Stecker Machine Blog

A Step-by-Step Guide to the RFQ Process & Choosing the Right CNC Machine Shop

05/22/2023 | Brad Kurtzweil

Do you rely on the RFQ process to get accurate quotes from your CNC machining partners? This vital process not only results in a quote (as well as details into timelines, capabilities, machining techniques, external services, and more), it serves as a guide after the work has been awarded.

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Quality Control For CNC Machining: What Is A QMS? Why Is It So Important?

04/26/2023 | Brian Theisen

We’ve said it before, and we’ll continue to say it: Quality is everything in CNC machining.

It’s the reason why manufacturers use CNC machining to produce precise parts. Of course, every CNC machine shop will say that they highly value quality and meet quality requirements. But, how do you know for sure?

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CNC Engineering Manufacturability - Part Quality & Performance

04/12/2023 | Jason Schuh

Designing a new part is one thing. Manufacturing it is a different story.

Talk with any customer of a CNC machine shop and you’ll likely hear an example of a part design being altered, refined, and/or improved thanks to CNC precision engineering. Of all the CNC engineering services provided by a shop, having an influence on the design itself may not be what you think of first.

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A Precision Part Starts and Ends With You | Part 2

03/29/2023 | Ken Jones

In part 1 of our series on cost-effective, on-time CNC precision machining we explored how to go from RFQ to a successful project.

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RFQ to Project: Cost-Effective CNC Precision Machining: Part 1

03/15/2023 | Ken Jones

Tedious. Exciting. Frustrating. However you think of RFQs (Requests for Quote), it’s a standard business practice that’s here to stay. In fact, it may be becoming a bigger differentiator within manufacturing than ever.

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Importance of Metal Casting: CNC Machining Tolerances

02/16/2023 | Jason Schuh

Imagine this: a manufacturing technique that’s lasted for more than 6,000 years AND is still highly valued today. That’s metal casting.

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5 Reasons Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Guides CNC Machining

02/07/2023 | Jason Schuh

These are demanding times.

For a new product design to be considered successful today, the manufacturing process used to build it must be scrutinized as much as the product itself. Modern designers look to design for manufacturing (DFM) to reduce costs, simplify how a product is produced, reduce design rework, and maintain overall quality.

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When Do You Know It’s Time to Expand Your List of Qualified CNC Vendors?

11/09/2022 | Ken Jones

Choosing a new CNC vendor is challenging. Evaluating a current CNC machine shop relationship is equally important (and even tougher) because a relationship has developed. This vendor may have been a trusted extension of your team for quite a while, so seeing a clear picture isn’t always easy.

When do you know it’s time to evaluate a current CNC machine shop relationship? Have you properly monitored this vendor’s performance so you can make a wise choice? How can you add one to your list (or drop one)?

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Stecker Machine’s Experience at IMTS

11/01/2022 | Matt Oswald

“It’s a long way to the top, if you want to rock and roll.”

Thank you rock legends, AC/DC. Yet, it’s a long, tough road to reach the top in the manufacturing world, too, especially CNC machining.

So, what does it take to not only be recognized as a “Top Shop” by industry influencer Modern Machine Shop, but also make the cover (and be the feature article) of their annual Top Shops issue? Let’s find out, and also hear about the award presentation during the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).

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The Importance & Challenge of Safely Shipping Finished CNC Machined Parts

10/20/2022 | Howard Drews

So much time and effort is put into machining CNC parts and components: designing, planning, casting, machining, deburring, washing, controlling quality, managing inventory … plus all of the coordination required. Yet, without properly shipping the finished CNC machined parts, all of this effort could be wasted.

Shipping CNC parts — some reaching tolerances to 0.001” — requires the right methods and materials to ensure they arrive undamaged and ready to perform. “Metal” sounds hard and unbreakable, so protection may not seem like a priority … but it is.

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