Author: rother

For any manufacturing operation to be successful, it must produce its products effortlessly and efficiently. Building and testing are two components of this process. In order for companies to reach their goals in any step of manufacturing, they require certain parts to guide and/or hold the equipment. At Rother Machine in Minneapolis, we design and produce the devices that perform these tasks – jigs and fixtures.

 

What Are Jigs and Fixtures?

While many refer to this duo in a single phrase, they are actually two separate components with different purposes. While both help in the construction and testing of products, each has a specific task. Fixtures hold a workpiece or may also locate or test it during the manufacturing process. Jigs, on the other hand, are there to hold and guide the various cutting tools. They perform this function for such actions as drilling, tapping, reaming, and boring. Unlike fixtures, jigs are not “fixed” i.e. bolted or clamped, to the worktable.

 

Advantages

The two devices are intended to complement each other. When they function in harmony, they produce/replicate and assemble large numbers of components. They also are capable of providing the manufacturer with diverse benefits. These include:

 

• Minimizing production costs
• Increasing production rate
• Higher replication and tolerance accuracy
• Maintaining consistent quality
• Reduction in cycle times
• Easy machining of intricate or complex parts
• Interchangeability

 

At Rother Machine in Minneapolis, we produce durable, quality jigs and fixtures.

 

Jigs and Fixtures

At Rother Machine, our experienced and highly trained staff works with its arsenal of the latest technology and equipment to ensure you receive the functional, high-quality solutions you require. By adhering to your exact specifications, we can work with you to design and produce standard and customized jigs and fixtures. We can proudly say our customer base in Minneapolis and the surrounding regions recognize us for our result-driven practices. From high standards and precise replication to swift delivery services, our company offers it all. To learn more call us today, 651-437-2423.

 

If you operate a small facility or a large OEM, you are continually looking for a way to give your company an edge. While, for some, increased standardized production is the best method, others find what they need is a unique approach. They want a different way to market their company or seek a means of breaking into a special market they have not yet had the opportunity to explore. For them, achieving this requires innovative equipment – a specialty machine. Rother Machine in Minneapolis can help.

 

Specialty Machines

Specialty machines require a custom machining and fabrication company. They require a shop with the capability to work with your team to produce a product that not only reflects the idealized design but also is also functional. A specialty machine can range from a custom-built special operation PLC lathe to a four-station sheet metal press. At Rother Machine, our Minneapolis professionals have worked with a variety of companies to produce not only the above equipment but also:

 

• Blow Molded Tank Router – Fabrication Equipment
• Clam Shell Molding Press
• Fly Knife Cutter
• Metal Detector (Food Industry)
• Multi-Station Part Separator (Tumbler)
• PLC Controlled Drill & Ream Machine
• Robotic Tank Router
• Rotating Cooling Station
• Sheet Metal Forming Press
• Two-Station Drilling and Tapping Unit – PLC Controlled

 

We are if nothing else, diverse and adept in our customization and specialization of equipment and machinery.

 

The Specialty Machine

If you are looking for a means of standing out in today’s competitive marketplace, consider producing something unique to your shop or outside of your regular markets. If you decide to adopt this approach, you will need the equipment to do so. Contact the experienced professionals at Rother Machine in Minneapolis. They have the knowledge, the experience, and the expertise to produce a specialty machine capable of addressing all your specifications. Our technicians will work with you from ideation to fabrication and assembly to provide you with the best equipment possible. To learn more, call 651-437-2423.

 

If you operate any type of manufacturing facility in Minneapolis, chances are you need a reputable machine and fabrication (Fab) shop to handle the production and/or finishing of certain components. At Rother Machine, we have all the ingredients necessary to help you make your current project a successful one. From the use of talented engineers to produce a functional prototype to the production of standard products, we have the technology and the skill to address the requirements of your company and the specifications of the project.

 

Technology and Process

Technology is often the answer to many production problems. At Rother, our skilled staff draws upon a diverse array of technical equipment to help you find the best option. Customization is a classic example of our inventive and unique approach to finding the solution to an intriguing problem. However, whether it is the simplest or complex of components, our team adopts a logical and progressive approach. It starts with the engineering drawings and specs. You can supply them in completed mode, or we can work with you to create them.

