Prototek Global Manufacturing fastest deliveries to North America and Europe

Prototek Global Manufacturing Fastest Deliveries in the Industry PGM is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision sheet metal and precision CNC machined prototypes. We provide the fastest deliveries to North America and Europe WITHOUT sacrificing quality.

http://www.prototek.ca

Prototek Precision Sheet Metal Manufacturing Video

Founded in 1987, Prototek manufacturing is a leading supplier of quick turn precision sheetmetal and machine products for the prototype market.
To help save our customers time and money on their finished part requirements, Prototek Manufacturing has a team of seven engineers that assist in research and development, as well as conceptual and component design. Our engineers work closely with customers to define their requirements and design assemblies and their components for economical manufacturing. These engineers compliment our staff of estimators who are also qualified to discuss product requirements. Prototek's goal is to assure our customers that the product they receive will meet their requirement for high quality at a fair price.
Located in Contoocook, New Hampshire, our 40,000 sq/ft facility is designed for just in time manufacturing. With a wide range of materials on hand, we can produce parts in a single day, when required. We manufacture and ship products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico according to customer requirements.
We are equipped with an Amada Pulsar 4,000 watt laser, Vipros Queen Turret,
and Two LC-C1 Combination cells.
These revolutionary laser and turret cells built into one machine have the capability of tapping and counter sinking, as well as punching holes 50% smaller than ever before, with less energy consumption and at a faster pace.
In our post-processing department, we are capable of deburring and graining sheet metal parts in a single operation.
Our forming department is equipped with 9 highly capable brakes, with a maximum load of 140 tons and a bend length of 10 feet.
we have verticaly integrated an anodizing and chromating system, power-coating
and a wet spray system and a 3 stage iron phosphate washer to allow us full control over finish and quick turn projects.
With over 20 years of experience, we are able to ensure that our processes deliver the highest level of quality.
Our 5,000sq/ft precision machining operation continues to expand. With 14 CNC machining centers, we can offer a lead time of 1 1/2 weeks, several days better than the industry standard.
Our proven kanban system of organization is a critical means of inventory control for our hardware and raw materials.
Our hardware department keeps hundreds of types of PEM hardware in stock, and is efficiently inserted using our state of the art pem setter machines.
We pride ourselves on our control over every process of production by completing them in-house. Silk screening and assembly are just two more cogs in the well-functioning machine that is prototek.
Our fowler comparitor and mitatoyo height gauge provide highly efficient inspection capabilities to ensure that our products meet quality guidelines.
This inspection equipment interfaces directly with our computer system to compile inspection reports for the convenience of our customers.
Our highly qualified staff works relentlessly to ensure that parts flow through our manufacturing process quickly and efficiently. Each operation undergoes an in-process inspection to ensure adherence to product specification.
Our website offers a live chat module that customers can utilize to ask questions to our office and engineering staff during our normal business hours. Additionally, our customer service staff is adapt at answering any questions that our customers may have; regarding ship dates, revision changes and order status, assuring that they are satisfied every step of the way. Request for quotations that are sent to Fastquote@prototek.com or uploaded directly thru one of our websites, will receive a quote within one day. Prototek Manufacturing and can work with many file formats including DXF, STP, IGES, PDF, Pro/E, SolidWorks, AutoCAD and Inventor files.
Take a stroll though Prototek online with the aid of Google Business view, where you can see for yourself how our departments are organized for efficency and quality.
Prototek is BBB accredited with an A+ rating, and is ISO 9001, ITAR, DFAR, and ROHS Compliant.
Prototek.com is also mobile friendly, sporting a simple, attractive design, responsive, swipeable gallery, and fast load times.
Our wordpress blog and twitter page are continuously updated as we purchase new machines and expand our facility to maintain our niche of producing the highest quality parts in the shortest time possible.
Friend us on facebook and subscribe to our youtube as we are constantly uploading videos of our new machines and capabilities.
Serving industries such as robotics, semiconductor, telecommunications, military, pharmaceutical, medical, computer technologies and aeronautics. Prototek Manufacturing is the industry leader in rapid prototyping and production, of fully machined and precision sheetmetal components, ready to serve you.

http://www.prototek.com
http://www.prototeksheetmetalfabrication.com

Prototek Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication

Prototek Metals Fabrication

244 Burnham Intervale Rd

Contoocook, NH 03229

Toll Free 800-403-9777

Local 603-746-2001

Fax 603-746-2002

Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing

Prototek Sheet Metal fabricates custom precision Sheet metal using the following materials:
Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Spring Steel, titanium, inconel,
Copper, Brass, Tubing, Channel, G-10, LEX-AN, Phenolic, etc...
We now have the largest 4000 Watt Laser Cell in the northeast, and have acquired two Amada laser/turret combination cells. For prototype custom laser cutting please call for more information.

Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication

Prototek Machining

Prototek has recently added a new CNC Precision Machining Cell. The addition of this new cell coupled with our proven "rapid prototyping of precision machining Delivery Solutions" has been a great success. Prototek continues to invest in new technologies to maintain our reputation as the "Leaders in rapid prototyping of precision machining Prototyping".
1 - Hurco VM2
1 - Hurco VMX42
3 - Hurco VMX24's
1 - TM8 Lathe
1 - Mori Seiki Lathe
1 - Hardinge Chucker Lathe
1 - Enco Engine Lathe
2 - Kent 3 Axis Knee Mills
1 - Mazek Nexus CNC
1 - Behringer Band Saw
Fowler F14-A Comparitor
Mitutoyo QM Height 600 Gauge
Wilton Horizontal Band Saw

