Stecker Machine Blog

A Step-by-Step Guide to the RFQ Parts Manufacturing Process

12/12/2024 | Brad Kurtzweil

Do you rely on a request for quote (RFQ) to get accurate pricing from your CNC machining partners? This vital process not only results in a quote but also provides details about timelines, capabilities, machining techniques, external services, and more. It also serves as a guide after the work has been awarded.

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Guiding Principles: Stecker's Bold Vision, Mission & Culture

10/01/2024 | Brad Kurtzweil

For more than 50 years, Stecker Machine has been a leader in CNC machining, serving customers both big and small. So, why talk about our vision, mission, and core values now when it’s been a driving force for decades?

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Our Top 4 Most Interesting CNC Automotive Parts

08/13/2024 | Matt Oswald

Stecker Machine is proud to be a leader in the CNC machining industry, and we occasionally — and humbly — like to toot our own horn. Today’s topic is a tough one: selecting just four CNC automotive parts to talk about. It almost feels like being asked to choose a favorite child! 

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What Is the Most Powerful Tool in CNC Machine Shops?

08/02/2023 | Matt Oswald

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.

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Quality Control For CNC Machining: What Is A QMS? Why Is It So Important?

04/26/2023 | Brian Theisen

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?

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When Do You Know It’s Time to Expand Your List of Qualified CNC Vendors?

11/09/2022 | Ken Jones

Choosing a new CNC vendor is challenging. Evaluating a current CNC machine shop relationship is equally important (and even tougher) because a relationship has developed. This vendor may have been a trusted extension of your team for quite a while, so seeing a clear picture isn’t always easy.

When do you know it’s time to evaluate a current CNC machine shop relationship? Have you properly monitored this vendor’s performance so you can make a wise choice? How can you add one to your list (or drop one)?

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Insights to Driving Quality Assurance in CNC Parts Manufacturing

05/12/2022 | Brian Theisen

QA, PPAP, APQP, CMM, PSW, etc. Wow, the world of quality assurance is an alphabet soup of abbreviations.

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Top 3 Ways to Pressure Test Complex CNC Parts

02/25/2021 | Brett Schuette

You may have a great working knowledge of how custom CNC machining works:

Its smart use of technology and cutting-edge equipment and robotics.

Its engineers who help with design for manufacturing and design/fixture building.

Its programmed G-code and M-code, allowing for correct, repeatable part manufacturing.

Its incredible precision to meet strict spec tolerances.

But, do you know how to test a complex CNC part? After all, you need to know that all that hard work and advanced processes are doing their job and exceeding customer expectations. This article explores one important aspect of quality assurance: pressure testing.

There are 3 main ways to pressure test complex CNC parts:

  1. Air Decay
  2. Mass Flow
  3. Air Under Water

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4 Takeaways from ISO/IATF Audit

09/14/2020 | Brian Theisen

Product quality can make or break a company. Stecker Machine's growth is largely attributed to our customer focus and commitment to quality. We explore four key takeaways from our recent ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 Quality Surveillance Audit. 

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