Tech Update

Ordered in January and delivered in March 2007, the machine was operational immediately, helping the company manufacture different types of aerospace assemblies and panel assemblies, as well as a variety of industrial parts.

“From July to December, we had outsourced $55,000 worth of laser work,” Brown says. “But the biggest problem we ran into was lead time. Customers want their prototypes in days rather than weeks.”

J&N since has eliminated 99 percent of its outsourcing, including all of its laser outsourcing. “The new laser machine saves us and our customers 25 to 40 percent on costs, plus we’re saving on transportation,” Brown says.

Although J&N started out making parts for military helicopters, it quickly has been able to diversify, thanks to the Champion.

“Once people in the local area found out we had a laser, we started to get calls daily from local businesses,” Brown says. “Now we’re getting into industrial components and parts, and considering purchasing a second laser machine.

“Some of the things we’re doing tie up the machine for a couple of weeks, and I don’t want to get into a situation where we’re turning customers away or falling behind because of the amount of work we have,” he continues.

Noncontact linear motors, which both drive and guide the axis motions on a thin film of air, create smooth acceleration and a top traverse rate of 984 in./min.

Mazak Optonics Corp.: 847/252-4500; www.mazakoptonics.com