http://www.prototek.com

Prototek Engineering Programming Capablities

Prototek Manufacturing can open native Solidworks, Pro e, AutoCAD, Inventor, Plus many others. Our engineers are fluent with each of these software programs and we own many seats of these softwares. Prototek Manufacturing can engineer your projects from your ideas or help you in your design process. Prototek Manufacturing Has the following software in house to simplify our process: For sheet metal punching, Laser and Laser/Punching Combo (The new C1) *SolidWorks-Multiple seats *MetalSoft Fabriwin 11 *Pro-E *Metal Soft IntelliNest *AutoCad For sheet metal Forming(Bending) for offline programming *Bend Com *Bend Cam For Machining we use the following Software *WinMax *SolidWorks *CamWorks This allows us to program your parts by using a variety of software like Camworks, Gibbs cam, Mastercam and Winmax based on which program is suited best for your fabricated parts. We then send programs to our laser, punchpress or maching centers; this process aids us in the rapid production of your fabricated parts.

http://www.prototekmanufacturing.com

Virtual Prototek with Google Business View

Prototek is the first manufacturing company in the world to allow customers to check out their facility right from their computer with Google Business View. Prototek boasts some of the best machinery in the quick turn prototyping and short run production industry, and now customers can see it for themselves with the aid of Business View. Starting from outside the front of the building, you can walk right through the front office and onto the shop floor, where you can see all of Prototek's machines, departments, and fully integrated operations layed out in the order which parts are processed. Walking down the center of the shop, you see their 4000 watt Amada Pulsar on the right, along with their two Amada LC-C1 laser/turret combos and Amada Vipros Queen. Then you see the deburring department on the left with their new SteelMaster deburring/graining machine. Moving on, on the left you see their brake department with a full arsenal of machines of every size, up to 140 tons. After that, on the right, you see their new Haeger 840-WT 4E fully programmable hardware insertion machine with four autofeeders and touchscreen computer built in, as well as their full stock of all PEM hardware organized in proven kan-ban system. Continuing on, for the parts requiring anodize, chromate, paint, or powdercoat finish, you can take a left turn into the post-processing department. If not, you continue forward to pass the welding and grinding departments. Prototek has a colossal sheet metal cantillevered racking system you can see on your right, then comes the assembly and inspection departments. Shipping is on the right, or you can continue around to the left, passing the CNC machine shop's inspection office, where you'll see the impressive Mitutoyo CMM machine and Fowler F14-A comparator. Keep going, and you reach their machine shop department. In here, along with their nine cnc machines they have, you can also find their new Mazak Nexus and Behringer Fully Automatic Band Saw. Prototek does everything in its power to remain at the head of the industry, taking every opportunity to implement new technologies as they are released to replace the old. Google Business View allowed for a unique opportunity for improving their customers' understanding of what they do, and the kind of organization and efficiency that allows them to finish parts in a single day if necessary.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=prototek&hl=en&ll=43.212296,-71.724578&spn=0.001666,0.004128&sll=43.212268,-71.724843&layer=c&cid=10037726981650558433&panoid=wPgjNeKbzJeLEKyMH-vilg&cbp=13,260.18,,0,-1.11&hq=prototek&t=m&z=19&cbll=43.212351,-71.724534

About Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing

Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing started in October of 1987 specializing in rapid prototyping and short run production of sheet metal and CNC machined parts for the hi-tech industries. Their facility is a new 40,000 sq. ft. building. Prototek currently has over 65 employees and are home to state of the art welding and bending departments, as well as plating rooms, assembly department, and much more. Prototek's niche has always been a solid commitment to on-time deliveries of quality products. They fabricate from CAD (computer aided design) files or reverse engineer from existing models to enhance functionality. Prototek keeps a large, constant supply of necessary materials, sheet metal stock, machinable plastics and metal, and PEM hardware. Prototek is currently ISO 9001:2008 certified and also ITAR and DFAR compliant.

Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication, LLC
Bruce Isabelle, CEO
244 Burnham Intervale Road
603-746-2001 (phone) 603-746-2002 (fax)
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm EST
 fastquote@prototek.com
  http://www.prototek.com

Prototek is Now Omnidevice Friendly

Contoocook, NH – May 14, 2012 – Here at Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing, we have always realised the importance of visibility on the web since 1990 when we created our own initial web site. Since then, we have been ever expanding our web presence by undergoing site design and coding upgrades to retain quick site load times and user interface simplicity, while including our full capabilities of quick turn sheet metal and machining prototypes and short run productions. As the times change, so do we. We believe it to be imperative to remain cutting-edge in all related fields.
Prototek is proud to announce that we are now mobile friendly on all platforms, including Android, Apple, Blackberry, and Windows phones. We have a separate website for customers who wish to find us on their smart phones. Statistics show that 1/3 of all internet searches are completed from mobile devices now, and statisticians believe by the year 2015, more than half of all web searched will be completed using mobile devices. Evolving with the industry standards and remaining the best at what we do has always been our strong suit, just as quick turn around times of precision metal parts has always been our niche. We hope customers enjoy our new mobile friendly site, but if one wishes, one may go directly to the original site by a link at the bottom of our mobile pages.

From our mobile site, customers can simply call, email, and text us, as well as use their phone’s built in GPS to navigate them to our 40,000 square foot facility if they wish. (We do request customers give us at least a few day’s notice)

Bruce Isabelle, CEO and President of Prototek, had one more thing to say on the subject:”Becoming mobile friendly was an obvious decision. As technology advances, it inevitably becomes smaller and hand-held. It is our prerogative to allow potential customers to find us when on the go or in a pinch, so we created a mobile site with only the most important information and simple contact methods. This is less than a novel event for us, but it could mean finding that one engineer that needs a project done in a day when our competitors are quoting a week’s lead time. We are working on a few more web related projects at the moment, but I would like to wait until they’re finished before disclosing them to the public.”

About Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing
Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing started in October of 1987 specializing in rapid prototyping and short run production of sheet metal and CNC machined parts for the hi-tech industries. Their facility is a new 40,000 sq. ft. building. Prototek currently has over 65 employees and are home to state of the art welding and bending departments, as well as plating rooms, assembly department, and much more. Prototek’s niche has always been a solid commitment to on-time deliveries of quality products. They fabricate from CAD (computer aided design) files or reverse engineer from existing models to enhance functionality. Prototek keeps a large, constant supply of necessary materials, sheet metal stock, machinable plastics and metal, and PEM hardware. Prototek is currently ISO 9001:2008 certified and also ITAR and DFAR compliant.

Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication, LLC
Bruce Isabelle, CEO
244 Burnham Intervale Road
603-746-2001 (phone)
603-746-2002 (fax)
Monday – Friday 7:00am – 5:00pm EST
fastquote@prototek.com
http://www.prototek.com

Prototek Manufacturing Daily Production Meeting

A daily production meeting provides a clear line of sight of our manufacturing objectives and helps to reinforce our quick turn requirements. Our sophisticated scanning software program helps to control raw material inventory, eliminate bottlenecks and track jobs on the manufacturing floor. Our suppliers are carefully chosen to meet our just in time needs by delivering materials within a day for those rare materials we do not stock. Prototek™ manufactures and ships products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, according to our customers rapid prototyping of precision machining requirements, utilizing trucking companies that offer next day shipping, LTL and full truck load deliveries.

http://www.prototek.com

Prototek Manufacturing Tour Contoocook, NH

Prototek Sheetmetal Fabrication, LLC

244 Burnham Intervale Rd

Contoocook, NH 03229

Toll Free 800-403-9777

Local 603-746-2001

Fax 603-746-2002

http://www.prototek.com

Prototek is licensed by the Directorate of Defense Trade Control

Prototek is licensed by the Directorate of Defense Trade Control as a manufacturer of defense articles, and is fully compliant with the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Our DUNS number is 041480406. See our ORCA certification at https://orca.bpn.gov for our FAR and DFAR representations and certifications.

Prototek at Design2Part Show on May 1st and 2nd

Contoocook, NH – April 25, 2012 - For over 37 years, engineers and product manufacturers have relied on Design2Part trade shows to find the best custom or stock parts and manufacturing services. Each D2P show features hundreds of American job shops and contract manufacturing experts showcasing their skills for design, prototypes, production runs, value added services, assemblies, and much more.

Prototek is proud to be attending this year's Design2Part exhibition to find new customers that will undoubtedly be impressed with our capabilities and customer service. We are always looking to expand, and believe it to be crucial to increase awareness of our rapid precision prototyping and production runs of both sheet metal and machined parts. Turn around time is becoming an increasingly saught after attribute in the production world, and here at Prototek, we will quote jobs in hours and are fully capable of shipping jobs in one day. We would like the pleasure to work with new customers to further expand our base and prove that we will do what ever it takes to remain at the cutting edge of the industry. We hope to see you there!

http://www.d2p.com/ShowInfo

1551 Thoreau Dr N

Schaumburg, IL 60173

May 1st & 2nd

Tuesday 9:00-4:00

Wednesday 9:00-3:30

BOOTHS 540/542

About Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing

Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing started in October of 1987 specializing in rapid prototyping and short run production of sheet metal and CNC machined parts for the hi-tech industries. Their facility is a new 40,000 sq. ft. building. Prototek currently has over 65 employees and are home to state of the art welding and bending departments, as well as plating rooms, assembly department, and much more. Prototek's niche has always been a solid commitment to on-time deliveries of quality products. They fabricate from CAD (computer aided design) files or reverse engineer from existing models to enhance functionality Prototek keeps a large, constant supply of necessary materials, sheet metal stock, machinable plastics and metal, and PEM hardware. Prototek is currently ISO 9001:2008 certified and also ITAR and DFAR compliant.

Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication, LLC
Bruce Isabelle, CEO
244 Burnham Intervale Road
603-746-2001 (phone) ine 603-746-2002 (fax)
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm EST
fastquote@prototek.com
http://www.prototek.com

Prototek Sheetmetal Fabrication, Inc

Prototek Manufacturing is located 244 Burnham Intervale Rd in Contoocook, New Hampshire. With a 40,000+ square foot facility, we have increased both manufacturing and office space, which allowed Prototek to serve the longer production run needs of our customers as well as our established niche of prototyping and short run.

http://www.dynamicsheetmetal.com

Prototek Fastest Deliveries in the Industry ! Same Day Shipping is Possible

Fastest Deliveries in the Industry!!

Same Day Shipping is Possible!!

Fastquote@prototek.com 

Prototek Machining Welding Capabilities

Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material (the weld puddle) that cools to become a strong joint, with pressure sometimes used in conjunction with heat, or by itself, to produce the weld. This is in contrast with soldering and brazing, which involve melting a lower-melting-point material between the workpieces to form a bond between them, without melting the workpieces.

Our wide variety of welding equipment and competent welders allow for your most demanding applications. We also offer spot, tack and MIG welding capabilities to satisfy the industries needs.

http://prototekmachining.com

Sheet Metal Fabrication Gallery

Fastest Deliveries in the Industry!!

Same Day Shipping is Possible!!

http://prototek.com/gallery.html

Prototek Machining Drill Sizes Chart

Decimal Equivalents of Drill Size

This Drill Sizes Chart is for converting and identifying various drill bit sizes. Because of differences in numbering systems, some conversions are approximated but are within .0001 inch. The information available from our sources is usually sufficient for all computer related drill or screw requirements world wide.

