an update.

5. Smooth Edges

When you purchase your own die, the metal may not be cut correctly, or it may have jagged edges, which will show up on your product (i.e., paint scratches). In order to achieve smooth, clean lines without imperfections in die wear, it is best to hire a professional manufacturer.

6. Safety

Another benefit of using professional die detail manufacturing services is the safety they offer. When a professional manufacturer makes a die detail, they follow the guidelines and regulations set forth by OSHA thus ensuring the final product fulfills the industry standards of quality and safety.

Die details are the finishing touches that make a product look and feel like it is of high quality. At Cav Tool, we have been producing die details since 1990, so we know what it takes to create premium quality products for the residents of Atlanta, GA.

The right detail can help give your product an edge over competitors in the market without sacrificing quality. Let us help you find the perfect solution for your project! Contact our team today to learn more about how Cav Tool can develop quality die details for you.

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Manufacturers have to make a decision when it comes to machining their products: conventional machining or CNC machining? Though the two processes are similar, there are distinct differences between them. In this blog post, we will cover CNC machining vs. conventional machining and how each process is different.

What is Conventional Machining?

In the conventional machining process, a human operator directs and controls machining and sharp cutting tools like lathes, and milling, boring, and drilling machines. The human operator is also responsible for driving the intensity and location of tool contact with the raw material to achieve the intended product geometry through the use of levers, wheels, or buttons.

What is CNC Machining?

While CNC machining still requires operator oversight to manage software, all functions are carried out by pre-programmed computer designations that guide the machining tools’ movements. The tools used in the CNC process do not need contact with raw materials.

Conventional Machining vs. CNC Machining

Although both CNC machining and conventional machining are manufacturing methods used to develop high-quality machined parts, the two are very different.

Production

In conventional machining, the quality of the final product is largely dependent on the skills of the machine operator or technician. However, since the geometry is loaded into the software in CNC machining, human error can be eliminated.

Consistency

Conventional machining is better for single pieces and small runs as it is difficult to guarantee a high level of part consistency because of human involvement. On the other hand, CNC machining is ideal for producing large quantities of highly consistent products as it runs on computer commands, making it much easier to develop identical components or parts.

Cost

For small jobs, conventional machining is often cheaper and more cost-effective than CNC. However, CNC machining is the more cost-effective and efficient option for larger projects – even if it’s a little pricier upfront!

Labor Requirements

The labor requirements for CNC machining are much lower than that of conventional machining, which translates into reduced labor costs.

A CNC process can be managed by a single operator, who can oversee multiple machines at once with high degrees of accuracy and precision. Meanwhile in conventional machining, a high level of technician involvement is required to oversee and direct the tools, which means that you require a dedicated operator for each machine. Also, since operators need to produce a variety of components and parts, they need to have extensive skills, knowledge, and experience.

Operator’s Experience and Skillset

For conventional machining, the operator’s experience can significantly influence the part quality and consistency. In comparison, in CNC machining, the operator’s experience is not relevant in producing highly consistent and quality parts, thanks to computer intervention.

CNC machining and conventional machining each have their advantages when it comes to manufacturing parts for your business. We’ve covered the key differences between these two methods in this blog post, so you can decide which is suitable for your needs. If you are based in Kansas City, KS, and require more information about either technique or would like a free custom quote for CNC machining, please contact CAV Tool today!

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At CAV Tool, we develop and engineer custom fixtures for our clients in Atlanta, GA. Equipped with some of the latest manufacturing technologies, we produce fixtures that give you the best results. We have a dedicated team of experienced machinists that hit the nail on the head by asking all the right questions.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of questions that our professionals ask to develop customtools that match your requirements. Your responses to these questions help us deliver top-quality results and maintain the credibility that CAV Tools has earned for itself.

What Material Will Be Used?

As CNC machinists delivering custom fixtures, we need to know which material you’d like us to use. Custom fixtures can involve a wide variety of materials; however, we work as a team with our client sand mutually decide the best material for a specific product to get precise results. We generally prefer working on easy-to-use and diverse materials like 6061 or 7075 Aluminum. The strength and durability of these two materials make them great for testing and very easy to manage.

The Part’s Shape and Size

To receive further clarity about the part, we ask you about its shape and size. Regardless of whether you’re looking for grinding or milling fixtures, listing down your shape and size requirements is extremely important.

