Stecker Machine Blog

CNC machine shops know the value of precise measuring. It’s what they do, often to less than .001” (¼ the width of a human hair) using computer numerical controlled machines and exact programming.

Yet, there’s more measuring going on — or at least there should be — within the walls of CNC machine shops: measuring performance. Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs, for the manufacturing industry are nothing new. They help businesses understand performance in order to make strategic adjustments to improve quality and efficiency.

As you’ll see, there are two main types of KPIs and dozens of metrics that can be used to measure performance. It can leave your head spinning faster than a PCD insert in a 90° square shoulder face mill (that’s a little CNC machining humor). So, this article is an attempt to simplify KPIs and provides an overview to them instead of a deep dive.

A year ago, I shared my thoughts on what 2020 would look like in the CNC machining industry. Sure, some of those predictions did happen, but a global pandemic turned many things upside down.

Involved in the CNC machining market? Take a quick look at our CNC machining industry outlook for 2020.

Different types of CNC machines, and their various processes, handle different custom machining projects. That’s not exactly breaking news. Yet, what may be unclear is what major factors impact the cost of machined parts?

While this article provides some answers, it also explores what your next step may be when a project requires CNC machining. Specifically, we’ll explain some CNC machining cost tradeoffs.

Stecker Machine Company, IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified, high-precision CNC machining company, recently completed a 77,700-square-foot addition to the company’s second facility to meet growing customer demand for high-quality, accurate machining and assembly. The Butler® pre-engineered steel structure was constructed by Manitowoc’s A.C.E. Building Service, the project’s design and build contractor.