The MILTON Manufacturing “Motor City”
Turret Team — CNC Turret Punch Press

TurretIt’s interesting how some words have more than one meaning. For example, in the field of architecture, a turret is a small tower usually positioned at the top of a medieval castle. In the manufacturing industry, however, a turret punch press is a machine that punches through metal with enough force to produce pre-programmed shapes.

The turret machines at MILTON MANUFACTURING are operated primarily by Rick Goga and C.J. Millender aka the MILTON “Motor City” Turret Team!

Rick has operated the turret punch press for the past 14 years. He landed employment at MILTON 40 years ago – that was two days before his 21st birthday and just after his return from serving in Vietnam.  Rick sets up and operates the turret punch press.

Turret operator C.J. Millender has worked on the turret for four years. C.J. was educated in and graduated from the Detroit Public School System. He is the older brother of our laser operator, Akbar Millender. (Akbar was introduced in the Two Men and a Robot – Blog Article of 2/18/10) C.J. began as a utility person and earned a classification change to become a Turret Operator.

Historically, the development of the turret punch press is of great significance to manufacturers because, prior to the mid-1900s, tools and parts were only produced manually by highly skilled toolmakers and craftsmen. When the turret machine became available, manufacturers could produce quality parts faster and at a lower cost.

MILTON-CJ-TURRET-PUNCHToday, in modern times, the skilled operator (engineer or toolmaker) programs the computer numerically-controlled (CNC) application in the machine to produce the same part repeatedly, while meeting specifications and tolerances with the same accuracy for each part. Then the actual operation is carried out by a general worker. This process opened the door of opportunity for unskilled workers to gain entry into the industry as trainees or general workers, resulting in reduced labor costs for the manufacturer.

The turret comes with various components, such as a motor, frame, ram and bed. The CNC turret punch press is used on sheets of metal (aluminum, steel, copper, hardened steel, stainless steel, & brass) to produce items such as brackets for doors and shelves, washers, tools, and much more. To achieve these operations, the machine uses electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power to punch out the desired shaped with enough force to shear (cut) the metal.

MILTON has computer numerical controlled (CNC) turret punch presses. The equipment is ideal for producing medium to high volume jobs.

The Art of the Drop Hammer

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One of two drop hammer forming machines at MILTON Manufacturing in Detroit, Michigan - specialized for low volume production jobs for various industries, such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and more.

Just as an artist takes a hard, lifeless stone and transforms it into a beautiful, breathtaking life-like sculpture, Jerry and Sam are highly-skilled drop hammer conductors whose talent and artistry are displayed in every part they produce at MILTON MANUFACTURING.

A large machine with a very heavy anvil, the strong iron body of the drop hammer looms high and wide on the manufacturing floor. In fact, the lower portion of this tall, imposing machine is installed deep below the surface of the Earth and rooted much like a tree.

Jerry and Sam operate the machine and set up the anvil to drop repeatedly on raw metal until it is transformed and reshaped into a desired part or product. When the drop hammer is in operation, the powerful effects from the pounding of the heavy anvil can be felt some 500 feet away.

MILTON has two drop hammers. Both weigh tons and are approximately 22 feet high, with a foundation of 6 feet under ground. One is 12 feet in length by 4.5 feet in width; the other, 9 feet long by 4.5 feet wide. At MILTON, the drop hammers are used for specialized, low volume production jobs for various industries, such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and more.

Jerry and Sam share 10 years of drop hammer experience combined at the MILTON facility here in Detroit. Jerry was a former plant manager of a now defunct stamping company.  Todd, formally a Jr. Mechanic, serves as an apprentice in Drop Hammer Forming. This talented group work together harmoniously and ensures the making of precise, MILTON made in the City of Detroit, quality parts for our customers.

Terrific Trio: 2 Men and a Robot

GensisRobotTransSys-caption-255x175MILTON MANUFACTURING aims to be the best in its industry, and our ability to achieve that goal rests largely on the suggestions and talents of our employees — as well as the capabilities of a robot!

