Friday, July 17, 2009

KLH: Frequently Asked Questions


Frequently Asked Questions


How long has KLH Industries been in business?

KLH Industries, Inc. has been on the cutting edge of manufacturing since 1987 - over 21 years. While originally only a Wire EDM shop, continuous and stable growth has allowed KLH to double its square footage four times in the company's history. Over the past two decades, KLH has executed a commitment to excellence and improvement that turned a one-room shop into a one-stop shop.


What is your primary specialty?

Everything, honestly. KLH takes pride in being a full-service shop, capable of engineering and manufacturing a one-time prototype into a high volume finished product. Encompassing decades of experience, our staff of engineers, machinists, sales & marketing and customer service professionals provide on-time precision parts through four business units. Click on the respective links below to learn more about In-house manufacturing processes that we specialize in: EDM (Wire, Sinker and Micro Hole), Multi-Axis Machining (CNC), Waterjet Cutting and Certified Inspection Services. We also contain precision grinding, sawing, drilling and machining capabilities all in addition to a certified and measured supply chain.


So, my job won't ever leave your building? Don't you ever use outside vendors?

Occasionally, as part of KLH's measured supply chain. KLH only uses accredited vendors who maintain consistent levels of excellence in quality, delivery, and price - the same things our customer's value.


What industry markets or sectors do you serve?

We supply a variety of critical industries, including Aerospace, Defense, Energy, Medical, Aviation, Automotive and Food Processing, offering value added solutions to even the most problematic applications.


Can you accommodate rush jobs?

When our customers demand it the answer is Yes. Depending upon the part and processes, it may be possible to have same-day or next-day service.


What kind of experience do your employees have?

KLH employees are industry professionals trained in up-to-date manufacturing methodology. KLH strongly encourages its employees to invest in continuous education, both on the job and in the classroom.


What is your facility like?

Visitors to the KLH facility often describe it as "one of the cleanest, most organized shops" they've ever seen. This is, in part, due to embracing Next-Generation Manufacturing (NGM) principles, such as Lean, 6-Sigma, and 5S. KLH has recently been toured by high profile customers, magazine editors and high schools.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Service Spotlight: EDM Department


Service Spotlight: EDM Department
Machining to your unique specifications

KLH Industries, Inc. has remained a pioneer of EDM technology for the past 21 years. Our machines in the wire EDM (WEDM) department are capable of working within +/- 0.00005” tolerances and handling parts up to 5 tons or over 2 ft tall.

In fact, according to Mitsubishi EDM, KLH houses “the tallest work piece capacity of any fully-submerged wire EDM on the market.” Submersing a part balances thermal levels within the tank, which allows for reliable accuracy and faster cutting times.

KLH’s large capacity WEDM machines are ideal for high-tolerance machining, such as: turbine disks found in the aerospace industry, MRI/X-Ray equipment in the medical industry, and gear box/brake parts for the wind energy industry. Whether prototypes, one part, or high-production runs, KLH has a WEDM machine to match your requirements, and exceed your expectations.

WIRE EDM:
• Maintains tolerances to +/-0.00005
• Taper angles to 45ยบ with accuracy to three seconds
• Latest power supply technology (including Anti-Electrolysis)
• Auto threading and submersible
• 10 RMS or higher
• Fully production capable
• Wire diameter from 0.002” to 0.014”

MICRO HOLE EDM DRILLING:
• Performs difficult drilling tasks
• CNC programmable
• High repeat accuracy
• 0.004” to 0.125” diameter electrodes
• Drill depths 300 times the diameter
• Reduces risk of broken drills
• Reduces cost
• Eliminates costly machinery
• Full production capable

SINKER EDM:
• High repeat accuracy
• Surface finishes to 32RMS and higher
• Experience with an array of exotic materials including Carbide
• Full production capable
• C-axis capable for complex burns
• CNC programmable
• Eliminates costly machining of intricate details
• Equipped with tool-changer to maximize run time efficiency

Manufacturing Upswing Predicted for 2010

Manufacturing upswing predicted for 2010
Trade association predicts moderate rebound for some industries

According to “Manufacturing upswing predicted for 2010” by Rick Barrett of the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, analysts believe the manufacturing recession may soon be bottoming out. This cautious call for optimism comes from a new report published by the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, a Virginia-based trade association. Even still, analysts believe a sustained rebound is still in the distance.

According to Barrett, these sentiments echo the experiences of Tim Hanley, vice chairman for Deloitte & Touche, a Milwaukee-based accounting firm.

“Most of the companies I am talking to are looking to 2010 to begin to come back. Most of the estimates of the comeback are moderate increases, but nonetheless they are increases and start to give companies a basis to build from,” Hanley said.

The government announced that in April, “orders increased 1.9%, more than four times the 0.4% increase that has been expected.”