The Tolerance Levels

Parts with correctly specified tolerances are an easy fit. Tolerance levels determine the permitted level of variance on a dimension and can be expressed in multiple ways. Although manufacturers apply their own set of standard tolerance levels, at CAV Tools, we don’t begin until we have access to all the defined features.

Not having the required tolerance levels pushes delivery time, reducing efficiency levels as our professionals don’t have access to an essential piece of the puzzle. You should not hesitate when setting tolerance levels; just because you suggested a more significant tolerance level, it does not mean that the part will be sloppy.

The Fixture’s Weight and Size

Having accurate details of the fixture’s weight and size helps us ensure that we match your expectations. Our professional machinists give special consideration to your fixture’s weight and size, delivering top-quality results that are consistent with your requirements.

What are the Dimensions?

Our professionals ensure that the fixtures are produced precisely according to the specified dimensions. This is why we ask for dimensional details at the start of the project and deliver the part once we measure and finalize the critical dimensions of your part.

CAV Tool is the premier fixture manufacturing company in Atlanta, GA. We use the latest CNC machining trends to develop fixtures that meet your requirements. Our professional onboarding requirements ensure that we exchange necessary information before initiating the project.

Get a free custom quote for our services.

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The 5-axis machining industry is growing year by year, with the compound annual growth rate being over 6 percent. More people are starting to ask, “What does 5-axis machining mean?” The straightforward answer would be that it’s a machine able to move tools or parts on five axes at once.

There are a plethora of reasons as to why you should take advantage of five-axis machining technology. For starters, this piece of technology is applicable for carrying out some of the most intricately designed, complex work pieces at a surprisingly low cost.

And if that wasn’t compelling enough of a reason, the five-axis machining technology allows you access to all five sides of a multifaceted work piece, can be used for various applications, and, is a more viable option than a three-axis CNC machining center.

Looking for customized tools and high-quality close tolerance products such as ball-lock retainers, die details, shoulder, cut-offs, and more for your business in Atlanta, GA? At Cav Tool, we use cutting-edge technology to provide you stellar quality precision tools at budget-friendly rates!

However, the confusion lies in which five-axis machining center is the best buy for your business? Keep reading this blog post to find out which five-axis machine fits the bill!

3+2 Machining Centers

The most pocket-friendly option out there in the market has to be the 3+2 machine configuration. It’s simple, cost-effective, and has the most beautiful machining performance. And did we forget to mention it’s easier to set up and program? Yeah – that too!

Essentially how it works is, a three-axis machining center is placed along with a tilting rotary table to position the part accurately. Keep in mind that this is achieved only with an auxiliary two-axis table placed on top of the three-axis machining center.

To conclude, with this 3+2 machining option, extremely complicated parts can be efficiently cut when the workpiece is presented to the spindle.

Full Five-Axis Machining

Moving on to full five-access machining is perfect when you want to add full-forced contouring control to a similar machine configuration. The reason why some go with this option is because you can tilt the tool into the cut dynamically, or, let the tool vector go across the free-flowing or sloped surfaces. This is one reason why full five-axis machining is greatly used for cutting aerospace components and to create other curved parts and features.

To help you select which five-axis machining technology is the best choice for your business in Atlanta, GA, why not head over to Cav Tool to speak with our expert staff. They’ll be happy to guide you! Click here to get a quote for our services.

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Manufacturing is all about efficient, cost-effective production. So, anything that negatively affects production needs to be changed or eliminated. A significant reason for inefficiencies in production in the majority of the manufacturing facilities is downtime. Simply put, downtime is any period of time during the manufacturing process when production is halted. Although all downtime affects the production negatively, there is a difference between planned downtime and unplanned downtime. An unplanned downtime affects production the most.

A wide range of interchangeable tools are used in manufacturing processes, and these tools use various types of connection, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, etc. During manufacturing processes, tools connected to machines often need to be changed. Whenever tools are changed, the process is halted until the correct tool is in place. Although it is always known to the production planners when tools need to be changed, they should ideally try and manage and minimize this downtime. However, in reality, tool change planning is not very efficient in many facilities.

