Stress Indicators, Inc. is pleased to announce the next step in the growth of its manufacturing capability with the purchase and installation of a new, high performance CNC (computer numerical control) Turning Center from Doosan. The CNC lathe performs the first step in our manufacturing process, transforming ‘off the shelf’ bolts into tension indicating SmartBolts. The process removes steel with various metal cutting tools to create a cavity that permits assembly of our proprietary indicator’s components.
“Arrival of our new state-of-the-art CNC lathe represents the next step in our strategy to bring all core production activities in house.” said Charles H. Popenoe III, President of SII. “With this new equipment we can now offer our customers greater volume capacity, shorter lead times and more custom services.”
Pictured above are SII Chief Engineer Chris Bunai and SmartBolts Inventor Chuck Popenoe working to bring the new CNC lathe on-line after its installation in December.
According to SII Chief Engineer Chris Bunai, “Since its implementation, the CNC turning center (and its operators) have been hard at work to keep up with the increasing demand for SmartBolts. We expect our new manufacturing edition will help increase capacity, reduce lead times, and lower costs. Ensuring the CNC lathe stays productive all day, every day, will be an important goal for engineering and manufacturing operations here at SII for the foreseeable future.”
Chris also added, “It was a pleasure and real treat to work a bit with Chuck Popenone, the inventor of SmartBolts, while setting up the new machine. He shared with me how, years ago, when producing the first SmartBolts, he would machine each one on a manual tool room lathe – and he would do this by the hundreds! Once we got the CNC lathe operational, Chuck couldn’t wait to give it a try himself. He was just beaming as he quickly loaded a bolt, closed the safety door, and pressed the start button. In what probably seemed like seconds to Chuck, a perfectly machined SmartBolt emerged, ready for its next step of evolution. He enjoyed its ease so much, he stuck around to run a few more and even offered his services as an operator if we found ourselves shorthanded! I laughed, but I’m pretty sure he was serious!”
