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Tag Archive: machine shop

  1. Mill turn parts

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    What is mill turning?

    Mill turning is the CNC machining technique of utilizing a single machine to perform both milling and turning (lathe) operations to produce a part.  The use of a single machine to perform both types of cutting operations can simplify the production flowPrimus Aerospace Mill Turn CNC Machines of a part through a CNC machine shop.  It can also increase the repeatability as the part does not need to be fixtured multiple times.  Mill turning can be done on multi axis (e.g., 5 Axis Mill) as well as a lathe with live tooling.

     

    When is mill turning used?

    Mill turning is great for cylindrical parts that have non-cylindrical features (e.g., posts, studs, through holes) and need to be produced at a high rate.  Utilizing a CNC mill turn machine, allows contract manufacturer to reduce the number of operations / separate CNC machines needed, thereby increasing capacity and production rate.   Many mill turn parts exist on defense ordnance and fuzing programs, due to their overall cylindrical nature and relatively high production rate requirements from the US Department of Defense.

     

    What are considerations for production mill turn parts?

    • CNC Programming – Programming a mill turned part takes an experienced mill turn programmer as well as specialized CAM software.  Many programmers utilize the Mastercam Mill Turn
    • Cutting tools on CNC Mill Turn Machine package to coordinate and simulate the multiple cutting steps as well as the hand over of parts to a sub-spindle.  These types of contract manufacturing jobs often require high production rates, making cycle time a premium.  CNC programmers must be able to optimize the CNC program to maximize throughput on the machine.
    • CNC Mill Turn Machine – mill turn machines are specialized pieces of equipment that have the ability to both cut while the work is turning (lathe / turning) as well as move cutting tools around the work (mill).  Most modern CNC manufactures produce machines capable of mill turn operations.
      • Multiple spindle / turret (automation) – many mill turn machines feature multiple spindles and/or turrets.  This allows the CNC machine to conduct more cutting paths in a single CNC program.  Sub-spindles can be used to cut features on the “backside” of a part while a second turret allows simultaneous cutting operations.
    • CNC Machinists – Running production mill turned parts takes a specialized machinist as they must think in both milling and turning (lathe) operations.  Check our open positions for job openings for CNC Mill Turning Machinists.
    • Inspection capabilities – With high rates of production for complicated parts, mill turn production lines require smart inspection support.  This can translate into well through out in-process inspection checks (IPICs) as well as end-of-line Qa lot inspections.  Leveraging automated inspection equipment (e.g., CMM, Smart Scope) is essential to detecting deviation from nominal early and making tool offsets before they become a problem.

     

    What are examples of mill turn CNC machines?

    CNC Mill Turn machines are also known as multifunctional mill turn machines or lathes with live tooling.

    • DMG Mori – NLX 2500, NLX 3000, NTX 1000 – 3000, CTX 800 – 3000, CLX 450
    • Doosan – Puma MX, Puma SNX
    • Mazak – QUICK TURN 100MS, Qt-EZ 10, HQR-250
    • Haas – VMT-750

     

    Primus’s capacity to produce mill turn parts for defense applications

    Primus Aerospace maintains an Ordnance and Fuzing Cell that supports the high rate production of mill turned parts for multiple US Prime DoD customers.  This team has the necessary equipment, training, and expertise to reliably produce mill turned parts for aerospace and defense applications.  Additionally, our Quality Assurance (Qa) department also has the expertise and equipment needed to support the high rate production of this cell.  They are familiar with the features found on mill turned parts and can quickly problem solve when a deviation is detected.

     

  2. Primus Aerospace Acquires Raloid Corporation

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    LAKEWOOD, Colo. – June 28, 2022 – Primus Aerospace (“Primus”), a provider of highly complex, machined components and assembly solutions to the aerospace, defense, and space industry, sponsored by Angeles Equity Partners, LLC (“Angeles”), today announced the acquisition of Raloid Corporation (“Raloid”). Raloid machines critical components for several strategic defense programs. With the addition of Raloid, Primus further strengthens its position as a Tier 1 supplier in the defense industry. Raloid will continue to operate under its existing brand name.

    “We are proud to add Raloid to the Primus platform. Raloid’s legacy of performance and capabilities make it an ideal addition to Primus,” said Nick McGrath, CFO of Primus Aerospace.

    “The addition of Raloid represents a key step forward in our effort to become the leading Tier 1 supplier of critical machined components and subassemblies to the U.S. defense industry,” added Kyle Brengel, COO of Primus Aerospace.

    Raloid offers value-added services, including precision component manufacturing, chemical plating, assembly and integration, non-destructive testing, and complete build-to-print program management.  The company’s proficiency with exotic and hard metals has enabled it to manufacture high-complexity, tight-tolerance components and subassemblies for Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and other leading defense contractors.