While discussing tool changes in manufacturing, we are explicitly talking about the machines that use headed punches. The tool changing process takes longer when using a headed punch machine because you have to pull the bolts and replace the retainers whenever changing the tool. For smaller tools, it is somewhat manageable, but while using large tools, the changing process can take hours every day. This is a time-consuming process, which causes unnecessary downtime.

So, what is the solution to this problem? Ball Lock Punches!

Cav Tool in Kansas City offers very efficient punch solutions for manufacturing facilities that require frequent tool changes during production.

How Ball Lock Punches Minimize Downtime Between Tool Changes

A practical solution to reducing tool change time is using Ball Lock Punches instead of headed punches. In the ball lock system, there is a spherical cap on the punch shank and a ball in the punch retainer. The beauty of the ball-lock retainer system is that you don’t have to dismantle the retainer system while changing the tool. Using a release, the punch is pulled down while the retainer of the ball lock system remains in its place.

A few significant benefits of the ball lock system include:

• Considerably fast setup and changeover as compared to headed punches
• Incredibly strong grip
• Locating and locking actions are performed in a single motion, reducing the changeover time.
• No need for indicating on CNC machines

The initial investment required to implement a ball lock system is often seen as a deal-breaker for the owners of manufacturing facilities. However, once the system is implemented, it pays for itself quickly by significantly reducing the downtime due to tool changes.

Cav Tool offers effective molding solutions at affordable prices in Kansas City. We are the trusted specialists for punches, dies, buttons, and many custom tools and solutions.

Get a Free Custom Quote Now.

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Manufacturing and production constantly evolve as industries thriving on finding the most efficient and cost-effective way to create products, which will allow them to lower production costs, increase profits and gain an edge over the competition. Manufacturing parts and tools are no different.

Reverse engineering is a process that has gained a strong following in recent years in the tools and parts manufacturing sector due to the unique benefits it offers. One of the benefits of reverse engineering is that it can make parts cheaper. Yet, before we get into ‘how,’ let’s explore the ‘what.’

What is reverse engineering?

Reverse engineering or backwards engineering is the digital deconstruction of an artificial object to reveal its design, architecture, and code. Reverse engineering uses a combination of hardware and software tools like laser scanners or laser trackers to take down measurements and CAD or CAM systems to reconstruct its 3D model. The process of reverse engineering is employed in engineering and manufacturing for various reasons, the primary being to extract design knowledge.

Now that you probably have a better idea of reverse engineering; let’s explore how it can make parts cheaper.

How can reverse engineering make parts cheaper?

Optimizing the manufacturing process:

You can use reverse engineering to improve the lean manufacturing process by identifying the most efficient ways to make parts. Finding the easiest and quickest way to produce high-quality parts that can function well for a long-time will help you cut down on your manufacturing costs. And of course, the lower the manufacturing costs, the cheaper the parts will be.

Reducing R&D costs:

When developing a product, you need to take into account all of its design and manufacturing costs, including the money you poured into research and development (R&D). Companies spend a humongous amount of money on R&D to create products, fixtures, and parts that are better than their competitors’ in terms of durability/strength, innovation, etc. However, what if we were to tell you that you can achieve the same results without splurging on R&D simply using reverse engineering? Well, you can.

Reverse engineering reconstructs the technical documentation of an existing part so you can easily re-design it, saving you the trouble of researching the ins and outs of your past or existing products.

While some might think of this as unethical, you can reverse engineer your competitors’ products to benefit from their innovative design and stay in the race without spending time and money on R&D.

Filling voids in design information:

Many machines even today use parts and punches that have now become obsolete; procuring or making these parts is extremely expensive. However, the alternative is to replace the machine using this part, which is even more costly. Reverse engineering can help you rediscover the design data for obsolete parts that you may have lost or did not document. This allows you to generate accurate design data documentation for production efficiency in CAM so you can make obsolete parts more economically.

CAV Tool provides manufacturing solutions for high-quality, custom parts in Atlanta, GA. Get a free custom quote now, or contact us to learn more.

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With ever-advancing technology, many companies are offering punches manufacturing services at reasonable rates. But can you trust them to deliver high-quality products within the specified timeline?

Punches are at the core of your metalworking operation. Slight variations in the punch style, design or shape, or use of poor quality materials for punches manufacturing can cost you a lot in repair costs, effort, time, and delay in producing products for clients.

