out.  Now I am convinced that it was with out a doubt the right decision for us."

Metalcut Products was the first contract machine shop in Wisconsin to purchase a Mazak Palletech System. The system was initially purchased with two (2) Mazak Ultra 550’s with 16 pallets. Within six (6) months, Metalcut added a third machine and eight (8) more pallets. The Mazak Palletech System has given Metalcut the ability to better serve their existing customers and make them very competitive on new contracts. "The Palletech System has helped us to greatly reduce our set-up times. For example, there is a specific job in our shop that would have previously taken us three days from the receipt of the customer order to the start of the production run. This lengthy set-up was due to the job’s critical dimensions as well the need for the work piece to go through inspection. With the Mazak Palletech System, we are able to leave the fixture set up on one of the pallet stands and cycle it into a machine as our customer requires. This also provides flexibility to our customer to minimize the amount of inventory they keep on hand. If our customer calls in need of a few parts days after our production run, our set-up is still in place and we can quickly respond to their request. It is not a major scheduling problem to take care of them."

Another benefit of the Palletech System is that the spindle utilization of the machines in the Palletech System is much greater than that of the stand-alone machines. During a new setup, the Palletech System gives Metalcut the ability to shuttle in work that is already proven, thereby minimizing the amount of non-cut time. There are certain situations that do still lend themselves to stand-alone machines." If we have a high production job that we can dedicate to one machine, there is still a place for the stand-alone horizontal." However the flexibility of a Palletech lends it self to much more of what Metalcut Products customers are demanding. "We have to be able to turn on the dime, and do it without adding the dime to the cost."

Mazak’s FH6800 with a Palletech High Rise System will be installed in Metalcut’s new 30,000 square foot addition early 2001. "We have many great customers that have provided us with the opportunities to grow." Dave also says that Metalcut Products will continue to look at the latest technology in order to give their customers the highest quality part with minimal turn around at a competitive price.

Metalcut Products continues to be a true leader in the contract machining industry. We are proud to play a role in their success.