Category Archive: Wyoming Machine News

Fiber Laser

Wyoming Machine Co. is enhancing its services for industries such as aerospace, computer equipment, packaging, and transportation with a major advancement: the Amada Ventis 3015 AJe Fiber Laser. Here’s why this system improves speed, precision, and efficiency in laser cutting.

The Amada Ventis 3015 AJe Fiber Laser: Setting New Standards

The Amada Ventis 3015 AJe Fiber Laser stands out for its advanced performance. Unlike conventional fiber lasers, this system employs Locus Beam Control (LBC) technology, allowing precise manipulation of the laser beam. This technology maintains high energy density even with thicker materials, enabling cutting speeds up to three times faster than a standard 4kW fiber laser while achieving superior edge quality.

Efficiency with Part Marking

A key feature of our fiber laser cutting system is its part-marking capability. This allows us to mark parts directly during the cutting process, eliminating the need for additional operations. As a result, processing time is reduced, leading to faster delivery and lower costs, which is crucial for industries like aerospace and transportation that require high precision and efficiency.

Superior Cutting for Various Materials

Our fiber laser cutting system excels in cutting stainless steel and aluminum with improved quality. The patented technology ensures high energy density across different materials, which translates to faster and more accurate cuts. This benefit is particularly valuable for sectors such as computer equipment and packaging, where precision is critical.

The system also handles reflective materials—such as copper, brass, and titanium—more effectively than older CO2 lasers. This capability is essential for industries like aerospace and transportation, which often require parts made from a variety of materials.

Enhanced Capabilities for Thicker Materials

The Amada Ventis 3015 AJe Fiber Laser allows us to cut thicker materials with ease. With a 4kW power output, we can cut mild steel up to 1”, stainless steel up to ¾”, and aluminum up to ⅝”. This increased cutting capacity meets the demands for parts with greater durability and strength. We can also cut brass, copper, and titanium up to ⅜”, expanding our service capabilities.

Improved Kerf Control for Better Precision

Managing kerf width on thicker materials has long been a challenge with older CO2 lasers. Our fiber laser cutting system offers enhanced kerf control, resulting in cleaner cuts and consistent feature sizes. This improved precision reduces the need for rework and increases overall quality, benefiting industries such as computer equipment and packaging.

Simplicity in Operation and Training

The advanced CNC controls of our fiber laser cutting system simplify operation and reduce training time for new operators. This ease of use helps maintain productivity and efficiency, which is particularly important in fast-paced industries like aerospace and packaging.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Benefits

Compared to CO2 lasers, fiber laser cutting systems are significantly more energy-efficient, using 3-4 times less power. This not only reduces operating costs but also lessens environmental impact. The lower emissions and reduced maintenance needs contribute to more sustainable manufacturing processes, aligning with the high standards of industries such as aerospace and transportation.

Get a Laser Cutting Advantage With Wyoming Machine Co.!

The Amada Ventis 3015 AJe Fiber Laser marks a significant advancement in Wyoming Machine Co.’s cutting capabilities. With its speed, precision, and ability to handle a broad range of materials, our fiber laser cutting system meets the diverse needs of various industries. Whether for part marking or cutting thicker metals, we provide reliable solutions that ensure high-quality results for every project. Contact us today and experience firsthand the power of our laser cutting equipment!

Our Very Own Rosie the Riveter

President Trump signed The Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act into law last week.  The same week our family grieved the loss of our very own Rosie, great-aunt Magdalene Halladay.  The medal will be awarded collectively to the women in the US who joined the workforce during WWII in recognition of their contributions to the United States and the inspiration they have provided to ensuing generations.”  It will be displayed at the National Museum of American History in Washington DC.

In Port St. Lucie, Florida, I visited Aunt Mag at her home in March, right before COVID-19 changed the whole world.  I was the last family member to see her before she died at age 95 last week.  In addition to being a wife, mother, sister, and friend, she was also a patriot, American hero, and entrepreneur.

At the age of 20, Magdalene left her job as a secretary in Chicago and went back home to Door County, WI.  The shipyard in Sturgeon Bay put out the call for help in the war effort, and without a second thought, Mag answered it!  She was hired as a welder at a starting wage of $.25/hour. During my visit in March, she shared that she was so proud to be doing such an important job that she would have done it for free.  In total, the Sturgeon Bay shipyards produced 258 new vessels during WWII.  Mag welded the hull section of ships built for the Navy.

In 1943 Mag married a Navy sailor and moved to Boston,  where she continued her manufacturing career at Raytheon.  Other interesting facts include that she was a published poet and had a photographic memory.  Mag “found me” on Facebook about six years ago, and we talked on the phone and shared family stories.  I was intrigued by how savvy she was with social media and technology. She was a bright star on our family tree, and so worthy of a Congressional Gold Medal!

To find out more about the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal click here.

 

Our Team is Glowing with Pride as Wyoming Machine Partners with Another Small Business to Fabricate Critical Parts for Hospital Ventilators

As the demand for ventilators explodes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are partnering with another local manufacturer to do our part to help.  Our customer has been producing a sub-assembly for a major international supplier of ventilators for the past 20 years, and we are part of their supply chain.  You can read an article in our local newspaper

Wyoming Machine producing ventilator components

Our team appreciates knowing how their work is making a positive contribution during the COVID-19 crisis.

