Precision Raw Materials & Centerless Grinding Blog

Tips to Maximize Your Machining Partnership

Written by Boston Centerless | Apr 11, 2023 2:55:25 PM

With a wide range of suppliers to choose from, finding the right precision machining partner may seem like a challenge. There are various factors to consider, and in the end, you are not simply looking for a supplier, you are looking for a proven precision manufacturing partner, like Boston Centerless, that has 65 years of experience and can help your business achieve its goals. But what happens after you select your manufacturing partner and you begin to work together? Below are some tips to maximize your machining partnership. 

 

Leverage the Expertise and Network of Your Precision Manufacturing Partner 

One of the biggest benefits of a machining partnership is access to an abundance of industry expertise. Working with a proven precision machining partner enables companies to tap into years of know-how and skill as well as experience with a variety of products and industries. At Boston Centerless, we have 65 years of precision manufacturing experience, creating products for a wide range of industries.  Additionally, as an integrated supplier, we offer a broad spectrum of value-added services that extend beyond our machining services such as heat treating, straightening, and laser marking as well as supply chain services. As our customer, we encourage you to ask questions and collaborate with our team. We want to be your long-term precision machining partner. 

 

At Boston Centerless, we have been in the precision machining industry for many years and have established a strong network with long term relationships with various mills and suppliers. Due to our ability to process high volumes, our team is able to achieve economies of scale and attain a constant flow of incoming supply; this allows us to be more nimble and help our customers adjust to fluctuating market conditions as well as changes in their own customer demand. The value of a robust and healthy supply chain is priceless.  We encourage our customers to leverage our expertise and our vast network. Contact us today so we can get started on our partnership together.

 

Looking to maximize the benefits of your precision manufacturing partnership?  

Contact the professionals at BC to learn about our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies including centerless grinding.


Understand Your Priorities: Turnaround Time Versus Cost 

There is a lot of truth in the old adage “you get what you pay for” and this truth is often applicable to precision manufacturing. When it comes to machining, there are typically 3 main drivers for success: cost, schedule, and quality. Suppliers can generally deliver 2 of the 3. Since OEMs are unwilling to sacrifice quality, especially for precision-machined products that demand longevity and performance in the field, only cost and turnaround time remain. It is important that OEMs understand whether cost or schedule is the “top priority” for a given job.  

If schedule is the priority, OEMs may need to pay a bit more in order to achieve the desired turnaround time, especially if the materials need to be rushed or expedited.  Conversely, if cost is the priority, then a lower cost job may result in a longer lead time. When cost is the priority, some OEMs seek out machine shops which may deliver cheaper raw materials with longer lead times. However, this is not always the best option in the long run, especially when Total Cost of Ownership, TCO, is considered.  

In the end, companies should team up with a precision manufacturing partner that produces high quality materials at a reasonable cost and turnaround time – and avoid the headaches of schedule delays or poor product quality caused by choosing the cheapest option. At Boston Centerless, we strive to provide high quality precision bar that is competitively priced and completed per the agreed upon schedule – offering a cost-effective solution for our customers. We are committed to providing reliable precision materials and only buy materials from the US or EU to ensure the material quality meets our standards. Within the industry, we are known for our consistency and reliability in supplying high-quality materials. Using our AccuRod® precision bar, our customers are able to meet critical and tight tolerances on their machined parts. Boston Centerless’ materials also enable our customers to maximize their machine usage, extend tool life, reduce scrap, and reduce labor costs – ultimately enabling lights-out manufacturing for our customers. 

It is important to note that not all machine shops have expertise in precision manufacturing, which requires specific tools, equipment, and processes as well as personnel with the right skills and expertise to achieve such exacting diameter tolerances, straightness, and roundness. It is important that OEMs work with a precision machining partner, like Boston Centerless, that has the requisite experience, facilities, and know-how to safely and successfully deliver precision machined bar, like our AccuRod® Precision Bar.  When you partner with us, we work relentlessly to ensure a high-quality manufacturing solution is delivered. 

 

About Boston Centerless

Boston Centerless provides solutions that enhance our customer’s manufacturing processes. With 65 years of precision grinding expertise, we grind the tightest tolerances in the industry. We have proven experience with an extensive range of materials, and our manufacturing solutions include: 


Contact us today at (781) 994-5000 to see how with your next precision bar materials project, or click here for a quote.