    “The Raloid team is excited to join Primus. Our combined capabilities will yield great results for our customers and our nation’s military,” said Suzanne Daniels, President of Raloid. “I am confident that Raloid will help position Primus Aerospace for accelerated growth in support of our nation’s highest defense priorities.”

    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as legal advisor for Primus. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

     

    About Raloid Corporation

    Raloid Corporation

    Raloid Corporation is a precision component manufacturer headquartered in Reisterstown, Maryland. Since 1964, Raloid has been machining components and subassemblies for aerospace, defense, and space platforms. Raloid is a sought-after supplier for government, aerospace, and defense companies who rely on timely delivery and precision parts. Raloid meets all International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements. Raloid was recognized by Aerospace & Defense Review as a Top Defense Manufacturing Solutions Provider in 2021. Learn more online at http://www.raloid.com

     

    About Primus Aerospace

    Founded in 1998, Primus Aerospace produces complex machined components and integrated assemblies for the aerospace national defense and space sectors. Primus works directly with OEMs and Tier 1 aerospace, defense, and space companies to develop and implement manufacturing solutions for machined metal parts, with a special emphasis on complexity. Advanced manufacturing capabilities include wire EDM, 5-axis complex machining, electrical discharge machining, heat treatments, helium leak checking, and waterjet cutting for traditional and exotic materials used in hypersonic and space programs.  Learn more online at https://primusaero.com/

     

    About Angeles Equity Partners, LLC

    Angeles Equity Partners, LLC is a specialist lower middle-market private equity investment firm with a consistent approach to transforming underperforming industrial businesses. The Angeles skill set drives the firm’s investment philosophy and, in its view, can help businesses reach their full potential.  Learn more online at www.angelesequity.com.

    If you would like more information, please email info@angelesequity.com.  This is not an offer or solicitation to sell securities.

     

    Media contact:

    Michelle Barry

    Chameleon Collective for Angeles Equity Partners

    michelle.barry@chameleon.co

    +1 (603) 809-2748

  3. Selling your machine shop

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    Mergers and acquisitions for machine shops

    Secure your company’s legacy. You spent decades building your company. Don’t let the hard days and long nights be only for the history books. Selling your machine shop allows the legacy of your machine shop to continue into the future.  Trying to figure out if you should sell your machine shop or just close it down?  Learn more below.

     

    Current trajectory of “mom & pop” machine shops

    The ~17,000 machine shops (NAICS 332710) in the United States form the basis of many advanced manufacturing industries (e.g., defense, space, aerospace, medical, semiconductor). These shops are primarily owned and run by their founders, many of which were formed during the 1960’s (space race and nuclear competition).  With aging owners and unclear or uninterested family successors, many machine shops are just closing their doors (especially following the recent difficulties including COVID-19 work force challenges and Boeing 737MAX production pauses).  California, Ohio, and Texas have the highest number of machine shops in the United States.

     

     

    What factors should founders / owners of machine shops think about before deciding to sell?

    • Selling price tradeoff
    • Ease of transaction
    • Employees
    • Customer relationships & contracts
    • Age of your equipment & facility

    Advantages of selling vs closing your shop

    • Profit from the hard work you expended winning and delivering parts for long term defense programs
    • America needs your production. With the many machine shops that closed during the pandemic, our country needs your production of machined components.
    • Keep your manufacturing team together – your workforce has spent years helping your shop succeed, continue to give them opportunities to work together by keeping the shop open.
    • Selling your machine shop will require a great deal of work during the sale process, but this final phase of owning the business will allow you to reap the maximum value for your hard work.

    What does Primus look for in an acquired machine shop

    • $15M annual revenue
    • Production on stable or growing defense platforms (e.g., F-35, F-22, Javelin, GMLRS, FMU-139)
    • Well maintained & modern CNC machines
    • AS9100 certification
    • Dedicated & educated work force
    • Well developed and implemented QMS

    Advantages of working with Primus to sell your aerospace & defense machine shop

    • Experienced leadership team – our executives know machine shops and what makes a build to print manufacturer successful. Trust your legacy to experience instead of the transaction being a first machine shop for a search fund or private equity fund. Much of our leadership team are military veterans and are ultra passionate about providing material support to war fighters.
    • Dedicated M&A team – in most transactions the most important aspects are speed and certainty of close. Our team of experienced Mergers and Acquisition professionals combined with outside resources will make the transaction as easy as possible. They understand the nuances of BTP machine shops and won’t be surprised by the nuances of a machine shop.
    • Access to capital – Primus’s equity backers and debt financing provide plenty of capital for the sale of your company as well as for all growth needs.
    • Machine shop specific resources – from a dedicated NPI team (process engineering, CNC programming, Qa support) to machinist-specific career paths & education, brining your machine shop into the Primus network will secure the future and promote growth.
    • Backing of an industrial-focused Private Equity fund, with access to capital, debt financing, and experts across many fields.
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