On the other hand, punches have to encounter compressive and tensile forces during the punching process. Therefore, punches must be of the highest quality; otherwise, the entire tool design process can be affected.

As a leading manufacturer, choosing the right punch manufacturing company may be a daunting task, but not when the Cav Tool Company has your back. Here, we present the main criteria which top manufacturing companies keep in mind when choosing the best punch manufacturer.

1. Large Inventory

A manufacturer having a large inventory is a sign that they can produce and deliver goods in bulk in due time. However, suppose your chosen manufacturer has limited stock. In that case, you may face delays in receiving punches, and there is no guarantee that the delivered goods will be of top quality. 

2. Extensive Industry Experience

Is your punch manufacturer experienced?

It is a no-brainer that experienced professionals are more likely to fulfill their commitments and help their customers overcome challenges. Whether you face difficulties with product material, quality, or application, an expert can provide tailored solutions. Moreover, all your queries and requests will also be efficiently catered to. 

3. Wide Product Range

Choosing a manufacturer with a limited product range is only going to cause trouble in the long term. As time passes, you may need variations in the punches’ shapes and designs, which a manufacturer with limited tools can’t offer. That’s why it is essential to look for a supplier who can work around different punches and offer heavy-duty options, a variety of punches sizes, along with various locating spots.

4. The Approach to Understanding Your Requirements

A punch manufacturer with relevant knowledge and expertise will take no time to understand your unique requirements and preferences. For them, your input will be of the highest value. You can trust them to produce precise and durable punches with excellent finishing and polishing. However, an inexperienced or unreliable manufacturer will pay little attention to your needs and deliver a product that may not fully meet your requirements.

5. Customer Service

After all, nothing really matters if the customer service of a manufacturing company is poor. Therefore, always keep an eye out for manufacturers offering round-the-clock customer support and complete satisfaction. This indicates that the company is confident in their offerings and is ready to go above and beyond to meet your requirements and satisfy your expectations.

At Cav Tool Company, we take pride in offering 24/7 customer service to our clients in Detroit, MI. Our team instantly connects you with one of our tooling experts to solve your issues and problems.

We understand how important it is for you to have premium quality punches for an efficient tooling process. That’s why we carefully listen to your requirements and specifications to deliver tailored solutions. Trust us; you can overcome even the most demanding punching challenges by using our manufactured punches. Get a free quote for our services today!

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When manufacturers operate to strict resistance levels, the goal is to minimize the variations in the manufacturing processes so all materials and components are as close to identical as possible.

At every step of the machine operation, machine shop tools assist in the elimination of unnecessary variance. Just because the production process has shifted does not mean that people can ignore the fundamentals. Choosing the right machine tool is just as necessary today as it was centuries ago. As innovation has progressed, people now have more resources at their disposal than ever before. Due to the multitude of available options, choosing the right tools has become even more complex.

Cav Tool Co. in Milwaukee, WI, is your one-stop manufacturing solution for custom & high-quality close tolerance products.

How to Choose the Right Machine Tool?

It can be challenging for many people to gain accurate information about machine tools. Some people are experts at marketing machine tools, able to convince customers of the superiority of their own products over the competitors’, and also able to downplay the shortcomings implicit in their machines.

To decide which machine tool is suitable for your requirements, the following considerations should be taken into account:

• The requirement of machines for your manufacturing process
•  Performance of the machine tool, tolerance levels, and the results required
• Probability of a shift in product development
• Production cost
• Expected date of machine shipment
• Price

When selecting machine tools, some of the primary considerations include capability to manufacture, equipment expense, and the ability to provide satisfactory service. Other factors that may be of significance, depending upon the situation, are the contractor’s location and prestige, the quality that can be obtained, and the range of the contractor’s repairing tools.

You should make a detailed list of the most critical machine tools. When the list has been created, it should be rated for the priority and specifications.

A further critical consideration is the standard of services in a manufacturing facility. Suppose various machine tools of the same type, form, and scale are in the factory’s operation. In that case, it is always desirable to continue purchasing the same style and design of equipment so that accessories and installations are compatible and the stock of replacement parts doesn’t have to be increased.

The correct approach to almost any machine tool purchasing process should include input from all members of the team depending on their specific areas of expertise. The more people that take part in this exercise, the more likely it is that you will choose the best tool.

