What is nightmare fuel for machine shop production managers? Machine downtime.
According toFlexJobs’ 2023 Spring Work Insights Survey, 58% of employed workers said they’re actively trying to make a career change. That's a huge number!
Why a career change for these jobseekers? Well, #2 on a long list was “higher pay” at 48% (slightly ahead was “remote work options” at 50%).
So, changing careers isn’t all about money; it’s also about work flexibility, work/life balance, job satisfaction, workplace leadership, a new life philosophy, or working in a field that benefits the world.
At some point, we all need some help with the heavy lifting.
For CNC machine shops, that can mean robots to lift, position, and pack metal castings, some weighing hundreds of pounds. It also means less physical and mental stress on employees, the most valued asset of any machine shop.
Working alongside a robot can improve operator productivity by taking on repetitive, physically demanding work. CNC robotics increase speed, enhance efficiency, and drive repeatability, which leads to better quality.
The highly automated equipment and robots in a CNC machine shop are impressive, and often their “flash” initially attracts customers. It’s certainly understandable, but that initial attraction rarely converts one-time customers into long-term partners.
Instead, it’s the skilled CNC machine operatorswho make the difference. The team takes your shop and customer relationships from good to great by dedicating their time and talents to meeting customers' needs and going above and beyond their expectations.
It’s a classic American tale of hard work and enduring success.
What started as a tool and die shop in a garage has evolved into a world-class CNC precision machining operation recognized globally for its excellence.
And this year, Stecker Machine Company celebrates 50 years in business.
AI CNC machining — that is, using artificial intelligence within the CNC machining process — feels like a natural union, doesn’t it?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll continue to say it: Quality is everything in CNC machining.
It’s the reason why manufacturers use CNC machining to produce precise parts. Of course, every CNC machine shop will say that they highly value quality and meet quality requirements. But, how do you know for sure?
Stecker Machine is proud to be a leader in the incredible CNC machining industry, and we occasionally — and humbly — toot our own horn. However, today’s topic is a tough one: selecting just three CNC machined parts to talk about.
With nearly 50 years of custom CNC machining success to consider, this is tougher than choosing a favorite child. They’re all precious (in their own ways, of course).
“It’s a long way to the top, if you want to rock and roll.”
Thank you rock legends, AC/DC. Yet, it’s a long, tough road to reach the top in the manufacturing world, too, especially CNC machining.
So, what does it take to not only be recognized as a “Top Shop” by industry influencer Modern Machine Shop, but also make the cover (and be the feature article) of their annual Top Shops issue? Let’s find out, and also hear about the award presentation during the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).
MANITOWOC, WI, September 2022 – Stecker Machine Company, a family-owned CNC machine shop with 250+ employees, was recently honored as a 2022 Top Shop for “shopfloor practices & performance” by the editors of Modern Machine Shop.