Number sizes
1 .2280 2 .2210 3 .2130 4 .2090 5 .2055 6 .2040 7 .2010 8 .1990 9 .1960 10 .1935 11 .1910 12 .1890 13 .1850 14 .1820 15 .1800 16 .1770 17 .1730 18 .1695 19 .1660 20 .1610 21 .1590 22 .1570 23 .1540 24 .1520 25 .1495 26 .1470 27 .1440 28 .1405 29 .1360 30 .1285 31 .1200 32 .1160 33 .1130 34 .1110 35 .1100 36 .1065 37 .1040 38 .1015 39 .0995 40 0980	41 .0960 42 .0935 43 .0890 44 .0860 45 .0820 46 .0810 47 .0785 48 .0760 49 .0730 50 .0700 51 .0670 52 .0635 53 .0595 54 .0550 55 .0520 56 .0465 57 .0430 58 .0420 59 .0410 60 .0400 61 .0390 62 .0380 63 .0370 64 .0360 65 .0350 66 .0330 67 .0320 68 .0310 69 .0292 70 .0280 71 .0260 72 .0250 73 .0240 74 .0225 75 .0210 76 .0200 77 .0180

http://prototekmachining.com/drill-sizes-chart.html

Prototek Solid Works Engineering

Solid Works Engineering

Prototek is here to help our engineers design and draw parts that are easy for us to work with keeping the delivery and price to a minimum. Please read below or contact our Engineering Team with any questions you may have, you can also Chat directly with them using the following link, please enter the Chat room and then enter our Engineering Chat Room.

Introduction:

Outlined here are suggested practices for using the SolidWorks CAD software´s sheet metal functionality for SolidWorks. This information is supplied for training and may be redistributed and reused for training and instructional purposes, including posting on a company intranet and training (including paid) for reference usage.

Parts:

1.Model A Formed Part For Most Parts.
Always model a completely formed part and unfold to get the flat blank.Dont make a flat and then try to bend it.This is absolutely impractical in 99% of all applications.

2.Define Sheet Metal Early In The Modeling Process.
Always define "sheet metal" immediately so that the "extrude to thickness" function is available.By doing this you will be able to "rollback" to the flat state periodically to confirm that you are making features that can be unfolded.Add all your new features in the "no bends" state (rolled back).Dont wait until the end to "insert bends" only to find out that your geometry is "unsuitable for unfolding".When inserting the sheet metal definition on a model with only a single panel, you will get the "No Bends Found" message.This is normal, as all your subsequent features will be placed directly after the sheet metal definition with the model rolled-back.

3.Name Your Panels.
When creating panel sketches, define them with descriptive names (example ----- BottomPanel ----, ----- RightSidePanel -----, ----- FrontFlanges -----, etc).Always roll-back and add new features to the panel sketch if they are not needed as a pattern feature.For items that need a pattern in the future, add hole wizard holes that are sequentially after the panel in which they appear.Essentially, make good use of roll back to group all your features for a given panel together.

4.Let SolidWorks Create Your "Form Radii".
Let the modeler create the "form radius" fillets between panels.Model your panels and features with sharp corners and let the system create the inner and outer radii for the model when you insert your sheet metal definition (or "roll forward you sheet metal definition).

5.Use "Complex" Panels To Keep Your Tree Short.
When using panel sketches, be aware that you can extrude multiple closed contours to define many co-planar formed tabs that are not contiguous.Use a single extrude feature to define many panels that are coplanar.

6.Add detail to your edge flanges by using "edit flange".
When using "edge flange" functionality, if more detail is needed in the flange, always "edit flange profile" to add detail instead of cutting away.Also, if the flange is already created, edit the sketch that created the flange to add more detail.

7.Control Your Bend Relief By Modeling Them.
Always model your own relief clearances, as this gives you maximum control over the form, size and location.If you decide to let the system generate your relief features, be prepared to compromise a little on the form, size and location.

8.How to "Globally" Redefine Your Material Thickness.
When needing to re-define the thickness of a part, double-click the sheet metal definition, revealing two model dimensions on screen (thickness & default radius).Edit the thickness and rebuild the model to update to the new thickness.Note: If your attempt to redefine your material thickness and the model "errors-out", the panels defined may not have been extruded using "link to thickness".To clear the error, re-edit your features using "link to thickness".

9.Design With Small Gaps When Needed.
Design with small gaps (.001) between panels that will touch in reality.Doing so will allow the software to unfold the model. Dont design one flange exactly coincident into another when it is in the folded up state, as the program will not be able to unfold the model.Of course this does not apply to any flange being taken off of its supporting base these will always touch.

10.Minimize Your Reference To Bend Lines.
Dont references bend lines or the endpoints of bend radii when dimensioning any new feature, as this lends to possible instability of location when unfolded.Form Tools are particularly susceptible to this problem.

11.Use "Split Line" To Allow Two-Stage Unfolding.
For formed profiles that need to be bent in multiple tooling stages, split the form radius into two segments and constrain the break point, yielding two concentric bends that can be independently formed to simulate your tooling steps.This is helpful with multi hit bends, like for an acute bend that requires two hits or a curl operation that is hit in multiple hits.If you are on an older version of SolidWorks, use small "micro" lines between the arcs.

12.Use Unfold To Make "Non-Oblique" Cuts.
Always add an "unfold" feature when adding a cutout to a flat blank, but only when the cut required cannot be put in any other way.I.e. when a cut needs to traverse bend lines at an angle in the flat, or a shaped cut needs to be put into a large radius.

13.Add A Fold After An Unfold.
Always add a "fold" feature after adding an "unfold" if a cut was made, or other feature added to return the model to its "finished" state.