Cav Tool Co. in Milwaukee, WI, specializes in providing high-quality custom tools and products as per our customers’ requirements. 

Get a Free Custom Quote today!

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2020 brought lasting changes to the manufacturing industry. The trade war, the dreaded pandemic, and the last-minute resource allocation made the year a nightmare for many manufacturers. However, with 2021 up and running at full flow and the world recovering from the pandemic’s drastic effects, it is time for us to put on our thinking caps and predict what 2021 has got in store for us.

This blog post lists down three ways the manufacturing industry will change during the year. While the manufacturing industry will also face the implications of remote work and social distancing in the post-COVID world, this blog post focuses on technological trends only.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things is primarily the codependence of different devices you use each day. Everything from your smart devices to your television is connected to one server, becoming Wi-Fi compatible immediately. The application of IoT is no different in the manufacturing industry, as multiple manufacturing plants and processes are moving online.

Automating industry processes and bringing them online means that manufacturers can execute complex machining programs from the comfort of their homes. However, this also increases the likelihood of a cyber-attack, especially if the manufacturer is not equipped with sound security.

Emerging Technology

2021 will hopefully be the year of transformation for the manufacturing industry. Almost two-thirds of U.S. manufacturers have already adopted 3D printing technology in a short period of time. Remote CNC, 3D printing, and other technologies are used increasingly to produce finished components more efficiently.

Similarly, artificial intelligence has tremendous potential in the manufacturing sector. Overall, we can expect a gradual shift towards a more automated mechanism in the industry.

Digitization

Digitization continues to promise monumental changes in the manufacturing industry in 2021, alongside IoT and electrification. Manufacturers are expected to face the sudden need to digitize their operations and adopt a full-fledged digital strategy.

Many manufacturers are expected to emphasize internal digitizing, which includes aspects of both IoT and electrification, as companies look for improved energy consumption and infrastructure monitoring. Like other permanent changes, the global pandemic spurs the need for digitizing. Companies embracing digitization will find it easier to navigate through 2021 than other companies.

CAV Tool Company is one customized manufacturing company possessing the ability to predict and ready to adopt all the latest manufacturing trends. From CNC machining to die detailing and reverse engineering, we’re up to date with all the industry trends and practices. Our technology-intensive services and readiness to adopt all beneficial trends makes us the ideal candidate for clients looking to adopt modern manufacturing strategies.

Our budget-friendly rates and efficient services give us a competitive advantage that competitors in Fort Worth, TX, find hard to beat. Get a free quote for our services and discuss your ideas with our professionals today.

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Having the right tools for any manufacturing work is essential. However, the product of the best quality would be great. There are various tools manufactured daily, but not all of them are up to the standards. Therefore, manufacturers have made standards for premium quality tools to meet the machinery criteria.

When you buy something, be cautious of the product’s quality you are investing in. The following are the top four points you must consider before purchasing a tool. 

1. The Better the Tools, The Better the Efficiency

Using good quality products is the best option. But if your tool or fixtures’ quality is compromised, it can cost you time, effort, and money. That’s why for efficient production, always make sure to value quality over anything!

2. Save Your Money!

While poor-quality tools are cheap, chances are they might break during the manufacturing process or injure someone. When this happens, not only does the production gets delayed, but you might have to spend a few extra dollars on repairing or replacing the low-quality tool. So, purchasing top-notch quality tools is the right way to get done with your work on time!

3. Updated Technology

Manufacturers who provide tools or fixtures with poor standards are most likely not updated with new technology. Using the latest technology for manufacturing the tools and other products is a sign of reasonable quality control. 

As reverse engineering requires advanced computer systems, it is essential to be updated with the latest software and systems for efficient results.

4. Guarantee

Purchasing tools from reputable brands always come with warranties. To ensure quality control, the manufacturers give warranties so that your work becomes easier for you. Inferior quality brands might hide or even deny the warrantees after the money is credited to their accounts.

All in all, quality control is one of the most significant signs of a good organization. Working with precise tools and fixtures, you need to be very accurate about the tools you use and the products you deliver. This is the only way to earn profits and loyalty from the clients!

Cav Tool specializes in providing high-quality custom tools and products as per our customers’ requirements in Atlanta, GA. Get a free quote today!

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