 

The design phase marks the beginning of a crucial stage of the development of any project. Collaboration with the OEM or other customers is essential if our engineers hope to produce precise renditions. Our team in Minneapolis uses Solid Works or Autodesk (Inventor/Fusion) Software to produce a functional machine or component from your basic idea, quickly transitioning to the fabrication of a jig fixture or prototype.

 

Fabrication and Rother’s

From fabrication, our technological wizards will manually and/or automatically produce and even reproduce your concept. The intent is to use our technology to realize your “paper” design in solid form. At Rother’s our crew of dedicated individuals will work with you every step of the way to ensure your product not only looks like your design but also performs as you intend it to.

 

In Minneapolis, Rother Machine offers fabrication services for any purpose and for any industry. Contact the professionals at Rother Machine, or call us at 651-437-2423.

Welding is the joining of two or more parts using these forces:

 

1. Heat
2. Pressure

 

Welding may also involve metal or plastic. At Rother Machine in Minneapolis, our welders easily produce and/or repair both simple standard and complex customized workpieces. We work with other specialized professionals to create a single component for specific industrial applications. This is a craft and a skill that dates back centuries.

 

A Succinct History

The idea of welding parts together dates back to the Middle Ages. The process at that time was called “forge welding.” Although less popular today, this simple method used principles similar to all types of welding. Forge welding required heat and a means of joining the two heated parts. The forge supplied the heat and a heavy hammer provided the force.

 

By the 19th century, industrialists had discovered gas to be a more effective tool in providing the heat essential for producing a smooth joint. The industrial revolution spurred on further developments. Today, you can find at least 30 different types of welding styles capable of producing solid joints.

 

Types

At Rother Machine, we understand the different types of welding processes available. Among the most common for industrial use are the following three:

1. MIG (Metal Inert Gas Welding) AKA GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding): Most commonly employed for fabricating steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
2. TIG AKA Gas Tungsten Arc Welding: Versatile, slower than some but capable of welding together almost any metal or alloy cleanly
3. Flux-Cored Arc Welding:  The process resembles GMAW but is for heavy work. The materials are thick with results not as aesthetically pleasing or clean

 

Welding at Rother’s

Welding is an ancient skill that has been improved over time. Advanced technology and innovative approaches make it possible for the welders at Rother Machine in Minneapolis to produce clean, high-quality workpieces. We understand what is necessary to ensure that all of our products achieve the detailed attention our customers require so we can meet their exact specifications.

 

There are many different ways that parts and components can be formed out of various types of metals and alloys. For some of the specialized parts and components, we design for custom machinery and production equipment, the choice of forming, machining and welding may be the ideal solution.

 

However, for very precise types of parts and components, we may recommend the use of extrusion tooling. There are several advantages that this option provides that can benefit any Minneapolis company that is in need of custom machinery for their manufacturing and processing lines.

 

Speed of Die Development

The process of extrusion tooling starts with designing a specialized die that will allow the desired shape to be produced through the process. There are different styles of dies that can be used including solid, hollow or semi-hollow. Depending on the final desired profile of the part or component, one of these three options will be the best choice.

 

The die can be created through computer programs and then developed through the use of precision machining technology such as Wire EDM. There are several components to a die, all which are designed to create identical, uniform parts and components. Our die will be designed and produced to the tolerances required for the specific application, providing the ideal part or component for the machine.

 

Once the die is produced, the extrusion tooling process can begin. Our designs of dies will ensure all aspects of the component have been considered, including the wall thicknesses, dimensional tolerances, and industry standards.

 

With our experience in the process, we can produce custom, precision parts that require a short lead time from concept to development. As this is done in-house, we also can assure full quality control for small jobs to larger volume orders to use for a full manufacturing and processing system in a Minneapolis facility.

 

If you have any questions about our services or if you have an idea for custom equipment and machines for your business, call us today at 651-437-2423.

Top companies in Minneapolis that specialize in the design and development of automated custom equipment and machines work with a range of different types of companies. Often these companies that are struggling to use current equipment on the market within the production, manufacturing or fabrication process.

 

By choosing to work with our team at Rother Machine, we can assist with both the design as well as the development of the custom equipment. The design and engineering team will work on the design elements with a complete understanding of the best processes available to reduce the cost of production while also providing a durable, effective and optimal finished product.

 

There are some basics of machine design that any top engineering and design team will use. These need to be considered at the concept stage and will have a significant impact on the design process.