14.Understand The Limitation Of "Edge-Breaks".
Avoid the edge-break command as it only does external edges, and not internal ones.Use the fillet or chamfer feature instead as you can control both inner & outer edges.As another alternative, add the fillets to the panel sketches if possible as this keeps the feature tree "tidy".

15.Shallow "S-bends" Avoid Thin Extrude Features Here.
When modeling shallow "S-bends" that conform to the pattern line-arc-arc-line, always model the profile as a closed loop to assure more robust unfolding.Dont use a thin extrude when there is an arc to arc condition with a shallow form, as bend deduction in less robust in this situation.

16.Choose "Common" Form Radii For Your Defaults.
Use (inner) bend radii that are compatible with common manufacturing practices. Always specify inner radius as the outside radius in not easy to control. Keep the bend radius common throughout the part, as this allows you to keep all your relief clearances common. This also helps the manufacturer minimize tooling requirements.These sizes are suggested as commonly available:

Common Imperial Sizes	Radius Size
Often what is used for “sharp” corners	.008
Most Common	.016
Most Common	.031
Most Common	.062
	.125
	.250

17.Add Configurations To Help Your Manufacturing Process.
When adding features such as extrusions that require a pre-hole, add the pre hole in a configuration and then model your extrusion "over" the pre-hole in a subsequent configuration.Doing this allows you to show both configurations for tooling.

18. Use Numbered Configs For Progressive Ops.
When laying out a progressive stamping operation, create the model with numbered configurations (1 flat blank, 2 first form, 3 - second form, 4 cam-pierce, etc.) that show the work to be performed at each station (whether in progressive die or hand fed).If the operations are performed in one tool, make an assembly with a component pattern.The component patterns "repeat" would match the advance of the tool.Adjust each instance of the pattern to the configuration showing the work done at each station.Thus this can serve as a guide for your strip development activities.

19. Understand The Limitation Of "Form Tools".
Avoid the use of form tools as the geometry created by them is not entirely editable.In cases when you decide to use form tools, be aware that SolidWorks will let you model impossible features. I.e.Single sided louvers without any material "pull back" from the ideal shear line, lances tabs will have same size punch and die openings, which are actually different based on the punch/die clearance.Essentially form tools will not account for cutting clearance in many cases without some "extra" work. If form tools are used, be aware of the editing limitation.

20. Use Your Model To Create A Draw Tool.
When a draw tool is needed for a multifaceted part for which you have geometry whether imported or native to SolidWorks, the cavity function can be used to pattern an upper & lower punch & die, the same way a mold cavity is created.

21. Reduce or minimize "normal cuts".
Limit the use of normal cuts.While normal cuts are set as the default once a part becomes sheet metal, realize that this type of cut is not commonly needed for most sheet features.

22. Miter Flanges May Also Contain Arcs.
When using miter flanges, realize that the profile need not be a single line and that the miter need not be perpendicular to the panel that is taken off of.That is miter flanges may be complex profiles and need not always be 90 degree bends.Miters may only contain lines in 2001+.

23. Set Your Relief Ratio To A Reasonable Number.
When using the SolidWorks automatic relief ratio, use a factor of at least 1.0 instead of the default .500, as the default number is not manufacturing friendly in any way.If possible, set this as high as 2.If you are comfortable with the registry, set these default values there.

24. Consider your "K-factor".
When taking the default bend "k-factor", if you intend to use your models for any manufacturing, set this to less than the (sometimes) default .500, as this will not unfold accurately for most bending scenarios.Manually override this setting in SW or if possible, set the registry to .42 or .33 based on your most likely tooling method.The table below shows some common k-factors, but always develop and test your particular material and forming conditions if you are unsure:

Bend Type	Common “K” factors
Large Radius Bend (radius 4x+ larger than stock)	.50
Rotary Bender (like “Ready bender”)	.43
Vee Bend	.42
90 Deg. Wipe - No Set Radius	.38
90 Deg. Wipe Plus Set Radius	.33

25. Legacy Installs Have Limitations.
Understand the limitations in 2000/2001+ when inserting base flanges.Parts created with this method cannot unfold swept profiles (i.e. miter profiles cannot contain arcs, nor will "wall" flanges unfold because they are inserted "post" bends).Individual bend parameters (k factor) are not configurable per bend, but inherited globally.2003 remedies all these issues.

Assemblies:

26. Use Real "PEM" Models.
Do create an assembly with all your parts and PEM nuts in them. Use real PEM models from a library, toolbox or the PEM website www.pemnet.com. Dont use fake PEMs or part features to simulate PEMS.If you use "fake" PEMs then use configs to make the proper hole without the hardware.

27. Define Semi Perfs In The "Attached" Part.
Always define semi-perfs in the parts that they are in and have then drive the size and position of the corresponding in-context "hole" features in the receiving part (typically a hole & slot).

28. Use Patterns For Hardware.
Always use patterns for multiple PEM and fastener features so that you may insert a single PEM into the "primary" hole and use a component pattern in the model.Always name these patterns so you can easily identify the parts.

29. Use Assembly Overlays To Show Part Progression.
For tooling layouts in particular, to show a part in its pre-tooled and post-tooled state, create an assembly of your sheet metal part and superimpose an instance of your part upon itself. Create 1 assembly configuration corresponding to each sequential per part state (see PRT-18, configure instance 1 to "2 first form" and instance 2 to "3 - second form").Then create a drawing of the assembly showing instance 1 and use an alternate position view to show instance 2.In this way, you can get a superimposed view of 2 states of the part.This is critical as all tooling receives a part in a given state and outputs it in another state.This is a work around for the fact that alternate positions cannot be made for parts.

