The CNC Pros is a small job shop in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in prototypes & small-batch production for various industries, from aerospace & oil to medical & firearms. A couple of years ago, they pivoted to higher volume jobs but encountered challenges meeting deadlines due to throughput capacity restraints. Co-owner Andy Martin explained, "We were finding it very difficult to keep up with the pace. I just didn't have enough people, enough hours, enough spindle utilization to get the job knocked out." Despite efforts to expand the facility & invest in additional CNC machines, the workload remained overwhelming - Andy knew he needed to automate.
The CNC Pros, a job shop in Utah, was struggling to meet deadlines due to capacity constraints. Owner, Andy Martin, says, "We were always hitting capacity on throughput. We're always over going over deadlines. And we were finding it very difficult to keep up with the pace." In order to pivot to higher volume jobs, The CNC Pros looked for automation solutions. After seeing the Trinity system from Selway, they were impressed by its ease of use. "It's a palletizing system," says Martin. "Unlike some of the other automation systems where you know how to program a machine. And you also have to program the robot, we can just load it up. And it's the same as we've always done. You're setting your work off, set your tools and just apply a program to the pallet. It's really as easy as that."
Meet Andy Martin
Co-Owner of The CNC Pros
From Complex to Simple
Easy-to-Use Palletizing System Boosts Efficiency
Andy researched automation options, exploring everything from simple bar feeders to complex robots & expensive CNC machining centers with pallet pools. During this time, Conor Selway from Selway Machine Tool Co. presented a solution that simplifies CNC automation - the Trinity AX. After taking a trip to an existing AX users shop & witnessing it in action, Andy was impressed. "It's a palletizing system, & unlike other automation systems where you have to program a machine & a robot, we can just load it up, same as we have always done. You set your work off-sets & tools, & then you just apply a program to the pallet. It's really as easy as that." Soon after, CNC Pros purchased a Trinity AX2 Automated Pallet System to integrate with their 5-Axis Vertical Machining Center.
Easy Installation
Unattended Production in Three Days
It only took three days for Trinity to install the AX2 & train the CNC Pros on how to run unattended production. “There's really no training on it,” Andy exclaimed, “All you have to do is make sure that whatever you're putting on the pallet will fit through the door, the robot can lift it up, & it's good to go - it's just so easy to use." Everyone at CNC Pros, including Andy's 10-year-old daughter, now operates the AX. "It's literally a button & it's running all night long," beamed Andy.
This family-owned machine shop in Salt Lake City, Utah, has a history of innovation. Established in 2012, they've grown from a modest CAD/CAM business into a full-service shop tackling projects from prototypes to aerospace components. Their commitment to staying ahead of the curve is evident in their recent adoption of the Trinity AX2 automated pallet system for their Haas UMC-750 5-axis machining center.
The ease with which the Trinity AX automated tasks previously done by machine operators initially made Andy & some employees uneasy. "I was really worried about my operators thinking I was replacing them,” Andy commented. However, their concerns rapidly faded as they saw automation freeing up operators for more important tasks, allowing skill development, & enhancing workflows. "The AX really just elevates the whole shop into a different way of thinking," Andy remarked. "We're all in on automation now!"
Unleashing Productivity
How CNC Pros Transformed Their Operations to Meet Demands, Boost Output, and Drive Growth
With everyone on board, the CNC Pros started running their CNC around the clock & quickly discovered that high mix, low volume work is where the AX system shines. They run production during the night & save the small quantity & prototype machining that requires operator attention, for the day shift. Now that their CNC machine is busy all the time, the CNC Pros are able to meet deadlines, advance their employee's careers, & take on more jobs. "What would normally take us seven days to run - we can run in about two days," proclaimed Andy. "You can just see that the throughput is drastically increased with the Trinity AX, and the return on investment is a no-brainer."
With everyone on board, the CNC Pros started running their CNC around the clock & quickly discovered that high mix, low volume work is where the AX system shines. They run production during the night & save the small quantity & prototype machining that requires operator attention, for the day shift. Now that their CNC machine is busy all the time, the CNC Pros are able to meet deadlines, advance their employee's careers, & take on more jobs. "What would normally take us seven days to run - we can run in about two days," proclaimed Andy. "You can just see that the throughput is drastically increased with the Trinity AX, and the return on investment is a no-brainer."
"We're able to increase our throughput drastically on the production runs," says Andy. "What would normally take us seven days to run, we can run in about two days." This significant improvement not only benefits the company's bottom line but also allows them to take on new projects and expand their capabilities.
The Trinity AX system has also led to a positive return on investment (ROI) for The CNC Pros. As Andy puts it, "The machine's busy the whole time. I mean, you can just see that the throughput is drastically increased and the return on investment is a no brainer."
The CNC Pros are a versatile job shop specializing in a wide range of industries, from aerospace and oil to medical and firearms. They are committed to continuous improvement and have found that automation plays a key role in their success.
The Trinity AX system has transformed The CNC Pros' operation, allowing them to achieve greater efficiency, faster turnaround times, and a positive ROI. It's a win-win for both the company and its employees.
This family-owned machine shop in Salt Lake City, Utah, has a history of innovation. Established in 2012, they've grown from a modest CAD/CAM business into a full-service shop tackling projects from prototypes to aerospace components. Their commitment to staying ahead of the curve is evident in their recent adoption of the Trinity AX2 automated pallet system for their Haas UMC-750 5-axis machining center.