 

Functional Factors

One of the most common mistakes made in machine design, particularly for those without training and experiences, is to try to make the machine more complicated than it needs to be. By simplifying the design, it is easier to manufacture, has a lower cost of production and also offers a system that is more functional and practical.

 

The more complex a machine is, regardless of automation or manual operation, the higher the level of maintenance will be on the system. Additionally, there is a greater risk of downtime, particularly if the custom manufacturing of replacement parts becomes an issue to consider.

 

Life Cycle

All choices and considerations in machine design should be geared towards extending the life cycle of the equipment. The longer it will operate, the greater the return on investment for the company.

 

Understanding the various forces that will be a factor in the operation of the machine will always be a central issue at Rother Machine in designing equipment that can withstand the working conditions of your facility.

 

To find out more about our custom design process for manufacturing companies in Minneapolis, talk to the experts at 651-437-2423.

At Rother Machine, our design and manufacturing services include the development of specialized machines and prototypes, beginning from initial concept and ending with final completion. Our industry partnerships enable us to deliver exceptional benefits and value to our customers in the state of Minnesota and beyond. A unique specialization in our services is the machine vision system.

 

The ability of a computer to “see” is often referred to as machine vision, while the technology involves a computer digitizing an image, processing the data from the image, and performing actions as a result is often referred to as computer vision.

 

Machine Vision Systems

Computer hardware and software used by machine vision systems utilize digital sensors inside industrial cameras that obtain images through state-of-the-art optic technology. Through this technology, various features of these images are analyzed, processed, and measured for decision making purposes. At Rother Machine, we offer these systems for various manufacturing requirements. We have the professional team, resources, know-how, and experience to provide exceptional services on your behalf related to machine vision system requirements.

 

Inspection Processes

Machine vision combines computer vision with industrial manufacturing processes. Computer vision is focused mainly with image processing. Machine vision, on the other hand, makes use of digital input and output to manage mechanical components. Devices utilizing machine vision are part of a product inspection process in which tasks traditionally handled by humans are instead handled by automated vision technology, such as digital cameras.

 

Industrial and Medical Applications

Beyond uses for product inspection, other applications are served by machine vision systems. These include visual stock control and management, store interfaces, reading, and barcode counting requirements. They also operate with automated robotic arms and are used within large-scale industrial product operations in order to evaluate items in various production stages. Medical imaging and examination procedures also make use of machine vision systems. These systems are also used in the food and beverage industry to monitor quality.

 

For information about how we can help you with your machine vision system requirements, give us a call today at 651.437.2423 or fill out our contact form.

 

Utilizing a custom jig or fixture for your next project can have so many benefits – including simplifying the processes such as machining, welding, and assembly. At Rother Machine, we can help you take advantage of the benefits of fully customized pieces of machinery. From beginning to end, we can work to help bring your design vision to reality through our design and manufacturing skills related to jigs and fixtures. Minneapolis, Bloomington, and St. Paul customers benefit every day from our expert capabilities.

 

Our Services

At Rother Machine, we have been the premier source for exceptional quality, completely customized jigs and fixtures for more than 45 years. We use our industry knowledge and powerful tools to provide workable solutions on your behalf. Examples of the jig and fixture fabrication capabilities we offer include:

• Aluminum Casting Leak Tester
• 2-Station Vacuum Loader
• Pneumatic Valve Tester
• Pneumatic Assembly Fixture
• Pneumatic PVC Coupling Sizer’s
• Adhesive Applicators

 

Delivering Results

We understand that our customers have individual needs and unique specifications. We can utilize Inventor or SolidWorks software to map out the details of your customized machinery. Regardless of the complexity involved with your equipment requirements, we understand the design and manufacturing process required to produce premier quality jig and fixture solutions. Our experts will handle everything from mechanical design and pneumatics to machining and controls. We manage the entire development process from preliminary design to full completion.

 

Producing Practical, High-Quality Machinery

Since we began operations in 1970, we have focused our attention and efforts on providing manufacturing companies within numerous sectors the quality machinery they need. This enables us to provide the insight necessary to fulfill the needs of various industry professionals. We translate our customers’ complex requirements into practical and simplified pieces of machinery.

At Rother Machine, we have the capabilities to meet your specific requirements for the design of jigs and fixtures. We serve a variety of different industries, including medical, packaging, technology, automotive, plastics and paper, electrical, and food.

To learn how we can serve your specific jig and fixture design requirements, call us today at 651.437.2423 or fill out our contact form.