Drawings:

30. Use The "System Flat Blank"
When initially inserting your flat blank into a drawing, always take the system generated "flat pattern",as this flat blank "joins and solidifies" the panels into one panel with continuous profiles.For CNC processes, this eliminates the "line-line-line" condition that may hinder turret programming (in particular).

31. Provide A Reference Flat For Quoters & Fabricators
Always provide a reference flat blank with any design for estimation and manufacturing purposes.Use the "measure" command to chart out the full "perimeter" of the part (simply touch the main surface) and include a note indicting this length.This can be very useful in determining laser time, cutting tonnage and wire-cutting time for hard tooling. Always require your vendor to be responsible for bend development and flat pattern accuracy and note this in the layout.

32. Turn On "Tangent Edges" In ISO Views
When inserting an isometric (or other 3D view) of a sheet metal part, always turn on "Tangent Edges with Font" or "Tangent Edges Visible".Never leave the view with the tangent edges turned off.

33. Turn Off "Tangent Edges" In Ortho Views
Generally turn off "Tangent Edges With Font" or "Tangent Edges Visible" in an orthogonal view, as this often confuses the eye with the stock thickness.Ignore this rule when you need to show clarity.

Imported Data & Feature Works:

34. Sharpen & "Strip" Radii
When working with an imported sheet metal part, to gain control over the inner form radii, use feature works to "recognize" all the inner and outer (form) radii and then delete them from the model.After this is accomplished, insert the sheet metal definition into the model that now has dead sharp corners and you will be able to define the exact form radius.Use this method to overcome the "locked" state of form radii on imported models.

35. Recognize Panels with Feature Works
For an in depth treatment, see Using Imported Data.

For imported sheet metal parts, to gain control over the panel sketches, use feature works to strip the radii as above and then manually "recognize" each panel starting with the outermost panels and working your way "inward" to the panel that shares the most bend lines with other panels.Once this is done, add sheet metal and edit the sketches as needed.

36. Verify Recognition With "Quick" Unfold
After initial insertion of an imported model, insert a sheet metal definition into the part to verify its unfoldability.If it unfolds without issue, the part will be "receptive" to full feature works recognition.

37. Get Data Closest To Your Kernel
Get data that is closest to you kernel as possible.I.e. get parasolids before IGES if possible.

38. Use A Native To "Dumb" Overlay Assembly To Confirm Your Part
When you are recreating a native SW model (if you are a vendor) from a customer supplied imported model, define an assembly and superimpose your model upon theirs (with mating).This allows you to make a shape comparison of both models.Ideally, you would superimpose your model upon theirs immediately after defining the first main panel.Doing this allows you to check for errors feature-by-feature as you create your model.Additionally, you can now derive edges from their model to develop your panels.Also this may be the only available method to derive geometry from the supplied model in the case of a "hybrid" (i.e. paper print + model control the part geometry).

"Legalese"

All suggestions made here are for training purposes only. The author is not liable for any loss relating to the misapplication or usage of this information.You may freely use, reproduce and print this data as long as it remains intact in its original format. The information presented here may be used for "paid" training purposes.

Prototek Remains on the Cutting Edge with Behringer Programmable Band Saw

Prototek is known for their rapid production rates of precision sheet metal and machined products, and constantly upgrade old equipment with state-of-the-art machines that allow them to grow with the industry.

One of these productivity increasing machines is the Behringer Miter Horizontal Band Saw. This machine is fully programmable to feed stock material and make precise cuts between 30 and 135 degrees. With the decrease in operating times and more precise cuts, they will be able to save more material and use CNC machinists where they are most valuable. With their new cantilevered racking system and programmable band saw, Prototek's machining department will have everything it needs to keep up with the increasing work flow in the department while maintaining the fast turn-around times everybody has known Prototek for since 1987.

About Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing

Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing started in October of 1987 specializing in rapid prototyping and short run production of sheet metal and CNC machined parts for the hi-tech industries. Their facility is a new 40,000 sq. ft. building. Prototek currently has over 65 employees and are home to state of the art welding and bending departments, as well as plating rooms, assembly department, and much more. Prototek's niche has always been a solid commitment to on-time deliveries of quality products. They fabricate from CAD (computer aided design) files or reverse engineer from existing models to enhance functionality Prototek keeps a large, constant supply of necessary materials, sheet metal stock, machinable plastics and metal, and PEM hardware. Prototek is currently ISO 9001:2008 certified and also ITAR and DFAR compliant.

Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication, LLC
Bruce Isabelle, CEO
244 Burnham Intervale Road
603-746-2001 (phone)
603-746-2002 (fax)
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm EST
sales@prototek.com
http://www.prototek.com

Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication experiencing a boom of business

Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication, in light of the current economic situation, is still experiencing a boom of business. The company has recently added two new machines to their initial processing line of sheet metal prototypes and short run productions. These two new machines are the Steelmaster SMD1 and the Finish Pro 1460.
Steelmaster is known for its ingenuity and operator ease of use. This new deburring machine will cut times required to remove laser slag and tooling burrs from processed parts dramatically. Not only is it more efficient, but it will save on energy, it’s safer, and it’s better suited for a company where cross-training is a staple, with its intuitive user interface as a touchscreen panel. This deburring processor is extremely aggressive and very low maintenance. This translates to less time spent on individual parts, and more time is allowed for the constant flow of workload. Parts are fed into the front of the machine, where any slag is ground off the surface of the sheet metal or machined part. Then, it has rotating strips of sandpaper smooth off any sharp edges, and finally, a rotating drum of sanding sheet adds a smooth grain to the surface. Parts go in rough, and in a matter of seconds, come out with the quality you would normally expect from three or more operations. This will require fewer employees to work on a job, and alleviate potential bottlenecks while improving quality.
The second improvement is the addition of the Finish Pro 1460. This small deburring and graining station will be used strictly for smaller parts that deserve the attention and perfection normally achieved with the more technologically advanced post-processing machines Prototek utilizes. Again, the digital readout will allow employees with minimal training to crank out perfect parts every time.
The addition of these two machines will allow Prototek to take on a greater workload and increase quality while still reducing lead times. This is Prototek’s niche. Since 1987, they have been the leaders in the quick turn market of precision sheet metal prototypes, and there is no sign they are willing to lose that position.

