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Issue link: https://mms.epubxp.com/i/850702
100 MMS August 2017 mmsonline.com BETTER PRODUCTION Shops Using Technology MAGNOLIA TOOLING PROBLEM Older, less-accurate machines required time-consuming manual setup procedures SOLUTION Blum TC 50 touch probe and LaserControl Micro Compact NT tool-setting laser; Makino machines RESULTS Streamlined setup, optimized production Measuring Components Help Job Shop Triple Capacity A s machines age, shop owners often need to find creative work-arounds to meet accuracy requirements while keeping up with production demands. This can be especially difficult when tr y i n g to g row a b u s i n e s s. Pu rc h a s i n g n ew machines and accessories can be just as chal- lenging, as return on investment is not always clear. One shop owner upgraded his facility and equipment with state-of-the-art machinery and accessories, and though the investment was large for a small company, it meant reduced setup time and improved precision. The company says it can now handle grow th while meeting its current customers' requirements. Based in Batesville, Mississippi, Magnolia Tool- ing is a privately held shop owned by Jonathan Johns, who heads its seven-person team. With the exception of one member hired five years ago, Magnolia employs the same people it did when it opened in 1998. What began with a manual mill, grinder, surface grinder and manual lathe has since grown to include EDMs, heat-treat ovens, vertical Jonathan Johns was pleased with the techni- cal support and train- ing he received to run Blum's LaserControl Micro Compact NT tool-setting laser (shown here) and TC 50 touch probe. Edwin Kelfkens, a Blum Systems Integrator, installed them on the machine and gave Magnolia employees a two-hour, step-by-step overview. Mr. Johns says it was easy once he got the basic concept of how to use the probe and laser.