Dynamic Duo: Kenny and Akbar

Akbar M. joined MILTON 12 years ago as a Detroit Public Schools (DPS) student in the Golightly vocational program. He became a full-time MILTON employee after graduating from Kettering High School. He also studied Business Administration at Wayne State University. Akbar is trained in Unigraphics, a computer-aided design software application.

Kenny J. joined the company 33 years ago under the founder, Mr. Milton. For the past 19 years, Kenny travels more than 150 miles a day to and from his job and home each day. Kenny works as a Welder Leader. When MILTON was faced with the demand for a high-volume repetitive welding job, we listened to Kenny’s suggestion to acquire a robotics system, which we purchased in 2008.

With more than 45 years of combined seniority at MILTON, Kenny and Akbar traveled in 2009 to Davenport, Iowa, where they attended a hands-on robotics training class presented by The Genesis Systems Group, the largest builder of robotic arc welding systems in North America. According to Genesis, a properly-trained operator can improve productivity, decrease downtime, reduce manufacturing cost, and enhance safety. After completing the strenuous weeklong training, Kenny and Akbar returned to MILTON as the “dynamic duo” — or perhaps we should include the robot, which would make them the “terrific trio”!

Kenny was pleased to know that his suggestion will make a lasting impact on the welding operations at MILTON MANUFACTURING. “I think that MILTON is a superior place to work,” Kenny noted.

MILTON’S Genesis Robot Transformation System CM3x

Our robot model is part of the Genesis Transformation Systems CM3x. The robot (which we named “Uncle MILTIE”) provides redeployable automation that can be programmed and configured to meet a customer’s project needs. The system is flexible; requires short lead time for faster delivery; and has the capacity to accommodate large platform specifications.

The robot is programmed and controlled from a computer to handle high-volume MIG (metal inert gas) welding jobs. After the programming is set and tested, the robotic welding is repeatable all day long – at the same pace, intensity, and consistency – and can be produced in a 24-hour turnaround time frame. By removing the chances for human error, this process brings about reliable, quality results every time.

MILTON’S primary use of the robot is on aluminum brackets used in the parts manufactured for the MRAP (mine resistant ambush protected) military vehicles.

If you require a medium/high-volume job with MIG welding capabilities, MILTON MANUFACTURING has the expertise and capability to get the job done!

Please come back next week for the release of another MILTON Monday Morning Blog!

MILTON Manufacturing’s Master Mechanic
Chuck Scott develops a new “Super Special” Murray Tensioner

Chuck Scott MILTON ManufacturingMILTON Manufacturing‘s 33-year master mechanic, Chuck Scott, is improving upon the already durable, powerful, dependable, and economical Murray tensioner. Help us name Chuck’s new design.

What is a Murray tensioner?
Murray tensioners have been in the marketplace for 40+ years. There are more than 40 varieties of Murray tensioners. The function of the Murray tensioner is to improve drive performance by eliminating whipping and slipping of loose drive chains and belts. The tensioner can be adjusted manually or automatically.

Why choose the MILTON Murray Tensioner?

Manufactured in the Motor City (made in the USA) by MILTON Manufacturing for the past seven years, our Murray tensioners are sold to distributors and builders of industrial machinery throughout the United States. adjscrewThe catalog MILTON Murray tensioners have shafts ranging from 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter.  The small tensioners can weigh as little as one pound, while the larger tensioners may weigh up to 50 lbs.  MILTON can also produce custom-built Murray tensioners according to customer specifications

The simple straightforward design of the MILTON Murray tensioner allows the product to be used in a variety of applications to stop chains from stretching. The MILTON version extends the life of chain-driven equipment while reducing vibration, noise and maintenance.

Our competitors use cast iron in their tensioners. While cast iron is strong, it can be brittle.  However, the structural steel in the MILTON version puts our product in a class of its own. You never have to worry about the MILTON Murray tensioner breaking!