http://www.dynamicfinishing.com

Prototek Precision Machining

Prototek being featured in December's Edition of The Fabricator Magazine

Prototek being featured in December's edition of The Fabricator Magazine

Prototek will be featured in the newest edition of The Fabricator, a magazine presenting all new innovations of the high tech industry of rapid production and prototyping. Specifically, Prototek will be accentuated for their purchase of the new LC-C1 punch/laser combination machine from Amada.

Rapid production and prototyping is becoming a bigger industry every year. Staying ahead of the competition is a feat only the adept will accomplish. These are the types of companies The Fabricator is associated with, and exactly why Prototek has been getting so much publicity. Prototek can stay ahead of the competition by incorporating state-of-the-art technologies in a very methodological way, benefiting both the company and the customer. Prototek utilizes a scanning system, where each Prototek employee must scan into the specific procedure he or she will be working on,  so customers can check up on their parts online, and see how their rapid prototypes or  precision production parts are progressing through the shop.

With the addition of the new LC-C1 punch/laser combination machine, Prototek is now able to run fewer shifts on the sheet metal punching and lasering cells, while increasing production throughput, decreasing lead times, and decreasing cost.

“Before purchasing the C1, we were running 3 shifts in our punching and laser cutting departments at 90 percent capacity. Now, we're running 2 shifts operating at 80 percent capacity, and we've increased sales by 15 percent!” Commented Keith Isabelle, General Manager of Prototek.

The LC-C1 has a revolutionary design, decreasing time when switching between turret and laser cutting modules. There is also a vacuum built into the turret, allowing for the punching of holes 50% smaller than traditional turrets! This allows for small geometry and common holes to be punched out of a sheet of metal, while all the contours and complex geometry gets cut by the laser. The combination machine doesn't stop there though. It also has the capability to tap holes, counter sink holes, and bend parts! Prototek  previously had 6 employees working in secondaries departments doing such tasks, but with with the implementation of the LC-C1, four of these employees were able to switch to more specialized departments. All around, the LC-C1 is the perfect sheet metal prototype and production cell for Prototek.

About Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication

Prototek Manufacturing started in October of 1987 specializing in rapid prototyping of precision sheetmetal for the hi-tech industries. Their facility is a new 40,000 sq. ft.  building. Prototek currently has 65 employees and has expanded into rapid turn machined parts, SLA, and 3D printing. They are home to state of the art welding and bending departments, as well as painting and plating rooms, assembly department, and much more. Prototek's niche has always been a solid commitment to on-time deliveries of quality products. They fabricate from 3D solid models or CAD (computer aided design) files, and keep a constant supply of necessary materials. These include stainless steel, cold rolled steel, and aluminum sheet, tube, angle, and channel, lexan and other plastics, copper sheet and bar, spring steel, mirrored stainless, and a large stock of hardware. Prototek is currently ISO 9001:2008 certified and also ITAR and DFAR compliant.

Prototek Sheetmetal Fabrication, LLC
Bruce Isabelle, CEO
244 Burnham Intervale Road
603-746-2001 (phone)
603-746-2002 (fax)
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm EST
sales@prototek.com
http://www.prototekmanufacturing.com

Prototek Inhouse Deburring Guidelines

Inhouse Deburring Guidelines are guidelines in creating finish specifications for deburring metal Finish Specs for Deburring: Class A: Class A deburring shall have no visable punch marks, meaning no steps, sharp edges, corners shall be free of burrs & hangers, microjoint webs shall be filed smooth on inside of cutouts. on punch side of part the dimples from parting punching shall be removed. burr side of part shall be smooth. part shall be checked for raised burr after timesaving. Class B: Class B deburring shall have no steps from punching corners shall be cleaned of tabs & hangers. microjoint webs on inside of cutouts shall be filed smooth. burr side of part shall be smooth. Class C: Class C deburring consists of removing tab burrs, and microjoint webs in cutouts. cleaning complete edges is not nessasary. General Deburring Notes: * Check print for welded seams, meaning if it is a box, do not deburr the edges that are getting formed up & welded togeather. * Check print for any notes describeing any edge callouts, meaning that edge needs to be radiused or no punch marks allowed. or if notes calling for a speific broke edge. * Slots & Cutouts: * Check print for any tolarance callouts on slots or cutouts, sometimes we need to use a punch that is the incorrect size, therefore the slot or cutout may need to be filed or reamed to size. or within tolarence http://www.prototekmachining.com

Prototek Manufacturing

Prototek Manufacturing presently has 2 turning centers, in which we can handle all of your turning needs. We have a Mori Seiki SL-15 to handle long running jobs it features a 1 5/8” thru spindle, a 12 station turret, with speeds up to 6000 RPM and a Yasnak LX3 control. In this machine we can turn up to 7.900” in diameter and up to 18.50” in length. We also have a Hitachi Seiki hitec-turn 20SIII, this machine is designed for quick turn parts it has a Yasnak multi L control. This control lets us program the machine of the fly using its conversational program package. With this machine we can turn your parts up to 13.500” diameter and 15.000” in length. It features a 2.000” thru the spindle, a 12 station turret and turning speeds up to 5000 RPM. With these 2 machines Prototek Manufacturing feels we can service just about any customer that calls on us.