We’re fortunate to support so many customers in critical infrastructure industries.  As we continue working as a critical supply chain partner, we’ve made many changes to the way we work to keep our team safe.  In addition, we are attaching a special notice to parts traveling through our manufacturing process so that our team knows when they are making a direct contribution during the COVID-19 crisis.  The response has been fantastic!

Stay safe and healthy – and please contact us if we can help you with a project!

Manufacturing a Response to COVID-19 – Listen to Traci Tapani on the Skilled America Podcast

“Not all heroes wear capes, and not all heroes have four-year degrees”Rachel Unruh, Chief of External Affairs, National Skills Coalition

As skilled workers find themselves on the front lines of the national response to COVID-19, Skilled America talks to manufacturers Traci Tapani and Mike Tamasi about how their companies have adapted in the age of social distancing, how they’ve shifted production to contribute to the fight against the pandemic, and what they think about the sudden attention their essential work has brought on the industry.

Listen to Skilled America Podcast Episode 2:  Manufacturing a Response to COVID-19

Wyoming Machine Co-President is a guest on the Skilled America Podcast.  The episode discusses how manufacturers are adapting their companies to manufacture essential items to help in the COVID-19 crisis.

The National Skills Coalition produces the Skilled America Podcast.

Meet Bob – Leader of an Exceptional Team

ENGINEERING IS IN HIS DNA – Bob’s love for creating and building things started when he was very young and has continued in both his professional and personal life.  His father was an engineer at 3M and always had a machine shop in his garage or workshop.  Bob was helping his father design and machine parts before he entered his teenage years.

While in school Bob took all the shop classes that were available and was offered a machining/engineering internship at 3M in Austin, Texas after graduation.  Although he was primarily a “gopher” in his position, Bob was exposed to the design and manufacturing process – and he was hooked!  Bob earned an Associate Degree in Machine Tool Processes/Tool & Die Mold Making at Saint Paul College and went back for an additional semester to learn CNC programming.

 

Bob spent 17 years at a manufacturing company that built analog prepress equipment for the offset printing industry.  He was originally hired as a machinist but was quickly promoted to the machine-building/assembly area.  Bob feels that accepting this challenge is one of the best decisions he ever made because he was able to machine components AND build things!

 

Bob shared, “As my career progressed, I had some very good mentors that gave me advice and opportunities as a leader and a manager.  It also groomed me to serve as a mentor for other people.”  Eventually, Bob was promoted to the Manufacturing Manager position overseeing machining, welding, painting, electrical assembly, and mechanical assembly.  Production planning, inventory control, purchasing, production, customer service, quality, and shipping were added to Bob’s list of responsibilities in the final years that he held the position.

 

Bob joined our team at Wyoming Machine in 2009 after his previous employer dissolved in the wake of digital printing equipment replacing analog systems.  Instead of being a user of sheet metal components, Bob became a sheet metal supplier.  In 2012, Wyoming Machine combined the Estimating and Engineering departments into a unified team.  Communication is key between these two groups and having them together allows them to work closely from the start of the quoting process, through the creation of production documents, to the actual production of components.

 

“Manufacturing is manufacturing no matter what you are producing.  If you provide quality items and maintain great customer and vendor relationships, you can do anything.” – Bob Loder

 

Bob gives much credit to his team saying, “In my opinion, the team of engineers and estimators at Wyoming Machine are unmatched in the industry with their years of experience and dedication.”  With a combined total of 206 years of experience in sheet metal fabrication, Bob and his team are here to help you with your next project!

 

 

Wyoming Machine Hosts U.S. Senator Tina Smith at Her First Minnesota Appearance Since Swearing-In

We started 2018 with some excitement!  On Friday, January 5th, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith chose to make her first Minnesota appearance at Wyoming Machine.  We toured our facility and then hosted a roundtable discussion about workforce with a group of community leaders.  Manufacturing offers exciting career opportunities, and the future relies on our ability to attract, develop and retain people.  Here are some links to the media coverage:

Sen. Tina Smith emphasizes workforce shortage at first Minnesota appearance since swearing-in (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Smith’s Senate odyssey begins with sprint toward November (Washington Post)

Back in Minnesota, Smith starts Senate sprint (Minnesota Public Radio, Capitol View)

Tapani Sisters, Co-Presidents of Wyoming Machine Inc., Share Their Lifetime Achievement Award from NAWBO

On October 26, we received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners. While we’re honored to have received this, we humbly share this award with you, our employees, customers and vendors. The award acknowledges our success in business and we attribute that success to all of you. (more…)

Hot Idea: Wyoming Machine Works with Entrepreneur to Create Award Winning Camp Stove

Kent Hering and his wife, Betsy, have come a long way since their first camping trip in 1976 where they discovered they couldn’t start a fire. Years later, Kent is owner and founder of Littlbug Enterprises, producer of light-weight, stainless steel camp stoves. They require no maintenance kit, spare parts, wind screens or heat exchangers. Best of all, the stove can be rolled up in a sleeping pad instead of taking up space in a pack. (more…)

From Seeds to a State Model: How a High School’s STEM Program Became a State Inspiration

Lori and Traci Tapani, sisters and Co‐Presidents of Wyoming Machine,  love volunteering for STEM‐related causes. https://bit.ly/1hanZrL They serve on regional, state and national boards. Locally, they’ve assisted Pine Technical College—from curriculum development to speaking at their commencement. The sisters also lend a hand to middle school STEM events and camps. (more…)