MILTON’s effective lean manufacturing practices.

In the past, an 8,000 sq. ft. facility was used to house and manufacture the complete line of Murray tensioners. Through lean manufacturing practices, MILTON dedicates less than 500 sq. ft. of manufacturing space to the line; and can fabricate and ship the same day.  Submit a purchase order before noon and the Murray part can be shipped the same day!

The MILTON Murray Adjusto-Screw Tensioner.

For safety reasons, many drive systems are enclosed.  With conventional tensioners, the MILTON Manufacturing - Murray Tensionerenclosure must be removed for drive adjustment. Yet, the MILTON Murray Adjusto-Screw, which is “slack-side” mounted, uses a screw to provide precise and easily-adjustable tension. The screw adjustment enables the user to set the precise tension necessary to provide maximum life for the sprocket and chain or belt. Adjusto-screw tensioners are useful on vertical drives, preventing lower sprocket disengagement. This patented tensioner is available in a wide range of capacities capable of handling up to RC 240 roller chain.

Now that you’ve learned something about Murray tensioners, let’s get back to our master mechanic, Chuck Scott.

Chuck Scott develops a “super special” tensioner.

As mentioned earlier, Chuck has developed a new and improved version of the Murray tensioner. It is an automatic adjustment type and will weigh six to seven pounds. Furthermore, it can be mounted in twice as many ways as other versions! This newly-designed and much-improved tensioner is expected to be ready for market in about 30 days.

Can you give the new tensioner an official name?

Chuck has yet to name his new design. Share your suggestions for the new name in the Comment section below. Read the results in a future MILTON Monday Morning Blog.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MILTON MURRAY TENSIONERS

Lighting the American Way with MILTON Laser Capabilities

“… rooted in the past … ready for the future… delivering today!”

MILTON Manufacturing impacts the American way of life with its innovative laser capabilities.

MILTON began in a garage in the Motor City in 1946. Its founder, Tom Milton, and many of the men he employed served in the U.S. military; and, upon returning to civilian soil, they sought the American Dream – a wholesome family life. They were educated, hard-working, honest, innovative, and entrepreneurial in spirit. Proudly, MILTON is rooted in a rich and patriotic past because “The American Way” is the foundation of our manufacturing history. We remain proud to continue our efforts of helping our country in its endeavor for an exciting and hopeful future.

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Mitsubishi ML3015lVP Plus 2 - MILTON is ready for the future with our expanded capacity and laser capabilities.

Today, MILTON Manufacturing delivers parts that assist in protecting and shielding our American soldiers from what is commonly known as “roadside bombings.”

In support of our brave men and women, we design and manufacture steps, storage boxes, radio antenna brackets, DigiracksTM, litter support arms, integrated storage steps, latches, hinges, tie-downs, mirror brackets, tail light boxes, ammo storage trays, light bars, condenser covers and supports, ambulance components, and fenders – all of which are components for our military MRAP (mine resistant ambush protected) vehicles.

MILTON is ready for the future with our expanded capacity and capabilities.

MILTON’s latest addition is the Mitsubishi ML3015lVP Plus 2. This innovative laser equipment gives us the flexibility and capacity to produce a repeatable, quality product, as well as the ability to respond quickly to the needs of our customers.

The Mitsubishi laser burns up to one inch of steel at speeds up to 400 inches per minute, as well as up to a half inch thick aluminum and stainless steel material.

Furthermore, the laser burns with shop-supplied compressed air and Nitrogen providing the parts with improved paint adhesion.

As we move into 2010, MILTON continues to protect our U. S. soldiers. We pray all return home safely to continue their pursuit to seek the American Dream – a strong wholesome family, hard-working honest values, with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit!

MILTON – by way of the “light of the laser” – produces for and salutes our troops!

MILTON Manufacturing… rooted in the past… ready for the future… delivering today!

God bless our soldiers and God bless America