Raving Fan: Trace-A-Matic: "The Next Generation"

	Trace-A-Matic: "The Next Generation"

A large Pin Cell (pictured) utilizing a pair of Mazak Multi-tasking Integrex machines.

by Scott Rosen
MSI Sr. Sales Engineer - Brookfield, WI

The quest for excellence continues for the second generation of leaders at Trace-A-Matic Corporation in Brookfield, WI. Thorsten Wienss, President, Steven Proell, Vice President and John W. Fisher, Vice President were trained early on in their lives, that hard work and dedication is what running a business is all about. Their fathers felt very strongly about employing highly skilled personnel as well as providing opportunity for incoming machinists with apprenticeship programs. Thorsten, Steven and John had the opportunity to understand the business by working with their fathers through summer breaks and after school, putting in many long hours when they joined T-A-M full time. In 1997, the T-A-M torch was passed with the challenge to bring the company to the next level.

Founded in 1968 by Dieter Wienss, Heinz Proell and later joined by John Fisher in 1976, T-A-M built a strong organization servicing the hydraulic cylinders and rods, and printing industries. They implemented tracer lathes

into their shop, some of which are still used today. Always striving to be on the cutting edge of technology, the founders of T-A-M began to purchase CNC equipment, purchasing their first Mazak machine tool in the mid-70’s. Some of their first machines were Mazak M5’s and Mazak Powermasters with turning capabilities of 22" diameter and 160" lengths.

Early after the new management team had taken over they were faced with their first major crisis when one of their largest customers filed bankruptcy. This unfortunate event forced T-A-M to look at their business in a different light. The management team began to develop focus factories, which targeted specific industries. This gave T-A-M the opportunity to diversify their business. Opportunity for MSI and Mazak presented itself with the development of new business niches, catering to large engine machining, construction, mining, hydraulics, food industry machines and printing.

Lean Manufacturing techniques were employed in the development of the Shaft Cell which consists of a Mazak Multi-tasking SQT30M, a grinder and a vertical machining center. Shafts and cylinders up to 60" lengths can now be finished machined and ground to precision tolerances within this cell. A large Pin Cell (pictured) utilizing a pair of Mazak Multi-tasking Integrex machines and a Mazak QT300L equipped with 1000 PSI coolant allows them to finish machine and hard turn parts in one operation. The impeller cell, comprised of a Mazak V515, a Mazak QT300 and a broaching machine allows them to turn, finish machine, and broach close tolerance stainless steel pump impellers within the machining cell.

T-A-M’s Mazak YMS50 Horizontal Machining Centers with capacity of 250" X, 79" Y and 39" Z allows them the ability to machine large engine components used in locomotive, ships and submarines. Their newest addition, a Mazak FH8800 Horizontal Machining Center equipped with 120 tools, 1200 psi high pressure coolant system and prepped for future expansion of a Pallatech System, provides T-A-M the capability to machine a workpiece approximately 50" high x 50" diameter.

Today T-A-M offers their customers 90,000 sq.ft of climate controlled facilities, with over 60 CNC and manual pieces of equipment devoted to turning, cylindrical grinding and milling. Through the development of long-term partner relationships with customers and suppliers like MSI/Mazak, along with continuous process improvement and the highest expectation of the work performed by its employees, Trace-A-Matic Corporation is positioned for success through the 21st century.

To learn more about this MSI customer visit www.traceamatic.com.

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