Prototek Precision Machining

Prototek Precision Machining strives to produce quality machining with rapid prototyping of precision machining production of prototypes.

Prototek Precision Machining

Prototek Precision Machining specializes in rapid prototyping of precision machining prototyping, short runs and quick turn around products and apply the most state of the art and comprehensive processes to meet the competitive demands of the industry. Prototek machining also use the latest software packages including - Camworks, Gibbs cam, MasterCam, Pro E, Solidworks, AutoCAD, CadKey to accommodate any engineering situation.

Prototek Precision Machining can machine your parts using these materials:
Alloys, Aluminium (2024,3003,6061,7075), Steels (Mild to Tool Steel), Stainless (300 SERIES, 400 SERIES, 15-5, 17-4), Brass (All grades), Bronze (All grades), Copper (All grades), Titanium (Most grades), Inconel, most other exotic alloys, plastics, G-10, Lexan, Delrin, Nylon, Phenolic, Peek, Teflon, Acrylic, PVC, Ceramic (MACOR).

http://prototekmachining.com/

Prototek Machining Precision Machined Parts

Prototek Precision Machining can also take care of your general machining as well as CNC machining. We have 2 manual lathes and a Kent knee mill. Our Hardinge chucker lathe can produce tight tolerance parts and our Enco gap bed engine lathe can handle large diameter as well as longer parts than any of our other lathes, we can do manual milling as well on our Kent knee mill it does have a 3 axis control but it has the flexibility to be used as a manual machine as well. Prototek Precision Machining feels we can service just about any customer that calls on us.

Prototek has over 30 years of precision sheet metal experience

Prototek Sheetmetal Fabrication began in 1987, specializing in quick-turn prototypes for the precision sheet metal fabrication markets.Prototek Manufacturing, Inc. is a rapid prototype house specializing in quick-turn and just-in-time industrial engineering and turn-key projects.

Prototek Manufacturing has over 30 years of precision sheet metal experience and pride ourselves in quality as well as customer satisfaction.

We are able to assist engineers in their designing process and make it easy and efficient to send and receive files. We quote all jobs within 24 hours, and when needed, can fabricate 'no finish' items within 48 hours.

If it's individualized customer service you are looking for, call us today!!

http://www.dynamicfinishing.com

Prototek Facilities

Shearing Department
	10'- 1/4 GUIFIL HYDRAULIC SHEAR WITH POWER BACK GAUGE 6' EDWARDS SHEAR 1/4 INCH CAPACITY 4' WYSONG SHEAR 14 GAUGE CAPACITY Shearing is quicking becoming a thing of the past with the advanced technology of our 4000 watt laser that automatically cuts off any unused material after a part is finished being lasered.
Coatings Department
	3 stage iron phosphae washer RoHS compliant Anodizing RoHS Compliant Chromating Wet Spray Paint Booth Powder Coat Booth 12X12 Baking Oven
AMADA LASER/TURRET COMBO: LC-C1
	Prototek is now ISO 9000:2001 Certified and the only company in the US to have the latest Amada LC-C1 Laser/Turret combo machine Prototek’s New C1 Combination Laser / Turret Punch Press Offers Many Enhanced Processing Capabilities
Laser Department
	Amada 4000 watt Pulsar 2415 5' X 16' Cell MP1225 Load/Unloader MST1225 6 Shelf Tower System These 3 machines combine to make a productive cell for processing materials upto 3/4 thick. With this machines exceptionally fast operating speed and accurate cut over an extensive range of material guages and types of alloys it will allow us to process an incredible variety of parts without sacrificing productivity.
Punching Department - CNC Turret Punches
	AMADA VIPROS QUEEN 33 TON CAPACITY 50" x 144" MAXIMUM SHEET SIZE, 58 STATION TURRET, 520 HITS PER MINUTE 1998 STRIPPIT 1250M CNC TURRET PUNCH WITH 3/8" MILD STEEL CAPACITY, 60x80 TRAVEL PLUS REPOSITIONING 48 STATIONS WHITNEY JENSON 24" THROAT KICK PRESSES WHITNEY JENSON 24" THROAT KICK PRESSES WHITNEY JENSON 24" THROAT KICK PRESSES WHITNEY JENSON 24" THROAT KICK PRESSES WHITNEY JENSON 24" THROAT KICK PRESSES 5" POWER NOTCHER
Machining Department
	1 - Hurco VM2 1 - Hurco VMX42 3 - Hurco VMX24's 1 - TM8 Lathe 1 - Mori Seiki Lathe 1 - Hardinge Chucker Lathe 1 - Enco Engine Lathe 2 - Kent 3 Axis Knee Mills Fowler F14-A Comparitor Mitutoyo QM Height 600 Gauge Wilton Horizontal Band Saw
Forming Department
	RGM2 5020 RGM2 8024 AMADA FBD-8025 10'Â 140 TON BRAKE, CNC 8 AXIS AMADA FBD-8025 8' 80 TON BRAKE, CNC 8 AXIS AMADA RG-80 8', 80 TON BRAKE, CNC 3 AXIS CNC GUILFIL 10', 110 TON PRESS BRAKE 2-AXIS CNC GUILFIL 8', 110 TON PRESS BRAKE 2-AXIS CNC GUILFIL 6', 66 TON PRESS BRAKE 2-AXIS CNC GUILFIL 2', 18 TON PRESS BRAKE 2-AXIS 4' DIACRO PRESS BRAKE-HYDRO MECHANICAL 6' POWER ROLLERS 2 ' HAND ROLLER BENDER (TUBING, CHANNEL, ROD, ETC.)